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Up Your Spex Appeal with Op & Tom Newcastle

There’s a brand new boutique optician on High Bridge in Newcastle, a street famed for it’s cobbled road and funky, offbeat independent stores and coffee shops (Laneway & Co anyone?). But what exactly is a boutique optician? I hear you ask, well Voyeurs, let me tell you….

If you follow me on social media you’ll know that I was invited along to the Christmas launch party at Op & Tom (formerly CrossEyes), if you don’t follow me on social media, then shame on you, (and fix that right now). So, I went along for a night of live music and glasses trying on in an uber cool environment like no other optician you’ve ever visited before. First off, Op & Tom is a Danish concept, there are no designer frames here. If you’re looking for Tom Ford or Chanel then you’re in the wrong place, Op & Tom is about being different, it’s about standing out for having THE most stylish frames at an affordable fixed price, everything you see is Op & Tom’s own stylish brand.

I took up optician Tim’s offer of a free eye test (they’re free to everyone not just yours truly), after confessing that my last eye test was a little over ten years ago and attended with gritted teeth. The Op & Tom store is a real treat, it’s a small space but it’s utilised so well that it feels big, with a raw wood floor, and fittings made from pipes and scaffolding poles, the decor pitches the shop in the same ballpark as The Boilershop. It has that perfect brand new but worn in look that’s in vogue right now and so hard to achieve, eyewear frames line the walls and an old Singer sewing table (minus the machine) serves as a desk for consultations. All in all, it’s a pretty cool place to be for something as mundane as an eye test.

In a room at the back of the store is some super high tech machinery that scans your eyes James Bond style to determine the strength of your prescription (if you need one), it’s all very ‘Agents of SHIELD’ and for a moment I think I might be being given some kind of eye focussed super power, (x-ray vision perhaps or that weird Terminator vision) as a machine blows a precise puff of air into each eye. But sadly not, I’m given what I probably should have had nine years ago – a prescription for lenses.

This isn’t bad news – I’m a big lover of glasses as a fashion accessory, I used to wear them in school when I didn’t need to purely for the look, and Op & Tom is a glasses lovers dream. In fact, I dare say it could convert a few of you who hate wearing glasses too. With a huge selection of frames in different colours, shapes and finishes, the important thing is that there is something here that suits everyone’s face type and lifestyle needs.

My prescription is very minor and it’s only required for close work such as reading and writing (so only my whole life then) and I actually find myself a little disappointed that I won’t get to wear these glasses outside of those activities – don’t do it kids, it gives you headaches.

Trying on frames in Op & Tom could take up a whole afternoon, there are tame, more everyday styles for the discerning spectacle wearer, these are sleek, stylish and very light to wear. Then there are slightly more daring frames in brighter colours and bold shapes. Lastly there are the ‘out there’ frames, this is my section, consider me Head Girl of this section, these are the frames for people who want to scream “Hey, I wear glasses, look at my cool glasses, did you notice my awesome glasses??” Because that’s exactly what they are. Awesome. None of the frames in Op & Tom are garish, there are no Dame Edna Everage dupes here, just bold, well designed, fashion frames created to be seen and worn with pride.

It’s a tough choice to select just one pair of frames, especially with a collection this diverse. I narrow it down to two favourites, both very different, before settling on a pair that I fell in love with at the Christmas party. Bamboo topped and kinda reminiscent of the Ray-Ban Clubround, they’re a smokey grey colour and if I do say so myself, they’re pretty damn perfect – and I look aces in them. To top off this awesome choice, Tim tells me that they’re limited edition and that this is the only pair (high five moment). That’s another thing about Op & Tom, they’re never stagnant – new collections arrive at the store regularly to ensure the brand is fresh and always following fashion led trends as well as fast turnover micro trends which apply to eyewear too.

Op & Tom don’t just deal in prescription eyewear though Voyeurs, you can choose to have any of the frames in store fitted with regular glass to wear as a fashion accessory for just £85. In fact, the day that my glasses are ready for collection is my birthday and the Op & Tom Newcastle team have a little surprise for me….. Remember the two pairs I couldn’t decide between? They had the other pair made up with fashion lenses as a birthday present for me – I knew I liked these guys!

Interested in finding out whether Op & Tom can help you? You’ll find them at High Bridge, Newcastle offering free eye tests throughout the day.

You’re welcome folks.

Pixie xo

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

Newcastle High School Fashion & Textiles Show 2017

There’s nothing I love more than spotting emerging design talent, particularly when it’s from the North East. We’ve got some pretty impressive fashion alumni from Northumbria University making waves in the fashion industry right now but this time, I’m talking about a much younger set of students; the Textile students of Newcastle High School for Girls.

