New girl crush alert. New girl crush alert. New girl crush alert.

Meet Veronica Varlow. She is a dee-lish combination of pulp film vixen, pin-up girl, and femme fatale. She has a 1950’s-inspired clothing website Danger Dame, designed to bring out the inner Bettie Page in every woman, and also performs burlesque at various hot spots around New York City. She’s multi-talented, multi-tasking and entrances her audiences with spellbinding glamour.

Come meet her, you’ll fall under spell too…

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Ros Shiers self portrait

With stunning pictures to hang on your wall, tea towels to good to ever dry up with and super-sweet t-shirts, there’s a lot to love!
Including Ros herself, come meet her.

Tell us more about what you do?
I am an illustrator. I work on freelance projects aswell as working on my own product range featuring my illustrations. I work from my home studio in West London.

'You are the friend everyone wishes they had', 39.00

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
Wearing dresses, high heels and make up.

'Love Potion No.9' print, 39.00

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Completing the Royal Parks half marathon last October in 2 hours 6 mins without stopping or walking. Running was something I never thought I could do, so this was a very proud moment for me, it proved to me I could do something that I didn’t think possible if I set myself the challenge. I plan to run the marathon next year.

Which five tracks make your day?
Lady Gaga – Paparazzi or Bad Romance
Etta James – At last
Kings of Leon – On Call
The Style Council – You’re the best thing
David Bowie – Wild is the Wind

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
My black brogues.
Moisturiser
Mascara
Ear plugs
Underwear Body

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
I write a blog (www.thebijouxbootcar.blogspot.com) with my twin sister which documents our tales of hidden treasures discovered whilst enjoying one of our favourite weekend pastimes of visiting car boot sales and antique fairs. Finding old treasure makes me very happy. I am always very happy when spending time with my husband to be and sister.

What is your life Motto?.
Treat others how you would like to be treated, don’t look back in anger and tell the people you love how much you love them as often as you can.

What is next for you creatively?
Adding new designs to my online print shop.

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Liberty
Book: Great Expectations
Website/blog: Tales of a Junkaholic (http://simetra-junkaholic.blogspot.com)
Hang-out: Picnic in Queens Park with friends.
City: London
Must-have beauty item: Sleep
TV prog: I don’t watch TV that often but I do enjoy programs about cooking. I like watching films on the TV instead.
Food: Anything made by Skye Gyngell, (executive chef at Petersham Nurseries.)

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?
Someone or something that is fun and a little naughty.

Kitty Pink Stars – not only has she got the best name in the whole ENTIRE world, she’s a whole lot o’ pink magick who I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE because she does AMAZING things like this…

“…After a long time of knitting tags and putting them up on lamp posts and leaving them in secret spots, I decided to start a wish tree. After the first two were destroyed I needed to find the perfect spot for the perfect people to make special wishes and bring a little bit of magic and hope. After all, we all like to find something special when we least expect it, don’t we?

Happy wishing guys! xx…”

Now go visit The Wishing Tree at Facebook to make your wish – I’m doing it right now!

We have mentioned a few times, how refreshing it is to find a dress designer that not only has fabulous designs, but also caters for your shape in a made-to order way. I found the designer Zoe Corsellis at The Look Boutique, and I pretty much want her whole collection. So we thought we would catch up with her, and find out more…..

Silk crepe shirt dress 160.00

Who/what inspires you and why?
Absolutely anyone that can run their own business and have it succeed!
I’ve worked for many other designers who run their own label and ever since then I just know it’s something I have to do.
As far as fashion inspiration – Dior, every time, I don’t think anyone can create a collection that will ever live up to the standard of a Dior collection, in my opinion.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
It’s ok for us to use our emotions to allow us to say how we feel, to decide what to wear, where to go to socialise, etc, etc. I love getting together with my girlfriends and basically have a therapy session over a bottle of wine and dinner. I love spending hours getting ready with girlfriends making it a feature of the night. I love being able to change my hairstyle every day and wear bright clothes without being judged as a man would. I think as a women you get a lot more freedom to be yourself.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
1. New York – I feel super glamorous when I’m walking around Manhattan! I really notice how much more the women get dressed up there for all occasions at any time of the day. Love it!

