Luxe Models: Our Top 5 Christmas Films

So, it’s that time of the year again – it’s wet, it’s cold, it’s dark and everyone’s broke. Guess what, it’s nearly Christmas! And whilst we can’t help being a little cynical this time of year, here at Luxe Models, deep down, we do actually love Christmas. And so should you.

One thing here at Luxe Models that we’re not a big fan of when it comes to the winter holidays, is the build-up. Big corporations and advertisers with their November Xmas tv ad campaigns always put us in a bad mood. Christmas is a time for sharing and caring, not profits and growth – we like getting halfway through December and waking up thinking “wow, it’s Christmas in 7 days”.

And when the big day is just around the corner, we like nothing better than sitting back with a cup of mulled wine, a box of chocolates and a hard-drive full of Christmas movies.

So, with it being Christmas and all, we thought we’d do a quick countdown of our all-time favourite Xmas films. A selection of five winter classics that will be sure to get you festive just in time.

It’s A Wonderful Life

An undisputed classic, It’s A Wonderful Life tells the beautiful tale of George Bailey and his search for happiness and peace at Christmas time. Directed by Frank Capra, and released in 1946, this black and white piece of cinema gold is guaranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts.

Elf

A surprise hit, modern comedy Elf tells the story of Buddy the Elf, a man raised in the North Pole who travels to New York to find his real family. Staring the endlessly funny Will Ferrell, Elf is an effortless watch and will make you laugh until you feel sick – especially if you’ve been at the Quality Street.

Love Actually

“Love actually, is all around” – says a clean cut, Hugh Grant at the start of Richard Curtis’ all-star hit Love Actually – and in its 135 minute run-time, we actually believe him. It’s an amazingly well-paced flick with one of the best UK casts ever assembled.  If you haven’t seen it, then you haven’t lived.

A Muppet Christmas Carol

A wildcard, A Muppet Christmas Carol is silly, often cringe worthy and contains a rather dishevelled looking Michael Caine for the most part, but, it’s absolutely amazing. If you can embrace the absurdity of the whole thing, then you’re in for a treat.

Home Alone

And finally, one of our all-time favourites from when we were a lot younger, Home Alone is a 90s classic that deserves watching every single year. And, it marks one of the few times when Macaulay Culkin is actually cute!

So, if you find yourself with a free day or two in the Christmas period this Christmas, then line these five bad boys up and be prepared to get festive. 

Is Angelina Jolie Really a ‘Spoiled Brat?’

We’re having to ask a question we never thought we’d have to ask when it comes to one A-List actress here at Luxe  Models this week; is Angelina Jolie really a spoiled brat?

A Universally Held Truth

We’ve used many words to describe the new Mrs Pitt here on the Luxe Models Blog in the past. Common descriptions of the humanitarian include ‘visionary,’ saint-like’ and ‘Mother Teresa.’

OK, so we’re exaggerating, but you get the point. A universally held truth of the A-List world is that Angelina Jolie has somehow avoided the sense of entitlement that’s stricken down many of her peers at the pinnacle of their tenures in showbiz.

“Minimally Talented Spoiled Brat.”

Yet one person doesn’t seem to agree. According to Digital Spy, a recently leaked email conversation between movie producer Scott Rudin and Sony co-chairperson Amy Pascal, saw the latter label Jolie a “minimally talented spoiled brat.”

The pair were discussing the actress’ alleged wish for acclaimed director David Fincher to spearhead one of her latest projects, Cleopatra. Fincher was attached to the Steve Jobs biopic that until last month, Sony was slated to oversee. Since, the picture has fallen under the creative management of rival film industry monolith, Universal Pictures.

A $180 Million Ego-Bath

Rudin was quite vocal in several emails when it came to both his opinion of Jolie and the concept of a Cleopatra movie. One email scathingly read: "I've told you exactly how I want to do this material. It's the ONLY way I want to do this material. I'm not remotely interested in presiding over a $180m ego bath that we both know will be the career-defining debacle for us both."

