Whilst a subtle faux glow (when done properly) can be equally as beautiful, nothing makes you blend into the crowd like an olive, sun kissed skin tone. The best way to stand out this summer is to do the opposite of what everybody else is doing, so take a leaf out of the celebs’ book and ditch that fake tan in favour of some serious SPF!

When it comes to protecting your face, nothing prevents sun damage quite like Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Triple Shield SPF 50 (£60). It’s perfect for under make-up, so it’s great for city breaks, but it also works just as well worn alone, meaning you can throw it in your suitcase before jetting off for a beach holiday. It protects against UVA, UVB and even Infrared-A radiation (which causes ageing in the skin) so you can rest assured that your skin is well and truly safe from the sun when you’re out and about.

Wearing a high SPF if you’re naturally fair will ensure you don’t damage your beautifully pale skin, meaning you can take a leaf out of Taylor Swift’s book and embrace it this summer! If you take extra care to look after your skin in the sun, you’ll also reduce the likelihood of developing wrinkles early, meaning you’ll stay looking younger for longer whilst all your tan-a-holic friends look ten years older than they really are!

Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Triple Shield SPF 50 is available at John Lewis, Boots and feelunique.com, priced at £60.

LouLou’s, London

(10/02/13) Bradley Cooper, Alice Eve, Gemma Arterton, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams,

(12/02/13) Lily Cooper, Prince Andrew, Jemima Khan,

(18/02/13) Michelle Dockery

(20/03/13) Uma Thurman

(21/03/13) Margo Stilley

(27/03/13) Simon Cowell, Sinitta, David Walliams

Mahiki, London

(04/02/2013) Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt
(07/02/2013) Rita Ora, Caroline Flack, Laura Whitmore, Jack Whitehall
(09/02/13) Samantha Faiers, Mario Falcone, Billie Faiers, Lauren Goodger, Lauren Pope

(12/02/13) Ashley Roberts

(15/02/13) Frankie Sandford, Wayne Bridge

(28/02/13) Little Mix

The Rose Club, London

(15/02/13) Vanessa White, Una Healy

(16/02/13) Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos,

(15/03/13) George Lineker, NeYo, Conor Maynard,

(16/03/13) Alex Gerrard, Sheree Murphy

(22/03/13) Tom Pearce, Pixie Lott,

The Box, London

(06/02/13) Sheridan Smith, Caroline Flack, Laura Whitmore, Eliza Doolittle, Mark Ronson, Luke Evans

(16/02/13) Rihanna, Care Delevingne, Melissa Forde, Rosie Fortescue

(17/02/13) Harry Styles

The Club at The Ivy, London

(09/02/2013) Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Chris Martin,

Annabels, London

(05/02/2013) Mischa Barton, David Gandy, Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, Laura Whitmore, Oliver Cheshire
(09/02/2013) Kelly Brook, Danny Cipriani

(12/02/13) Kelly Brook

(11/03/13) Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn,

Mayfair Club, London

(09/02/2013) Chloe Sims, Frankie Essex

Angels Nightclub, London

(07/02/2013) Peter Stringfellow, Chris Quentin, Vanessa Feltz, James Whale, Nick Ferrari, Faye Maschler, Rick Sky

Duchess of Kent Pub, London

(10/02/13) Danny Cipriani, Kelly Brook

The Arts Club, London

(15/02/13) Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Mezhgan Hussainy, Sinnitta

(20/02/13) Rita Ora, Simon Cowell, Labyrinth, Harry Styles

(16/03/13) Penny Lancaster, Rod Stewart,

(25/03/13) Chrissy Teigen, John Legend,

Whisky Mist, London

(23/02/13) Alexandra Burke,

(03/03/13) Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding, Conor Maynard, Jason Bell, Gavin Henson,

Amika Nightclub, London

(19/02/13) Will.i.am, Justin Bieber, Tom Parker, Nathan Sykes, Spencer Matthews,

(01/03/13) Leigh-Anne Pinnock

(8/03/13) Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jessie J, Jordan Kiffin,

