Tag Archives: neon

Hot on the Highstreet Week 121

Posted on by

I can’t believe I’ve never talked about Toms before. A revolutionary shoe and a revolutionary concept… with every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need, ‘One for One’. Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, was struck by the poverty in many of the communities he was serving. He saw so many basic human needs that were still unmet. He came to a startling conclusion: TOMS could be more than a shoe company – it should be a One for One™ company. With so many different needs around the world, he felt TOMS had an obligation to try to improve as many lives as possible.

I have often admired these perfectly simple shoes on passers-by; when my Topshop ballet shoes became soaked through a few weeks ago, I felt it was time to finally treat myself to some TOMS. I got mine in a shade of neon (obviously), a pretty orange. The bright hue is flattering to skin tones enhancing my summer tan and adding a flash of colour to my feet. My only complaint…  the lighter colours get dirty pretty quickly, mine had marks almost immediately. If you are between sizes, I would advise going for the smaller option as TOMS do tend to stretch considerably and mould to your feet. I wore mine all summer, they are very comfortable (with a spongy absorbent sole which allows you to walk for hours), don’t get sweaty and are predominantly weatherproof, suitable for rain or shine. Priced around £30, they are affordable though not cheap. The canvas shoes are available in numerous colours and varying styles, there is something to suit everyone.

TOMS now also offers seriously cool eyewear with a range of hip sunglasses and help to give sight to the partially-sighted in more than ten countries worldwide. With the brand expanding day by day, TOMS seem to be making a real difference. I, for one, am a massive fan of the product and idea.

More information here: http://www.toms.co.uk/

Hot on the Highstreet Week 112: The Unbelievable World of Mishmaoul

Posted on by

I was instantly attracted to the Mishmaoul collection when we stumbled across the temporary pop-up store in the souk in Beirut. The neon-ness and cool Arabic pop-art designs have an exotic appeal and caught my eye in the narrow dusty alleyway of the Lebanese shopping mall.

Designer Rana Salam intends to provide “a feast for the eyes”. She creatively blends and promotes cultures in her quirky collection illustrating her vision of the Middle East: fun, individual with a sense of narrative and storytelling. Although the range can only be seen in the flesh in the Middle East, Rana is London based and very much promoting her products here.

Mishmaoul has an eclectic mix of cushions, jewellery, prints, wallpaper, home-ware and other accessories, each piece is innovative and inimitable. I would love to have my own little flat decorated entirely with these items, I adore it all and feel the products work particularly well when shown together. The pop-up boutique shop I first visited thrilled me: vibrant colours and an overwhelming mix of beautifully arranged items… thoughtful and aesthetically scrumptious.

Alas, when I returned to Beirut a few months later, the pop-up was gone and my beloved Mishmaoul no longer housed at the souk. I did not have time to visit the studio space, but next time I travel to Lebanon it will be top of my to do list. Instead I have browsed the website for hours and was delighted to discover that Mishmaoul ship all over the world… making my dream of owning a few products suddenly possible.

A couple of emails later and I am the proud owner of a funky iphone cover (I don’t own an iphone but couldn’t resist buying the case!), a few of the neon-tastic pretty notebooks tied in ribbon and two of the new tea towels. The products have a real energy and sense of fun and whatever the medium, Rana’s passion for her home city’s street culture. The pieces aren’t super cheap but are affordable with a tea towel costing $20 and notebooks a mere few dollars each.

You can see Rana’s wonderful work at Comptoir Libanais, my favourite Lebanese Lunch outlet near work that I reviewed only a few months ago. It seems the best of Beirut is arriving in Britain and I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully one day soon I will see the Mishmaoul collection in its natural habitat, but for now I will cherish the few pieces of the range I own.

Visit the website here to discover the magical Mishmaoul world for yourself.

http://mishmaoul.com/

Nailberry, South Kensington

Posted on by

Nailberry has the largest and most diverse collection of nail varnishes, shellac, gel, pearls, glitter and nail art pens imaginable. This is just one of the reasons I rate them so highly as an exemplary nail bar.

Nailberry was launched seven months ago by Sonia Hully, a creative and determined young woman on a mission to run a speedy and hygienic nail bar that offers affordable quality treatments. It is a stylish boutique salon, with white and beige decor and pretty floral wallpaper giving a calming and relaxing atmosphere. I spent a lovely hour at Nailberry chatting and being pampered.

There are a variety of manicures, pedicures and other treatments available including some very special and unique treats like the Japanese Manicure with P shine based on a process used four hundred years ago – Nailberry are one of the only places in London offering this unusual treatment. I tried the Classic Manicure involving soak, cut, file, cuticle removal and nail colour, although now, looking at the menu, I’m annoyed I didn’t try the signature Nailberry manicure which includes hot towel moisturise and massage.

Fuelling my fluorescent fetish, I had to choose between a variety of neon hues, all brilliantly radiant… feeling overwhelmed and indecisive, I decided on five neon shades, green, yellow, red, pink and orange to adorn the five fingers on each hand. Iva, my manicurist proceeded with precision, and my nails were groomed and trimmed to look their best before two coats of colour were carefully applied. Now, a week later, the colour remains unchipped and in perfect condition, truly one of the longest lasting manicures I have ever had.

Conveniently close to my work, I know I will be a regular visitor to this colourful salon. The Nailberry brand are hoping to bring out their own range of neon varnishes soon which I am also very excited about! Perfect with my neon pink branding, Nailberry and Thoroughly Modern Milly should collaborate!

Visit the Nailberry website here for more information.