Rudin went on to say: "I'm not destroying my career over a minimally talented spoiled brat who thought nothing of shoving this off her plate for eighteen months so she could go direct a movie. I have no desire to be making a movie with her, or anybody, that she runs and that we don't.”

Maybe that’s Why We Find Them so Fascinating

In other words, this is just the opinion of one man. Yet his opinion has left Luxe Models wondering, do we really know the true personalities behind the celebs whose wardrobes we admire so much?  Maybe that’s why we find them so fascinating!

Luxe Models Talk Victoria's Secret London Show

For years now, American lingerie institution Victoria’s Secret has been slowly infiltrating our shores over here in the UK. And although we’re more fans of Anne Summers over here at Luxe Models, with the recent success of their London party, we might be seeing a lot more of Victoria’s Secret.

Victoria’s Secret in London

The largest retailer of lingerie in North America, Victoria’s Secret are now a worldwide brand – and supply specialist underwear for women across America and beyond. But as the company look to increase their reach, the bra-busting company have made the long trip over the pond to show their wears in the UK market.

Hosting a massive event in London, showing off their new 2015 collections, a host of Victoria Angels and pop superstars put on one hell of a show for the UK audience.

Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and more

US big gun superstar Taylor Swift was among those at the show, performing a few of her tracks whilst scantily models trotted by. There were also performances from a wide-eyed Ed Sheeran and a model-dodging Ariana Grande – but the models took centre stage for the event.

Super, Super Models!

Showing off their impeccable bodies, and flawless lingerie, we couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the whole thing. Sure the bras and knickers were really nice, but there’s something a little unnerving about 50 or so partially-dressed super-models strutting their stuff down a catwalk that doesn’t half make you question your own sanity.

But, all in all it was a good watch. There was music, 2 million dollar bras, neon pants, oh, and yeah, Ariana Grande even walked into a pair of fake wings. What more could you want?

For more stories like this, from the world of fashion and beyond, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on LinkedIn today. 

Sexism Suit Sells for $6,500

When we learned that the ‘sexism suit’ recently sold for $6,500, Luxe Models was reminded that women are judged far more harshly than their male counterparts when it comes to what they wear.

Society Judges Women More Severely Than Men

When you see a woman in an unflattering shade of puce, or sporting a dress cut in a particular way, what do you think? For the most people, the answer to that question unfortunately is often ‘god she looks awful.’

The society in which we live judges women more severely than men, especially when it comes to their wardrobe. A male Australian TV presenter strove to make that point clear over the last year by wearing the same suit on air for 365 days.

Nobody Noticed, Nobody Cared

According to the Independent, Australian presenter Karl Stefanovic of the Nine Network’s Today Show, kick-started his experiment by wearing the blue suit on air for a couple of days in a row.

Nobody noticed, nobody cared. He tried doing it for month; nobody noticed, nobody cared. Then he strove to carry on the experiment for a year, revealing it only recently. Nobody noticed, nobody cared. They did care, and frequently comment on, what his female co-anchor was wearing.

No One Gives a Sh*t

Commenting on the reaction to his experiment to Fairfax Media, Stefanovic said that “no one has noticed; no one gives a sh*t.” He expanded the point by talking about the reactions to his female co-anchor’s wardrobe choices, saying:

“Women, they wear the wrong colour and they get pulled up. They say the wrong thing and there’s thousands of tweets written about them. Women are judged much more harshly and more keenly for what they do, what they say and what they wear.”

Someone Paid $6,500 for a Knock Off Stanky Burberry Suit!

Stefanovic’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue have now stepped up a gear. Recently, he auctioned the suit off on EBay, raising $6,500 for White Ribbon – a campaign designed to help end violence towards women.

