TUESDAY 14 JULY, 2009

Just when we thought we were getting some respite, the sun came out and
dazzled us into a sweaty oblivion. We're moving to the Arctic. Lots to write
about up there. So whilst we get the preparations going (intern dispatched
to buy penguin repellent), enjoy a liter life with today's feature, get to
grips with our brand new dating column, and cash in on July's beauty offers.
We're off to practice our fishing skills.

		UJ DATES		BEAUTY SPOT		LONDON GUIDE
UJ FEATURE		AGENDA PICKS		SEND TO A FRIEND		CONTACT

Life Lite
Trying before you buy for a liter life.

As a former spend-a-holic in possession of several credit cards with a death wish, I'm in no mood to misplace my money. And yet the only clutter-free zone in my life is my iPhone. Because with that, I get to try lite version apps for a fraction of the price before I commit to the full whack. Why can't real life be as sensible? Before you plump for Life 2.0, install the tester for a tiered existence, minus the tears.

Terence Conran's new establishment Lutyens lets you experience the crustacea station and art-deco bar without requisite membership of the members bar. Wound magazine comes in iphone, digital and print versions, at different prices with varying amounts of content.

But mostly we're loving Nick Knight's Showstudio Shop opening tomorrow, selling pieces from the sets of past photo shoots. Think giant cherries, Galliano-graffitied Union Jacks, and bling-tastic tigers who were once at home in some of the most enviable locations worldwide.

Because even if you can't afford the fabulous life, you can still get the props.

Lutyens, 85 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AE. 020 7583 8385.
SHOWstudio SHOP, 1-9 Bruton Place, W1J 6LT. 020 7399 4299.

From the UJ Archive: Got the attention span of a gnat? Can't remember why you're here? UJ looks at ways to get that culture fix in an ADD era. What was I saying?

UJ Columnist: If you're plagued by spending problems, need some gift-giving advice or are more interested in the hottest graduate talent, turn to Personal Shopper.

UJ London Guide: Planning on heading down to Nick Knight's Bruton Place store? Get some inspiration from our London Guide and make a day of it.

UJ Photos: Shop windows your thing? Before we get in to snap the SHOWstudio space, check out some of this year's past efforts.

Beauty Spot: Special Treatment
Urban Junkies' intrepid Beauty Editor is back with July's offers exclusively for subscribers in the mood for something French..

It's on, it's off, it's hot, it's not. The British weather of late has started to resemble a Grazia coverline. And if your skin is in sync with nothing other than the patchy skies, it's time to do something about it. But where to begin? In my line of work I'm never short of a pro opinion or ten, but parting with the cash that buys the prerequisite product still stings. Who wants to fork out a fifty for a face-over only to find it doesn't have the desired Death Becomes Her effect?

Click here to read the full feature…

UJ Dates
UJ's token singleton gets to grips with the city's dating scene.

Is it a terrible idea to talk about sex on a first date? How far should a dating agency go to make our romantic dreams come true? And just how long should you wait before you give in and text? Urban Junkies' token singleton embarks on a quest to test the capital's top dating agencies and find 'the one'. Or a 'one'. Or anyone. Hey, times are tough. But then so is our girl.

Click here to read the full feature …

The V&A's highly anticipated show, Telling Tales, launches today with three mystical sections. 10am - 5:30pm, V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7, Free.

Enjoy a big screen performance of Michael Caine's Alfie with Smirnoff Black vodka cocktails. 15th July, 9pm, Bluebird, 350 King's Road, SW3, £25.

The Babylon Academy presents paintings and sculptures by Inkie and David Walker. Daily, 10am - 6pm, The Power Station Gallery, 62 Hopton Street, SE1. Free.

Make sure you get a free slice of Covent Garden's mega cupcake this Thursday. 16th July, From 1pm, 41 The Market, Covent Garden Piazza, W2. Free