Even if you don’t love rips, don’t be too quick to snub this look. Worn right, this could be the fresh twist your wardrobe needs. Channel rock royalty with grungy denim from Camilla and Marc or J Brand’s paint-splattered pair. Stay away from distressed lines in those uncompromising areas…you know what we mean! We love how Rihanna’s jeans upped her edgy diva quotient, while Heidi Klum wore the trend with her usual elegance.

Mix this versatile look with other Fall must-haves: the belted white shirt, boyfriend blazer, or  sass it up with stylish ankle boots. Most importantly, don’t forget to accessorise detailed denims with a devil-may-care attitude!

© Lel4nd (busy)/Flickr Creative Commons

The 21st Century is seeing a remarkable upsurge in people turning to religion and spirituality to seek out some form of peace in their hectic lives. Madonna is a regular at the Kaballah centres, Whitney Houston claims God rescued her from her demons, and Richard Gere is on a first name basis with the Dalai Lama. The Beatles may have revolutionised music, but they also introduced the West to Eastern philosophies, leaving a lasting legacy.

“We have got almost anything money can buy. But when you can do that, the things you buy mean nothing after a time. You look for something else, for a new experience”, said Ringo Starr. At the height of Beatlemania, they spearheaded a movement towards self-discovery, and now more than ever before, the desire to spiritualise sanity is echoing across the world.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir, Eat, Pray, Love is a terrific example of one woman’s journey to depressed divorcee to spiritual seeker. Exploring various faiths and borrowing their wisdom created a spiritual shift in Elizabeth’s life, allowing her to regain balance in turbulent times. Most spiritual philosophies are inherently sensible and in these environmentally stressed times, Shamanic or Wiccan beliefs can help us see the bigger global picture. These faiths worship the planet and may convince you to be a gardener yet! Buddhism provides common sense guidelines that help tame your thoughts and cultivate inner peace. Western medicine is finally taking a more holistic approach and recognising the effectiveness of Reiki and energy healing, but holistic therapies have exisited for centuries.  Even in the cut-throat business world, Feng Shui is often implemented in office design to channel positive energy and clear blocks to financial abundance.

Whichever faith takes your fancy, spirituality can enhance wellbeing, providing a little space for inner reflection and self-discovery. Detox diets, self-help manuals and prozac prescriptions are not always enough to haul us out of a rut. Taking an alternative route to self-betterment through faith, healing or spiritual philosophy may be the very thing you need to spiritualise your sanity!

The exhibit features fifteen porcelain vases created in collaboration with traditional Chinese porcelain makers and a UK airbrushing artist, effortlessly fusing two contrasting cultures to create astonishing contemporary design.

According to the designers, “We are creating a cultural collision. But in both cases the work is about status. In China, the vase was a symbol of power and wealth and in 20th century America, the car fulfilled the same role. But while the Chinese decorated their vases with dragons and flames, the American hot rod painters went for sexy girls and smoke.”

Each unique vase is layered with differing imagery as sinuous girls emerge from flames, smoke, and streaks of silver.

Gasoline Gardens, 20 November-22 December 2009. David Gill Galleries, 3 Loughborough Street, London SE11 5RB. T: (+44) 0207 793 1100.

This figure-flattering dress has a buckle fastening belt that cinches the waist, gently accentuating every beautiful curve. And that’s not all! From the embellished scarf sewn directly on the neckline to a fringed finishing hem, careful detailing adds fabulous dashes of spice that heighten the elegance factor.

Whether you’re  talking shop or lunching with the ladies, this dress spells confidence and class. Not for the faint-hearted, the Lady in Red is guaranteed to stop traffic.

Image courtesy of Pavegen Systems Ltd. 2009

While some scientists are focusing their energy on testing solar panels and windmills, others are paving the path to incorporate sustainability into daily activities. According to Pavegen, up to 50,000 steps daily fall upon a busy street, prompting Director Laurence Kemball-Cook to design pavement slabs that collect kinetic energy and convert it into reusable energy.

These energy-generating slabs are available in a variety of colours and constructed from recycled rubber taken from old car tyres. Additionally, the slabs have a circular light feature that glows when energy is generated. Estimated to last up to five years, the rubber slabs contain enough energy to pop a bag of microwaveable popcorn. This energy is then either stored in the built-in lithium polymer batteries or transmitted to street lights, information displays and other electronic devices in close proximity.

Having recently been tested on the streets of East London, Pavegen hopes to power sustainable pavements across the world. The next time you hit the road, remember that the future of reusable energy could be right beneath your feet!

For more information on this product and other Pavegen innovations, visit www.pavegensystems.com

Gracing the runways of Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Givenchy, a hint of exposed bra adds a subtle albeit saucy touch that will make you stand out in any crowd. Keep lace detailing simple, sophisticated and classy — boudoir chic as opposed to bold and brazen. Invest in your own lacy luxuries with Elle Macpherson Intimates or anything by La Perla, the connoisseur of undergarment wear.

Though this trend is typically reserved for more experimental fashionistas, erring on the conservative side is highly suggested when it comes to exposed lingerie.  If you’re unsure of how much is too much, remember — less is more. A little bit of mystery never fails to entice.

Acknowledging the growing interest in Iranian art, London’s Opera Gallery is hosting an unmissable exhibit of prominent Iranian artists including Alireza Fani, Reza Derakshani, Yasmina Alaoui and Marco Guerra.

Until 10 December, 2009. Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TF, UK.

Competition end date: 16 December 2009
Opening: Uk & Ireland

A good sex life is an important part of any loving relationship and suggesting new things is a great way to spice things up! Philips Sensual Massagers can enhance the pleasure and enjoyment for both of you.

Philips is offering two lucky readers the chance to win a Philips Dual Sensual Massager set plus Agent Provocateur massage oils worth £200 to add an extra dimension to both you and your partner’s experience between the sheets. The set includes his and hers massagers which are specially designed for male and female erogenous zones to ensure maximum shared pleasure. Each massager is made of warm, smooth, soft-to-touch material, has four different vibration modes and five speed levels.

For more information, visit www.philips.com/intimatemassagers

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Leggings featured heavily in the Fall 2009 collections of Gucci, Tory Burch and Nina Ricci. Knit leggings with a heavy denier are a godsend for hiding bulges, while solid leggings with mid-thigh tunics or shifts create a seriously slimming effect. Pair leggings with a stylish pair of boots or flats, but keep them close-toed to avoid the web-footed look.

Solid, wet-look or patterned, this is the time to experiment. Alexander Wang’s ribbed leggings create a streamlined silhouette, while Kova & T Oxy wet-look leggings are party perfect. For a directional look, go wild with RM by Rouland Mouret’s alligator print leggings or add a dash of London cool with Alexander McQueen’s knitted houndstooth leggings. Just avoid shiny leggings with short tops, or you’ll look like a blast from the past!