GET CRACKING - The Holidays Are Right Around The Corner!

Well, that season is upon us, the December frenzy has begun. Cyber Monday 2013 was another record high, with the UK's annual online retail revenue rising over 21% from 2012. Did you 'get your buy on'?

ESP Ltd. got involved, offering the first of three weekly deals designed to make coveted presents out of practical, personal promotion - bet you didn't know that was possible! No Gyles Brandreth-style woolly jumpers for you (unless you really want one)! For the first time, in addition to offering you money savings on your own purchases, you can now buy Branding, Design, Marketing, and PR services for that special person, by gifting them a printable e-gift certificate for a service of their choice, which can be used, anything up to 12 months in advance!

Covering all aspects of ESP services, the weekly offers running until December 23rd consist of the following:

Your cracking offer from ESP Ltd.

GET CRACKING from December 1st until 7th, with 3 graphic designs for the price of 2, on all orders totalling £49.99. Anything over, automatically entitles you to 50% OFF of your final total!

Quote code: ESPGC to claim.

Still one of my favourite designs to date - give me a concept, and I'll give it life...
tracklisting artwork for 'KROnicles of IntelLEK' by KROME and Lekhem

Fill your boots with these Stocking Stuffers

STOCK UP between December 8th and 14th, by claiming up to 40% OFF of Live Event, Portrait, and Thematic Photoshoots!

- Don't forget that Live Event Photography comes part and parcel with a free #ESPspotlight Review!

Quote Code: ESPSTOCK to claim.

This breathtaking feathered headpiece by Bertolini Giuliani di Bettina Alessio was taken at London Edge 2013.
View this Event album and many more in full on the ESP Facebook Page.

No need to Wish upon a Star...

Got a gift WISH LIST? From December 15th to 23rd, purchase a Biography, Press Release, or Product Review, and receive a full electronic press kit bundle absolutely FREE!

Quote Code: ESPWISH to claim.

The 'NEON Chain' Necklace by Flash Trash Girl underwent the ESP Road Test during London Fashion Week AW13...

But that's not all...

From 1st to 31st December, 'TREE-T' ANYONE to ONE Web, or Blogsite build, and receive a uniform branding design for the entire site completely FREE!

Quote Code: ESPTREET to claim.

How does a Breadmaker Bake Beats? Only one way to find out...Meet Mr Baker on LekLane.

Finally, with ONE FREE 'Action' Pack from the ESPshowcase range for any order exceeding £50.00 - I now declare this SALE ON!




Quote Code: ESPSHC to claim.

#ESPshowcase is designed to help you advertise your brand on the most popular, and appropriate platforms for your desired market demographic. See the range available on the ESP website (preferred sites included).

So now that you know what's on offer, what are you waiting for? GET CRACKING!

Happy Shopping...
ES ;)

Terms & Conditions:

• In all 3 for 2 offers, you will receive the cheapest item free.
• Your final total must include 2 separate graphic design purchases in a single transaction, not exceeding a combined total of £49.99 to qualify you for a third free design during 1st-7th December.
• The cost of the third item alone, must not exceed £50.00.
• Only ONE offer can be claimed at any given time. Thus, if your final total exceeds £50.00, you will not receive the third item free; instead, your final order total will incur a 50% discount for the single transaction.
• Basic / Portrait Photoshoots are charged at £65.00 for photography, editing time, and 15 images. Orders placed during 8th-14th December will incur a 10% discount.
• Live Event Photography is charged at £95.00 for a standard 4-hour hire + the above services, and up to 50 images. Orders placed during 8th-14th December will incur a 20% discount.
• Thematic, or Location Photoshoots are charged at £185.00 for the above services + 75 images. Orders placed during 8th-14th December will incur a 40% discount.
• Professional images for use in the EPK (Electronic Press Kit) must be provided by customer, unless purchased separately by customer.
• Uniform branding design offered with Web, or Blogsite builds entitle customers to ONE FREE design created by EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Any deviation from the standard design will incur an additional charge of £35.00 per page.
• Throughout 1st-31st December 2013, any order placed will incur ONE ESPshowcase 'Action' Pack, free of charge. A minimum spend of £15 is required, in order to receive this gift.
• ALL offer quotes must be used at the point of sale to qualify.
• Offers valid for purchases made in single transactions ONLY.
• Offers are not available for cash exchange.
• Certificates must be claimed within 12 months of purchase date after which time, all codes and certificates will become void.