In advertising what has come to be dubbed the ‘sexism suit,’ Stefanovic described the “knock off” Burberry number as “super comfy, super stylist, super cool.” Although he added that it may need a good dry cleaning, as after a year of use it may be “a little bit stanky.” With a blurb like that, whoever paid $6,500 for this suit must really dig Stefanovic’s campaign! 

Shedding Light on a Problem Women Have Faced Over and Over Again

A campaign which seeks to shed light to a problem women have faced over and over again at every point in their lives. When a woman dons her outfit, she knows she’s more likely to receive criticism for what she’s wearing than a man would, and that’s a problem that as a society we need to address. 

Fore more stories and news updates like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook. 

I’m Gemma Collins… Get Me Out Of Here!

Out of all the reality TV shows, here at Luxe Models we have to admit, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here has to be one of our favourites.

Luxe Models Love I’m A Celeb

It doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. I’m A Celebrity knows they don’t get the biggest household names, but that’s the point really – they get D-list celebs to slum it in the jungle for a month and eat grubs. And guess what, we all love it.

An Action Packed First Week

So far this year’s I’m a Celeb has been a pretty action-packed affair, with tears, challenges, tragedies and walk-offs - and it hasn’t even been a week yet!

Most noteworthy of this series so far, both TOWIE star Jemma Collins and Red Dwarf actor Craig Charles have already left the jungle, but on very different terms.

All Our Love to Craig Charles and his Family

Actor, comedian and DJ Craig Charles left the I’m A Celeb ‘slammer’ – where some of the troop were locked up on the show – after he received the tragic news that his brother had sadly passed away.

Craig, received the news in Australia, and immediately left camp to head back to the UK to be with his family. We loved watching Craig on I’m A Celeb, but we wish him all the best of luck back home and send our love to him and his family.

The Only Way Is Home

TOWIES’ Gemma Collins also left the camp, but on her own terms, as she described the experience as “really, really traumatic.” Gemma had been struggling with life in the jungle since the get go, having self-diognosed herself with Malaria and suffered the “worst diarrhoea ever.”

She opted to leave the camp after three days, and according to The Mail Online said “It will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

We’ll miss you Gem, get home safe and put your feet up.

For more news, views, stories and articles like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook.

Kim Kardashian Succeeds in Her Quest to Break the Internet

Last week, Luxe Models are pretty sure Kim Kardashian succeeded in her quest to break the internet, after she postedsnaps from a photo shoot which emphasised her famous derrière.

The Rise of the Big Booty

Whether you love her or hate her, you cannot deny that Kim Kardashian is a force to be reckoned with. She’s no longer the girl who starred in a sex tape… well no longer just the girl who starred in a sex tape. She’s a veritable A-Lister, with hordes of fans around the world.

Kardashian’s booty meanwhile, has a cult following all of its own. A booty in the true sense of the word, many have said that it’s contributed to the big bum trend that’s reshaping the world of fashion right now. We’re no longer in the late 90’s; skinny butts are out and big, curvaceous booties are well and truly in.

Kardashian Posts Two Internet Changing Snaps

The trend is unlikely to die down any time soon, as Kardashian recently went to extra pains to show off her bum to the world. As part of her goal to ‘break the internet’ (no idea what that even means), Mrs Kanye West took the time last week to post snaps from her photo shoot for the cover of Paper Magazine.

Among the host of pretty graphic pictures, there are two that immediately stick with you. For the first, Kardashian lowers her gown to sit underneath her bum, and show off her back and derrière. In the second, she shows off her best party trick, by balancing a champagne glass on her behind, whilst a stream of the luxurious tipple flows into said glass over her head.

The Internet Went Absolutely Stark Raving Crazy

Astounding. Absolutely, positively astounding. The pictures, whatever you think of the reality TV icon, are a sight to behold. She looks fantastic, glamourous and ready to take on the world. And yes, she certainly succeeded in her mission to break the internet.

Social Media sites practically went into overdrive once the pictures were released. She posted the stills on her Twitter and Instagram accounts, captioning them "and they say I didn't have a talent...try balancing a champagne glass on your ass LOL." Both sites, as well as Facebook, Pinterest etc. preceded to go absolutely stark raving crazy.

