LONDON, UK – Pop-up shops in some of the capitals trendiest shopping areas can offer jobseekers valuable work experience exposure, says reed.co.uk

As more and more high-street retailers continue to fall victim to higher rental and business costs in London’s most fashionable shopping areas, forcing multiple outlet closures, the number of temporary pop-up shops occupying the vacated space is seemingly on the rise. reed.co.uk, one of the UKs leading job sites, claim these temporary ventures are providing opportunities for jobseekers to gain relevant work experience exposure, especially if they wish to attain future retail or sales jobs in the capital.

Since the turmoil of the economic recession in 2008 heaved financial pressure on retailers, many of the UKs leading high-street brands have had to shut-up-shop in some of London’s most bustling shopping areas. Continual rises in costs have only added to the number of closures, however the vacated space has meant smaller, pop-up shops are now emerging across the capital; giving smaller traders the chance to benefit from higher levels of shopper traffic, even if it is for a limited time only.

With relevant experience highly sought after by prospective-employers, reed.co.uk say jobseekers, aiming to improve their chances of gaining jobs in London are now considering applying for work experience in pop-up shops; especially if, in the past, financial constraints have limited the time available to undertake unpaid placements.

The job site admits that one of the biggest barriers jobseekers face when undertaking work experience placements is financial sustainability- after-all most placements do not offer a wage or any sort of payment for work. However with pop-up shops only trading on a temporary basis (most are only typically open for a month at a time), reed.co.uk claim attaining work experience for such a short period of time is ideal for those unable to commit for greater lengths of time.

“Pop-up shops provide ideal opportunities for jobseekers to gain valued work experience, quickly. Not only can they gain great exposure to the retail industry as a whole, but they can see how smaller businesses can thrive in such a competitive environment,” said a spokesperson for reed.co.uk.

“However it’s not just small clothing retailers taking advantage of higher levels of shopping traffic- as you’d expect. Many restaurant owners, artists and top-brand designers, including Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, have also jumped at the chance to temporarily rent from previously vacated shops, so there are plenty of work experience opportunities in several career sectors.”

With pop-up shop venues set-up across London, most notably in Shoreditch, East London (Box Shoreditch- the world’s first pop-up mall), Carnaby Street and Camden, shop owners have exposure to some of the busiest shopping areas in the world.

Image Courtesy of  Kamira / Shutterstock.com

The article Work Experience Opportunities Opening all Over London appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Suzy Amis Cameron, founder of the Red Carpet Green Dress design contest, announced the winning dress and surprise actress who will wear the sustainable gown to the 84th Academy Awards.

Actress Missi Pyle, recently seen in the Academy Award nominated film “The Artist,” will wear a design by Valentina Delfino when she attends the 84th Academy Awards. Delfino – born in Venezuela and based in Miami – was among hundreds from around the world who submitted a sustainable dress design for the competition, which began last November.

“The Red Carpet Green Dress contest gives aspiring or established designers a chance to make a beautiful and sustainable gown that will be seen on the single most anticipated red carpet,” said Suzy Amis Cameron. “When the talented actress Missi Pyle steps onto the red carpet at the Academy Awards this Sunday, everyone will see why sustainable design can also be stunning design. Valentina Delfino has created an Oscar worthy dress, and I am thrilled Missi has joined us in creating an important fashion moment.”

Environmental advocate and wife of Director James Cameron, Suzy Amis Cameron started the Red Carpet Green Dress contest in 2009, during a non-stop red carpet bonanza she experienced while attending “Avatar” premieres, in which she wore countless dresses and began to understand the environmental footprint fashion can have on our planet. The experience helped her shape the global challenge, now in its third year, in which designers submit red carpet worthy designs made entirely of sustainable materials.

“All the world is watching this red carpet,” said actress Missi Pyle. ”And as artists, I believe it is our job to show the world that we not only care about creating incredible art, but that we are mindful of the fact that, in doing so, we can make something beautiful that is also sustainable. It is an incredible honor for me to walk the most glamorous red carpet in the world in such a stunning and meaningful dress.”