#ESPspotlight Review for My Flash Trash: 'NEON Chain' Necklace by Flash Trash Girl!

You know what I love most about the 'NEON Chain' Necklace by Flash Trash Girl? It symbolises everything that someone like me wants from their jewellery. From the moment it arrived, I declared this 'My DIVA Piece'!

Rock On Twitches!

Imagine wearing Tina Turner around your neck in full-on, Ikette mode; it's Dramatic with the long tassles that DEMAND your attention. The jewelled embellishments sit atop those like a crown. Windsor or Bohemian, these rocks Incite a rhapsodical 'Queen-like' feel. Vivacious in a colour that screams sass, this necklace is nothing short of rose gold Attitude on a thin rope chain. As soon as you don it, you'll be powerless to contain your Inner Rock Chick; smacking the innocent out the way in her efforts to escape...Just look at what happened when I did?!

Perfect for the nickel and lead-allergic like myself, I love that the début label from MFT didn't go for the easily obtainable, economically viable materials so favoured by mass-producers, that would exclude sensitive-skinned wearers like myself from indulging. On a 16-inch chain, the 2-inch adjustable extension means that you can play with where it hangs for added impact...

A great way to emphasise the décolletage, dahlings...!

I thought the Lulu Liu AW13 Catwalk Show at London Fashion Week was the perfect place for the 'NEON Chain' Necklace's 'B.A.R.T'...Now if you're wondering what the heck I'm on about, well the concept is quite a simple one. When I sat down to think about how I should approach these reviews and what I, as a consumer would really want to know, as opposed to the typical 'Sales Copy', I decided that just looking at the pretty things wasn't going to cut it. If I'm being asked to part with my hard-earned cash, then I want to know how the product will fare in the Fierce  Female Field and so, the 'Brand Ambassador Road Test' or 'B.A.R.T' for short, was born. Yes, you are permitted to read on with the Bart Simpson song in the back of your mind - I know I will...

Considering the occasion and the finery that surrounded my photog friend Rebecca and I, this necklace caught the attention of a Fashion PR Rep who spends her days in European Fashion Houses with the Best of the Best. It's not heavy and doesn't get caught up in the fabric of what you're wearing like so many fiddly-looking pieces can be prone to do. I thought it was going to be forever annoying me for that very reason but honestly, once it went on, I forgot it was there until the compliments started rolling in!

Post-show with the lovely Alison Lewy, Founder of Fashion Mentoring, Networking and Start Up Assistance Organisation, Fashion Angel (Photography by Rebecca Need-Menear)

A pure, statement addition to your jewellery collection, the 'NEON Chain' Necklace also has matching earrings for added drama...

Available from the My Flash Trash Showroom for £25, or by website order.

The Pink NEON Chain Necklace by Flash Trash Girl

Did you miss my review of the 'Arrows' Headpiece by Culietta? Catch up here!

Feedback is, as always, welcome in the Comment Box below - what do you think of this piece? Do you own the 'NEON Chain'? Does it fuel your Inner Rock Chick? Let me know!

Until next time...
ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood' 1. 'SOUL:SERIES' by KOF

Though diverse and not all of a romantic nature, so to speak; the ménage à trois of topics and raw emotion combined within Kof's 'Soul:Series' make for some pretty vulnerable and thus enticing 'love time listening'.

The cubic package is a triple set of themes with three tracks a piece giving insight into the Liverpool-native's thoughts, feelings and fears for society.

'Soul: LOVE' is available as a Free Download

'Soul:Love' is the perfect place to kick things off with 'Fire On The Mountain' letting go of past relationship. I'm not going to talk about the insanely hot video that take the vocals to a whole other place, since this feature is about the sounds - you'll have to catch that in another post coming later today. But I almost feel sorry for the poor ex that inspired this; you (quite rightly) want to hate a man who doesn't just tell you he's "tired of" and "can't stand to be around you" (Ouch), but actually sings about it (Game Over). The problem for the typical female heart is that he sounds like that while he's doing it! On behalf of females everywhere: could you not at least hit a bum note as you break a heart? Sound at least slightly less appealing - try to have a little mercy and quit seducing the next while you drop out the ex over your dubstep, would you please? It's the Christian thing to do. Just saying...