Students from the school in Jesmond are responsible for not only designing and manufacturing the pieces which feature in the Textiles department’s annual fashion show, they’re also charged with producing and staging the show themselves. Everything from the music, lighting and choreography is masterminded by students from years 9 to 13 and it’s no easy task given the sheer volume of students taking the course.

“We are very proud of the creative talent we have here at Newcastle High and the Fashion and Textiles show is evidence of this. So much hard work and dedication goes into creating these collections and the girls put their hearts and souls into the whole creative process from design, production, choreography and staging.” Alison Goldie, Head of Creative Arts, Newcastle High School for Girls

I was invited along to the evening show earlier this month and took my seat on the Frow in anticipation for what lay ahead….

In a show that opened with pieces inspired by the art of Piet Mondrian and the famous Mondrian dress by Yves Saint Laurent, year 9 students each showcased one sheath dress painted to reflect the style of the famous painter. With dance based choreography, students modelled their own pieces before exiting the stage to applause.

The show continued with all four year 9 classes taking a segment of the show to interpret their theme, the punk theme stood out with it’s anarchic choreography and soundtrack.

The two year 11 pupils who showed showcase collections showed how the design skill matures and progresses as students move up to GCSE level at Newcastle High School for Girls. Emilia Cooke produced a three piece capsule collection inspired by packaging and doilies which showcased her eye for design, and her innovative use of raw materials To translate household items into inspired fashion pieces. Bodices fashioned out of clingfilm and sellotape and trains made from corrugated cardboard stood out in the collection.

“I have a real passion for textiles and hope to study it at A Level and beyond. In Year 9 when I created my first piece I came into the art studio every break, lunchtime and after school to get it finished. Last night I was in the studio until about 5.30pm with my younger sister who I’ve roped in to help me create all the origami flowers I’ll need. It was actually my 13-year-old sister, Francesca who first showed me how to make the flowers! It takes about one hour to create 20 flowers and I need hundreds! I also used three rolls of Sellotape to produce one of the corsets.” Emilia Cooke, Year 11.

Lucy Baxter went for a softer, more fabric oriented approach in her capsule collection inspired by cabbages. Soft, floaty pieces accented with screen printed purples and greens showcased her talent for taking the mundane and elevating it to something beautiful, striking and wearable.

“We are very fortunate to have an exceptionally well supported department equipped with unrivalled facilities including laser, screen and 3D printing which are all at the girls’ disposal when they are producing their collections. We are also uniquely placed to be able to offer three different arts based A Levels, Textiles, Fine Art and Graphics which provides tremendous breadth of learning and great creative cross overs for those studying one or more arts based A Levels.” Alison Goldie, Head of Creative Arts, Newcastle High School for Girls.

Megan Fletcher, aged 17, closed the show with her four piece collection entitled Modern Renaissance featuring a glow in the dark exotic skeletons with full skirt and shakespearean ruffles. Fletcher has been offered one of just 25 places on the exclusive BA Hons Fashion Atelier degree course at University College of Arts, UCA in Rochester, the only course of its kind in the UK.

Inspired by Tim Burton movies and the current political climate, Fletcher’s collection focussed on the supernatural using 3D printing and thermo-chromic paint in a dramatic climax.

My favourite collection, entitled The Human Condition by student Hope Turnbull, featured a thought provoking five piece collection inspired by mental health issues and depression. With clean lines accented by straitjacket-like features and buckles, simple pieces were printed to appear like pill packets emblazoned with quotes from patients struggling with mental ill health and anxiety.

Turnbull’s collection is heavily influenced by Agnes Richter, a 19th century German seamstress detained as a patient in an insane asylum. Richter densely embroidered her straight jackets with words charting her thoughts and feelings at the time and Turnbull’s collection captures the poignancy of this beautifully.

After the show I learned that Turnbull wasn’t a Textiles student throughout her educational career at Newcastle High School for Girls and only opted to study the subject at year 12. With plans to go on to study Fine Art at University (she’s hoping for Central St Martins or University of the Arts London) I’m tipping this young designer as one to watch, my absolute favourite from the evening, I’m predicting big things for Hope Turnbull.