2. Greenwich Park – I did my first photo shoot there. I loved the idea of really dressed up girls in fabulous frocks walking their dogs through the park.

3. The Pub…. Drinking is my only vice but there’s nothing like getting seriously excited thinking up ideas for the next collection over a bottle of Vino.

4. Roller Disco – I’m an eighties girl at heart. I used to go with Sunday School when I was about 9. It just wasn’t cool then skating around in brown cords and a burgundy polo neck. Now I wear cute ra ra skirts or satin jumpsuits. One day I am going to design a Roller Disco range!!

5. Wolverhampton – unfortunately for all the wrong reasons though. It’s where I’m from originally. I moved to London 10 years ago but when ever I go back to visit friends or family etc, as much as I miss them all like crazy, I can’t help but be so pleased I was able to leave when I did…..it’s not exactly the epicentre of fashion!

Strapless Heart Dress, 130.00

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?

1. Rimmel Sun shimmer in the medium shimmer finish, not matt – I’m very particular about this…the matt just does not rub in as well!
2. Maybelline Colossal Mascara, black.
3. Large round styling brush. I have/love really big hair!
4. Eyetuck by Skin Doctor – stupidly expensive but soooooo worth it for when I’m doing all nighters (all night work that is, not all night disco, sadly.)
5. Tan Fringed mid length flat boots from dare I say it, Primark!– they’re extremely scabby now because I’ve worn them to death and bought about 5 pairs in a row because they were so cheap but I absolutely love them and wear them all the time, they go with everything, jeans, dresses, shorts even bikinis!!!

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Having a gorgeous date to look forward to…I really love the whole spending time getting ready thing, the dates themselves are usually an anti-climax.
Glee (Surprise surprise, I’ve only mentioned it about 5 times so far during this interview!)
Tanqueray. I heart Gin.
The feeling when you’ve just booked a holiday.
And last of all…….Super gorgeous fabulous new shoes.

What is your life Motto?.
Enjoy the Attention!

Bow Detail Polka Dot Dress, 150.00

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Hmmmmm this is a tricky one, I guess I’d have to say H&M at the moment, I’m a little hooked on buying really cheap jersey dresses for my hols. But when it comes to Shoes I luuuuuurve Kurt Geiger…..sorry just realise this is supposed to be quick fire!!
Book: The secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic
Website/blog: www.Marmite.com (I’m a lover not a hater).I must admit I was a bit of a late starter on the Blog front. Obviously I’m now an avid follower of Sassy Minx!!
Hang-out: Out door cafes in Nice, super dressed up, drinking a fabulous bottle of Chablis
City: New York
Must-have beauty item: Rimmel Sun Shimmer, medium shimmer – not matt finish
TV prog: GLEE!!!!!! Hoorah for Glee!
Food: Cheese – all types, love it!!!!!!!

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?

Everything a girl should be…
Sassy = sexy and fun, but not slutty and/or overly confident.
Minx = appealingly cheeky!

A few monthes ago, a parcel landed in my lap. The gift, from Ms L, was a press copy of The Carrie Diaries, the new book from Candace Bushnell which documents on Carries life, before she moved to NY, before she met Manolo and Big, and more importantly, the rest of the girls.
I had already been warned that I was not allowed to disclose the book to anyone, as the details of the storyline were so secretive that there were legal implications if I lost it or it found its way out of my hands into wherever. So full of anticipation, delighted with excitement, and slightly gutted I couldn’t read it on the bus due to its secretive nature, I snuck into my bedroom and read the full book from front to back in a Saturday morning.
I want to say it was reminiscent of the show overall, but this was a bit difficult, due to the fact Carrie is seventeen. It was abit more Sweet Valley High, than Salvatore Feragamo, and as a die hard fan, I found it a little hard not to remove SJP from narrating, and acting the storyline inside my head. Which is a bit hard, when she is snogging Sebastien Kydd, the hot badboy comes to Castlebury, to stir things up with her and her friends. I also thought that Carrie said in the show, that her father left her mother when she was younger, yet in this book he is the mainstayer-I don’t want to reveal too much, so it is best to read it!-so it made me have my own “I couldn’t help but wonder” moment.
Regardless of all of this, it certainly gave an insight into an American teenage girls life, white cowboy boots, an’ all. True to the theme of the show, Carrie makes mistakes and learns through these, the most important relationships are with her friends, is confused by the kingdom of male, and begins her in-awe marriage with NY early on………………

