How To

If you're tired of side plaits or even wraparound milkmaid braids, here's something you'll want to try instead: the cascading plait. It's part French plait, part regular plait, and part waterfall, but 100 percent impressive. And best of all, it's rather easy to do. Just start by spritzing the hair with a working spray to add texture and hold; Kristy White of Festoon Salon in San Francisco (the hairstylist responsible for creating this gorgeous plait) recommends Oribe Superfine (£16.50). To see close-up pictures, along with step-by-step instructions on getting the look, just keep reading for more.

With all of the mascaras and false lash products on the market these days, it's no wonder why women crave long, thick, lush lashes — yet how can we keep them in tip top form? Eyelash expert from Perfect Eyelashes, Agnes Dos Santos offers five tips on how to make the most of your natural lashes:

• 1: Thin or sparse lashes can be a result of a poor diet, age or misuse of product. Start by eating foods rich in Vitamin E (almonds , kale and sunflower seeds), Vitamin C (cauliflower, tomatoes and strawberries) and Vitamin H (soybeans, mushrooms and eggs) to encourage hair growth, restore moisture (which results in reduced breakage) and aid in collagen production.
• 2: For thicker and longer lashes, try applying coconut oil, Vitamin E or a mixture of rose water and honey directly to your eyelashes with a clean brush. Then, massage your coated lashes to help increase circulation.
• 3: Lash damage can occur from too much brushing, curling, using mascara that contains drying, or poor quality ingredients and by leaving your eye makeup on overnight. It's important to wash off your makeup with a gentle cleanser, use a moisturising mascara and be mindful of not overly touching or curling your fragile lashes.

I don't know about you, but my £89 Hunter Wellies were shiny and bright when I first bought them, but after a season stored in my closet, I took them out to find them covered in a white, waxy film otherwise known as "bloom". After using warm soapy water like many bloggers suggested, my poor wellies still looked tired and worn, so I searched and searched for the perfect solvent only to find a natural and inexpensive remedy right in my own kitchen cupboard.

Begin by wiping down your boots so they are free of dirt and must. Then apply a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil to a dry, soft cloth, and rub, rub rub until the white film disappears. Once you are finished, take another clean cloth and keep buffing until the oil is gone and all you are left with is a high shine. You can see the before and after photo above. Easy, breezy, peasy and best of all, you don't have to mess with buying any expensive UV products or solvents as suggested on the Hunter website.

Plaid is a staple Autumn print ripe for an update, and the Spring 2013 catwalks have certainly done just that. The resurgence of '90s grunge has seen the checkered style in firm favour, but this time with a twist thanks to clever print and fabric pairings. Dries Van Noten's show at Paris Fashion Week teamed plaid with sheer floaty florals, intricate embellishment and punchy metallics. Over at Milan Fashion Week, the Max Mara show teamed the Fall classic with leopard print resulting in a safari vibe, while the sheer styling was taken to the extreme at New York Fashion Week when Jill Stuart showed an ivory plaid three-quarter sleeve fitted dress. Shop my plaid pairings below and tell me how you'll bring a fresh twist to the print!