After watching the show, produced entirely by the students involved, I’ll be watching to see the next steps of some of the older students as they graduate high school and seek further education, it’s rare for talent to present so early and so uniquely in high school students but it looks a super though we have a couple of real gems right here in Newcastle

Pixie xo

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

Intu Eldon Square’s Walk-in Wardrobe Experience for SS17

Intu Eldon Square has had something of a makeover recently; from the subtle changes in lighting, right through to the brand new Grey’s Quarter which houses a whole host of new eateries including Tapas Revolution and The Alchemist. There’s no denying that Newcastle’s shopping mall is looking slicker than ever.

But we’re not here to talk food, this time we’re looking at fashion, and in particular, how to take key trends for SS17 and spin them on the high street. If the thought of trend led dressing fills you with fear, then hang on in there Voyeurs, Intu Eldon Square have their Walk in Wardrobe experience with expert styling and beauty advice and dedicated workshops, to give you a helping hand towards Spring wardrobe success with Emma from Stylissimo as their secret weapon….

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe promo

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe Stylissimo

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe Stylissimo 2

Venue: Mall space in front of Debenhams & New Look
When: Mar 24 – Apr 01

With a core collection of trends available to view in a handy wardrobe, you’ll be able to chat to a Stylist to determine the best trends and styles for your lifestyle and body shape. Not only that, there will also be daily style talks, workshops and body mapping where you can find out exactly what body shape you are, and the clothing styles that flatter and elongate your body.

Held daily at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, styling workshops will look at transitional pieces, key trends and styling tips – it’s literally never been easier to get free advice from a personal Stylist.

Got an event on the horizon and want to know how to look like you aced Fashion Week? Then you’ll want to see the schedule:

24, 26, 28 and 30 March:

11am – Florals: You’ll be learning about the impact of print on your body shape, teaching you how to choose the right floral print for your shape and stature and most importantly how to style the trend to ensure you look amazing.

12pm – Swimwear Masterclass: You’ll learn all about the science behind swimwear, including how to choose the right style and shape to accentuate your assets and ensure that you feel confident and ready to go poolside.

1pm – Blush Flush: Millennial Pink is a key background trend this season, whether it’s blush nude or a deep fuchsia, Intu Eldon Square’s Stylist will teach you how to identify the right shade of pink to suit and enhance your skin tone and hair colour.

2pm – The Perfect Spring Capsule Wardrobe: You’ll be given help and advice on identifying those key seasonal pieces in order to build a selection of different looks for all occasions.

3pm – All Day Makeup: The arrival of Spring means wedding season and vacation planning are upon us. You’ll have access to expert MUAs from all over the mall who’ll deliver workshops on how to create the perfect “5 Minute Face” as well as tips on how to ensure your makeup can stand the test of time, while remaining fresh and perfect.

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe Stylissimo Pink

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe Stylissimo floral

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe promo Stylissimo 3

25, 27, 29, 31 March:

11am – Big Spring Occasions: Weddings, christenings, a day at the races, whatever your occasion, help is on hand to help you create the perfect look from head to toe. Already found the perfect outfit? Bring it along for expert advice on matching (or clashing) footwear and accessories.

12pm – Perfect Day to Evening Makeup: After work cocktails? Expert MUAs will teach you all the tricks you need up your sleeve to take your makeup look from boardroom to dance floor.

1pm– Personal Stylist Suite: A style specific Q&A workshop where you can pitch your fashion woes and get expert advice on bringing your look up to date.

2pm – 80’s Redux: Think 80’s glam at max volume. You’ll explore putting together the perfect party outfit with some killer trends on the high street. You’ll learn about how to style molten metallics and high shine fabrics to your own body shape and skin tone.

3pm – The New Athleisure: Sports luxe, Athleisure, Activewear, call it what you want, the trend for luxury sports based separates is going nowhere and here you’ll look at how to incorporate those influences into your own Spring wardrobe.

1 April: The final day of the Walk in Wardrobe experience. The contents will be refreshed and the Stylist will be joined by a live model who’ll be showcasing the key trends and looks for Spring.

You’ll also have the opportunity to overhaul your beauty regime and look at key makeup trends for Spring 2017 influenced by the runway but toned down for everyday wear. The Spring Beauty Pod will host a variety of beauty retailers who’ll be on hand to pimp your look.

– Friday 24: No7 Makeovers
– Saturday 25: Elemis Skincare Demonstrations
– Sunday 26: Urban Decay Makeovers
– Monday 27: Urban Decay Makeovers
– Tuesday 28: Liz Earle Skincare Demonstrations
– Wednesday 29: NYX Makeovers
– Thursday 30: Benefit Makeovers
– Friday 31: NARS Makeovers and GHD Hair Products
– Saturday 1: NYX Makeovers

I had an exclusive VIP preview (natch) of the Walk in Wardrobe experience at Eldon Square prior to its launch this weekend, and can vouch that it’s a great place to go before hitting the shops (the pink carpet helps too). With a curated selection of key trends, all laid out by retailer, it’s a good place to start if you’re looking to tap into seasonal trends. Emma from Stylissimo is a great soundboard for style advice, you can even bring along an outfit and she’ll show you how to style it up for maximum impact.

