The weather’s been all over the place this week, but there’s nothing gloomy about this week’s HOT FIVE, compiled by our expert panelist and beauty writer, Claire Becker. There’s studs, pin curls, fake carbs, a great gig and mini winter warmers.

IN A SPIN FOR_ Pin Curls
Get instant vintage vixen hair with 40s style pin curls. They’re pretty easy to do (with a bit of practice and a lot of bobby pins) and they create maximum babe impact. Have fun and play around; make them as big or small as you fancy and create as many as you want. You could add a few subtle pin curls instead of a fringe, ala Rachel McAdams (The Notebook) and Lydia Bright (The Only Way is Essex), or go wild and fill your whole head with the little curly wurleys like beauties Morgan O’Reilly and Elise Larson. Click here for a tutorial.

WILD FOR_ Studs and Denim
I am loving my new over-sized stud denim shirt from Topshop.com. It goes with pretty much anything and gives your outfit the perfect blend of laid-back-chic with a few studs thrown in for a touch of ree-oww-ness. Order it online and it’ll be with you in 7-10 days. Plus if you spend over £100 (about $200) they’ll give you free worldwide delivery. Oversized Stud Denim Shirt is £38 (about $73) and can be ordered here.
And speaking of chic. Check out this fashion parody video ‘Sh*t fashion girls say’ to laugh your chic little socks off.
FAKE CARBING WITH_Courgette Spaghetti
Here’s a tasty courgette trick that will defy the winter carb bulge AND even trick you into thinking your eating the real deal. Grate 2 courgettes with a grater or Julienne peeler, pre heat pan with coconut oil (healthy option), throw in some chopped onion and garlic, simmer for 5 mins, add courgettes and stir for 3 mins. And voila! You have yourself some carb-free fake spaghetti that look and taste very much like al dente pasta. Serve with a few tablespoons of light pasta sauce and homemade turkey meatballs and you’ve got yourself a healthy, nutritious and delicious winter warmer.

GETTING GIGGY AT_Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Music lovers, this one’s for you. What better way to spend next Sunday afternoon than making your way to one of Auckland’s best little bars, The Wine Cellar on K road and chilling out to a whole host of seriously talented live kiwi musicians? Lazy Sunday Afternoon is an exciting monthly music showcase put on by Mole Music, and this time you get to feast your ears and eyes (they’re pretty hot) on the likes of Watercolours, Tom Cunliffe, Forest Spirits and Huf. Plus there’s a Koha BBQ to keep your bellies satisfied. Click here to see a video of Watercolours performing Nightswimmer – Chelsea (the lead singer) has just won a $10K video, thanks to NZ on Air and www.theaudience.co.nz. Click here for event details.
GEEKING OUT FOR_Ikoiko
Stuck on an idea for gifts? IkoIko is an amazing little treasure haven filled with geeky gadgets and gorgeous delights with stores in Auckland and Wellington as well as an online shop. I’m currently lusting after these mini winter warmers. A Mini Space Invader Hottie ($34.90) and the Miss Etoile Mini Teapot and Cup ($54.90). Have a tea party, in bed, with yourself. Cozy. Visit www.ikoiko.co.nz for the full range.
Happy Friday! Follow me on Twitter @ClaireBecker here! x

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