Ohmyfreakin’stars! Now, you can call me a bandwagon jumpin’ minx if you like, but d’ya know what? I don’t even care because I could not have loved the book Eat, Pray, Love more if I had tried. I laughed, cried and at times felt it was a li’l too close for comfort, which is why I am doing star-jumps that the film trailer has just been released – I get a sense that I might be a teensy bit disappointed and I’m not entirely sure that Julia Roberts would be my Elizabeth Gilbert, but that said, I will deffo be front of the queue on release day for this…

This weekend is the Spring Equinox and I am lovin’ the idea of a li’l bit o’ spring-like goodness – spring makes me flirty-skirty and want to kiss in the sunshine, it makes me want to skip along the road and smile lots…I heart spring.

Yes you CAN.

AIMEE IS LOVIN’
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This may seem like an unusual thing to love, but I think it is a really positive thing that the government, have invested money into a campaign about abuse in teenage relationships. It’s not something I’ve talked about often, but when I was 17 I was involved in a somewhat violent relationship for four years. It made me the person I am today, but I think if I’d seen something that played out both sides of that relationship – such as the different scenarios in this advert, it would have made me, and him, think at the time rather than just accepting the destructive behaviour. Awareness is so important and the way it is being tackled in the campaign is sensitive yet realistic.

On a lighter note, the beau and I are flat hunting, and whilst he is working out the council tax and the more, uhm, economic side of things, I am mentally decorating already. I am not allowed to unleash myself upon Graham and Green, so I am looking at the cheaper-yet-more creative idea, of having a full lounge wall of framed pictures-images of provocation and beauty, such as the one of Brigitte Bardot above. I love looking at these sort of pictures, they inspired me so much as a designer, and I have been searching for a good print of a Helmut Newton to join my collection!

Finally, the days are getting sunnier and I feel it is time to bring out the sunnies! Ms L and I are all for the cracking out the pink Dior and vintage Jeepers Peepers respectively. These Gaga sunglasses are over-sized squares at an undersized price, just £10.00 at laden.co.uk. A la parfait!

The weekend is upon us ladies – what will you be lovin’? x

Come meet her, she’ll wow you with her awesomeness.

Mystic Medusa, what is it you do exactly?
I’m an astrologer and I have a blog mysticmedusa.com with horoscopes, an Oracle and frequent ravings re: celebrity, beauty and astrology – loads of subjects  - that I try to make as fascinating, accurate, fun and informative as possible.

How did you discover astrology – did you find it, or did it find you?
It found me! I loved ancient Egypt when I was five, had pyramid pyjamas, tried to cast spells and the moment I even knew there WAS such a thing as astrology, I began to study it. I intended to make it a career but my advertisement in the local paper when I was 14 (Blonde, attractive schoolgirl wishing to learn astrology seeks clients – free, all welcome) caused SUCH a stink I had to stop for a while. I kept reading.

What sun sign are you and are you typical of your sign?
Pisces Sun Sign and YES so typical it’s infuriating…Dreamy, surreal, a mood swinger, easily bored and prone to huge crushes but v.low boredom threshold.

How do you feel when you’re doing what you do?
Magic, like the whole world is magic. Astrology WORKS. It really does. And it makes you realize ‘wow!’ – it DOES work and so there is a divine order here. Astrology would not work if everything were just some random situation with the occasional synchronicity. I also love my readers and my clients – they are all very cool and inspirational peeps in their own right so it is a pleasure dealing with them.

What were you doing before you became a kick-ass astrologer and how did you make the transition?
Pantry-maid at a ski resort, managing a male strip troupe, cocktail waitressing, reading poetry, some extremely scuzzy back-packing, journalism…I had my first child (a boy, Cancerian) very young & then a little Gemini girl a bit later – different Dads and all that…Candida Baker – awesome author – asked me to write an astrology column for the Australian magazine, having NO idea I was passionately into astrology, she just loved my writing…It was SO meant to be.