You’ve got to Hand it to Kim Kardashian

You’ve got to hand it to Kim Kardashian. She said she’d break the internet and she pretty much did it with nothing but the power of her own behind. That’s impressive for a woman many say doesn’t have an ounce of talent in her entire body!

For more stories and articles like this be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on LinkedIn.

Taylor Swift Bans Music From Spotify

Swifties including Luxe Models were left severely disappointed last week, when the woman herself decided to ban her music from Spotify.

Swiftie: Fan of Taylor Swift

Yes, Luxe Models are self-proclaimed Swifties and proud of it. For those of you not familiar with the term, it’s a word used to describe fans of pop star Taylor Swift.

Originally known for her passionate country music efforts, Swift has steadily been gaining a reputation recently for her ability to craft a killer pop tune. She’s also got a fabulous sense of style, and we worship at her altar. She manages to combine glamour with demureness; something quite rare for the modern pop star, and which we respect.

A Pop Music Heavyweight

Swift’s mission to rebrand herself as a pop music heavyweight stepped up several gears recently with the release of new album 1989, and lead single, ‘Shake It Off.’ As you can imagine, they’ve both sold phenomenally well, and topped various charts across the world.

Which is why it seems odd that Taylor would take any step which could alienate her fans. Nevertheless, it appears that she has taken one, as she has decided to withdraw her tracks frommusic-streaming service Spotify.

Not Willing to contribute Life’s Work to an Experiment

Speaking on the decision to Yahoo News, Swift said that: "All I can say is that music is changing so quickly, and the landscape of the music industry itself is changing so quickly, that everything new, like Spotify, all feels to me a bit like a grand experiment.

And I'm not willing to contribute my life's work to an experiment that I don't feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists, and creators of this music. And I just don't agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free.

How Will She Shake That Off?

She kind of makes a valid point. Working in the fashion industry, Luxe Models can’t imagine what would happen if a designer, for example, went unpaid for their art. Nevertheless, as Taylor points out, the music industry is changing, and it just may leave her in the dust. How will she shake that off?

Why You Should Embrace the Constellation Piercing

With everyone and their grandmothers raving about the trend, this week Luxe Models explains why you should embrace the constellation piercing.

One of Fashion’s Hardest Trends

Piercings have always been kind of a hard trend to pull off for your average fashionista. They have floated in and out of style over the last several decades. Never off-trend for long, it’s connotation of teenage rebellion, makes the piercing a perennially popular fashion trend.

And yet, the piercing is perhaps the hardest trend to nail effectively. Get too many, and it can make you look brash, obnoxious and just a little bit weird. It seems like the fashion world has finally taken this on board, as piercing trends are really going subtle at the moment.

The Rise of the Statement Piercing

In the second half of 2014, we’ve moved swiftly away from the statement tattoo, to the statement piercing. This trend was kick-started, of course, by Rihanna, after she unveiled her septum-ring piercing earlier this year. Subsequently, A-Listers and commoners alike have flocked to try it out for themselves.

The trajectory of the trend took a swing towards subtlety at the industry’s latest fashionmonth. Models on catwalks across every fashion capital sported what’s known as the constellation piercing, ensuring that it’s catapulted into the realm of top fashion trend.

What Is the Constellation Piercing and Why Should You Embrace It?

Specifically, the idea involves wearing smaller, often gold or silver earrings in a group of clusters along the bottom of your ear. Celebrities such as Emma Watson, Cara Delevingne, Julianne Moore and Zoe Kravitz have already taken to the look.

That’s all well and good for them, but why should you embrace it? Well, as the Guardian explains in a recent piece on the phenomenon, it’s ‘individuality on an entry-level scale.’ Basically, a constellation piercing allows you to get in touch with your wild-side, without causing a ruckus at work.

