Maria's Blog
01 February 2012
Jenny Packham to launch high street range
One of the Duchess of Cambridge’s most worn designers & celebrity favourite Jenny Packham is launching a high street collection for Debenhams! Famous for her floaty fabrics & pastel colours, her designs have taken the world by storm after being worn by The Duchess on a number of public outings over the past year. Joining designers like Julien Macdonald & Matthew Williamson, the range is expected to hit stores later this year. With feminine prints, pastel colours & light fabric set to be the staple of the range, I’m so excited to see the finished collection!
31 January 2012
W Hotel breakfast event
I had a fabulous morning hosting a press event for our new product launches from both Rodial + Nip+Fab at the W Hotel in Leicester Square today. It was really exciting to present all our new ideas + get some great feedback from the media. We talked about our brand new dragon’s blood extension range which has five moisture-drenched products that will transform your skincare routine, launching from April. We also presented the new, repackaged tanning range from Rodial, with improved formulas and 3 exciting new products, they’re set to be the must-haves of the summer! Lastly, the press were really excited to hear about Nip+Fab’s No Needle Fix which is also set to launxch in April. This innovative plumping serum volumises the skin, reducing the appearance of imperfections. Join the waiting list
here and be the first to hear when it’s available!
25 January 2012
End of January relaxation tips
As it approaches the end of January, we could all do with a little relaxation and me-time. Getting back into the work mode after the Christmas rush can really take its toll and it’s important to take time out. My top tips for a little new year relaxation really help me unwind after a busy day at the office. My first is to light a scented candle like Rodial’s rehab scent. Infused with honey milk & roasted almond it helps de-stress & revive the senses. Next, I love feeling pampered and an at-home mani/pedi is the perfect way to indulge. Whether you have a therapist come to your home or try a DIY treatment, it’s an easy way to add a touch of beauty to your day. Lastly, nothing beats a full body massage to feel totally relaxed & detoxed. Treat yourself to an hour at your local spa and you will reap the benefits! What are your top tips for relaxation? Let me know on Twitter @MrsRodial.
23 January 2012
Hollywood costume exhibit
Like any fashion fan, I appreciate fabulous clothes in all manner of different settings which is why I was so excited to hear that the V&A is hosting a major exhibition of Hollywood’s best loved costumes this year! From Audrey Hepburn’s famous ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ LBD to Keira Knightley’s uber glam floor length green Jacqueline Durran ‘Atonement’ dress, there will be over 100 famous costumes in the exhibition. This is the first time such a wide range of fabulous Hollywood outfits have been held in one exhibition and I can’t wait to see it! Which is your best-loved Hollywood costume? Let me know @MrsRodial.
19 January 2012
My new year beauty obsession
Now we’re in a new year, it’s time to revamp my skincare routine and what better way to do this than with Rodial’s new dragons blood sculpting gel? This anti-ageing formula is the new liquid facelift, plumping skin & adding volume while defining facial contours. Already a favourite of A-listers, it’s my must-have product for a smooth, full & younger-looking complexion. A great tip is to mix with skin bleach serum before bed for a radiant complexion when you wake up in the morning! It's my top pick for 2012and I just can't get enough!
16 January 2012
Golden Globes 2012
Last night Hollywood’s elite gathered for a night to remember at the 69th annual Golden Globes awards In LA! A whole host of tinseltown's finest showed off their toned figures in stunning dresses & looked utterly fabulous! With a wide range of designers on show, Hollywood’s most glamorous stars shined in stunning creations that kicked off awards season in true style. White was the trend of the night with A-listers Charlize Theron, Elle Macpherson & Nicole Kidman showcasing white numbers while other stars opted for red or metallic hues. My favourite of the night was Jessica Alba who looked simply chic in a floor length Gucci gown with embellishment detail. The pale purple hue really complimented her skintone– stunning!
11 January 2012
Mary Katrantzou for Topshop!
