For the past two years, I have been to Ibiza in the summer. If I could have it my way, I would go to Ibiza every summer, despite how expensive it is, and to counteract for this, I fly to Eivissa airport by Easyjet!
Although the island of ‘beautiful people’, doesn’t always appeal to everyone, and it also has a somewhat misguided reputation, courtesy of those tacky 90s TV shows such as Club Reps and Ibiza Uncovered. I would be lying if I said there aren’t still parts of Ibiza that doesn’t have fun features such as boozed up Brits, and flashing tits, but beyond this – and in our guide – are the best bits, for the jetsetters and glamazons.

Hippy Shake
Ibiza is the ultimate island for a spiritual retreat. This is why many celebs like Kate Moss, Dita Von Teese and the Minogue sisters head over to the lush balearic. This certainly shows in its style which is a mix of jetset glamour-think Jackie O- meets boho-think Ossie Clark florals and Pans People! The hippy markets in Es Cana on a Wednesday and San Carlos on a Saturday are meccas for vintage bits, exotic jewellery, textiles and artefacts from beyond. I love layering up with the mountains of beautiful beaded necklaces to go with my kaftan.

Spiritual Retreat
With the wild, on the island, I mainly enjoy Ibiza for the calm. If beautiful sandy beaches, super sunsets, blissed out cocktails in Cafe Mambo and laying on a bed at Kanya Beach club is not enough, there are many holistic options on the island. Ashtanga yoga courses take place on the island from March to November, inclusive of six days yoga, accommodation and meals, at the stunning Benirras Beach, which was voted the fourth most beautiful beach in the world by The Sunday Times. Alternatively, you can have one of handy masseuses from Massage Beach come and work out those knots and aches on the comfort of your sunlounger. Best Served Chilled? You got it!

Partygirls
Of course, Ibiza will always be renowned for its party lifestyle and hedonism, but with the calm, comes the storm. I have been to all of the superclubs-but my personal favourites are SPACE on Sundays, and Pacha. Ibiza isn’t your usual clubbing British clubbing experience-things are more chilled here and the attitudes are relaxed-showgirls, drag queens and exotic dancers are prominent as are the ranges of DJ’s from all around the world. Because of this, people also put on their best wares and get creative with their costumes-this looks expensive, rather than hen weekendy-and don’t tend to drink to exhaustion. My favourite thing to do, is sit in one of the cocoons on the SPACE terrace with a bottle of water, listening to chilled balearic house and speak to random people, which sounds odd and un-british, but because its Ibiza, anything goes and no-one thinks you are odd! Pacha is super-glamourous and the ultimate in show-off, but that’s one of the reasons to like the iconic cherry! Other hits are Bora Bora bar on Bora Bora beach; as you lie there on the sand, DJ sets are mixed and projected. Even with a hangover, it sounds somewhat blissful. I like Playa D’en Bossa for the beach and the clubs, and if you want to avoid boozed up Brits, it would be good advice to avoid the West End in San Antonio. However, the drinks are cheaper, and there are still some good bars, like Plastik, Cafe Del Mar and Bar M, and clubs like Eden.

Club Tropicana and Old Town
For the record, Club Tropicana drinks aren’t free, but the real place where WHAM! filmed the video for Club Tropicana, Pikes, is a haven for pure indulgence, and has a reputation for doing so-Freddie Mercury hired the whole hotel for his birthday in 1987, and it is a favourite of Julio Inglesias and Grace Jones. Pull up to the bumper with their brunch, served by the pool-delicious. For other gorgeous meals, and for stunning scenery and walks, head to Ibiza Old Town/Dalt Vila, which has a variety of restaurants, bars and is where the exotic locales go in the evenings. Walk up to the Old Castle, walk past the trow bridge, and descent up to art galleries and giftshops, and some of the most stunning views on the island. My one tip here is not to wear heels!

Ibiza Rocks
Going beyond ‘Biza’s repuration as a party hard island, it now appeals to all those cute indie boys. Why? Because it isn’t all about the house music anymore. What with the emergence of Ibiza Rocks, English bandboys are heading over into the sun to play at the hotel hotspot to beautiful people from all around the world. This year, some of my favourites like Ian Brown and The Courteeners are playing with other brilliant acts like Biffy Clyro, Florence and The Machine, Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal.
Ibiza definitely rocks, right?