So, MM what does an astrologer actually do, if I came to you for a reading what would it involve?
Well, all astrologers are different. I just like to drill down to the two or three BIG themes of the moment and harp on those. You can get computer printouts off the net that are like 1000 pages of guff – seriously, 100 different aspects “affect” your chart every day but they are mostly irrelevant. I personally love the juice – those meta-themes of the moment and once you get them, you sigh YES and it’s just so brilliant. Because, for example, if you know Saturn is all over your arse for the next six months, you think FINE: I’m all about Health & Wealth….Forget fun. For now. Other times in your life, your libido is going to rise up and take over in a sort of lust-for-life urge and you know what? That’s good…It’s all about timing. So, if you came to me for a reading, we’d probably just drink some wine and crap on a bit about the ideal timing of everything from love, sex, money, makeovers to spirit guides, Jung, past lives and beauty tips…

Is our astrology chart our destiny?
No! It’s like a clue to it…It’s like where you thrive and where you might be a bit blighted but you work at it. It’s just a map of when you were born and so it’s celestial DNA. As above, so below. You are a reflection of the moment you were born. Everyone has strengths and other traits that don’t work so well. And we form relationships with people when we want to develop further – people’s relationships always match their transits. eg; Have a Pluto transit – in walks Mr Pluto…Or Ms Pluto…

How does astrology help us know ourselves better?
You get your chart done and it’s like HEAVEN. A really trite example.  I have Mercury (mind, speaking) in Aries and I have always talked fast. I spent years feeling like this was a horrid disability….I write fast too. I get impatient when people drone on too long. But knowing even just THAT about my astrology led to self-acceptance. C’est moi!  And, for example, I have this new love interest with Mercury in Capricorn and I KNOW our Mercuries square exact so I am just thinking that we can generate some fun sexual tension via our verballing but if that sort of energy ever goes a.w.o.l. we’re screwed…but it’s like an insight that helps…He is who he is – I am who I am. Astrology helps you realize that other peeps differences are not personal!

What 5 tunes would be on a MM soundtrack?
La Vie En Rose by Grace Jones
Rhapsody in Blue – George Gershwin
My Entire Embarassingly Awful But Brilliant Work-Out Mix: Disco/Hip-Hop/Seventies Classics re done to be something or rather beats per hour
Take Me To The River – any version, it makes me think of the River Nyx (the river of Night) that we traverse between lives
Swamp Bayou stuff – I don’t have any yet but I saw Princess and the Frog with my Gemini daughter and it made us both long to have more of those tunes in our soundscape.

What is your life motto?
I’ve ripped off Sarah Bernhardt’s Quand Meme…It’s untranslatable but it means something like “I do w.t.f. I want” with a hint of carpe-diem – live for the day.  

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
My kids when they don’t know I am watching them and they are just doing their thing, not nagging for anything, fitness results, lovely letters from fans saying YOU ARE SO BRILLIANT AND YOU ARE RIGHT O.M.G I love you, sexy chemistry, like the other day I saw a bunch of hot tradies driving in a ute singing along to La Bamba and one of them turned to me and just sang at me….Simple shit. I’m like a tampax ad. Clean sheets, white jeans, the ocean…Love normal endorphins, beautiful breezes, that feeling when good girlfriends are about to arrive at your house & you’ve got loads to share, paying my bills, cats looking cute in the sunlight…how my Capricorn crush stares, the Full Moon…