As the season comes to an end & a new fashion week is nearly upon us, I’m so excited to see all the amazing designs for Spring but the collection I’m most looking forward to is the launch of Mary Katrantzou for Topshop next month! One of my favourite designers for her unique creations, Mary has worked her print magic once again in this fabulous capsule collection. The range brings luxury prints to the high street from beautiful scarves to printed dresses & even nail art! This is a fabulous way for every girl to enjoy Mary’s fabulous designs & with supermodel Karlie Kloss signed up to model the collection, it’s sure to be a massive hit! I have my eye on this beautiful statement scarf to add a pop of colour to my outfit, divine!
09 January 2012
Introducing dragon's blood sculpting gel
I’m so excited to reveal a fantastic new launch for Rodial which I have been dying to share with you all; dragon’s blood sculpting gel! The new liquid facelift, this XXL plumping gel is based on popular filler restylane. Inspired by this innovative procedure, dragon's blood goes one step further, providing fabulous results without the need for surgery! Dragon’s Blood contains the sap from the sangre-de-drago tree, a powerful ingredient which helps plump sagging skin while defining facial contours. It volumises the skin, filling out lines & wrinkles while improving elasticity for an instantly younger looking complexion! This fabulous new product is the new anti-ageing must have, it’s definitely my skincare pick for 2012 & it available
now!
05 January 2012
Top slimming tips!
Now the new year is here, I’m on a mission to lose those extra Christmas pounds and get my body in tip top condition! What better way to give my body a boost than with crash diet kit? I’ve been sipping on crash diet SMOOTHIE to replace my breakfast, mixed with almond milk it’s a protein injection that keeps me full until lunch. I’ve got a stash of crash diet STICKS in my handbag and am having one each day after lunch to help boost my metabolism & eliminate toxins – the perfect detox companion. Lastly, crash diet gel is ideal for sculpting, reducing cellulite & water retention. I’ve been using daily to improve tone! My other top tips for weight loss are to sip green tea which is packed with antioxidants and contains zero calories & to stay hydrated as thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger! Replace unhealthy snacks for fruit such as pink grapefruit & you’re on your way to a fabulous body!
03 January 2012
Happy new year!
After a fabulous break in New York spending time with friends & family, I’m back in action and raring to go! We all have new year’s resolutions and mine are to spend more time with loved ones, live life to the full and make this the best year yet for Rodial! We’ve already made a start on this with an amazing sale at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge! Until 14th January we have some to-die-for offers in this exclusive pop up shop including a snake mask & pen duo for only £60 & our brand new crash diet kit for £99 – everything you need to kickstart your new year beauty resolutions!
21 December 2011
Happy Holidays!
As we all depart for our Christmas breaks I just wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Holidays to everyone! It’s been a fantastic year at Rodial with some fabulous new launches & beauty events that have really made the year go with a bang. From our 2nd annual Rodial Beautiful Awards to the launch of our first lifestyle collection, Life&Style, 2011 has been an amazing year and that’s down to the support of our fabulous fans! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I will see you in 2012!
19 December 2011
Golden Globe nominations
I love awards season, it’s always something to look forward to after the Christmas period dies down. From the fabulous dresses & beauty looks to the award winners themselves, it’s always so exciting to see the A-List come together for so many fabulous events. This year I’m super excited for awards season to begin after seeing the Golden Globe nominations. Charlize Theron & Michelle Williams are tipped for big wins aswell as Jessica Chastain. With the ceremony on 15th January, it’s definitely going to get 2012 off to a bang!
15 December 2011
Karl Lagerfeld for Net-a-Porter
I was so excited to hear the news that Chanel’s head designer Karl Lagerfeld will be launching a new, affordable womenswear line! Every girl loves Chanel so this fabulous new range, simply titled Karl, is sure to a be a big hit! Exclusive to Net-a-Porter, this rock ‘n’ roll inspired collection will be made up of a number of different styles from classic black dresses to edgy jackets, vest tops & blazers. Black is the colour of choice with unique detailing a staple of the range; it's definitely going to be Winter's must-have. Due to go on sale in January, I can’t wait to get my hands on some of the fabulous pieces!