Moving swiftly on...Literally; 'Last Night' recounts tales of naughty (but clothed...I think) activities with a new friend. The mellow, funky house vibe that evokes visions of coming back to chill after a night of raving and spending what's left of the  early hours doing...whatever you feel to with a cheeky charmer armed with a dimpled smile. Somewhere around that first chorus, you realise that Kof is one of those innocent-looking, undercover bad boys your Mummy started warning you about way back in the day; when you first started noticing how Ken slicked his hair back for Barbie...but you kinda don't want to listen. Temptation is a hell of a drug; right Girls?

'Riding Round The City' is that reflective moment about the ex he's still thinking of and you realise that maybe 'Fire On The Mountain' was more about lashing out and bravado to cover a heart just as broken, than cruelty towards another. There's not a poor cow that stands a chance as he croons invitingly about finding "the right road that leads to you". Who knew that it would only take 2:52 of mic love over a funky house beat to discover the reason that chastity belts were invented...

'Soul:LIFE' is available as a Free Download

Things get serious for 'Soul:LIFE', as life trials take centre stage. 'Never Sober' is the war cry of a forgotten, unwanted nation aspiring to heights beyond their government class and the evils they need inner strength to battle. This is one of those strong award contenders that will resonate with anyone not born with a silver spoon strategically placed.

'Runaway' implores that young, struggling one to stand strong against the difficulties that might seem too hard to face. An uptempo, motivational moment more suited to daily play in schools (at least it should be), than the bedroom. The only restraints inspired by this are for an unruly younger sibling in need of straightening out; go strap them to a chair, slap on some headphones and stick this on repeat. Yes, I am available for babysitting.

'My Child' is the soul-wrenching letter to an unborn child that would thaw the frostiest heart. I doubt there's a female alive that isn't choked up by the time Kof arrives at the chorus. Never an easy subject for anyone to tackle; you have to commend men who are willing to address the topic of abortion and its consequences from the male perspective and breech the edges of their emotions. A sudden, controversial end to this chapter; you're left feeling unsteady and drowning in someone else's open wound.

Just as well then, that the final chapter takes you to that other thing this amazing singer does best. You've been charmed, you've been challenged, it's only right that you're comforted with 'Soul:Live' - the final instalment that focuses solely on what Kof can do in twelve and a half minutes if given a mic and a spotlight.

'Soul:LIVE' is available as a Free Download

I remember when I first heard 'Thugz Mansion / Smells Like Teen Spirit' performed on Trevor Nelson's Live Lounge (BBC 1Xtra) almost 2 years ago. It was one of those 'stop in your tracks, drop what you're doing, pause the outside world' type of moments, where you realise that something BIG is on the verge of happening. You remember what you were doing, the time of day and the snapshot of everything else about the event - they're that rare. Second only to seeing him perform live for the first time, if you never listen to anything else that this ridiculously talented man does (and why would you not? Are my words not registering?) THIS is the rendition that proves the man is, as 1Xtra's Mistajam describes him, "The Future" of acoustic Soul.

'All Falls Down' is an original spin on the Kanye classic that can't help but entice. This is the track that mixes the messages of the first two sets and serves them up afresh. Slow and seductive in the mellow delivery, the messages about acting without thinking ahead keep the social consciousness that Kof has become known for, alive and well. The modern day, male take on Lauryn Hill's 'Doo Wop (That Thing)'; this makes you want to put a call in for a living room performance...conveniently forgetting that you don't own a piano (my nephew has a mini-Casio - will that work?)

Then he has the gall to finish with a cover of D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar'. Ladies...He's really not right for this one. It's actually an insult to your draws. Just be glad he's only coming through your speakers. For those of you actually catching him live though - remember those aforementioned chastity belts? Hand someone stronger than you the keys. HEED MY WARNING! That's really all I can tell ya... 