(24/03/13) The Saturdays, Myleene Klass,

The Savoy, London

(20/02/13) Kate Hudson, Matt Bellamy, Harry Styles, Nick Grimshaw, Mark Ronson, Tamara Ecclestone, Holly Willoughby,

(03/03/13) Mel C, Danielle O’Hara, Michelle Heaton, Roxanne Pallett, Rylan Clark, Louis Smith, Denise Van Outen, Lydia Bright, Amy Childs, Jennifer Ellison, Arlene Phillips,

(07/03/13) Caroline Flack, Shingai Shoniwa, Matt Di Angelo,

(20/03/13) Russell Brand, Zara Martin

(21/03/13) Kimberly Wyatt, Kimberley Garner, Dave Berry

Have you spotted a celeb recently? Click here to take a look at our map of celeb spotteds and make sure that on your next night out you’re living like a VIP at the hottest clubs with the hottest people. Don’t forget to add any celebs that you’ve spotted to the map!

We’ve had New York, and now it is time for London’s very finest fashionistas to don their Mulberry bags and throw on their Louboutin shoes as London fashion week kicked off this weekend. We’ve seen Sass&Bide, Eudon Choi and Vivienne Westwood hit the catwalk with their SS13 collections and we have loved every minute of it.

This week we will be taking you through our favourite shows and who was on the FROW:

Vivienne Westwood SS13

Queen of the catwalk and designer of all things figure hugging and feminine, Vivienne Westwood took to the catwalk at her SS13 show yesterday afternoon at the Foreign Commonwealth Office. The British designer who cuts dresses to fit real women’s figures (think Christina Hendricks in Mad Men), was back with a bang, although we think Viv looked like an angry pirate walking that catwalk!

The fashion…

With pretty floral prints replacing Viv’s usual tartan, it looks as though Westwood has come over all girly chic.

Loved the Mad Men inspired dresses – we wonder if we could pull Don Draper in this beauty.

Super skimpy playsuits are back, but we are not sure about the face painting though.

The celebs…

Jo Wood and Lady Victoria Hervey were seen on the front row admiring the designers new collection. We were loving Vic’s green dress and calf high boots – but sadly Jo’s glittery leather flared trousers failed to hit the fashion mark. Please take some inspiration from Viv!

Topshop Unique

Topshop owner Sir Philip Green was kept company throughout the show by daughter Chloe, son Brandon and British Vogue’s Editor, Alexandra Shulman. We can see why Phil and Alexandra had big grins on their faces – not only was the collection to die for, the celebrities were all out in force to support the high street brand.

The fashion…

Nude colours dominated the show, with easy flowing fabrics – we’re happy the one shouldered look is back.

The collection has a more mature edge this season, with pastels and black and white colours featuring heavily in the collection. We are loving that leather inspired crop top – we must have this now.

The celebs…

Fashionista Olivia Palmero looked interesting in an explosion of colours and prints – the patterned crop trousers are beautiful. We wish we had the pins to carry this off -personal training sessions here we come.

Nicola Roberts didn’t look like her fashion forward self in this velour style jumpsuit – shapeless and bland. Come on Nic, you can do better.

90210 star Shenae Grimes and totally hot boyfriend Josh Beech sat on the front row looking very loved up. The cute couple flew into town especially for LFW, but said they are going to do some sightseeing too – how cute. If only they made all men like Josh – PHWOAR!

As you will know, celebrities like to party A LOT. Sometimes it is super difficult to report on all the parties – so we have given you a run down of the weekend and yesterdays top celeb sightings:

(1) Nicola Roberts

Nicola Roberts failed to impress in her body bag inspired dress at Mahiki on Saturday night. The Girls Aloud star is soon to be hitting our screens along with Henry Holland and Rihanna in fashion TV show ‘Style to Rock.’ We’re not sure you’re rocking in this Nic!

(2) Jessica Lowndes

Jessica Lowndes was seen getting her groove on at Rose club on Saturday night with a mystery man. The smoking hot fella never left her side and protected her against the paps. Jess seems to be spending a lot of time in the UK recently, we have heard whispers that she may be starring in a new UK show – we can’t see her in Eastenders though.