Meet Carrie Bradshaw before ‘Sex and the City!’

Before Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was a small town girl who knew she wanted more. She’s ready for real life to start, but first she must navigate her senior year of high school. Up until now, Carrie and her friends have been inseparable. Then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture, and a friend’s betrayal makes her question everything.
With an unforgettable cast of characters, The Carrie Diaries is the story of how a regular girl learns to think for herself, and evolves into a sharp, insightful writer. Readers will learn about her family background, how she found her writing voice, and the indelible impression her early friendships and relationships left on her. Through adventures both audacious and poignant, we’ll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where her new life begins.

The Carrie Diaries
By Candace Bushnell and published by Harper Collins, 6.49 from Amazon.co.uk

As you know, The Sassy Minxes love to accessorize with a piece of two, and here is one of our new favourites; Hannah Makes Things. Quirky, Cute and just a little bit adorable, Hannah Nuttall the createur, shares some of her favourite things….

Tell us more about what you do?
I design and make jewellery under my brand, hannahmakesthings.com-we specialise in making jewellery that’s gorgeous, shiny, eye catching and just that little bit different.

Hannahs favourite piece

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
That there is limitless possibilities to what you can achieve, as long as you work hard, learn from your mistakes and never give up then you can always make you dreams come true.


Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
1)New York- its all about the shopping!
2)Manchester, as its got a really great selection of independent shops and a brilliant music scene.
3)London- I studied there and learnt, so much about design and running my own label.
4)Blackpool – Its like a cut price Las Vegas! Great for some seaside sun and fish’n’chips
5)Hong Kong – Its next of my list of “must visits”

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Seeing my designs featured in magazines like Look and surviving our first Clothes Show live at the NEC in December last year, its was mad busy but so nice to meet customers old and new and the reaction to our label was brilliant.

Which five tracks make your day?
1)You Overdid It Doll – The Courteeners (fab new Manc band!)
2)Long Distance Call – Phoenix
3)Spooky- Dusty Springfield
4)Ceremony – New Order
5)How Soon is now? – The Smiths


What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
1)Clinique Foundation
2)Vivienne Westwood/Mellisa Jelly Shoes
3)Batiste Dry Shampoo (total hare-mare fixer!)
4)My vintage jewellery collection, always great to dip into when you need that finishing touch to an outfit
5)Chanel lipstick

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Having time off with nothing to do but bake cakes, read books and take my dog to the beach

What is your life Motto?
“Everything happens for a reason”

White Rabbit Down The Hole 16.00

Russian Doll&Flowers 26.00

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Magma
Book: Bringing down the house – Ben Mezrich
Website/blog: Failblog.org (always cheers me up)
Hang-out: Northern Quarter, Manchester, Full of nice bars and fab little shops
City: Manchester, my adopted home
Must-have beauty item: Its all about mascara
Food: pizza (has to be from NY though!)

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?
A lady who knows exactly where shes going and how to do it in style!

They say that the best teachers never stop learning, and here, at The Sassy Minx, we love to find new things and have a go at them for ourselves. Whilst I’ve indulged in pole-dancing and cookery, and Lisa in tarot and hula-hooping, it’s fair to say, we are big fans of educating ourselves.