“This is a winning year for all involved in the Red Carpet Green Dress contest,” said Samata Angel, Red Carpet Green Dress Global Campaign Director.  ”We not only have a stunning garment from Valentina Delfino, but we have an actress who is part of an Oscar nominated ensemble. Missi Pyle is a talented artist whose commitment to sustainability extends to the red carpet. Her gown will shine both for its strong design, and for the important statement it makes about sustainable fashion.”

Red Carpet Green Dress benefits MUSE School CA and Global MUSE – a non-profit founded by Suzy Amis Cameron and her sister Rebecca Amis to provide resources to their partner schools around the world.  Their initiatives include assistance for basic school operations, curriculum development, and nutritious lunches for every student.

Partner Support

Red Carpet Green Dress has received support from notable partners around the world.

Missi will be wearing shoes designed by Christian Louboutin and accessories from Stella McCartney.

The dress itself was made under the guidance of award-winning designer Birgit Muller.

The Ambrose Hotel, Santa Monica’s only award-winning sustainable boutique hotel, will host winning designer Valentina Delfino. The Ambrose’s green values are the perfect compliment for the Red Carpet Green Dress contest.

Zem Joaquin, Founder & CEO of Ecofabulous.com, has supported Red Carpet Green Dress and assisted in the selection of the winning garment.

Cradle to Cradle and the Natural Resources Defense Council have worked in partnership with Red Carpet Green Dress to ensure the final design is sustainably created.

Eco fashion is a growing trend and movement among red carpet regulars, including Livia Firth and Viola Davis.

About the Winning Design

The gown will contain silk peace chiffon, lined with recycled polyester and a sustainable zipper located on the left side seam. The silk chiffon will be dyed with a natural mineral dye, which is both environmentally friendly and OSHA approved.

Peace Silk (or Cruelty–Free Silk) is the non-violent silk created through the process that permits the full life cycle of the silkworm pupae. The silkworm is able to emerge naturally and only then the cocoons are unwound.  On the contrary, the traditional sericulture approach kills the worm inside. This is done through the process of heat or steam, in order to keep the pupa from breaking through the cocoon – causing numerous threads rather than having a single fiber.

For more information, visit redcarpetgreendress.com

Image Courtesy of   Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

The article Missi Pyle to Wear the Red Carpet Green Dress Winning Sustainable Gown appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Fashion Designer Stella McCartney celebrated her 40^th birthday surrounded by her famous friends at a party in London last week. McCarney showed up in a sparkling blue-sequined dress of her own design, her hair pulled back into a simple bun and her skin glowing. The entire look was very modern and elegant.

Stella McCartney is the daughter of famous former Beatles Sir Paul McCartney. She was born and raised in London. Although being only 40 this year, Stella is a well-recognized and honored fashion designer.

Her achievements are in fashion and social awareness and have been proven in the following awards: the Woman of Courage Award for work against cancer at the prestigious Unforgettable Evening event (2003, LA), the Star Honoree at the Fashion Group International Night of the Stars (2004, NY), the Organic Style Woman of the Year Award (2005, NY), the Green Designer of the Year at the ACE Awards (2008, NY) and many others.

In 2009, she was honored by the NRDC, featured in the Time 100 and recognized as a Glamour magazine Woman of the Year. Stella is a lifelong vegetarian and does not use any leather or fur in her designs. Her collections include women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, eyewear, fragrance and organic skincare.

Recently McCartney has opened 15 freestanding stores in prime locations including Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, London’s Mayfair, LA’s West Hollywood, Paris’ Palais Royal and in Milan, as well as opening doors in Beirut, Las Vegas and Rome. Her collections are now distributed in over 50 countries through 600 wholesale accounts including specialty shops and department stores.

Being a top fashion designer to celebrities, it was no surprise that Stella’s party had an impressive guest list. According to the Daily Mail UK, among the celebrities who accompanied Stella’s birthday fun were model Kate Moss, actress Kate Hudson who arrived with her partner and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy and Gwyneth Paltrow.