Have you been to Ibiza? What are your tips-care to share?

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

A poem by my favourite author o’ awesomeness, Francesca Lia Block…

What Not to Wear

according to that bitchy pair on tv
you mustn’t wear a pink and black plaid mini kilt with black fishnet shirt,
black studded belt, knee high skull socks and danger pumps
even if you are a beautiful twenty-something dj/designer
who can rock it well

so what would they say of me
in my blush frothy tulle ballerina mini skirt
or my frayed hem jeans?

I have worn hats with veils, eccentric platforms
men’s engineer boots and prom dresses
ripped t-shirts and torn stockings
a piece of orange satin wrapped into a dress
distressed knit “depression wear”
and silk kimono patchwork big enough for clowns
I’ve had bleached hair with black roots
pale powder face without blush
too-big silver hoops
mostly I’ve worn my heart
bleeding all over both my sleeves
it’s not a pretty sight, my dears
and now my fear
like ridiculous armor to keep you out

hey tv bitches, bring it
at least I still
got up this morning
and wrote this thing

Miss Aimee and I were sofa dancing to this on Friday evening and thought you’d like it too. Now, I know we’re all about the love here at SM, and this song is a bit of an anti-love song, but, well…I’ve got a little bit of a crush on frontman Roy so I just wanted an excuse to play the video!

It’s out today, go buy it.

Yep, I’ve said it. And I’m waving my hands in a jazz hand motion above my head as I’m saying it.

I didn’t think it was possible to love a teev programme more than I loved Ugly Betty, but it turns out that’s only because I’d not seen Glee. It’s impossible to choose a stand-out moment, although ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ is never out of my head, but j’adore this not-seen-in-the-UK-yet clip because there is nothing I love more than a diva-off – Kurt, I heart you combined with Defying Gravity – my absolute go-girl power song. Before an important meeting, presentation or workshop, I’ll play this on my ipod, and it’ll fill me with complete SASSYfication so I’m prepped and ready for any situation.

There is seriously nothing not to love about Glee. It celebrates difference, it’s quirky, it’s filled with killer tunes, I’m crushin’ on the guy with a mohawk and best of all, it makes me smile. A lot.
Yep, I’m a Gleek.
So much so, that I’m even diggin’ fan mash ups on youtube – check out this dude, he’s freakin’ awesome…

Needless to say I have the soundtrack on pre-order – it’s out next Monday, people – my ipod will never be the same again and I’m also thinking of declaring my love via tee with this li’l number…

£6.95 www.zavvi.com

Are you lovin’ Glee? Who’s your favourite character? What’s your stand out moment s’far? Fellow Gleeks, unite.

Miss Aimz and I have Mad Men fever. We plan on spending a LOT of February with the boxsets, coveting the fashion, cooing over how Joan Holloway is our new inspiro-girl and wishing we were living in the 60s.

I don’t know if you saw all the Golden Globes hoo-haa over Christina Hendricks dress – basically they said she shouldn’t have worn the dress she did because she’s a big girl – er…hello? The woman has the most bangin’ curves I ever did see!

Now, I’m no fashion commentator, but I AM a commentator on women’s issues and all I know is that I could not think of a better poster girl for a healthy looking woman o’ fabulousness than Miss Hendricks – I mean look at her – can I get a witness? H.O.T. Girl, you’re a Sassy Minx and we salute you!

If like us, you like to rock the head gear, then you’ll love Emma Fielden Millinery. A luxury designer hat brand that not only focuses on quirky and stylish pieces but is also a huge hit with celebrities from Christina Aguilera to Sophie Ellis Bextor and is often featured in fashion staples like Vogue and Elle. Not only that, she’s also created a line for Alexander McQueen.

Sassy Minx? Muchos!

Emma, your headpieces truly make a girl feel like a moviestar, but where did it all begin?
In a studio in Brixton 11 years ago, where I spent extraordinarily long happy hours playing with materials, sequins, diamante, feathers and anything shiny I could get my hands on. I’m a magpie.
 

Who/what inspires you and why?
My hero is Elsa Schiapiarelli. She started out as a milliner. Her designs are heavily influenced by surrealism, and she collaborated on many occasions with Dali. Millinery is a surrealist art in itself, displacing objects and placing them on the head. Endless possibilities.
 
