Espresso Yourself
Funky coffee chain Apostrophe have been brewing the perfect competition, called Espresso Yourself, for creative coffee fans. All you have to do is design a takeaway cup to launch in Apostrophe shops this November to be in with a chance of winning a year’s supply of free coffee from the store. What’s more, you’ll also bag £500 worth of supplies from Cass Art to encourage future creations. Once you’ve submitted your design, it will be posted on Facebook, where the public will choose their favourites. All you budding designers out there will then have a shot at being talent spotted by judges Emma Farrow, head of design at Topshop, Irene Bradbury, assistant di¬rector at London’s White Cube gallery and Kevin Curran, chief-executive-officer of Tri-star Packaging, who will be making the call on the final winner. To download the design template and find out more about the competition visit apostropheuk.com. Good luck!
Benetton make-over
The Benetton store at Oxford Circus has been given an eye-popping makeover, and they're inviting you to help them celebrate the new look at their shop warming party on 19 August. Pop in between 4 and 8pm and receive expert style advice before being photographed to star in a mock Benetton advert that will feature on the website and Facebook page. Snack on yummy aperitifs as you check out their new autumn/winter collection and make sure you're one of the first three hundred shoppers to a grab a goodie bag rammed with exciting treats including a bag, mug, perfume and an eye-mask... race ya!
Le geek, c'est chic!
Lady Geek is the online TV channel on a mission to help even the girliest of technophobes get the most from their mobiles by profiling three useful smartphone applications every week. This week's fashion episode is a fun guide to working it, as they trial a series of sartorial themed apps including a virtual personal stylist and a handy app which lists and reviews shops near your current location. But our favourite, the Touch Closet fulfils a fashion fantasy we've had since first watching Clueless, allowing us to store snaps of everything in our wardrobes and experiment with outfit combos. Ladies without a smartphone can enter Lady Geek's competition to bag one - all you have to do is ‘like' their Facebook page here, or follow them on Twitter here before the 6th August to be in with a chance of winning a Nokia C3.
Perfect fit
Whether you love the ease of shopping online, or couldn't face life without the in-store experience, luxury label GIVe by George Davies has introduced a unique new way to get your clothes fix, fast. GIVe's handy in-store touch screens allow you to view the full collection and the availability of each item instantly. And once you've tracked down exactly what you want, their made-to-measure service at stand-alone stores will tailor it to fit you perfectly. Even their concession stores at Beales are offering complimentary alterations.
Gnome where to be seen
Keep your eyes peeled this August for Links of London’s brightly coloured gnome mascots. The jewellery makers have hidden lots of the friendly garden folk around 7 major UK cities. If you are lucky enough to find one, take your photo with it and then show your picture in one the Links of London stores to collect a gorgeous reward. Among the prizes up for grabs will be their stunning autumn/winter 2010 friendship bracelets featuring hearts and skulls, or metallic and neon threads.
To help kick-start your search here’s a clue – they’re likely to show up near quintessentially British landmarks; think telephone boxes, parks and fountains. For more clues keep watching the Links of London website and Facebook page.
