The Glorious North East Archives - Page 12 of 15

Newcastle in the Sky Dine by Flight Experience

Remember Dine by the Tyne – the death defying restaurant experience that saw diners suspended 100ft above the ground to enjoy cocktails and dinner prepared by some of the regions best chefs? Ok well maybe it wasn’t quite as dramatic as that, the point is, it’s back with a new name and some awesome new restaurants on board.

Returning for 2017 as Newcastle in the Sky, this ‘dine by flight’ experience will return to its previous location at The Sage, overlooking the Newcastle Quayside, due to delays at the intended Stephenson Quarter site.

With just five months to go until Newcastle in the Sky hits the North East and tickets already flying (see what I did there?) The event looks set to sell out all over again. August 24th -29th is the period you’ll be able to take flight and enjoy culinary delights served up by chefs and mixologists from Browns, SIX, Aveika, Hawthorns, Chaophraya, Artisan, La Yuan, The Vermont Hotel, Livello and The Gin Bar. Once you’re over the whole height thing, the only problem you’ll have is which one to choose.

To give you a helping hand, you’ll be able to choose from breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail flights (Livello and The Gin Bar will be supplying the drinks flights, while breakfast will be served by Brown’s. Lunch and evening dinner will be provided by SIX, Artisan, Aveika, Chaophraya, Hawthorns and La Yuan.)

“We are happy to return to Performance Square, the views of the river and bridges are spectacular. With our Title sponsor DS Automobiles and other exciting changes, the team are more determined than ever to deliver another outstanding event in the heart of the north east.” Jacqui McKirdy, Event Director, Newcastle in the Sky.

If you missed out on this experience last year, or you managed to get tickets but want to try a breakfast, or cocktails, then you’d better be quick! I was way too soft last year, I bottled it at the last minute but I’ve been told to man up and get on board this year and I’ve promised I’ll do it (although I can’t promise there’ll be no tears or tantrums). For tickets, visit Events in the Sky or call 07808 527 039 for corporate bookings.

See you in the sky!

Pixie xo

Categories: The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Introducing Muse by Berta at Si Bridal

There’s nothing quite like bridal couture to make you truly appreciate the talent of a great designer, and a wedding deserves something extra special right? Particularly when it’s yours…

My most recent Belle Bridal column discussed the rise of the Couture Bride and how it’s no longer restricted to the super rich. With the likes of Inbal Dror, Flora and Berta readily available to the masses, it’s not a difficult task to create a stunning visual effect with the right dress and with boutiques up and down the country hosting their own trunk shows, finding a couture supplier has never been easier.

The house of Berta has been attracting attention from not only brides, but fashionistas globally, the one and only reason for this incredible success story is the product itself. BERTA completely disrupted the fashion industry, by presenting a couture level of quality, with retail prices that are closer to those of mass production brands. With a whole new aesthetic for bridal wear, the fashion industry just couldn’t afford to ignore this emerging powerhouse brand.

Not only a bridal wear house, Berta incorporates its famous luxury bridal line, a brand new RTW collection and it’s latest offering, a diffusion bridal line which was launched at this season’s couture showcase.

Newcastle bridal boutique Si are the only Berta stockist in the North and they’ll be holding a Trunk Show to launch the brand new Muse collection from the house of Berta. Muse is vintage inspired, with a modern boho vibe, it’s couture for sure, but it’s wonderfully current. It’s a younger, fresher collection with more sex appeal – nude tulle, intricately embroidered bodices with plunging necklines and soft, flowing fabrics that appear lighter than air.

Si will be holding an exclusive viewing of Muse by Berta at their Newcastle boutique and viewing is strictly by appointment. April 28th – 30th is your chance to get a sneak peak at Muse and to try on and even purchase your dream wedding gown. Not only that, but Si are 10% off Muse by Berta to brides who choose to purchase their gown throughout the event. Appointments are limited so if you like the look of Muse, make sure you get in and try on a few styles to find the right one for you.

With couture as dreamy as this, who needs a wedding? I’m thinking I need to throw me a White Party….

Pixie x

To book your appointment contact Si Bridal by emailing enquiries@sibridal.com or call 0191 4878145

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Glorious North East

The Wax Bar Newcastle Official Launch Party

You’ll have heard me waxing lyrical (see what I did there?) about The Wax Bar, a recent addition to the beauty scene in North Jesmond and you’ll know that I’ve visited the salon for intimate waxing and LVL Lashes (two essentials for your beauty maintenance regime). Now the salon may have been operational since December 2016, but after establishing a loyal North East client base, The Wax Bar threw open their doors this weekend for their official launch party and I was invited along. Obvs.

A live DJ provided the tunes and the salon was set up to provide complimentary treatments including nail polish and stencilling, HD Brows, threading, tinting and my favourite, a braid bar, with added glitter station. Fresh pizza, pasta and doughballs from Pizza Express Jesmond were served, from Pizza Express along with sweet shop sweets and super cute bespoke cupcakes (of which three mysteriously appeared in my kitchen the next morning). Prosecco and Pimms were on tap all night and the party was in full flow when I rocked up fresh com a runway show.

