The Travel Bag family features three styles and Mulberry says the designs are “inspired by the details of steamer trunks, with metal tipped corners or trim and a smart metal logo plaque evocative of traditional luggage tags.” Finishes include Oak Shiny Lambskin, Lizard Print with embossed ‘scale’ texture, statement Mixed Lizard Print and Haircalf and the two-tone Natural Animal Print. My personal favourite is the tan brown leather with gold embellishment (pictured above and below).

Visit FashionBite’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/FashionBite.co.uk to view images of the full collection.

The Travel Camera Bag is based on a compact, retro cross-body style and the Travel Day Bag and Oversized Travel Bags are based on the iconic Alexa design, with traditional satchel straps, plaited top handles and adjustable cross-body straps.

The Travel Day Bag has already been seen on the arms of actress Blake Lively left (amongst others), who was on the set of Gossip Girl with the  Marshmallow White Mixed Lizard Print and Haircalf version.

The range will be available to view online at Mulberry.com from mid-February.

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At the launch party, we were able to try out some sample treatments and I opted for ‘Soft Wave Healing Laser.’ I’m a big fan of a natural and holistic therapy and not being too familiar with this particular treatment, I thought I’d give it a go.

I loved the feeling of calm and relaxation I felt just after the sample trial, but in just half an hour I wasn’t able to do the treatment full justice. So, as the miserable January blues set in, I headed back over to St.John’s Wood to sample the full 90 minutes…

As I lay back on the bed my therapist, Milena, talked me through the whole process. The Soft Wave Healing Laser is a small hand-held machine which she applies to different pressure points on the body (depending on the areas you want to focus on) and it emits infrared and blue violet pulses, which are intended to recharge and heal different areas of the body.

Milena is a trained Reiki master and the concept behind Soft Wave Laser therapy is almost like a modern day version of ‘healing hands,’ in which energy is used to naturally re-charge the body. During the treatment, I was taken to a state of deep relaxation (half awake half asleep) and it was at this time, called ‘still point,’ when the body is meant to create this healing energy boost.

The benefits of soft laser treatment are said to include: reducing stress levels, sleep problems, symptoms of depression and anxiety, circulation issues, digestive problems, pain relief…and so on. As I lay on the treatment bed, Milena also took one look at my back and asked if I had a history of scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) in my family. She is right, I do. But I’ve been for countless massages/therapies in the past and no one has ever asked me that or picked up on it before. I was very impressed!

She also felt pressure points on my hands and at the top of my chest and asked if I had some digestive issues. I do get some discomfort (as most people I’m sure) when eating certain types of food, so I asked her to focus on digestion and getting rid of toxins in the Soft Wave Laser therapy. The treatment lasted around 90 minutes, during which time I drifted in and out of sleep as Milena placed the warm Scalar Wave Laser machine on different points of my body.

After the treatment, I felt incredibly relaxed and I headed out to a nearby cafe to finish off some freelance work. For the first hour though I felt this weird sense of anger and frustration, as if my body was swirling around a bunch of nasty toxins, but then just a few hours later I felt this amazing sense of calm and happiness. It’s difficult to explain the feeling, but it was a real sense of contentment.

Soft Wave Healing Laser costs £200 per treatment, or £1950 for 11. Milena told me many of her clients come back weekly or bi-weekly and that after a course of treatments all of them have reported incredible results; from depression to pain relief and increased energy levels.

Visit EFMedispa.com for more infomation on Soft Wave Healing Laser Therapy and the range of other treatments available.

FashionBite xx

Thinking we were going to an ordinary launch party event; we headed to the Charlotte Street hotel, sipped on champagne and caught up with fellow bloggers and journos.

However, we weren’t to stay indoors for long and half an hour into the evening we were told to don our warmest faux furs and totter along the cobbled back streets of Tottenham Court Road to an industrial, multi-story carpark where we were chaperoned by two exquisitely dressed men into a large car lift…so far, so confusing!