One of the guests of honor was Sir Paul McCartney, Stella’s father who arrived with his fiancée Nancy Sheval. Other guests included U2 frontman Bono who showed up with his wife Alison Hewson, actress Jamie Winstone, actor Alfie Allen, singer Sharleen Spiteri and designer Tom Ford.

It wasn’t just Stella who proved that maturing women can still be attractive and stylish. Looking at the photos from Stella’s birthday party available on dailymail.co.uk, beautiful women such as Rachel Weisz said that turning forty was “so not a major milestone.”

The all-night birthday party took place at the Asprey House in Wellington Arch and ended with an after-party at the Groucho Club in Soho according to Daily Mail UK. There may be more partying time in Stella’s McCartney future, because she’s set to show her spring 2012 designs on October 3 during Fashion Week in Paris.

 
Simon James / Shutterstock.com

The article Stella McCartney’s at 40 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Toss aside your black skintight “yoga” pants and skinny jeans and make room for some red.  The color red — more specifically red pants — is all the rage on the runways and in the streets.  This trend might cause your fashion warning bell to sound, but don’t fret, if designers like Riccardo Tisci, Adam Lippes and the designers of the French fashion house Chloé can design it, you can wear it!

Red pants might sounds dramatic, bold and a bit too colorful for daily wear, but if done correctly, you will soon consider your new red pants to be a fashion staple in your Spring ’11 wardrobe.  When wearing red pants, don’t feel limited within fits.  A wide-legged pair of red jeans will make just as bold a statement as a pair of red skinny jeans.  Keep in mind, the wide-legged fit is in this season so not only will your legs thank you for the breathing room, but you can sport two fashion trends at once.

Diesel has a pair of “extremely ripped” red skinny jeans for those who like the pre-worn look.  The pants, covered in tears, are selling for about $233.  I’d suggest pairing this, or any of the red skinny jeans you find, with neutral or black heels and a plain black top.

Stella McCartney, daughter of the legendary Paul McCartney, is the designer of a cruelty-free line of clothing that is made with alternative materials like vinyl, cork and plastic.  Her collection includes a pair of flared, wide-leg, four pocket red jeans that are adorable to say the least.  The color red chosen is non offensive and the material is composed of 98% cotton and 2% elastane which creates a very comfortable fit.

If your out on the town shopping, or sitting in your pajamas e-shopping, hop over to Bergdorf Goodman and check out the Piazza Sempione collection.  While you should check out the complete collection, available on the Bergdorf Goodman website, pay attention to the red audrey side-zip capri pants.  The pants have a casual fit — straight leg and cropped mid-calf.  It is composed of cotton/Lycra.  The website chose to pair the red capri pants with a loose-fitting white tunic from the same collection.  The ribbon-front menswear style tunic is a perfect match for the red capris and creates a daywear look that is perfectly oriented for the springtime.  Bergdorf is selling these stylish pants for $365.

Need the pants straight from the high-end designers?  A luxurious pair of Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci red pants is a must-have if you have $825 to spend.  Even though the pants originated out of the Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection, they are an excellent choice and fit right in to the trends of this spring.

If you fear red pants, work your way up from your feet.  Try on a pair of a red shoes, a necessity for every girl.  Rock & Republic has an amazing collection of fabulous heels, including the Landan in red.  This is a high heel platform lace up bootie made of 100% suede leather.  The heels, at $375, are a bit pricey but worth every cent.  You can also spice up your wardrobe with Rock & Republic’s Habanero in red heel.  It is a round tow platform high heel made of 100% leather.

For the budget-friendly fashionistas, I suggest Carlos by Carlos Santana regent bootie offered at DSW.  This heel is a not-too-bright color red with a pleated synthetic upper with cut outs.  These must-haves are only $59.95.  DSW has a wide collection of red shoes at affordable prices.  If you find a pair of red satin shoes, you’ll hit on yet another style trend of the year: satin shoes.

Don’t feel shy when it comes to red.  Admittedly a bold color, red is a great way to show your confidence in a stylish, head-turning way.

The article Little Red Riding… Pants? appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.