STOP PRESS: The Sloaney has moved!

The Sloaney is excited to announce that we have moved to a brand new website.  Thank you to all our readers for the tremendous support you have shown since we launched.

Visit the new home of The Sloaney by clicking here.  

Sloaney News: JuJu extends its opening hours for party season

The festive season is in full swing and JuJu London on the King’s Road has extended its opening hours to give you even more time to celebrate the Christmas cheer. Juju will be open for the next two Thursdays and Fridays until 4.30am.

The venue will also have these extended opening hours in place for New Year’s Eve, giving you even longer to sip cocktails and dance the night away. There is good news for Champagne lovers as Veuve Clicquot has just been announced as the new house champagne and for a limited time only JuJu will be offering bottles for just £44.95.  

Sloaney Getaways: Treat someone special and enjoy one of the world’s first environmentally conscious luxury hotels

If you are looking to spoil someone special with a luxury night in one of London’s hidden secrets, look no further than Hotel Rafayel. Located near to the city’s Heliport, this hotel is off the beaten track but offers spacious and contemporary rooms, with truly stunning views that overlook the River Thames.

Designed by architect James Burland, the hotel is encased within a unique and critically acclaimed steal, glass and timber building. Rafayel is one of the world’s first environmentally conscious luxury hotels and embraces cutting edge green technologies in order to minimise any impact on the environment.

Features such as LED lights and rainwater harvesting enable the hotel to reduce the carbon footprint of any guest by as much 20%. The eco-friendly policy does not compromise on quality, comfort or the exquisite service provided by staff.

The hotel has an opulent feel and the rooms are decadent, yet slick. A champagne bar overlooks the river and shares a similar calm and tranquil atmosphere that you experience in the spa. Tri-Enzyme is the premier facial treatment and offers a ground-breaking technique that resurfaces and smoothes skin. You can currently avail of a 50% discount on many of the treatments on the extensive spa menu. 

Special rates also mean you can indulge in a luxurious stay at a lower price than expected and although this hotel is tucked away from Central London, it is well worth a visit for a peaceful romantic evening.

Thames rooms offer panoramic views and are currently available for £230, reduced from £550. Mississippi rooms are currently available from £120 (reduced from £240). Reserve a room by contacting +44 (0)20 7801 3610 / or 3603

Sloaney Style: Chalet Chic

The Alps may not have received any snow yet, but those who have booked their winter ski holiday in Europe, or further afield, will be giving thought to their wardrobe. However, Chalet Chic is a trend that should not only be reserved for high altitude and as temperatures dip across the UK, this week’s Sloaney Style provides a great way to stay cosy and comfortable.

Create a classic base layer by teaming the elegant Michael Kors top (£419) with the ultra-comfortable skinny leg jodhpurs from the creators of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite jeans, J Brand (£275).

The poncho is big this season and offers an edgy alternative to the traditional winter coat. This cashmere and merino wool blend version by Clare Tough (£875) is guaranteed to keep you nice and warm with the cream fringe providing beautiful detail. The Canadian Fox Fur Hat (£219)from Harrods will further highlight this subtle feature of the poncho.

Finally, these pony hair and leather snow boots by Chloe (£345) are simply divine. They are the ultimate chic winter footwear and will also look fabulous when worn with tights. 

Sloaney Lifestyle: Fight the Christmas bulge with Anti Cellulite Leggings

December is nearly here and a month of sin lies ahead. The healthy eating plan may as well be torn up and thrown in the bin. After all, with Christmas comes parties and with parties comes champagne, mince pies, mulled wine... even the Christmas tree is adorned with miniature chocolate treats.

Here at The Sloaney HQ we don’t want to spoil this rare month of justifiable over indulgence by bleating on about the ultimate detox just yet. However, we have discovered a secret weapon that will help you tackle the festive season with fitness in mind.

Last week we tried Slim Anti Cellulite Leggings, which have been developed by Proskins. We are always slightly skeptical of products claiming to give your figure a quick fix and were impressed when this garment suggested long-term changes; that’s what we like to hear!

This revolutionary fitness wear is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite and counts Danni Minogue as an ardent fan. The leggings can be worn during your workout and the density of the fabric also allows for them to be worn as daytime apparel wear. They are extremely comfortable and feel like a second skin. Here’s hoping they help fight the Christmas bulge.

