PARIS Fashion Week went out with a bang with Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu showcasing killer collections on the final day of the shows. It was the same hair and make-up team for both, the ultimate duo of Pat McGrath and Guido Palau, (who had to race from one show to the other on mopeds to beat the Paris traffic). Deep burgundy, glossy lips were in favour for both extravaganzas, with a more stylised version of an up-do at Vuitton. Both shows were something of an excellent microcosm of the forthcoming season in general: much make-up, colour and 'done' hair were back in a major way and in direct contrast to the minimalism we've seen before. What better way to bring in spring/summer than with a colourful breath of fresh air? Roll on next year...

AFTER four years of bringing us some of the world's most desirable jewellery from designers, including Shaun Leane, Carolina Bucci, Asha by ADM and Agrigento, Astley Clarke is pooling its vast knowledge and launching its own jewellery collection. There are seven ranges in the collection but our favourites are the AC Colour collection with its vibrant, stackable bracelets and rings; the AC Diamonds range reminded us that they really are a girl's best friend; and we're quite besotted with the delicate, vintage-inspired AC Tearoom collection - the rings would make a seriously pretty alternative to traditional engagement rings.

What's true and what's not when it comes to black hair? celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen set rumors straight.
While it goes without saying that we adore our grandmothers, some of the hair gems they passed down to us could be filed under "Old Wives Tales" (raise your hand if you thought white hair naturally grew faster than Black hair). Here, we sat down with celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen -- she's responsible for Rihanna's trendsetting tresses -- to get the real deal on the top five Black hair myths.

MANE MYTH: Trimming your hair will make it grow faster.
TRESS TRUTH: "While frequent trims are great for removing split ends, they don't actually make your hair grow faster," says Ursula. That being said, don't skip your trims! If you ignore split ends for too long, they can creep up the hair shaft, and then you'll need to snip off more than you bargained for. Regular snips every 6 to 8 weeks will keep your coif looking crisp and clean.

MANE MYTH: Natural hair is stronger than relaxed hair.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, natural hair is actually quite fragile. "It should be treated gently at all times to prevent breakage," she says. To maintain your strands' strength, never brush your natural hair while it's wet; instead, use a detangling comb or your fingers. Also, skip cotton pillowcases -- the rough fibers can cause fragile hair to break off. Try a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf.

MANE MYTH: Braids make hair grow.
TRESS TRUTH: We think this myth started when Black women began sporting braids to carry them through the grow-out process. But while braids are a cute style option, they have nothing to do with the rate of hair growth. "Hair grows about a half inch a month, period," says Stephen. "Strong, healthy hair comes from the inside out... it has nothing to do with any attachments you might wear!"

MANE MYTH: Black hair doesn't need to be shampooed often.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, there isn't a "correct" schedule for washing hair, but infrequent shampooing can result in dirt, oil and product buildup, which weighs down the hair shaft and makes it look dull. It's best to wash hair once a week, at least.

MANE MYTH: Greasing your scalp keeps hair healthy.
TRESS TRUTH: Stephen says that grease actually clogs pores, which can inhibit scalp circulation and hair growth! "A healthy scalp is gained by a healthy diet," she adds. To help maintain strong, healthy hair, eat tons of proteins (like fish and chicken), and foods high in vitamin C, which help with scalp circulation.

ELS-10001
BURNT BROWN LEATHER JACKET

£135.00

Retail Price: £240.00
Shipping: Free
LEATHER JACKET IN BURNT BROWN. HIDDEN ZIP AND SNAP PLACKET. ROUND SHOULDER PANELS. PLEATED FLAP POCKETS AT CHEST. ZIP POCKETS AT WAIST.

This moto jacket made in genuine nappa washed, has double zipper front zipper that you can access both. two side zipper pockets,zipper cuffs.

Dual zippers, a Chelsea shape and luxurious leathers combine together to create the Steve Madden Valintina boot - a basic shape that finishes a look effectively and subtly.

These boots are just the thing for scampering through soggy lanes, jumping over piles of snow or even avoiding oncoming traffic during a jaywalk (not that I endorse that sort of thing). These boots for the wild and wily run at $290 per pair, and are available in sizes 6 through 11.

New Yorkers, this is an exciting time! Doc Martens is set to open their first NYC store in Soho in the first week of November.

Check it out if you’re in the ‘hood – 148 Spring Street [Googlemap]

I’ve heard rumblings that Vancouver may be getting a DM store of all our own, but for now that’s just conjecture. It would be pretty incredible to have that kind of selection available, though.. cross yer fingers.

Military fashion as a trend is nothing new, in fact I've been tracking its rise on Fashionising.com since 2008. But while fashion trends tend to burn out within a few years, the women's military fashion trend isn't going anywhere, though like all true the military trend will evolve. Gone (but not quite) are the decadent lashings inspired by military uniforms of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Rather, military is now about functionality and utility. If the 18th and 19th centuries originally inspired women's military fashion, then it's true to say that in 2010 it's inspired by the military uniforms of the 20th century.

Think functionality. Think understatement.