The Sassy List – what’s your favourite?
Make-up brand:  I am more a skincare person (Dr Perricone is GENIUS) but make-up wise I have green eyes and this eyeshadow by Ellis Faas called 106 makes green eyes look like you are a sexy alien witch, really. And they have different similarly eye colour enhancing ones for each eye colour. I also love Nars Laguna bronzer.
Movie:  I am so haunted by Moon  - David Bowies son directed it….Haunted. I think Bertolucci’s 1900 is extraordinary but I could never bear to watch it again. It’s such an epic. Two boys – peasant and aristocrat, best friends, both born in 1900 go through pretty much the whole damned century. Well, maybe only up to 1950. But brilliant. And sexy bits too. An actress named Dominque Sanda who I have not heard much of since made an indelible impression on me; super femme fatale…
Book: Women Who Run With The Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estez…Seriously, it is like my BIBLE…Fuqing sensational. If you have not read it yet, give it a go! Oddly enough I also like the dating manual Why Men Love Bitches… Hmm.
City: Sydney, Australia
Hangout: Hive Bar in Erskineville, very easy and cool corner bar with models and tech-genius peeps alike…Absolutely diverse. V.Newtown but not the main strip. Brilliant chips and wine list. I love that I can go there in a sarong with kids & tired or ponced up with fashion friends and either way, you’re happy there.
Way to chill:  Coogee Beach, Bronte Beach, Bondi Beach – my locals:  Thai Massage, drinking Verdehlo and talking crap with my friends, watching UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) with my teenage son and his friends,

MM’s final words…
Go see my site http://mysticmedusa.com/  and anyone can get a free trial of my brilliant scopes… The world is being revolutionized come this June and beyond: Uranus in Aries is going to turn universe into multiverse, fast and for the better. Get real, be with your bliss and farewell mediocrity.

Then Find Your Dream Job is THE go-to-book.

And if that’s not fabulous enough, author and life coach of awesomeness, Carole Ann Rice is hosting a Find Your Dream Job Career Coaching Boot Camp. It will give you the rocket fuel you need to help you soar – if you need convincing, let Carole explain…

So, what is the career coaching boot camp?
The bootcamp came on the back of my book written with sarah Wade – Find Your Dream Job – so many people are unhappy at work and looking to do something that lights their fire. I held one in January and it was a total sell-out, had to squidge people on the stairs to fit them all in, because we ran out of seats. It’s for people looking for inspiration as well as practical tips on how get out of their rut

Will I have to run an assault course?
No you don’t have to do sit-ups while a guy armed with a six pack hollers at you.  You do however have to promise to take action after the event and let us know about it!

What will I get from it?
We’ve some cool speakers -

Gwen Rhys, www.gwenrhys.com  who reveals how to build powerful relationships through Effective Networking.
 
Justin Culver, a career change specialist www.careerenergy.co.uk  who will show you precisely how to write a killer CV.
 
Sally Hindmarch, of www.partnerswithyou.co.uk uses her wit and wisdom to demonstrate the art of giving A First Class Presentation and I’m going to do a coaching session on how to overcome fear and get started on finding your dream job.

We’ve had people of all ages from 20’s up to late 50’s and it’s for anyone looking to up their game or get some rocket fuel.  It was Time Out’s recommended event of the week in January!

When - Saturday 27th March 2010
Where – Creative Venue, 20a Paddenswick Road W6 www.creative-venue.com
 
How Much – Conc £35,  £45 or £50 on the door

Book your place now contact Sarah – sarah@findyourdreamjob.co.uk  07753 612 497

Michelle, tell us more about yourself and what you do?
Hello! I am the creator and director of a lovely little company called Roxie Sweetheart!
Roxie Sweetheart is a dressing up box of colourful, creative and cutesy accessories with unique illustrations and quirky prints. Accessorize with pick’n'mix shapes, textures and trinkets…for the beautiful girl who wants to be noticed and create her own fairytale harajuku style! Kawaii! Roxie Sweetheart girls are also fun, creative, passionate and fashionable.

Who/what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by everything; music, art, fashion, nature and architecture.
I adore Japanese culture, art and street fashion. Harajuku girls are my idols, they are not afraid to express themselves, and looking cute does not mean being silly! They know how to layer, how to use colour and combine designers like Vivienne Westwood with Vintage and Hello Kitty!

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
Being able to choose a slice of chocolate fudge cake over a man any day… and not feel guilty about it!

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
There are many places I still want to travel around the world.
Biggest must-go destinations are Japan (top of my list!), Paris, New York, Thailand and Barcelona.
I am going to visit Barcelona this year just for the stunning and intricate Gaudi architecture, it’s truly amazing!

