WANTED - Deluxe Leather Rubik's Cube

Leather Rubik's Cube - Harrods - £189

Every now and again you come across an object that you have absolutely no need for, but that you want badly, regardless. This is one such item, a leather and nickel trim rubik's cube that doubles up as a stylish paperweight, although I am yet to come across someone who needs a paperweight if we are all honest.

A hefty price tag indeed, but I am sure plenty would pay for this modern take on the retro classic. Perhaps reserved for the man who has everything.

FRAGRANCE - Fuel for Life by Diesel

Take it from me gentlemen, if you want the to be inundated with admirers, then you have to smell good. As a woman, it is very high on my list of must haves when it comes to the man in my life.

If your fragrance of choice has not changed for a while, and could do with updating then try Fuel for Life by Diesel. The brand's newest scent is strong and sexy, with notes of raspberry, star anise and heliotrope. It might make you feel more alive and free your imagination as the slogan would suggest, but more than likely, it will just make you feel better and more confident. This scent is definitely my current favourite.

Visit the Fuel for Life website for more info, or visit Boots.com to buy.

WEBSITE - Discover a World of Fragrance

Roja Dove, the world’s only Professeur de Pafurms, knows a thing or two about fragrance, and has launched a new website in conjunction with travel retailer, World Duty Free. The idea is simple, www.discoverfragrance.co.uk promises to find you the perfect fragrance to suit you, and your destination.

Simply input where you are going in the world and whether you are travelling for business, romance or simply pleasure and you’ll receive a Roja recommendation of a selection of fragrances that will be the perfect accompaniment for your trip.

Just as your travel wardrobe should differ for a business trip to New York as it would for a romantic break in Paris, your fragrance choice can differ too - and according to Roja this is where most of us miss a trick. Just as you wouldn’t pack a little black dress for board room meetings in New York or a business suit for a beach break in Sydney, Roja advises you to apply the same thinking to your fragrance to help you effortlessly blend in.

Roja Dove began his career with the renowned French fragrance house Guerlain and has since gone on to launch his own perfumery, The Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie at Harrods. Roja reveals,

“I have travelled the world with my work and I am constantly surprised about how many people choose the wrong fragrance for themselves. To ensure success, the key is to be as savvy about your choice of fragrance as you would about everything else you would choose to put in your suitcase. “

CONTEST - Design Clothes for Skins 3

Skins 3 is coming soon, and the Skins creators are looking for some bright young things to help them with a very special project. They’ll be creating an online mini episode of Skins that will feature some of the series 3 cast. There are four very important behind the scenes roles that still need to be filled, and one of these is a costume designer.

The mini episode will be screened online in 2009. Entrants need to be between 18 and 23 years old and UK based. The closing date for all four competitions is Tuesday December 9th at 6pm.

COSTUME DESIGNERS!

Skins are looking for a costume designer to lead the costume design for the mini episode and style and/or design costumes for the Skins cast.

If you’re chosen for this amazing opportunity, you will be involved in the process from day one. You will attend the set of Skins series 3 for a week where you will get to meet the Skins costume designer and pick up valuable experience.

You will then meet up with the Skins team during the planning and designing period. Don’t worry if this is all new to you – Skins prides itself on spotting and nurturing new talent, and will be there to support you every step of the way. Filming will take place over four days and you will attend the full shoot to witness filming and make any final tweaks to the costumes.

Entrants need to pick a character from two choices provided on e4.com and design their costume. For full details and to enter CLICK HERE.

GIFTS - Rupert Penry-Jones Wish List

Stuck for ideas on Christmas gifts? Travelling soon? British actor, Rupert Penry-Jones, best known as Adam Carter in MI5-inspired TV series, Spooks, has revealed to BAA the must-have items he will be investigating this festive season.

BAA has just launched an online gift wish list service - www.airportgiftlist.co.uk – anyone who feels their loved ones need a little help when it comes to selecting just the right present can create a wish list which can be accessed by or emailed to whoever they choose. Gift givers then have the comfort of not only knowing they have got it just right but also that they can pick up the items at airport prices as they travel through.

Rupert's recommendations should make present buying a smooth operation this year. On the ‘For Him’ list Rupert singled out a beautiful Mont Blanc classique pen which he said would make his wife very jealous! He cited the cold temperatures actors face on night shoots and, as such, slipped a Fat Face winter warmer hip flask on to this list.

Dior Homme - £28.80

His other favourite items on this list included Dior Homme aftershave and the latest Jeremy Clarkson book. For his wider list Rupert went straight for the gadgets as every good spy should, excitedly picking out a Sony PSP, the new iPod Nano, a Porsche DAB radio and the Myvu personal media viewer all from Dixons.