First stop: The braid bar, I was sat in front of a lit mirror and given a selection of styles to choose from, I opted for two top Dutch braids into wrapped ponytails which the Stylist did in record time. Sidebar, The Wax Bar will have a resident hair braider working in the salon once each month offering single or add on appointments. I can vouch for her talent too, she’s young, hip and dresses like a rockstar, oh yeah, she does awesome braids too.

If you haven’t already visited The Wax Bar, the salon is modern and minimalist. With it’s cool grey and white colour scheme (with added Wax Bar branded metallic balloons for the party) it has a fresh, urban feel and the pop of fuschia pink in the branding is uniform throughout the each salon.

New and existing clients had a chance to chat about the treatments and products on offer at The Wax Bar as well as putting forward suggestions to the business – a real nice touch to involve potential clients in shaping the business to suit their needs. Kudos. Owner Nicole Peterson and Area Manager Claire travelled From Edinburgh for the party; saying they’d been nervous and excited for the past four weeks. Nicole told me that after doing some research on Jesmond and learning about its huge student population, she wanted to cater for that because it’s unfair to price out such a huge chunk of the market, to combat this, The Wax Bar offer 25% discount to students on qualifying days.

I chatted to the staff who told me that throwing a launch party works so well in beauty because it offers a great opportunity to meet potential new clients and learn more about existing clients.

These guys are the holy grail of hot waxing; resident hot waxer Gemma has her technique nailed and can have you stripped, Hollywood waxed and out again fuzz free in 20 minutes. The salon also offers a range of other treatments including men’s waxing, gel nails, LVL Lashes, HD Brows and lash extensions amongst other things. Each Therapist has her own specialty so you can rest knowing you’re in good hands. All treatments booked at the official launch party were offered at 50% off but fear not Voyeurs, there are regular rotational offers on treatments and there’s a loyalty club too which allows clients to collects stamps leading to free treatments.

So, long story short, aces launch party, friendly professional staff, free parking outside the door and good coffee. What’s not to love?!

Pixie xo

To book an appointment at The Wax Bar call 0191 2812183

Categories: The Archives, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Sports Luxe Dressing at Silverlink Shopping Park

If there’s one trend that’s gathering pace right now, it’s the Sports Luxe trend. Done right, it’s the epitome of cool, with trailblazers Vetements, Puma x Fenty and Hood by Air leading the pack on the runway. Get it wrong however and it’s a whole other story. So, what exactly is Sports Luxe and how do you wear it?

Vetements

Puma x Fenty

Hood by Air

I was asked by Silverlink Retail Park to compile a trend report on Sports Luxe with some handy tips on how to recreate the look on the high street. IRL the trend is softer and way easier to wear – on the runway it’s harsh and extreme but the high street interpretation lends itself to some pretty awesome looks and it’s a trend that fits my lifestyle perfectly so I was looking forward to getting stuck into this.

Sports Luxe is a trend you can wear for work or play, based around the idea of the practicality and functionality of sportswear, combined with tailored shapes and clean lines to keep it current and stop it veering into scruffy territory. Think chiffon dresses with a soft sweater thrown over the top, or retro Adidas sweatpants with a blouse. Ballet pink and grey are the colours du jour for this trend and functional details such as chunky zippers will score you extra points.

At Silverlink Shopping Park in North Tyneside, there are a surprising number of high street fashion stores in close proximity including Next, New Look, H&M, River Island and Marks & Spencer. The real gem amongst them though is Outfit. One store, seven highstreet fashion brands all from the house of Aurora fashions; Topshop, Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins & Miss Selfridge are amongst the fashion favourites you’ll find in this store and the place is brimming with wearable Sports Luxe garments in a whole array of textures.

H&M came up trumps with these modern wearable takes on the sportswear trend and in this season’s key colours of ballet pink and cobalt blue too, with a pretty wide range, there’s something for all tastes and they’re at the cheaper end of the scale making it accessible for everyone. River Island is great for solid sporty basics, think Beyonce’s leotard microtrend translated to the highstreet, and you’re on the right track. With cotton bodysuits for just £16 they’re up at the top end of my list – throw an embroidered bomber over the top and you’ll be werking Sports Luxe in no time.

Across the Shopping Park in New Look there’s a whole section dedicated to creating the Sports Luxe look, with oversized sweater dresses and shredded hoodies it’s very similar to the Hood by Air aesthetic on a high street budget. Head here for lightweight layering to throw over your Sports Luxe basic pieces. I spotted a soft grey playsuit – technically nightwear – but perfect for nailing the trend in Summer if you’re feeling confident, perfection with chunky boots and a light duster jacket for shrobing.

In Outfit you’re greeted with items that fit the brief as soon as you enter the store and it’s a fresher, more fashion conscious effort at Sports Luxe. With Topshop leading the field (as always) there’s a choice of crossover ballet tops, layered dresses, faux fur slides and velour sweaters (very Vetements) to choose from meaning this is the best choice for North East Fashionistas.