What has been your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment has been taking a huge risk by first moving to London a year ago, with no job and no stability I experienced some tough times, but I stuck through it in order to get nearer to reaching my goals and achieving a good career. I am still working hard but I have made some fabulous friends and contacts along the way : )

Which five tracks make Michelle’s day?
Feel-good tunes are good for motivation throughout a busy day in London…
My current top 5 are:
‘Please Mr Postman’ – The Marvelettes
‘Animal’ – Miike Snow
‘It’s Not Fair’ – Lily Allen
‘Coffee and TV’ – Blur
‘Independent Woman’ – Destiny’s Child.

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
I am addicted to MAC make-up! One of my top five would be my two favourite MAC lipsticks (which actually stay on all day…!) ‘So Chaud’ and ‘Chatter Box’.
I also can’t live without my Max Factor Masterpiece MAX mascara, rose tinted Vaseline, Vaseline with aloe vera body lotion and my Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lover’s perfume in ‘Music’ which smells delicious!

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Good friends, music and food in the sunshine

What is your life Motto?
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind… and above all, love what you do.

What is next for you creatively?
I am going to continue designing and promoting Roxie Sweetheart. I believe gaining experience and contacts within the industry is the most important thing you can do, as well as keep being creative all the time, in whichever way you can. I am always designing, making and thinking of new ideas, so keep your eyes peeled for new Roxie Sweetheart collections!

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Gothic Lolita, Camden
Book: “Harry Hill’s TV Burp” Book (hilarious if you have a random sense of humour)
Website/blog: Neurotica – sweet meets sinister clothing… www.thisisneurotica.co.uk
Hang-out: Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, Bethnal Green/ The Cat and Mutton, Broadway Market, London.
City: London (East-side!)
Must-have beauty item: MAC Lipsticks
TV prog: Louis Theroux ‘Weird Weekends’
Food: Parma Ham (in any form…)

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Michelle?
Sassy Minx is about embracing being a woman, loving yourself and what you do!

For cute accessories and jewellery visit the Roxie Sweetheart Boutique at www.roxiesweetheart.co.uk!
Also check out my blog http://roxiesweetheart.blogspot.com/

There’s a great quote from a fabulous book called Do Less, Achieve More in which the author, Chi-Ning Chu talks about a conversation in the 1960’s between the super successful cowboy dude, Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds who was a struggling actor at the time:

“Before the Angel of Success arrives in your life, you should devote yourself to preparing your welcome for her. Polish your craft and strengthen your body to be fit so that you can do your job and enjoy success when it comes. Sharpen your mind and spirit so they are ready to face the challenges that accompany a visitation from the Angel of Success.

If you are not ready when the angel knocks, she will flee. And who knows when she will make it back around to your door again?”

Both Burt and I know how important it is to prepare yourself so that when the Angel o’ Success comes a knocking you have a nice mug of hot chocolate and a batch of yummy scrummy cupcakes baking ready for her arrival.

I never doubted I’d be an author-girl. Now, I’m by no means the best writer in the world, but I did do everything I could to learn about the industry – I interviewed my favourite authors, I wasn’t afraid to reach out and ask for help, I learned everything there was to know about the publishing process and most importantly, which lots of wanna-be authors forget to do, I wrote. I practiced my craft every single day – in journals, writing features for magazines, passing up social dates to complete my book. I asked questions, I learned lessons, I inquired about signing books at my local book store – I got myself to a place both mentally and physically where NOT being a published author just wasn’t an option.

By raising my make-it-happen energy to a level of complete go-for-it-ness, I felt positively fearless in my pursuit. For sure I got rejected, I’ve got 42 rejection letters in a box under my bed all saying ‘thanks, but no thanks’, but when you’re prepared for success, these are just mere blips, mini diversions on your road trip to destiny.