13 December 2011
5 days of Christmas!
Christmas is just around the corner and I’ve definitely got that holiday feeling! I’ve been so busy working that preparing for the festivities & buying presents can often take a back seat. I & the team at Rodial HQ realise that gift buying can often be a last minute dash & that’s why we have prepared a fabulous week of offers & gifts with purchase to make shopping that little bit easier & loads more fun! 5 Days of Christmas will be going on all week with a fabulous offer straight to your inbox each day! Sign up to our newsletter on our website to be the first to hear the offer of the day. Can you guess what the next one will be?
07 December 2011
Party fashion picks!
The party season is here & it’s my favourite time of year for fashion as I absolutely love picking fabulous outfits to wear! From a statement clutch and killer heels to that all important LBD, there’s nothing better than putting together a new wardrobe to make you feel great. This year, I’m coveting this beautiful Oscar de La Renta feather trimmed silk mesh dress for a little sparkle to make me feel a million dollars! Teamed with a pair of Louboutin’s, it’s my top pick for the party season! I’ll finish with a slick of glam balm LIP, my ultimate accessory for a gorgeous, glossy pout & I'm ready to party!
05 December 2011
Christmas shopping
I’ve been so busy with trips & meetings lately that I’ve hardly noticed the Holiday season is fast approaching. We’re already in December with a mere 20 days until the big day! I absolutely love Christmas shopping but can sometimes leave it to the last minute which is always a bit of a stress. Luckily, this year I have Rodial’s fabulous Life&Style range which make the perfect gifts for glamorous friends, stressed sisters or mums in need of relaxation. Available in three delicious scents, there is something for every personality! I’m much more of a giver than receiver but I wouldn’t say no to some jewellery or a Hermes scarf this year! Now I just need to decide what to get for my husband!
30 November 2011
Pan AM - my new TV obsession!
Sometimes it’s great to unwind in front of the TV and I just wanted to share with you my new TV must-see, Pan AM! I’m such a fan of Mad Men that when I saw this advertised earlier this year I knew I would absolutely love it! From the iconic 1960’s costumes to the retro glamour and hidden plot twists, it makes for perfect evening viewing and it’s only just started. With a talented cast including Christina Ricci, this has definitely become my guilty pleasure and I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
29 November 2011
British Fashion Awards
It was a fabulous evening for British style last night as the who’s who of fashion royalty rubbed shoulders at the British Fashion Awards! The A-List crowd including Olivia Palermo, Kate Moss & Alexa Chung gathered to celebrate an amazing year of achievements for the best of British fashion designers! Victoria Beckham scooped the top prize of Designer Brand of the Year while royal wedding dress designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen won Best Designer! I was delighted to hear that my good friend Mary Katrantzou was awarded the Emerging Talent Award for Ready to Wear, well deserved after an amazing year! There were some fabulous outfits on show and I absolutely loved Victoria Beckham’s draped halterneck black maxi dress, a simple chic gothic style which she worked to perfection!
23 November 2011
Perfect gifts for the Holidays
As December is fast approaching, we’re all on the lookout for the best gifts for all our loved ones this Christmas! This year, I’m so excited about our new Life&Style range! Available in three indulgent scents, there’s something to suit every girl on your gift list, from a party loving friend to your stressed out sister. First we have Lounge trio of mini candles, scented with vanilla & honeycomb, they create a haven of relation – ideal for someone in need of some me time. Next, our Rehab bathing balm with mini candle is perfect for washing away your stresses with a gorgeous honey milk & roasted almond scent. Lastly, our Socilaite range energises the senses with pink champagne & cassis and the gift set comes with a full size bathing balm & body soufflé – perfect for getting party ready the glamorous way! Which scent will be on your wishlist?