(3) Rosario Dawson

Sin City actress Rosario Dawson was seen swapping her stars and stripes for a Union Jack (well, on her sunglasses anyway). The American actress who is dating director Danny Boyle has been enjoying her time at the 2012 Games – and getting the best seats in the house. Damn you for dating Danny!

(4) Rebecca Adlington

Becky Adlington took a break from the Olympics after her sensational swim and partied on down with other members of Team GB and hunky American swimmer Ryan Lochte on Saturday night. It seemed the Olympians were getting a bit too carried away with the champagne and many of the athletes stumbled out of the club and into rickshaw’s – who said athletes were boring eh?!

(5) Jessica Ennis and Bradley Wiggins

Olympic gold medalists Bradley Wiggins and Jessica Ennis partied on down at the Adidas Underground party, with a little help from music legend Paul Weller. Jess looked stunning in black skinny’s and heels, while Bradder’s rocked a navy suit. We simply cannot get enough of this pair – you guys have done us proud.

After the madness of the Hackney Weekend had subsided, London was ready for another festival and this weekend brought Wireless back to Hyde Park. The annual Barclaycard music event spread itself over multiple stages and this years line up was the best it has ever been. Artists such as Drake, Rihanna and Jessie J took to the main stage and gave the best performances of their careers.

The festival kicked off on Friday with Maverick Sabre (pic above), Santigold and Deadmau5 warming up the crowds for the jam packed weekend ahead. Maverick Sabre gave a beautiful performance of hits Let Me Go and Sometimes – such a velvety smooth voice, we wish he was playing on all three days.

Saturday – Day Two

Canadian rap star Drake took a break from his world tour and braved the English weather on Saturday night. The Take Care singer sang some of his well known hits, but what got the crowds wild was his surprise duet with Nicki Minaj. The pair who are signed to the same record label Young Money, performed ‘Make Me Proud,’ which is taken from his current album Take Care – wowzers.

Nicki Minaj rolled onto stage 25 minutes late but we still love her anyway. The eccentric American not only joined Drake on stage later on in the evening, but she boomd out hits such as Starships and Superbass. Nicki looked like a cartoon in her gold boots, frilly bloomers and furry pink gilet – perhaps she likes Disney too much. We were loving Nicki’s lipstick, which she said is the MAC Viva Glam lippy she and Ricky Martin promote. We are off to MAC now.

Professor Green performed hits Read All About It and Remedy to a frenzied crowd and girlfriend Millie Mackintosh was watching in the wings again. These two are inseparable these days.

X-Factor judge Tulisa shocked the crowd by dedicating the song Titanium to her ex who released their sex tape. Tulisa screamed into the microphone, “this is to my d**khead ex boyfriend, Justin f****** Edwards!!” .. GO T!” You go girl!

Girl of the moment Rita Ora resembles Rihanna more and more every time we seen her perform. The London singer opened the main stage with number one hit ‘R.I.P’ and sang her way through upcoming songs from her album, ‘ORA.’ We were loving Rita’s hair even though she hid most of it underneath a beanie hat. The singer said she put coconut oil on it the night before so it looks super glossy.

Sunday – Day Three

Labrinth gave a powerful performance of Earthquake and other hits off his new album. The London rapper and singer said he is loving the festival circuit this year and was looking forward to meeting Rihanna – we think someone may have a crush.

X-Factor star Cher Lloyd looked amazing in a pair of tiny leather hotpants and showed her haters that she can put on an amazing show. The tiny pocket rocket who has been targeted by bullies in the past said her best revenge is performing at festivals like this. We love you Cher. Mini Cheryl had some amazing talons on her and the singer said she only ever uses Barry M nail polish. Finally, a beauty product that we can all afford!

Jessie J gave a crazy and energetic performance with hits such as Price Tag and Domino. The Voice judge said she cannot wait to start working with all her acts from the show as she said they all have the potential to do amazingly well. Jessie has kept tight lipped about coming back to the BBC show though. Come on Jessie, sort the show out.

Rihanna worked the stage even though she attended her grandmothers funeral days earlier. The Rude Boy singer gave an unforgettable performance, but we are not so sure about the clothes she was wearing, (see our fashion post for more).