As we approached the top floor of the car park, we were greeted by a delicious waft of spicy fragrance. We entered the industrial space in virtual darkness, whilst a big screen projected a film of the new Spicebomb perfume. The film finished, then a second screen to our right began playing another film and we all dutifully inched around to the right to face it.

A few seconds later, a massive and piercing explosion occured. Silver paper shards rained down upon us, the heady scent of Spicebomb filled the air and the controlled explosion produced a huge fragrance bottle in the shape of a grenade. We were shocked…to say the least!

As the explosion settled and we all caught our breath, the music was immediately cranked up, the lights came on and a gaggle of waiters appeared out of nowhere with fabulous cocktails, champagne and delicious canapes. A fantastic way to start a party (and launch a new product!)

I love the female fragrance (Flowerbomb) - which is floral, yet bold and powerful not sickly sweet. Spicebomb doesn’t disappoint, in keeping with the female fragrance it has floral undertones but is spicy and musky too. It has a gorgeous smell and could definitely pass for unisex. I picked one up for my boyfriend, but have so far worn it every day myself!

You can buy Spicebomb exclusively at Harrods until March 7.

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It is something I’ve always longed to experience and the luxurious ‘Golden Age Of Travel’ really did live up to all my expectations…

As we walked down to the end of Platform 2 at Victoria, we were greeted by a four-piece band (dressed in mustard yellow) playing 1920’s-style music, whilst rounds of tea and coffee were served to keep us warm.

We were boarding ‘The Golden Age of Travel’ on the British Pullman stream train, which included a journey around the English countryside and a five course lunch with champagne and wine.

The whole experience was so luxurious from start to finish; even the tickets (which were sent out prior to the day) came in a wonderful brown leather case with suede exterior.

As the British Pullman drew into the platform, steam bellowed out of the train’s chimneys and the piercing sound of a horn rang out loud and clear. Silver service waiters wearing pristine white suits with sparkling brass buttons greeted us to step aboard our carriage.

The carriages each have their own unique names, décor and history. We were travelling in coach ‘Zena,’ a carriage built in 1928 which featured the original light brown wood-panelled walls, striking brass fixtures and comfy armchairs with fine dining table settings that would have greeted travellers over eighty years ago.

Zena was used in the 1976 film ‘Agatha,’ about the life of Agatha Christie and another carriage Perseus was used to transport the coffin of Winston Churchill in 1965.

As we slowly chugged out of Victoria, it felt like we were a million miles away from modern London life and we settled into our journey with a cool glass of champagne.

We were sat on a traditional two-seater table in the window, as we travelled around the outskirts of London and the South Downs on ‘The Golden Age of Travel.’

Flicking through The Orient Express brochure, I was amazed at how many different experiences and trips are on offer; including a journey to Hever Castle and a 1920’s dinner featuring “a night of vintage glamour and romance,” where guests are invited to don their best vintage dresses and revel in the atmosphere of the 1920’s. Sounds absolutely amazing, I would love this! Perfect too for all those stunning 1920’s inspired looks which are key to fashion this spring/summer.

We were sat nearby a lovely French couple and behind a family of four, who had been planning the trip for over two years to celebrate their Mother’s 60^th Birthday. It would make an amazing Valentine’s Day experience, if you subscribe to February 14^th, otherwise as a couple it’s a wonderful and blissfully romantic way to spend an afternoon.

Our five-course silver service meal included salmon terrine, asparagus soup, beautifully cooked organic lamb, a cheese platter and a scrummy chocolate-y desert…definitely go hungry! The food was absolutely delicious and the waiters were impeccable (in both manner and service) and we felt very well looked after.

A bottle of red or white wine is included but we decided to upgrade to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which was a delicious and very indulgent way to wash down a Friday afternoon.

The staff went out of their way to give everyone on board the best possible experience and you felt truly spoilt. I would recommend it to absolutely everyone, and I’m already planning about a dozen trips I’d love to take friends and family on!

