Lifestyle: get what you want out of life

DOES your nose for a good sauvignon go completely unappreciated round the dinner trough, or your spitting technique cause issues with the upkeep of the prized house plants? All you budding amateur wine connoisseurs will finally get the opportunity to shine and show off at Blythswood Square hotel, in Glasgow's Wine Man's Bluff event later this month. The five-star hotel is hosting the Call My Bluff-style quiz in its Rally Bar, in which teams will have to guess exactly which vintage they are knocking back without letting on to their opponents. The wines are provided by Inverarity Vaults, whose experts will be on hand to give accounts of the wines. Following the tasting on 24 February, visitors will be welcomed into the Monte Carlo suite for a four-course dinner to discuss the wines further. Starting at 7pm, the evening costs 55 per person, including welcome drink, Wine Man's Bluff and dinner with wines to match.

0131-274 7451, www.blythswoodsquare.com

Ban aid

THE thrall of looking good while doing good has become one of the most intoxicating philanthropic ploys. Not to mention the boost it has given to consumers looking for a feel-good way to spend in today's bleak economic environment. Luxury jeweller Bulgari is the latest to do its bit. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the Italian brand is supporting Save the Children's Rewrite the Future campaign, which is committed to providing quality education to youngsters living in conflict-affected countries. Its new ring, in silver and ceramic, features the Save the Children logo engraved on the inside, and part of the proceeds from any sale will go directly to they charity's campaign.

Available exclusively in Scotland from Laing the Jeweller, Edinburgh, 200 (www.laingthejeweller.com)

Va-va-room

travellers can now rent apartments in cities like New York, Paris and Rome for a fraction of the price THEY might pay at a hotel. Roomorama.com has attracted a cult following among urban professionals keen to get a great deal on top locations for their next city break.

Hirsute's you sir

GODFATHER of Soul, James Brown, had clear ideas about male grooming. "Hair is the first thing," he opined. "And teeth the second. Hair and teeth. A man got those two things, he's got it all." Chesne Hair and Beauty in Glasgow's Merchant City might not be able to do much about a gentleman's pearly whites, but it can help him look smooth. As well as a wash and blow dry, the unisex salon is offering style-conscious men either a Swedish or sports massage, and a manicure for just 29 rather than the standard 69.

www.5pm.co.uk

Koma chameleon

DAVID Koma has dressed everyone from Beyonc to Cheryl Cole, now it's everyone else's chance to wear his designs. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Christopher Kane, the Georgian-born designer has produced a capsule collection for Topshop. Five perfectly formed pieces, featuring his signature body-con silhouettes and cylindrical silver detailing, comprise his design debut for the high-street retailer. And with prices ranging from 100-350, they won't break the bank. But there are only 30 samples of each look available, so expect an online stampede. As a recipient of Topshop's New Gen sponsorship scheme, Koma is set to showcase at London Fashion Week so keep your eyes peeled.

www.topshop.com

This article was first published in Scotland On Sunday, 13 February, 2011