Celebs who enjoyed the festival in pictures…

Nicola Roberts went back to her childhood by wearing jelly shoes.

Mark Wright is back from the Hollywood Hills, but judging by what he is wearing he may not know it.

Lauren Goodger showed off the effects of owning a tanning salon.

Awww. The Only Way is Essex meets Made in Chelsea. We are loving the beard Ollie!

Balans serves up simple food and delicious cocktails that any New York Diner would be proud of. The bustling crowd of trendy Londoners drives the already buzzing atmosphere and the waft of scumptious food is enough to draw you in.

Balans offers any type of cuisine you could want and we have yet to tuck into a bad meal. On our last excursion to the Soho haunt, (there are four others in London, but this is our fave) we ate quesadilla’s to start, the Balans beef burger with chips for mains and the best dish till last – raspberry ripple sundae – scrumpdiddlyumptious.

If you fancy a tasty brunch, lunch and dinner or just want somewhere to satisfy your hangover cravings, then head on over to this foodies favourite:

HOW TO GET IN: On the weekend it is essential that you book in the evenings between 4-11, but any other time you should be fine to just walk on in. To make a reservation either call 020 7439 2183 or visit the website.

HOW MUCH TO PAY: It’s cheap as chips. A three course meal with drinks will set you back around £40 per head. You can definitely afford to come here more often.

THE YAYS: (1) The location is fantastic – slap bang in the middle of Old Compton Street. (2) The young hipsters that hustle and bustle through the restaurant give it a lively atmosphere. (3) The flourless chocolate brownie with pistachio ice cream is like heaven in a three bites.

THE NAYS: (1) If you go to Balans over the weekend prepare for a hefty wait – this place gets very busy. (2) As the night wears on, the staff can get a little rude. (3) The food choices are not exactly adventurous.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: The summer iced tea, which is packed full of vodka, gin, rum and tequila is Cheryl Cole’s favourite post club tipple.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN: You may not be sure if the food tastes as good because of the amount of alcohol you may have consumed, but trust us when we say, it truly is yummy. Balans opens till the wee hours in the morning which means many a worse for wear celeb has walked through the door. Last time we had one too many cocktails we shared a chip or three with Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts – I know, she eats chips!

(1) Nicola Roberts: The Bang My Drum singer, who is famed for her quirky look, has really pulled off the pink barnet. The side parting, curly tendrils and natural make-up – Nicola’s new ‘do is a rather tasteful affair.

(2) Nicki Minaj: The eccentric singer always looks good, no matter what is on her head, (even the leopard print weave). The Pink Friday star is always updating her mane, but she will always revert back to pink and we LOVE it!

(3) Katy Perry: The colourful Teenage Dream is forever changing her hair, possibly more times than her underwear. It’s not the easiest look to wear, but we think Katy looks good enough to eat.

(4) Gwen Stefani: Ultimate pinky punk Gwen Stefani, spent most of the 90s and noughties with candy-floss coloured hair, and we think has never looked better. Who says blondes have more fun, when the fuchsia ladies are about!

(5) Pink: The original magenta lady still looks good. The yummy mummy went from R&B grunge to sophisticated glam and still manages to look rock and roll – even with the pastel locks.

What do you guys think?

Did we miss anyone out?

Post your ideas on our Facebook page

Bold botanicals

Fashion big shots Anna Wintour, Alexa Chung and Grace Woodward all put one foot forward into spring at LFW, each rocking floral print in their own distinct style. The American Vogue editor-in-chief went for a sophisticated shirt dress in bold botanicals, while Alexa pared-down a cornflower-blue floral skirt with a black jumper and camel coat and stylist Grace championed one of this season’s key pieces – the floral print trouser, which she accessorised with a floral cut-out clutch.

A floral dress is a wardrobe staple, and spring/summer’s hottest styles feature oversized blooms – a slinky piece with waist belt will see you through the wedding season in style. If you fancy something a little different, the floral print pencil skirt is a chic piece and works just as hard for you in the office as when you are out at play.