And that's it! '7 Days, 7 Mixtapes To Set The Valentine Mood' delivered straight to you, with a breakdown on each and every one. In case you missed them (firstly, errr where have you been), here's a rundown from 7 to 2, click each title to go get your download:

7: 'Grandeur Pulse' by Lekhem

6: 'Human Condition: Doleo' by Wynter Gordon

5: 'Happy 2 Year' by Malice and Mario Sweet

4: 'Look Up' by Kiah Victoria

3: 'Born II Sing, Vol. II' by Eric Bellinger

2: 'L' by Drassick

And just as an extra special something to you Ladies...hold on to your drawstrings, I've got an #ESPspotlight Valentine's Interview with the super sexy, I mean, um...supremely talented Kof coming for you shortly! Sorry to mess with your Valentine's plans Fellas, but I'm giving Females everywhere my own gift of love. You should all adore me. Ok maybe not the guys so much. (Not) Sorry - the way too sexy...music made me do it.

Damn I love...music.
ES ;)

#FindOutFriday with LEXIE SPORT FOUNDER & DESIGNER, LILY RICE!

Last November's StartUp Fashion event introduced Yours Truly to some seriously amazing new talents and contacts that I'm still enjoying getting to know. One in particular stood out for many a reason and I could barely wait for her to finish speaking publicly before I pounced, business card in hand.

Miss Lily Rice is the Head Designer and CEO of Lexie Sport - a Womenswear Design company with a real difference - not just the tagline kind. Creating functional, yet flattering gym clothes that obliterate the lines between practical and Sexy; this is a woman who literally took fashion off the bench for comfortable exercise attire and made it the star player of the team. I really couldn't control that themed pun. It took on a life of it's own.

Methinks that's my cue to introduce you to Lily...

Welcome Lily, to the #FindOutFriday hotseat! I've been looking forward to talking to you since we met in November!

1. To kick things off, I’d love you to introduce yourself and the 'Lexie' Sport brand to my readers:

Lexie Sport CEO, Lily Rice and
BBC3's 'Be Your Own Boss' Host, Richard Reed

Thanks! I'm Lily Rice, I'm 25 and the founder and designer of 'Lexie', a trend led women's sportswear brand. 'Lexie' was born in the summer of sport 2012 and focuses on bringing fashion to the sports arena.

2. Now with every start up label I've ever come across (including Yours Truly), the need for the product stemmed from one specific moment or event. Can you take us back to the turning point when you came up with the ‘Lexie Sport’ brand – what inspired the idea?

The Lauren Tee, Veronica Short
and Gloria Hoodie

I think 'Lexie' has really evolved as an idea from never being able to find the kind of sportwear I wanted to wear; moments of being really frustrated or disappointed that the kit on offer is boring, unflattering and defiantly not fashionable.

'Lexie' as a brand was something I started working on lightly just after I graduated; building a business plan and then of course it really accelerated with 'Be Your Own Boss'!

3. What about the inspiration for the name – where did ‘Lexie’ come from?

I've always loved strong female names, 'Lexie' is the shortened version of Alexandria, which in turn is the female of Alexander. If you Google the meaning it comes up as ‘Defender of Mankind’ which is pretty cool!

4. I'm honoured to have a Central Saint Martins Alum grace the blog this week. Your designs are far from typical; what did you study there and combined with your former role at Umbro, how have you applied your training and practical experience to the ‘Lexie’ brand?

Thanks! I studied for my foundation there, which gave me a great base (no pun intended) for my education and really opened my eyes in terms of creativity. I received a distinction from CSM and then went on to Falmouth University to study Performance Sportswear Design, which is the only course of its kind in the UK.

Umbro gave me a much better knowledge of the market and how a business and brand really works, a lot goes on behind the scenes!

You presented to representatives from some of the UK's biggest High Street chains, during the 'Meet The Buyers' panel at November's event. One of the things that struck me most, was how meticulously prepared you were! I got the same e-invitation only a few days prior, so know exactly how little lead time you had! I'm going to guess that either some of your presentation materials are pre-prepared or, you've got a great team in place at 'Lexie' HQ, who club together when the pressure's on?

5. How many people are involved in your set-up and how did you go about assembling your support base?

Ha! Erm, well there’s me and erm….Me? I'm pretty much the team, but I have a really supportive group of friends and family who have helped out in different ways; for example I have a great graphic designer (Aron Jones), who designed the logo and helps out with lookbooks and my friend Francesca Milano shot the photos. Special mention also has to go to my fiancé who really digs in (despite being a paramedic student, not a designer!) and listens to my pitches etc. He knows more about a fashion brand than any future husband should!