Free to set up, users can create up to six personal lists and every list created enters the user into a free prize draw to win their list up to the value of £2,000. To start building your gift list visit www.airportgiftlist.co.uk

STYLE - Top 10 Most Stylish Men

Handbag.com have compiled a list of 10 celebrities who win in the style stakes and who also have the ladies simply falling at their feet. If you need some inspiration, then this bunch should provide it. Whether you like the smart and sophisticated look, or scruffy chic, there is a celebrity ambassador for the trend.

Josh Hartnett

Handbag.com says - Despite looking younger than his 30 years, Hollywood's latest chick magnet has worked his way through some of the world's most beautiful women including Gisele Bundchen, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Kirsten Dunst and Helena Christensen. Hartnett, who normally sports ‘bed hair' and stubble, scrubs up a treat as the ‘face' of the new Giorgio Armani Diamonds for Men campaign, shot by Mario Testino.

Danny Cipriani

Handbag.com says - Still only 20, despite spending a lifetime in various sporting academies, his effervescent charm, smile and Latin looks set to ensure a paparazzi-fuelled future even when he hangs up his boots. The tabloids are comparing Cipriani's Ultimo campaign shots with Emporio Armani underwear pin-up David Beckham in what they are calling, ‘the battle of the bulge.' Golly!

Click here to view the full gallery over at Handbag.com

CELEBRITIES - Gucci & UNICEF Unite

On November 19th, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and Grammy winning artist Rihanna lit the UNICEF Snowflake in New York City, At 23 feet in diameter, over 28 feet in height and weighing 3,300 pounds, the UNICEF Snowflake is the largest outdoor chandelier of its kind. It’s adorned with 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms and has become an iconic fixture during the holiday season as a reminder of UNICEF’s commitment to do whatever it takes to save a child.

Following the lighting there was a cocktail party in the Gucci Fifth Avenue flagship store to celebrate the launch of the tattoo heart bag collection to Benefit UNICEF. Check out what the gents were wearing as they sauntered down the red carpet...

Neyo opted for a classic grey suit fitting of the occasion.




Timberland showed up wearing black and white, although I must say I am not the biggest fan of white trousers with black shoes...



Adrian Grenier's laid back black suit and white shirt were perfect for the occasion. Looking effortlessly smart.

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GROOMING - Mineral Rich Skincare at DSH

The Dead Sea has long been known for providing us with ingredients perfect for keeping our skin looking great and healthy. Dead Sea Healthcare knows this and has made sure its men's grooming range makes full use of the concentrated minerals that the Dead Sea is famed for.

In the range you will find Hand Repair Cream, Anti-Wrinkle Cream and Aftershave Balm. Also included are the products that I put to the test;

Hair & Body Shampoo - £4.99

This clean scented, multi-purpose product is ideal for men in a rush who want a 'one does all' product that won't leave skin feeling dry. This gel is refreshing and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I love the fact that this is neutrally scented as it leaves a blank canvas upon which to apply your favorite scent or aftershave.

Facial Scrub - £4.99

I am a firm believer in the importance of a good face scrub. Men especially can suffer from dry and flaky skin, often caused by shaving. Give your skin a boost at least a couple of times each week to stimulate circulation and revitalise a dull complexion. This scrub contains green tea extract and micro beads which won't feel harsh on your skin, but exfoliate gently to reveal fresh, smooth and youthful looking skin.

You can purchase Dead Sea Healthcare products in Waitrose and can feel at ease that the products have all been dermatologically tested.

DRINK - Glacéau Vitaminwater...How Refreshing!

Do you spend all day rushing around only to fall in a heap by dinner time? Perhaps you need a way to refuel and fill your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Glacéau Vitaminwater is an active lifestyle drink from New York and you can now get it here in the UK. There are 6 flavours to try, each made with spring water and a combination of vitamins to give you a boost when you need it most.

Naturally, I decided it was best to put them to the test and report my findings to The Style PA readers.

Power-C - dragonfruit (c+b's)
This was the panel's definite favourite. A great flavour that just makes you want to drink more and more. The vitamins are an added bonus to help you feel a bit more 'on the ball'.

Essential - orange-orange (c+calcium)
This is great as an alernative to your usual breakfast drink to help kick start your day. The orange is subtle but pleasant enough. Smokers will benefit from the hit of vitamin c to replace lost nutrients.