What do you love about being a woman in the world?
High heels, makeup, dressing up, giggling, loving, and best of all, mothering.
 
What has been your proudest moment so far?
 The birth of my son Rocky, who constantly makes me nearly burst with pride.
 


Which top five tracks rock your world?
Roberta Flack – First Time I Saw Your Face 
Dusty Springfield – Preacher Man
The Fall - Totally Wired
Blondie-Heart of Glass
Joy Division-Love Will Tear Us Apart 
 
What are your must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
 At the moment leather or pvc trousers. I have acquired 3 pairs in the last few weeks. Beauty wise, Nivea.
 
What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Dancing
 
What is your life Motto?
If you can’t be good be brilliant!
 

What is your favourite piece from the current collection?
I love the mirror ball pieces. Quirky and glamorous.
 
Emma’s Sassy List: What’s your favourite?
Shop: Charity shops
Book: Wuthering Heights
Website/blog: twitter.brighton guru
Hang-out: The Beach
City: Brighton
Must-have beauty item: Moisturiser
TV prog: Beyond Belief
Food: Mashed potato
 
What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Emma?
Something girlish with attitude!

So last week, between Christmas and New Year, I was slumped after midnight, on my bed, full from chocolate/cheese/crisps and catching up on some junk gossip when suddenly, my weary eyes came across the new trailer for SATC2.

Within minutes, a link was on its way over to Ms Lisa, my best girl had to know the scoop despite being in yodel-land, Austria. I cannot deny that I was also on ebay bidding on vintage turbans ready for S/S 10 after spotting Carrie in a glittery Moroccan number, despite the fact I know I will look more Old-Woman than Old-Hollywood.

The opening bars of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys New York made my stomach do butterflies, and the end line ”Sometimes you have to get away with the girls” made me do a li’l happy dance for my own friendships – I am certain I am not going to be the only one desperate for a back row ticket for this on May 28th.
 
Read the rest of this entry »

My life has been significantly sweeter since meeting Miss Marine, creator-girl of the sparkly-gorgeous Miss Sugar Cane last new year’s eve in Paris.

Since then, Miss Marine has been our go-to-girl for pretty, pretty things, I mean look at this Diva bracelet – j’adore – and she’s our official tour guide for the city of ooh-la-la – read her 2009 List o’ Love…

Book: The Complete Biography of Serge Gainsbourg by Gillles Verlan ( more than 700 pages about the genius dandy of french songs.)
City you visited: Istanbul… just beautiful!
Event you attended: the special Motown party with DJ Spinna at the Bellevilloise in Paris! The hottest, funkiest, happiest party ever!
Movie: The Secret Lives of Peppa Lee (I don’t know the real title in english… this is the movie with Robin Wright Peen) Sometimes housewives are not so desperate, be careful when they wake up!
Album: Mayer Hawthorne : strange arrangement. Not so strange, simply irresistible!
Website: www.misssugarcane.com…of course!
Make-up brand: My Gipsy Scarlett lipstick from Chanel…. Watch out! I’m coming!
Online shop: the cherry blossom girl…

The 2009 Lists o’ Love continues today with creatrix, award-winning entrepreneur, online socialite, media starlet and publisher, Sarah Prout.

I LOVE THIS WOMAN. Fact.

Read our Sassy interview with her here, go visit her website, then purchase her new book SPROUT WEALTH which presents 16 amazing businesswomen that share advice about how the Law of Attraction sculpted their entrepreneurial adventures and paved the way for success. Oh, and read her 2009 List o’ Love too, obv.

Book: The Vortex by Esther and Jerry Hicks
City you visited: Noosa on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. It’s sub-tropical and beautiful.
Event you attended: Many Twitter networking events throughout the year.
Highlight of the year: Just one highlight? There are so many!  Going on a 3 month holiday. Turning 30. Consistent media attention for SPROUT online and in the press.  I loved it when a glossy magazine sent a photographer, hair/make-up and stylist team to my holiday home for a photoshoot.
Handbag contents: iPhone, iPod, LipStick Queen ’sinner’ lipgloss, waterproof mascara, baby wipes, candy wrappers (sometimes)
Website: http://www.problogger.net
Make-up brand: www.bloomcosmetics.com – I love the cream blush – it smells like lavender. Also I love www.lipstickqueen.com – the product packaging is divine.

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