Full length leggings cost £50 and are available from the Proskins Website 

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Sloaney Beauty: Kill those wrinkles with snake venom

The Sloaney's Beauty Editor, Halle Carlson, discovers an impressive alternative to Botox... 

Ladies, let's face it… we’re getting older. And it shows. 
I have a love-hate relationship with the idea of Botox. When I am experiencing hostile feelings towards the cosmetic procedure, I find myself determinedly researching a safe and less invasive solution. After all, there must be some way of removing those pesky wrinkles on my forehead so I can join the moon faced beauty brigade.

The closest I have come to finding an effective alternative is Skin Chemists’ Wrinkle Killer Snake Serum. Skin Chemists is a London-based company that offers ethical and clinically proven products.

During the last month I have been lucky enough to test their premium Wrinkle Killer.

This serum promises the elixir of life; younger, smoother looking skin that maintains its elasticity, without appearing frozen. The active ingredient in Wrinkle Killer mimics the Temple Viper’s venom – naturally my eyes lit up when I read this, doesn't it sound a fierce weapon?

For the best results, Skin Chemists recommends using the serum twice a day as part of your daily skincare regime. I massaged a pea sized drop into the skin on my forehead, crow’s feet, and smile lines.

It provided instant satisfaction and within seconds I could feel results. My skin felt incredibly taut, yet I still had enough flexibility and movement to make expressions.

Over the course of the last month I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the appearance of wrinkles. Not only have they released and become less noticeable, but my skin has become softer, more flexible and it has an improved glow.

Skin Chemists Wrinkle Killer Snake Serum is available online: http://www.skinchemists.co.uk 
Price: £119

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Contact Sloaney Beauty: beauty@thesloaney.com

Sloaney Getaways: British luxury at the Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa

We continue our Sloaney Getaways series by exploring the very best of British luxury. The Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa in Surrey is situated within 123 acres of rolling parkland and the traditional country house is accompanied by one of the UK’s most prestigious spas.

What makes this retreat so appealing is that you can relax in beautiful countryside that is just 45 minutes away from central London. It is an ideal location for those wanting to enjoy a rural setting that is easily accessible from our capital. This hotel boasts award-winning dining, individually styled bedrooms and 45,000 square feet of pure spa heaven.

The Sloaney finds the ‘Martini and Manicure’ very appealing. You can gather your best girlfriends for a pre-Christmas spa day and unwind whilst your nails are prepared immaculately for the party season.

Those looking for a more extended stay before the festivities begin may want to take advantage of the ‘Sheer Sanctuary Sleep Over Spa’ package. Billed as the ultimate nuturing experience you can enjoy the Spa facilities and a blissful overnight stay in one the sumptuous rooms.

Martini and Manicure Day Spa: £130 per person

Sheer Sanctur Sleep Over Spa: Exclusive Suite available from £1585; other rooms starting at £420

Make a reservation by calling +44 (0) 1276 471774

Sloaney Style: You shall go to the ball

The festive season is brimming with cocktail parties but our favourite occasion is always a glamorous ball. Whether it is white or black tie, Sloaney Style has created an outfit that is rich with electrifying glamour and draws on this season’s key trends.

Gold has proven influential on the catwalks and you can give yourself the ultimate Midas touch with this sensational long dress by Diane Von Furstenberg (£1.279). The plunging V neckline has been showcased by a number of style icons recently and the sweeping Grecian style of this dress will guarantee you turn heads.

Gold can be a challenging colour to wear with an air of sophistication. Sloaney Style recommends avoiding the diamond route and any overt sparkle; instead accessorise with this delicate Aurora Lopez Mejia 18-karat gold necklace (£6,210).

Introduce some contrast and enjoy the much celebrated python trend by exhibiting an exotic influence with this envelope clutch (Reed Krakoff £1,115) and striking Yves Saint Laurent heels (£735). Arrive to the ball in style by wrapping up warm with the shearling stole from Donna Karan (£1,585).