Spark - tropical citrus (b+guarana)
My tester loved this flavour, as it is really fresh and zingy. This one has natural caffeine and guarana so would suit a gym goer who needs some fuel for a good workout.

Multi-V - lemonade (b+zinc)
The lemonade vitamin water was pretty subtle, so if you are not much a a fruit fan then this is the one for you. It also has various vitamins in so is a good all round drink to pep you up.

Revive - fruit punch (b+potassium)
A really tasty and refreshing flavour perfect for a morning or lunchtime pick me up. A great alternative to a glass of 'nutrient empty' squash

Defence - raspberry-apple (c+zinc)
Feeling under the weather? This one is perfect for you. Essential vitamin c packed in a comforting apple and raspberry drink. Forget Lucozade and get some nutrients and the water that your body requires to help flush out those nasties.

The drinks are best enjoyed straight from the fridge, or in a glass with ice. Remember though that these are designed to give you a boost so watch the sugar content. One bottle a day should be all you need to get a body and mind boost. Swap you calorific soft drinks and energy drinks for a Vitaminwater and feel the benefit. Even 50 Cent is grabbing a piece of the action (watch the advert below)

50 Cent Vitamin Water Commercial - The best bloopers are a click away

TIPS - Run it Right Marathon Tricks

Photo Credit: archivalproject on Flickr.com

Anyone thinking of running a spring marathon has probably already started training hard, but are you doing things right?

NYC podiatrist Dr. Johanna Youner is one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country. She leads the well-known practice, Park Avenue Podiatric Associates. Here are her tips to keep feet in tip-top shape and for feeling like a champion at the finish line:

• Stretching – Stretching primes the body for strenuous activity so be sure to stretch before and after running, paying special attention to the calves, hamstrings, quads and feet

• Shoes – Invest in a good pair of running shoes as they provide the specific impact support that running demands; if feet sweat heavily try putting talcum powder in your shoes to keep feet dry

• Orthodics – If you have arch or heel pain, you may be a perfect candidate for orthodics, which are now widely available in over-the-counter varieties; visit your doctor to learn what option is best for you

• Socks – Cotton socks absorb moisture and what you don’t want during the marathon are wet socks; opt instead for a synthetic sock (containing acrylic) to help keep moisture from your skin thus reducing the likelihood of a fungal growth. Another secret of the pros is to avoid situating the seams in a place where the shoe is tight – the pressure can force the seam to dig into the skin causing pain and blistering
  

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Do not preemptively pop Advil to prevent aches that may arise during the race; pain is a valuable indicator during high-impact events and taking anti-inflammatory medications will mask any red flags the foot sends up during the race

• Groom Toenails – Make sure your toenails are trimmed to no longer than the tip of toes before the race to avoid a painful ingrown toenail or even a fungal nail

• Blisters – Blisters result from excessive friction between shoes and feet so take preventative steps by making sure shoes fit properly and are laced up to fit snugly; if you are prone to blisters, apply Vaseline to problem areas prior to your run or try padded “blister proof” socks like those made by Thorlo. Dr. Youner also suggests applying moleskin to problem areas also prevents blisters from forming

• Finish Line – When the race is complete, Dr. Youner prescribes RICE: Rest your feet, Ice feet to keep inflammation and swelling down, Compress with ACE wraps to reduce swelling and Elevate feet to help them rest up for the next big run.

DIET - British Men Diet More Than Women

Photo Credit: djbones on Flickr.com

Research has found that for the first time, British men have overtaken women with regards to the amount of people ‘dieting’, with four fifths of men dieting in the last 6 months as opposed to three quarters of women.

Recent research of 1,618 has shown that British men are now more likely to diet compared to their female counterparts.

When asked ‘have you been on a diet in the last 6 months?’ a high amount of women answered positively (76%), but surprisingly, 81% of men said that they had dieted to improve either their health or appearance in the same time frame.

The main reason for the increase in men dieting is ‘supplementation’, according to leading sports nutrition site www.myprotein.co.uk, who commissioned the research, suggesting that protein and creatine supplements designed to improve your appearance by aiding your muscular growth and recovery are behind the surge.

Oliver Cookson, Managing Director of myprotein.co.uk said;

'Obesity is an issue that affects millions of people in the UK; one that the media place particular emphasis on, which seems to be encouraging the British public to do something about it, whether for health or appearance benefits'

PARTY - Get Lippy Website Re-Launch

The Benefit Ladies with BB's Dale and Stuart

I went off to the launch party last night, for the re-vamped GetLippy.com website, the online face of Company Magazine. Cosmos were served in a trendy club in London with a light up, glass dance floor. I took along a pal to scout out some celebs and check out what the guests were all wearing. It seemed our celebrity revelers prefer the jeans and monochrome t-shirt look. Teamed with perfectly groomed hair and I definitely saw a little bit of eyeliner.