I know during the show, Richard was fairly worried that I was a 'one-woman-band' but I think it has it’s upsides; I'm able to go with what I believe and make decisions quickly. It also means I can execute an idea how I envisioned it. That said, if it’s the route you're going down, make sure you surround yourself with epically, brilliant people!

6. Your first collection was featured on BBC3’s 'Be Your Own Boss'; how has the experience affected the ‘Lexie’ brand?

'Be Your Own Boss' was pretty crazy, a TV show was never something I was aiming for! It was a great experience though and gave the brand some credibility. Obviously I also got investment and Richard from it, which has been amazing!

Lily with BBC3's 'Be Your Own Boss' Host and 'Lexie' Sport Investor, Richard Reed

The downside to TV, or any exposure, is that you’re basically inviting people in to comment, both on your brand and yourself, which can be tough. The beginning of a brand or business is when you really want to take on advice and suggestions and it can be hard to filter through and stay true to what you want and where you want to take the brand.

7. In terms of colour range, the aesthetics of your collection is actually quite simplistic, but you managed to find a way to make your designs visually appealing and sexy. Can you talk about your Art Deco influences, as well as any others that inspire you?

The 'Audrey' Crew and 'Grace' Leggings

The birth of Women’s sportswear was really around the art deco period and a lot was starting to change for women in that era. I'm a big Downton Abbey fan and a huge part of that show is how the female characters change from the 1900s through to the 20s and how their wardrobes change with that. It’s a great illustration of how women were progressing.

I try to interpret that style through shape and colour, reworking it for performance. The female shape is very inspirational and I work very hard on fit and comfort. There’s no need to make things baby pink for women!

8. Judging by your response from the panel, the celebrity following and media coverage you've received so far; your idea seems to be a hit with whoever it comes into contact with! Can you talk about some of the projects you've worked on so far and what’s going on at the moment?

'Lexie' Sport kicked off 2013 with a mention in the highest
echelon of the fashion hierarchy...

I think 'Lexie' is so popular because there is a huge gap in the market and it’s a rapidly growing market. Obviously we were featured on 'Be Your Own Boss', but we are also going to be on Cherry Healey's new BBC3 show - she’s a big fan. Jacqueline Gold (of Ann Summers) also awarded us her WOW award in December and we were in the Vogue January issue!

The 'Mae' Vest

We have a few trendsetting celebs who will be wearing ('Lexie') in the coming months (we never pay celebrities) so that’s really exciting to see!

9. Your audience are buying into more than the look though - what’s the core message behind the brand that you’re building and how have you gone about it?

'Lexie' is a strong, female brand. No 'shrink it, pink it' (Bleurgh!). It’s important that we have strong female role models wearing the clothes and we’re not into slimming vids and fad diets! We're building this message through our designs, imagery and language. We will also be carefully selecting retailers to make sure the end-wearer gets the gear in the way we want!

10. You've put a heck of a lot of work in and it seems like it’s paying off. What can we expect from ‘The Icon Collection’, when will it be released and what does 2013 have in store for 'Lexie' and Lily?

'Lexie' is really going to grow in 2013, in fact we're calling it the 'Year of Lexie'!

We're looking forward to a new range, more stockists and some brilliant designs.

We've had lots of great suggestions from our fans so we will be implementing some of those and just generally moving forward.

Look out for 'Lexie'!

______________________________________

Thank you Lily! 'Look out' we will! I don't know about you Dear Readers (I would really like to though - share in the box below), but I loved learning more about the 'Lexie' brand and Lily's personality, especially! Did you relate to her as much as I did? Tell us both about it!

I've connected with Lily and the Lexie Sport Social Media catalogue, now it's your turn:

Lexie Sport Online:

Twitter / Facebook / Website

As an extra special thank you for reading, I'm sharing a little something special from my new gig as MyFlashTrash Brand Ambassador...

Click to bag yourself 15% OFF some MFT Goodies!

Happy 'Lover's Day' shopping and I'll see you soon!

ES ;)