21 November 2011
Stress free travel tips!
I’ve been so busy travelling recently, fitting in trips to our suppliers and PR companies abroad before the Holidays that I wanted to share some of my travel de-stressing tips. With lots of people flying around the festive season, there are some great ways to make travelling seem as smooth and effortless as possible, while looking fabulous!
Firstly, I’ll be lighting a Lounge scented candle from our new Life&Style range, scented with vanilla & honeycomb this is the perfect way to relax pre-flight. For a mid-flight beauty check, I adore glam balm LIP, glam balm MUlTI & glam balm HAND, a trio of moisture-rich products which will keep skin hydrated and looking its best. For the ultimate in in-flight relaxation, a few drops of lavender oil on a silk pillow followed by a good book and easy-to-watch movie make the hours go by! Finally, keep all necessities in a stylish travel bag for travel ease at your fingertips!
17 November 2011
CLIC Sargent Fantasy Ball
I had a fabulous time at the annual CLIC Sargent Fantasy Ball last night! This glamorous event is held every year to raise money for the charity and attracts some amazing guests! Held in the beautiful setting of Embankment Gardens, the night had a masquerade ball theme which was pure fantasy. Everyone really played up to the theme and guests were adorned with beautiful masks and even more gorgeous gowns. It was such a wonderful evening and I had so much fun catching up with Melissa Odabash and Yasmin Mills and seeing all my friends at such a glamorous event!
16 November 2011
24 Hour party faves!
As the party season approaches, every woman wants to know about the best ways to keep their skin looking fabulous from day to night. Whether it’s an office party or drinks with girls, it seems there’s always an event to get to where preparation time is limited! I love glamoxy snake serum as a primer, it helps give skin that smooth finish instantly decreasing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps keep my make-up stay put! For a quick day to night look, a long wear eyeliner like Bobbi Brown’s will keep eyes looking glam and can be layered for a more dramatic evening look. Finish with a slick of red lipstick for understated glam or a rose pink blusher for a pop of colour! Add your favourite heels and voila, a party look that never fails to impress!
14 November 2011
Harpers Bazaar cover
I was flicking through my monthly subscriptions and came across the Harpers Bazaar December issue. It has an amazing cover which I absolutely adore! A throwback to the original supermodels of the 1990’s, it features a photo with Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, Helena Christensen and Yasmin Le Bon, all looking fabulous in black and showcasing their toned figures & endlessly long legs! This cover is in conjunction with a Duran Duran music video and is the first time Harpers has mixed music with fashion; (the photoshoot appears in the new Duran Duran video). Proving the original is often the best, the women certainly aren’t hanging up their modelling shoes yet! This is my favourite cover in a long time, it’s edgy & different!
08 November 2011
Bazaar Women of the Year Awards
Some of the world’s most talented and influential women descended on Claridges last night for the annual Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards! The A-list guest list included Natalia Vodianova, Florence Welch & Yasmin Le Bon who all dressed up in their finest for the occasion! Guests sipped on Russian Standard vodka cocktails and Laurent Perrier champagne in the beautiful setting of the Ballroom at the famous hotel. Metallic was the look of the night with guests Cara Delevigne, Amber Le Bon & Lily Cole all opting for shimmery shades and looking great! The evening was a huge success and it's such a great way to celebrate women in the UK in style!
07 November 2011
Victoria Beckham for Net-a-Porter
I’m such a huge fan of Victoria Beckham’s collections; her chic, wearable styles are perfect for the working woman! So I was thrilled to hear that VB has launched an exclusive capsule collection for Net-a-Porter which she has described as ‘chic, timeless and elegant.’ From colourful shifts to form fitting jersey dresses, Victoria captures the essence of today’s modern woman in this fabulous range! Available at Net-a-Porter now, I know what will be on my Holiday wishlist!