For the Professional Woman Who Wants to Look Fabulous at Work

To conclude then, the constellation piercing is more than just the latest trend. It is the perfect style of piercing for the modern professional woman; who wants to look fabulous at work while getting just a little bit rebellious. That is why you should embrace the constellation piercing!

For more updates and stories like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook today. 

LUXE Models reviews Katie Price's boob auction

Here at LUXE Models, it’s fair to say we’ve seen more than our fair share of weird over the years. It seems every other day now that some celebrity or well-known public figure is involved in some scandal or horrendous marketing event. 

A-listers are hounded by the paparazzi whilst D-listers stand idly by hoping to be accidentally snapped by onlookers. The world is a crazy place. And the world of celebrity culture and fashion is even crazier.

Celebrity Culture in 2014

But, even in 2014, where we’re almost immune to the so-called ‘surprising’ news of celebrity nude photos, affairs, breakdowns, fights, binges, whinges, fringes and drug-addled former child star meltdowns, every now and then a story comes a long that raises the bar for modern-day celebrity news.

Yes, it’s Pricey

Katie Price. Yes, Katie ‘Jordan’ Price. Are you surprised? No? Well, yes, there was one piece of news in the past week that really caught our attention. Not in an “oh my god – stop the press” sort of way. But more in a “wow – how am I going to eat my dinner now” sort of way.

Selling Her Boobs for Charity

Katie Price has offered to sell her old breast implants to raise money for charity. Yes, the former glamour model and reality TV star has recently revealed that she would be happy to sell her old silicon implants in aid of charity.

In a recent interview with The Sun, Katie said:

"We should sell these implants for charity. I've got more pairs in the safe. I love them but I'd sell them in The Sun for a breast cancer charity. I can even sign them with a marker pen. You could have these very breasts right from inside me in a few weeks."

Whilst we admire Katie’s fund raising and charitable spirit, the thought of being the proud owner of a pair of Jordan’s old lady lumps is enough to give us the shivers. But, here at Luxe Models we’re sure there must be someone out there who wants Katie’s old boobs?

For more celebrity news and gossip be sure to stay in touch with LUXE Models on Twitter. 

What should women wear at work?

Considering the fact that we work in the modelling industry, LUXE Models understands the role that clothing plays when it comes to succeed in the work place. After all, a models whole job is to be seen wearing clothes.

Following shocking comments made by a female project manager on the first episode of this year’s Apprentice, LUXE models asks; what do women need to wear in the work place to succeed?

Looking professional

Whilst a woman needs to look her best, she doesn’t need to lower herself to the level of hiking up her hemline and slathering herself in makeup to succeed. Like a man, she just needs to look professional.

Stereotypes can be wrong

This brings us nicely to the subject of comments made on the first episode of this year’s Apprentice. For their first task, which involved sales, the contestants were divided into two groups; men and women. The women’s group was headed by a contestant by the name of Sarah Dales.

Dales had a pretty controversial strategy when it came to winning the task; which her group did. She said that in sales, “most people will buy from females because females look more attractive.” She went on to advise her group to wear high heels, short skirts and to "bring some nice make up.”

She Wouldn’t Have Lasted Long With Karen Brady

Unsurprisingly a lot of people were shocked by her comments, including one of the UK’s most impressive business women, Karen Brady. Brady is known for having forged legendary career in a notoriously male-dominated vocation at Birmingham City Football Club.

According to Fresh Business Thinking, Brady said that "I think Sarah is rather lucky that I wasn't following her. She may not have lasted very long. I think it's a very old fashioned attitude, that you've got to wear short skirts and a lot of make up to get on in life. Most women will look at that and laugh."

Dress for Success

LUXE Models couldn't agree with Brady more. In the modern world, all it takes for a woman to succeed in business is to look her professional best, just like it does for a man. Ultimately, when it comes to fashion in business, you need to wear clothing that not only dresses you for success, but shows you are a serious player in your field.