If there is a special birthday or occasion on the horizon, you really couldn’t choose a more wonderful present. Our trip ‘The Golden Age of Travel’ costs £350 per person, but there are plenty of experiences which start at the £195 mark. If you want to go all out, there are weekend packages available, such as a trip to Cornwall and the Eden Project, alongside journeys abroad to Venice or the Far East.

For more information on all the various trips available and how to book, visit www.orient-express.com.

FashionBite xx

The collection looks fabulous as well, I’ve got my eye on so many pieces. It has quite a glam-rock dominatrix feel to it with the use of PVC, faux leather and biker-inspired styles - great for wearing on a night out!

Click on the video below…

I love the metallic tuxedo-style jacket (left) – would look fab jazzing up an LBD! 

The biker-style dress and Karl canvas tote would also look great teamed with chunky black tights and wedges.

Check out the full collection on Net-a-Porter HERE.

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The campaign has been been shot by renowned photographer Terry Richardson, Mango says it chose Brit supermodel Kate as she “embodies the type of urban, independent and confident woman Mango customers can relate to.”

Mango has also filmed a TV commercial with Kate, called Spy Game, which will launch on our screens early March.

Click ‘Read More’ to watch the interview with Kate Moss…

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Marni says: “An upbeat energy of rebellion creates a sense of surprise in Marni Edition for winter 2012. The silhouette is classic, to the knee or to the ankle, with juxtapositions of fabric and fur.”

Fabrics include kilt wool, tartan jersey, flannel and jacquard silk. The classic loafer shape is key in footwear, but more “golfer meets rockability,” alongside oversized pumps with metallic toes.

Bags include buckled purses and flat totes, lunch-box bags in modern matt leather and sheepskin totes with hard leather finishes.

Marni says broaches are a focus for accessories next season, with quirky geometric shapes in mixes of resin, acetate, glass and neoprene.

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The event will include talks, performances and debates from the fashion industry’s leading talents including designers, photographers and models and also offer guests the chance to take part in makeovers and workshops. It sounds great, can’t wait!

British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman said: “I am tremendously excited about putting together this Vogue Festival which will be the first of its kind to allow the general public to see and hear some of the world’s greatest fashion talent speaking, as well as to engage in many interesting issues that fashion and style raises.” 

The Vogue Festival is due to take place on April 20-21 at The Royal Geographic Society, London SW7.  To register your interest, visit Voguefestival.co.uk.    

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Soft trouser suits and silk body con dresses are key looks, alongside textured lace and Peter Pan collars which will continue to be strong for SS12. Click ‘Read More’ to check out the video…

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Louise Gray, SS12

Two of the most exciting womenswear designers at the moment – Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou – have been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for two consecutive seasons in London.

I first saw Louise Gray quite a few seasons ago at London Fashion Week, showcasing with OnOff. I absolutely love her work - her AW11 was fun, fresh and colourful. Her designs are so exciting and I can’t wait to see more of her. Read my Louise Gray AW11 catwalk report and backstage beauty HERE.

Mary Katrantzou, SS12

Mary Katrantzou does the most amazing digital prints and I’m so happy that she’s received this sponsorship. I wore a Mary Katrantzou silk dress to London Fashion Week a few seasons ago (sadly her Topshop collaboration, rather than coreline) but still very much her style and I love her work.

Emily Seares wears Mary Katrantzou

Alongside Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou, Henry Holland has also been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship along with menswear designer James Long.

BFC chief executive Caroline Rush said: “The recipients for this year’s Fashion Forward sponsorship are an exceptionally talented group of designers. 2012 is set to be a momentus year not only for the fashion industry but the UK and I am looking forward to seeing Henry, Louise, James and Mary taking strides forward in their business development.”

Louise said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded Fashion Forward sponsorship as this backing will allow me to develop my brand even further. I have so many exciting projects coming up this year and this is a great way to start things off!”

Mary added: “It’s really important to have that support and it’s testament to the strength of London Fashion Week and the BFC’s initiative to nuture and help designers build an established business.”

FashionBite xx