In times of hardship like these, most retailers and designers would expect sales would slow down due to the recession but I guess obviously not if you’re Stella McCartney. Her work is currently at its peak with two magnificent recent collections for Autumn/Winter 08-09 and Spring/Summer 09 to hold her on the ground if things ever got shakey. It has been a good year for the designer and after opening her first flagship store in Tokyo this past November and previously in London and New York, she will soon be celebrating the launch of yet another recently opened store  - her first flagship in Paris.

The store is located in heart of the city at the ‘Jardin du Palais Royal’ an unusual location for luxury compared to how Avenue Montaigne or Rue Saint Honore are more for the high-end fashion consumer. However, Stella has obviously come up with her own prediction if her brand survives the credit crunch and says that she thinks the Palais Royal has “just the right balance” as it will not only draw in those who already know her brand but the tourists as-well. She boasts her company’s eco-friendliness as an added quality that should hopefully give customers another reason to choose her brand in these times of economic instability.

If you’re soon to be taking a trip to Paris, The Stella McCartney store is located near the end of the Palais Royal gallaries at No.114-121 Galerie de Valois or visit www.stellamccartney.com - Liv

Luxury fashion is about sending a message of confidence, ease, tastefulness and pride and a recent collaboration between the very well known bespoke ‘House of Boucheron’ and luxury mobile phone company ‘Vertu’ proves just that bringing about the result of a collection of seven magnificent mobile phones. This creative co-existence also marks and celebrates Boucheron’s 150th anniversary and in the maisons own words ” combines its luxury savoir-faire with Vertu’s modern technology”.

The collection consists of a set of unique mobile phone designs in accordance with the aesthetics of both Boucheron and Vertu, adorned with gold, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones with elaborate, complicated designs. Each individually named Audacious, Voluptuous, Curious, Gourmand, Magic, Dangerous and Mysterious the designs of these seven signature phones are inspired by the “Seven Muses” of the Enchanting Boucheron collection. And should you find the adornments a bit too much for a certain occasion, Boucheron has had the insight to make the pieces of jewellery that adorn the phones detachable and thus able to be worn separately as a pendant.

Elegant, sleek and stylish, this mobile phone collection is one of a kind. And with the design and luxury of the mobile phone fast becoming a must for the devoted and in some cases “very rich fashionista”, you wouldn’t want to pass up an opportunity to get one of these crazy beautiful phones. Above all, a mobile phone is one of the most important accessories you take around so don’t let your fashion fall short where it’s most important. Bearing all of that in mind, it’s safe to say these aren’t going cheap, unless your earnings fall into the disposable category of course. Visit www.boucheron.com - Liv

The season of giving is thankfully also the season for parties! Tired of the same-old, same-old? Update your festive wardrobe with Iconic Chic’s handy party style tips and even if you don’t have a celebrity make-up artist on hand you too can achieve a fab look with their expert make-up tips at Elle UK’s marvellous beauty site with words of wisdom contributed by the likes of Bobbi Brown, Ruby Hammer and Pat McGrath. Click on the images below to discover Iconic Chic’s tips on party accessories, and Elle Beauty’s experts’ advice on how to wear your make-up. Party on!

Shining Look

Heel Thyself

Winter Colour

Winter Colour

Chipped Polish

Smoky Eye Tips

Dreamy scents on display at an Annick Goutal boutique

A limited edition Annick Goutal bottle

To fulfill all your Christmas dreams in one easy move, take a peek at either of the shops that Parisian perfume company Annick Goutal have just opened. Goutal, who died in 1999, was a great “nose” - her cult citrussy scent Eau d’Hadrien merely scratches the surface of her amazing talent. There is a huge choice of fabulously classy scents, from the purest flower (Rose Absolu) to the ancient and haunting (Sables). Now her bright and beautiful daughter Camille is running the show and expanding it in new directions. She whizzed over from Paris this week and showed me round her Mount Street domain. Upstairs, around the elegant fireplace and mirrors, it’s like a sweet shop - gorgeous ribbed bottles with gold or coloured ribbon, some with butterflies perched - and helpful assistants to guide you through the different fragrance areas. There are also deliciously scented bath, facial and home products. Downstairs is more a sexy boudoir feel, with the fantastically sensual newest range - Les Orientalistes, of which Musc Nomade and Encens Flamboyant are guaranteed to make you swoon. Add in beautiful, slightly boho jewellery inspired by the new perfumes, and fabulously elegant lingerie in classic silk satin and lace but unusual spicy colours, and you have a girl’s heaven on earth. Look foxy, feel smooth, smell great - what better seasonal gift for you and the man in your life? - Avril Groom
www.annickgoutal.com
109 Mount Street W1, 20 Motcomb Street SW1