STRIP, Wax Bar, Notting Hill

When it comes to waxing, girls across London swear by one beauty salon… I’d heard whispers about STRIP from girls at work, friends from school and pals from university. Finally it was time for me to break a lifetime habit (I have always visited an uber cheap place in South Ken) and venture into this pretty posh waxing parlour.

As this sexy brand grows in popularity the branches are multiplying. Notting Hill’s boutiquey venue is located conveniently near to Portobello and Westbourne Grove. I was stunned immediately by the rainbow lace display of alluring lingerie… the Hanky Panky and Mary Green ranges are particularly tempting… I found myself justifying a spend of £70 for matching bra and knickers.

I was so encouraged by the exemplary pre-wax care and attention that I even braved a Brazilian. My gorgeous smiley beautician Emily looked after me, talking me through every step… explaining the process so I could leave hairfree and educated by the experience.

Aside from feeling totally relaxed in the warm and comfy room, a tv plays background music videos, the perfect distraction. Strip have a variety of their own products, of which I tried the Chocolate and then the Lavender Hot Waxes. The use of hot wax is much less painful than strip waxing, much healthier and more effective. As a relatively inexperienced waxee, I wasn’t sure what to ask for – luckily Emily took control when I faltered! The wax was surprisingly fun, almost relaxing! The thick smooth wax smelt and felt divine, and gave amazing results, removing even the shortest hairs and leaving the skin barely red.

Emily recommended various products to improve my bikini line for future waxes… South Seas Bora Bora Body Polish for exfoliation and a very easy to use Ingrown-X-IT Solution spray to prevent ingrown hairs.

Hands down the best wax I’ve ever had, I’m hooked and am already planning my next Strip visit.

Visit the STRIP website here for more information and to book.

http://www.stripwaxbar.com/default.aspx

Hot on the Highstreet Week 99

I have found the most perfect, showy, extravagantly beautiful bra. When it comes to underwear, for me it is all about comfort… there is nothing worse that leaving the house in the morning with an uncomfortable twinset on. With that in mind, I rarely venture into the intrigue and beauty of high end luxury lingerie shops, choosing instead to stare amazed through the window… into a museum of lace, ribbon, satin and silk.

Dolci Follie, a bewitching boutique in Notting Hill is just next door to my favourite little theatre, the Print Room. They offer a range of exquisite lingerie, every piece is unique and delicately made to be as flattering and pretty (and comfortable) as possible. It is an emporium of wonderful things.

I spotted the Folies de Renaud Soleil Fringed Bra glowing in the window a few weeks ago and was tempted to step inside. This canary yellow balconette bra has two tiers of fringing… ideal for shaking and shimmying! The adjustable straps are made from soft yellow ribbon, a lovely bit of attention to detail. It is striking and gorgeous, very appropriate for festival fun!

I first tried this sunflower yellow piece on with a high waisted bright pink skirt… supposedly just for a bit of fun… but I fell in love instantly and unexpectedly… surprisingly I also found it very comfortable. I began imagining when I could wear the bra… could I wear it as a top alone? Would the fringing work underneath a revealing top? Was there a carnival coming up I could attend just to wear this eccentric underwear?

Eventually I came to the conclusion that this bra would look equally good worn alone or underneath a shirt… but however you wear it the tassles deserve to be seen! I will be wearing mine round London, so look out for the girl in the yellow bra!

Visit the Dolci Follie website and buy here.