Five years on, and I’m now a successful author with 10 published books in the Lola Love series and two brand-new exciting book projects in the pipeline. Of course I have doubts and wobbles and moments where I think ’should I just get a proper job?’ but that’s all they are, just moments and I have a career I absolutely adore all because I ‘acted as if’ and prepared for that Angel o’ Success…

Chris Guillebeau on his blogginz The Art of Nonconformity, says that among his success secrets is to ‘act as if’ too. For example, he says; even if you have a tiny blog with not many readers, act as if you have thousands of readers. Post regularly, give great care to the topics you choose to write about, and make sure that you provide lots of value in each post. You’ll probably never have a lot of readers if your attitude is the following:‘Well, this post isn’t all that great, but there’s really no use in spending lots of time to write an awesome post when I really don’t have that many readers anyway’ or ‘I’ll save my really good stuff for when I have more readers.’

You can’t wait until you’re successful and until you have a large audience to start rocking your very best work. You become successful by producing kick-ass work even when you’re teeny-tiny. This concept applies to everything, not just blogging. In order to be kick-ass, act as if you’re already kick-ass. Go on, I dare you!

Has ‘acting as if’ worked for you? I’d love to know your stories! And if you’d like to book a Sassy Session with me to help prepare you for success and kick-ass-ness contact me now!

I’m currently having a li’l spiritual fill-up in my happy place, Glastonbury, and yesterday I did quite possibly THE best thing a girl can do to show herself some serious lovin’, I had a massage. Not just any massage, an aromatherapy massage with the ever-so-amazing Nadia at Butterfly Therapies. If you are ever in the Glasto, then you absolutely, positively have to book an appointment with her, she’s incredibly talented, she shifted some big emotional blocks in me as well as working on my writer-girl shoulders and arms – it was a total mind, body and spirit experience – in fact, I suggest you book a trip to Glasto JUST to be massaged by her, tell I sent you – I’m her new number one fan!

www.butterflytherapies.co.uk

Trueblood – Bill Compton, bite me, please? – is back on our screens here in the UK and to celebrate, Southern Comfort has created a dee-lish cocktail that promises to make the mouth of any mere mortal water.
 
The Southern Blood mixes Southern Comfort, a traditional taste of New Orleans, with the juice of half a blood orange – an established drink with a dark twist.
 
Ingredients
50ml Southern Comfort
½ blood orange
Ice

Mixing directions
Fill a glass halfway with ice and pour the Southern Comfort over. 
Squeeze the juice of half a blood orange and stir for a true taste of New Orleans, where Southern Comfort originates.
 
Why not have a True Blood gathering tonight to celebrate the long awaited the amazing series being back on our screen? Check out bigeasycocktails.co.uk for drink ideas to give you and your guests a fang-tastic time!

True Blood, Series Two is on FX on Fridays at 10pm.

I love my mumma, she’s practically perfect in every way but because I can’t be with her this M-day, I have bought her a tub of her fave Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (Phish food – isn’t that everyone’s?) and if you head over to the B&J website right now – www.benjerry.co.uk, you can customise your very own m-day tub of ice-cream lovin’ – how fabulous is that?!

AIMEE IS LOVIN’

THIS picture of Gerard Butler, dressed as a NY policeman, pressing up to an Agent Provocateur clad Jennifer Aniston in W magazine, which hits the stand on March 17th. The photo essay, shot by the amazing Steven Klein, is “where damsels aren’t always in distress and lawmen sometimes break the rules.”
In a tongue in cheek fashion, I am asking the question “Why are American men’s uniforms so much better than British ones?”, and not “Why has Gerard Butler never read me my rights?”.

This weekend is not just mothers day, it is also the male version of Valentines Day, where steak and, uhm, dinner is served. Along with Lisa’s ‘Southern Blood’ cocktail, I’ll be serving the boy a nice bit of juicy sirloin in a Cupcake/Agent Provocateur combination. I recommend Gordon Ramseay’s version, it won’t let you down.

To cook the steak: place one large or two smaller non-stick frying pans over a high heat and leave until smoking hot.

You will need;
Two Sirloin steaks
Groundnut Oil
Salt N Pepper
Butter

1.) Place the steaks onto a large chopping board and if one needs to be cooked well done, roll it flatter with a rolling pin so that all the steaks can all go into the frying pan at the same time. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and black pepper and once the frying pans have reached temperature, add approximately two tablespoons of groundnut oil.