Whereas 2011 was all about the palazzo pant, this season look for smart tailored pants to wear with ballet flats or courts in the day and neutral heels in the evening. Pair with a matching suit jacket or clash prints with a loud top for a real style statement, or simply style with a basic black or white top if you want to let the trousers do the talking.

High-shine shimmer

Sitting side-by-side at the Christopher Kane catwalk show, Laura Bailey, Alexa Chung and Alexandra Roach demonstrated three different ways to rock the metallic look this season. Whether you go for delicate embellishment, high-shine shoes or a jacquard jacket, this look will inject high-fashion glamour into any outfit.

Silver and gold sparkle make for timeless party pieces, but if you want to introduce the metallic trend into your day-time wardrobe, the accessory aisle is the place to look. The high street is like a magpie’s nest of skinny metallic belts, shoes and bags this season, which work with anything from jeans to jumpsuits. Pair with tribal and animal prints and bold colours for the ‘glamazon’ look.

Checkmate

Never one to shy away from a bold new trend, Nicola Roberts looked pretty in clashing checks at the Mark Fast show. Heritage fabrics, prints and tailored styles are big this year, and this pastel palette is an inspired way of bringing the look into the spring/summer months.

It’s not all about the floral print pants this season – patterned trousers come in various styles and checks are proving a hit with fashion bloggers and celebrities alike. Be sure to go for tailored styles to avoid looking like you’ve stepped out in your PJs, or wear with heels and a crisp shirt or smart blazer to keep the line neat. Alternatively, wear with brogues and a chunky jumper with elbow patches for a casual rural look.

Visit www.johnlewis.com for the latest trends as they land, as well as outfit essential wardrobe staples.

Image credits:

Top three images: Doug Peters, EMPICS Entertainment

Bottom image: Lewis Whyld, PA Wire, Press Association Images

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The Event: Topshop and British Fashion Council Dinner 2012

The Venue: The Embassay Club, London

The VIPs: Rochelle Wiseman, Nicola Roberts, Alexa Chung, Chloe Green

The Gossip: (1) Straight from meetings about their upcoming plans to take over the U.S, Rochelle Wiseman looked amazing at the Topshop dinner. The Saturdays star confessed she loved being in America, but missed fiance Marvin too much. Awww, we can’t wait until you guys get married!!

(2) Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts was also there to show her support for her favourite high street brand. Nicola said she was a bit gutted she hasn’t bumped into Kanye West again, as she told us she has a slight obsession with him. Us too Nicola, us too!!

(3) As new style ambassador for the BFC, Alexa Chung was attracting a lot of attention at the party. The model was being questioned about her relationship with One Direction’s Harry Styles. The presenter remained tight lipped, but something in that small smile said otherwise.

(4) Topshop heiress Chloe Green didn’t really seem herself last night. The MIC star previously partied with Rihanna the night before, and rumour has it, the girls partied a little too hard!

Have a look at Topshop’s new collection here!

The Venue: Somerset House, The Strand

The VIPs: Kanye West, Nicola Roberts, Gizzi Erskine, Zara Martin, Mollie King, Eliza Doolittle, Marina Diamandis

The Gossip: (1) Watch out for a new celebrity romance! We were in the front row (thanks to Vitamin Water) and watched Kanye West chatting closely with the lady to his right (Zara Martin). Let’s just hope she knows what she’s letting herself in for. We still don’t forgive Kanye for upstaging Taylor Swift.

(2)

Nicola Roberts needed sunglasses inside, maybe because she’d just seen herself in the mirror. We quite like the jacket but Rupert Bear trousers and the jacket is a bit much. What does everyone else think? Tweet us with your comments to @zoegriffin or email zoe@livelikeavip.com – we love hearing from you all.

(3) And talking of love, there was a lot of sisterly love going on between Mollie from The Saturdays and Nicola after the show. We want to see them sing together, just the two of them.Mollie’s quite classy, whereas Nicola has an edgy, trendy style – we think they’d complement each other nicely. They look happy in each other’s presence

(4) And now onto the fashion – we never knew knitwear could look so cute. Click here to see Mark Fast’s knitwear designs in full.With fashion like this, it’s no wonder his shows attract such a celeb crowd.