Sloaney Fashion: The Sloaney’s Top 5 Most Influential British Siblings in Fashion

This month US Vogue announced the Olsen twins as the Best Dressed Women of 2011. Edgy and reactive choices positioned them ahead of the fashion pack and confirmed their originality. This year the sibling influence has never been more prominent and to recognise the force of family connections, The Sloaney has compiled a list of the Top 5 Most Influential British Siblings in Fashion.

Number 5

Savannah and Sienna Miller

Sienna and Savannah Miller have long been the focus of the spotlight. However, with a strong distaste for the paparazzi, Sienna is one of few to make a stand and took legal action against photo agency Big Pictures. She credits this decision with the heightened success of her acting career and an increased respect from high society movers. Her sister also shies away from the social spotlight, preferring a quiet life in the Gloucestershire countryside. Nevertheless, she is the brains behind label Twenty8Twelve and an established influence in the fashion world.

Number 4

Alex and Emma Watson

A similar retreat from the spotlight has earned Emma Watson credit. The Harry Potter star is now enrolled at Oxford University to complete her degree. One of few women to have a striking and delicate enough bone structure to carry off the shortest of crops, this actress has defied her age and experience by making a number of highly admirable fashion choices. The star was accompanied by her younger brother Alex in last year’s Burberry Campaign and the pair make for a dynamic style duo.

Number 3

Pippa and Kate Middleton

This year has been all about the Middletons. Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge in a Royal Wedding that was celebrated by the nation. Her style has been forensically observed and every detail analysed. With no obvious mistakes and her innate ability to mix high end with high street fashion, Catherine has pleased both the public and her critics more often than not. Pippa Middleton has been more daring with her choices; that red dress with a plunging neckline was hotter than our summer. Generally, both women earn praise for exhibiting classic tailoring and herald the return of traditional elegance.

Number 2

Cara and Poppy Delevingne

More accustomed to gracing the pages of Vogue than the daily press, the Delevigne sisters are stylish high society movers. The daughters of model Pandora, Poppy and Cara have both followed their mother into the industry and are on the books of Storm. They have appeared in numerous editorial shoots in recent years. Poppy is also a Chanel ambassador and quintessential British girl about town. A favourite of the Burberry campaigns, younger sister Cara cemented her position as an aspiring style icon when gracing the cover of the November issue of British Vogue.

Number 1

Lottie and Kate Moss

The number one spot in The Sloaney’s Top 5 Most Influential British Siblings in Fashion celebrates a remarkable career and an exciting future. Kate Moss is arguably one of the most powerful style icons in history and the model is a key influencer of trends. Needless to say, there was much excitement when her wedding heralded the emergence of a mini Kate. At the tender age of 13, Kate’s half sister Lottie Moss is currently being wrapped in cotton wool by Sarah Doukas - the agent who discovered Kate. Lottie has already completed a series of shoots and we look to the future with baited breath to see if she will emulate the remarkable career of her elder half sister.

Sloaney Beauty: The secret accessory that will turn heads during the Christmas party season

Beauty Editor, Halle Carlson, discovers an artistic beauty treat...

If you already have your Christmas party outfit planned to perfection but need to add a striking finishing touch, Sloaney Beauty has found the perfect accessory. Although eyelash extensions are not always synonymous with sophistication, PAPERSELF is a fresh and edgy range that is sure to draw the spotlight to your eyes for the right reasons.  

The Sloaney was won over by the brand at a recent catwalk show in The Club at The Ivy. Since their introduction to the beauty scene, PAPERSELF has made a dramatic impact in the industry and bring intricately cut patterns and pretty designs to your eyes. Although they are not for everyday wear, PAPERSELF lashes will give your party look a unique edge this season by transforming your eyelids into a work of art.

The first collection - inspired by 19^th century French silk bobbin lace - was showcased in the Victoria and Albert museum and displayed the intricately cut Lace Garden range. All of the subsequent collections are culturally infused and designed with beautiful story-telling details and symbolic meaning.

The lash designs feature visual aesthetics such as lace, birds, deer, peacock and horses. The attention to detail will leave admirers enthralled and this look is ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with playful trends.

PAPERSELF are available as individual or small lashes to accentuate the outer corners of your eyes. They are also available as regular, full-strip lashes for a more dramatic result. PAPERSELF lashes are available online at www.paperself.com

- Halle Carlson, Beauty Editor

Email your beauty news to beauty@thesloaney.com