4.) Serve up!!

See the rest of the recipe idea or see how its done for real at: here

My mum might slap me, but as well as lovely flowers, chocolates and Sunday Lunch, I will be giving her a book called “Shmirshky” which is a witty take on one woman’s Menopause. Like a grown up version of “Are you there God, its me, Margaret” combined with “Womens Health”, it documents the feelings and symptoms of a lady called E as she goes through her menopause. Which doesn’t sound very fun, admittedly, but with dashings of humour and things that we can all and, will, relate to as women, its a nifty guide that might help my mum on one of those days. Which is why I’ll give it to her on one of the best days, because I know it will make her laugh, if only for the sentiment.

Whats more, the lovely people at Shmirshky, are offering our readers a 20% off discount on the book. Just enter in SASSYMINX at the checkout!

What are YOU lovin’ this Friday – share your lists o’ love with us!

If I’m honest, the only thing that could make me happier than a filled-to-the-brim bubble bath and a bar of Galaxy chocolate is sweet, sweet smelling prods from Jo Malone.

OHMYSTARS – I’m head over Westwood heels in heart with the new Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise fragrance – if you haven’t had the V&A nosebud experience yet, you HAVE to go find a beauty counter, pronto.

Inspired by the floral landscape of Madagascar, capturing the fleeting moment that the rare vanilla orchid blossoms. The cream and white flowers found on the vanilla vine are a precious discovery: only one or two appear in the morning and seemingly vanish by late afternoon.

Here’s the science bit: Vanilla & Anise blends notes of bergamot, neroli and star anise to create a touch of spice sparkling above transparent layers of delicate vanilla orchid and frangipani. The warmth of vetiver, white amber and the subtlest hint of clove complete this unexpected, modern story of vanilla.

Now, while all that sounds completely fabulous, all I know is that it smells deliciously dee-vine.
Fact.
Boykind will literally be walking into lamp posts because they’re too busy looking for the girl that is smelling so incredible when you’re wearing it. It’s decadent with a hint o’ spice and I simply can’t get enough of it…mmmmmm.

To enhance your fragrance ritual, in addition to the yummy-scrummy cologne – 30 ml, £32.00, choose from the new bath oil – 250 ml £38.00, body crème – 175 ml RRP £44.00 and home candle – 200g, £38.00.

So, it’s not smell o’ internet, but take my word for it, you WILL want to buy everything on this site: www.jomalone.co.uk  

I first introduced the fabulous Vanessa Fristedt here to you via one of her fabulous necklaces. Just like her design pieces, Vanessa is inspiring and unique – come meet her!

Vanessa, tell us more about yourself and what you do?
I’m born in Stockholm, Sweden. I came to London to do a foundation course and stayed here ever since.
I’m a freelance graphic designer. I specialise in branding but design all sorts of printed material and websites too.
Along with my partner, Karen Ashton, I run Pretty Taxing. We produce limited edition tax disc holders by top artists including Sir Peter Blake, Gary Hume, Sarah Lucas, Abigail Lane and Mat Collishaw. They are circular artworks which you display on the inside of your car’s windscreen.

I also make my “Old Broad Bean” jewellery (cufflinks and necklaces) which is based on Cockney Rhyming slang. Since I live in East London and have an obsession and admiration for Her Majesty The Queen (and The Queen Mother), I decided to put her onto a bean. In Cockney, Bean means Queen.
http://www.swedishblondedesign.com/