With so many leading high street fashion retailers in one place, its hard not to get carried away, especially seeing as this is one of my favourite trends to emerge from the runways of the fashion capitals. I couldn’t resist the faux fur slides, the layered dress and the sweater on the Topshop mannequin so all of those made their way home with me. I stocked up on calf high Adidas sports socks from JD Sports (which are crying out to be worn with those slides) as these look great with pleated midi skirts, especially in metallic shades.

So, with Sports Luxe being the perfect pan-season trend I’d say you’ve got a whole year to perfect it and work out your take on the look.

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Menswear Fit for a Duke

When it comes to menswear things can get a little tricky, sure it looks simple enough for a fashionista looking in but when it comes to dressing men, silhouette is key as everything is loosely based on one main aesthetic – a trouser paired with a top.

With the emergence of more and more menswear design talent through LC:M and NYFW Mens, the options for male dressing are widening however these groundbreaking shows are more about pushing boundaries than setting seasonal trends. As much as Men’s Fashion Month is an major event in the fashion calendar, it mostly gives me inspo for my own wardrobe.

We all know that Fashionista’s move in tribes. The key difference is that men often aren’t aware of the theory of fashion tribes, or of which tribe they fall into; whether they’re a Classic Aesthetic (jeans and tee), Sports Luxe (relaxed fit jeans / sweatpants, sports tee & sneakers), Wide Boy (skinny sweats & vest) or Urban Gentleman (tailoring with all the trimmings), it’s not usually a conscious decision. Whether aware of it are not, men are unwittingly influenced by fashion.

You’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, you know the theory behind the cerulean blue sweater – in a nutshell, every purchase you make on the highstreet, every throwaway notion or bargain bin selection, is directly influenced by the elite runway shows at the top of the chain. Fashion is everywhere and influences most of your day to day decisions around clothing, makeup, accessories and shoes, right through to the way you style your home.

If you’re a guy who naturally favours suiting and consider a pocket square to be the ultimate accessory, then congratulations! You fall into the Urban Gentleman tribe, (and there are definitely a few of you out there who follow me), it’s likely that you already know that tailoring is your best friend. The high street can work with tailoring to a certain extent but the clue is in the name people, tailoring only achieves its MO if it’s made to fit. Yes, I get that budget is a huge factor and can recommend some off the rack retailers for tailoring but trust me, going made to measure will change your life.

Step forward Duke Ata Bespoke. Duke’s self titled label focuses on luxury, made to fit, with all the trappings of a modern, urban gentleman. Everything Duke produces has flair, from the signature wide lapels and polka dots to the wide shouldered cut of his jackets, a Duke Ata Bespoke piece is recognisable by its artistry.

With a background in Blogging, Duke’s knowledge of menswear in particular led him on an eerily similar journey to mine. Styling wedding guests and curating wardrobe overhauls for years gave him a clear idea of pieces that would work for clients. It wasn’t long before Duke turned his hand to design himself, and ultimately, tailoring. Inspired by classic elegance, the gentleman’s silhouette and the craftsmanship of Savile Row, Duke has developed a peculiar and recognisable style which has been forged into the Duke Ata brand.

His first collection – Vol.1 – sees classic tailoring married with an urban twist. Duke has a penchant for unusual fabrics and is super particular about the quality, threadcount and finish – I can say that, we’re friends – basically, if it’s not perfect, it’s not Duke Ata.

The fitting service offered by Duke Ata Bespoke is a step above tailoring. A tailor will take an existing suit model and make it fit the client (think Tim Gunn in How I Met Your Mother), with a bespoke service fabric selection, shape, cut and fit are all handcrafted to the needs and expectations of the client. It’s a different ball game. The cost is high, but then that’s not news. For anyone considering something bespoke there’s a price to pay, but business is booming.

Duke’s clients tell me that there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on a Duke Ata Bespoke suit, it’s like The Emporer’s New Clothes, they fit so well that you feel like you’re wearing nothing, but you just know you look awesome.

You’ll recognise his aesthetic too, Duke recently dressed footballer Jamie O’Hara for his Celebrity Big Brother 2017 entrance, and Body Fixers Dr Esho only wears Duke Ata Bespoke. Natty credentials indeed. Duke doesn’t shout from the rooftops about his brand, he’s quietly confident. Charismatic and charming, it’s no wonder his clients are fiercely loyal.

With a series of low key, invite only events around his home town of Newcastle, he let’s the pieces he creates do the talking and is quietly building momentum in both the North and in London where he takes regular fitting appointments. When we discuss the theory of fashion tribes he agrees with me saying “I know my tribe, I stay in my lane. I don’t try to force tailoring on to people it won’t work for, I’m particular about my clients.” With bespoke tailoring on the rise and Tom Ford recently stating “My suit is my uniform, I feel weak in trainers”, it’s an aesthetic that more and more men (and women) are aspiring to. Well Voyeurs, it just got a little more accessible to the Urban Gentlemen of the North East – you know who you are.

Pixie xo

For appointments email appointments@dukeata.com