Here are our top tips for this springs uniquely fun and crafty salons…

Super Swingers and Fascinators…

We have mentioned Ruka@ Sugarlesque and What Katie Did, a few times on Sassy already, so we are quite excited that they’ve decided to team up on nipple-tassle and hat making classes at the Portobello Road boutique. Pastie swingers can learn how to embellish and create burlesque nipple covers for £30.00, and top-hat or fascinator lovers can go wild with feathers, ribbons and trimmings for £45.00. The classes on Sunday 6th June and Sunday 4th July, run from 12.30 to 5.30 and if you choose to go to both, they are available at the lower price of £65.00.

Find out more at www.whatkatiedid.com, or to book, email sugar@sugarlesque.com.

Neck-a-loada this…

We told you a few weeks ago, that one of our favourite jewellery makers, has shut its doors to the public, but this is still not stopping Leona Baker at Lady Luck Rules OK!, from sharing her wisdom with the world. From personalising glittery broken hearts, printed acrylic pendants, fuzzy wooden animals and learning about techniques that can be applied to not only jewellery, but clothing, stationary and homeware, her workshops promise to teach you about the beginnings of product making, like where to buy materials and sampling, to finishing and detailed production information. The three hour classes run on the 23rd, 25th May and 12th June at Superette, Off Brick Lane, in London and are only £25.00.

For more information, email; leona@ladyluckrulesok.com

Beauty-Queen…

Nadira Persaud AKA the Make-Up Mistress, has made up the faces of many: Jaime Winstone, Beverley Knight, Denise Van Outen to name a few, and has also created the make-up and hair for Agent Provocateur and various ELLE and Marie Claire shoots. Now she’s on-hand to offer her expert advice, with her Makeup Mistress Makeover.. Teaching you how to perfect your makeup, she will educate you how to get Lush luxurious Lashes, and show you how to achieve an instant face lift with her High Brow lift. Not only this, she will go through your makeup bag and show you what works-and doesn’t work, so you have star quality all the time.

Contact Nadira through her website;www.nadiramakeupmistress.com

Please Yourself…

Getting to know yourself is one of the most intimate and expressive things you can do, and those clever people at Coco De Mer in London, have formulated a whole range of erotic-based salons from Tricks to Please a Man, Spanking and our featured Please yourself, which is all about female masturbation. Rachel Foux is on hand to teach how to do this and show you how to make the most of your, uhm, potential. Apparently even the staff at Coco De Mer, who are highly experienced in the sexual arts, learned a lot from this lecture, so it’s surely saying something!
Find out more at Coco De Mer.

The New York Times call her “the next generation guru.” I call her “freakin’ awesome.”
She’s a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, life coach and author of my new favourite book, Add More ~ing to Your Life. Gabrielle Bernstein rocks. Fact.

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AIMEE IS LOVIN’

The Disney caricatures that appeared in Spanish ELLE by illustrator Ulrich Schroeder . Daisy Duck as Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs as Donald and D&G as Goofy and Mickey aren’t just super cute, they are also super cool too. With Adidas Originals teaming up with Jeremy Scott, and JC De Castelbajac featuring Bambi sequinned dresses, it appears Disney really IS couture now!

It must be hard to be hip-or not, so much- in Coco de Coeur’s tees. Are you a ‘Wild One’? or a ‘Trouble Maker’? Do you say ‘Hell Yeah?’? Wear it on your chest!

We have always been a big fan of Siren, and at the end of this month, comes their new bag range. From skull tattoos to jewelled animal print, the new collection is foxy AND ferocious and definitely, arm candy. Check out the OPI nail varnish competition, on their site, too!

www.sirenlondon.com

Picture by Jill Greenburg

This week I quit something that I never really enjoyed, always struggled to do, and always made me feel guilty whether I was there or not. I cancelled my gym membership, in favour of yoga and pilates dvds, which I can do from home and I have taken up one my favourite activities again – swimming. Instead of aggressively weight lifting, I am now doing exercise that won’t be too hard on me, and make me become too hard on myself.

And just because it is Friday Love, this is what I’m loving this Friday. Ring, 85.00 at Zoe and Morgan

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