Who/what inspires you and why?
Art is important to me. I studied art before getting into commercial art, but both feed/need each other. Conceptual art and advertising are close together. But I also get inspiration by just sitting and watching people. When I start a new project and need to come up with ideas quickly, I usually go and sit outdoors at a café, drink tons of coffee and watch people and feel the buzz.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
I am happy to be woman but what is tricky with being a woman in London, is that I find men are afraid of strong women. Beeing Swedish, I find British men still have an old fashioned way with communicating with us strong girls. Girls are not so afraid of failure and this in itself helps to push our boundaries.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
I love water and sea. I love going to Venice, especially for the Art Biennale. Amazing place where you get around by boat.
The archipelago of Stockholm has over 40 000 islands and is still untouched. It’s a paradise on earth.
New York is a brilliant place too.
And Rio de Janeiro – a mad vibrant place where people are wonderful!
I wish London based more things around the Thames. Where are all the cafes and bars on the Embankment? Tracey Emin had a brilliant idea about making a beach along the Thames where you could swim within an enclosed area. Boris: Wake up! I’d love to become the Mayor of London!

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Proud? God knows. When I dressed up as the Queen Mother walking around Trafalgar Square during the Old Broad Bean’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Which five tracks make Vanessa’s day?
“What’s going on” by Marvin Gaye
“Forever Young” + “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” by Madness
“Wild by the wind” by David Bowie
All songs by Barry White

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
Brogues, shorts, colourful knee-high socks, tartan, camomille hair spray, water proof mascara.
I am not so interested in fashion as such. My dress style hasn’t changed during the years. I prefer second hand shops and men’s clothing as I love brogues and suits.
A great shop for men is SirTom Baker’s shop on d’Arblay street. www.tombakerlondon.com

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Many things, but one that makes me jump of happines is driving Casanova, my Venetian taxi boat. She’s a beauty, all in wood. She takes the wawes perfectly and is a joy to drive.
I also love American cars and the sound from a loud V8 engines. When I go to car shows, I get over excited by the sound of a good rev.
And last, I truly jumped high up in the air when Ken the Cxxt Livingstone lost the last elections.

What is your life Motto?
Y E S.
(However, only if it’s a true yes. A sincere NO is better than a false YES.)

What is next for you creatively?
Apart from getting new design work, I want to make a book about old ladies and the way they dress. Ladies from the older generation. The ones with blue rinse hair, who have attitude and their own style. I have to hurry up before they’re gone. Does anyone know of any ladies who want to be photographed? Or grandmothers? Please contact me if you do. They have to look their best and bring their favorite object.

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Tom Baker, Hennes
Book: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Website/blog: www.culturelabel.com and http://www.myspace.com/therubbishmen
Hang-out: Shoreditch and Soho, and everything in between
City: Rio de Janeiro, Venice, London
Must-have beauty item: LdB (Swedish cream) and Benefit’s “ You Rebel” moisturiser
TV prog: Current Affairs, The Apprentice,
Food: A good English Breakfast, Swedish Crayfish, Fjällfil, Haggis

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Vanessa?
The first thing that comes to my mind is Pam Hogg. Sassy sounds sexy and Scottish and she’s definitely a Scottish Sassy Minx.

Miss Lisa and I are all for a cardigan or a hoodie over a dress, and frankly, you can’t get more rock ‘n’ roll right now, than Siren . Especially when their new collection is modelled by one of the coolest models in the land right now, Ben Grimes. With a hint of tattoo, a dash of embellishment and lashings of lace and leather mixed with unicorns, ruffles, skulls and leopard print, its a grown-up girl dream.

One of my personal favourites is the Chanelesque navy blue cardigan with the heart and butterfly embellishment-It is simply adorbz!

To help celebrate the new collection, Siren have invited all Sassy Minxes to their store with an exclusive discount code: SIRENSASSY which means you get 10% all of their wares until the 18th March. What’s not to love about that?!

Firstly, I want to give big props to Oscar winning girls Sandra Bullock – j’adore, Kathryn Bigelow director of The Hurt Locker and super-inspir-o Mo-nique – check out her acceptance speech, freakin’ love this woman.

I’ve posted this poem before, but I never get tired of reading it and it should absolutely be read and re-read on days like today… It’s Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou who I love x 10000.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Actually, while I’m sharing the love for Maya Angelou, check out the gorgeous women herself reading And So I Rise. It gives me goosbumples…

Minxes, happy International Women’s Day – what members of girl-kind do YOU want to share the love for?