Stuart and Dale from this year's Big Brother were having fun mingling with the ladies and Stuart seemed particularly impressed with the benefit cosmetics that were available for guests to try. He was also wearing a deep V neck Tee, a big trend for men this coming spring.

Party Gossip from www.getlippy.com

• Make up wearing Big Brother star Stuart Pilkington exclusively revealed that he is releasing his own men's make up range at the beginning of next year.
  

• Dale Howard of Big Brother fame was stood up by his supposed new girlfriend, Naomi Millbank Smith (from shipwrecked) and spent most of the evening texting and on the phone! Is someone a little loved up? Dale Howard also told Get Lippy that he will be bringing out his own aftershave by the end of the year!

• Another confident young man enjoying the party was Adam Child (Shipwrecked) who turned up without socks on. He must think he is still on a desert island!

All Images copyright James Naylor / jamesnaylor.com

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KNITWEAR - Sea Island Cotton Jumper

Sea Island Cotton Jumper - Marks & Spencer -£69

A well informed friend of mine was obsessed with M&S Jumpers and used to buy them in every available colour. When you find something that great, you may as well stick with it.

This autograph jumper is made from sea island cotton, which is one of the rarest forms in the world. This fabric boasts the softness of cashmere with the durability of wool making it an investment option. It can even be machine washed making it easy to care for too.

WEBSITE - Topman Gets a Revamp

www.topman.co.uk

Topman has unveiled it's newly redesigned UK and US websites.

The new website has a number features designed to improve your online shopping experience. These include new music playlists that can be streamed as you shop. The new Topman blog is regularly updated with news of competitions, interviews and answers to customers fashion queries.

Topman has also introduced a Top Jeans feature, allowing customers to view the full range of jeans available online, including worker, bootcut, twister and skinny styles. The jeans can be seen from every angle before being purchased and this feature also explains the benefit of each style of jean and other products to wear with them. Great if you need some advice.

In a similar vein, customers can visit the Tee Room which displays Topman's new range of basic t-shirts including vest, baseball and crew styles of tee.

The new Topman UK and US websites are live online now.

WINNER - Cowshed Bullocks Goodies

CONGRATULATIONS

I am pleased to announce that Danny Saxby is the lucky winner of £30 worth of Cowshed men's grooming products.

To be kept informed about any forthcoming competitions, please join the Google group. Just enter your email into the box provided on the right hand side of this page.

WEB - Connect with The Style PA

Photo Credit: unloveable on Flickr.com

Did you know there are lots of ways to connect with me? Social networks are a big part of most people's lives these days and I would love to find out more about my readers. Come and visit me at the websites below.

• Get Lippy

Get Lippy has just been relaunched and is better than ever. Brought to you by Company magazine, you will be able to catch up with all the latest gossip and chat in the forums.

• Linked In
• Myspace

I would love to hear from other web workers or those working within the marketing industry. Let me know what you are working on right now.

• Flickr
• Photrade - Buy photos

Photography is another hobby of mine. Check out my images on Photrade. You can purchase prints or rights for publishing online. You may also be interested in showcasing and selling your own work.

• Style Hive
• IQONS Fashion Community
• My It Things
• Fashion Space

Fashion and style communities for fashionistas like me.

• Plurk
• Twitter

Get some behind the scenes insight into what I get up to from day to day.

TIPS - Get the Deep V-Neck Right

Photo Credit: ie. quezada on Flickr.com

Neil Barrett S/S 2009 (Milan)

Deep V necks have been all over the catwalk recently and will definitely be in all your favourite shops in Spring 2009 but it is a difficult look to master, especially if you don't have the right body type. This look works best on slim men, with little or no chest hair. But if you don't fit that category don't worry as you can still wear a deep V, just in a different way.

• The easiest way to wear the deep V is in a cardigan or light knit with a round neck t-shirt underneath as this ASOS model demonstrates.

Cold Method Merino V - ASOS - £85

• Another fail safe is to layer your low neckline with a higher necked tee underneath. This is great as a transition as weather starts to warm up closer to spring too. Make sure they are in different colours and that both are fairly lightweight fabrics.

• There are very few people who can get away with a deep v-neck T with nothing underneath, even models and celebrities are not immune to Deep V danger. This is how not to do it...

Sheer Jersey Deep V-Neck - American Apparel -$22

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