The Walk in Wardrobe is packed out with clothes, accessories, shoes and even home styling – there’s a rose gold pineapple in there from Accessorize which I bought immediately after my visit – in a roped off area that you can peruse at your leisure so it’s a must visit if you’re lacking inspiration.

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe Accessorize

INTU Eldon Square Walk in Wardrobe Pixie Tenenbaum

Think of it as a curated version of the high street – the best SS17 trend conversion pieces have been selected and displayed taking all the hard work out of weekend shopping. Take advantage of it whilst it’s there and hopefully you’ll learn something new; whether it’s how to dress for your body shape, how to create the perfect eyeliner flick or just what colour will compliment your skin tone. If you’ve always fancied using a stylist, now’s your chance….

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Glorious North East, The Lifestyle Edit

The Alchemist comes to Newcastle

It’s been a long time coming but The Alchemist is finally ready to open its doors to the people of Newcastle. Taking up residence in the newly revamped Grey’s Quarter of Intu Eldon Square, The Alchemist has certainly had a buzz about it for what feels like a very long time.

I got the chance to have a snoop inside of this gorgeous (very dark) venue to find out exactly what you can expect from Newcastle’s latest, and most hotly anticipated bar….

The dark, gothic surroundings are par for the course with The Alchemist, the Newcastle opening marks the ninth Alchemist in the UK and each follows the same design plan. The Alchemist’s strong selling point is the magical cocktails its molecular mixologists create. Claiming to be masters in the dark arts of mixology and demons in the kitchen, each cocktail is prepared with presentation in mind and a devilish dash of theatre.

The 6600 square foot space will operate as an all day venue offering food, drink and their famous alchemy cocktails to visitors to the city of Newcastle. You’ll already know that The Botanist has seen huge success since its opening in the city and Living Ventures Group, the former parent holding company of The Botanist and current parent holding company of The Alchemist, are hoping the new addition can capitalise and improve on that success.

Inside theres a nod to the secrecy of the prohibition era, but not like a traditional speakeasy, more like a den of iniquity. The Alchemist explores everything that is dark and mysterious and invites guests to relish in this enchantment. With its Deathly Hallows-like logo hanging above the door on the external entrance, it certainly looks magical.

Inside it’s much the same, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped inside the Ministry of Magic with its huge skull and butterfly mural and floor to ceiling back bar filled with curiosities. It’s a huge space divided in to zones; there are booths for cosy dining and tall bar tables for cocktail nights. Swathed in dark walnut wood and gold all bathed in soft, dim light, The Alchemist is certainly a destination bar for the city.

Ahead of The Alchemist’s official launch, magical invites were sent out with a secret panel which had to be heated with fire to reveal details of the launch event – a great indication of what’s to come no doubt. Capitalising on the unknown, the people behind the Alchemist have generated a buzz only seen in Newcastle before the launch of The Botanist. I have no doubt that the Alchemist will be inundated with visitors from the city and further afield – I’ll be at the official launch event next week to bring you more from the place when it’s in full swing!

With so many awesome bars and restaurants opening in Newcastle, it looks like this already awesome city just got better……. and a little more magical.

Pixie xo

Internal images by Head Photography.

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

Murad: The Secret of Connected Beauty

When it comes to skincare, I’m something of a slut. I flit from brand to brand taking the pieces I like and cobbling them together in some sort of self curated regime. My skin is changeable, sometimes it’s oily, sometimes it’s dry and other times it’s a bit of both – hence the sluttery.

What I know deep down but have completely suppressed, is the fact that good, healthy skin, is a reflection of not just what you apply topically, but how you live. Every aspect of your life directly affects cellular hydration, and that’s the basis of the whole Murad skin regime.

I visited Murad at House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre this week to discover more about the range that explores the connection between skin, body and mind – something they call Connected Beauty. What struck me immediately, is how clinical the Murad counter is. In a beauty hall filled with prestige and luxury brands such as Tom Ford, Chanel and Acqua Di Parma, Murad stands out as being cosmeceutical. With a stark white counter and clean, simple packaging, the brand needs no gimmicks to convey its message.

I was introduced to Murad skincare expert, Rachael (she’s worked with the Queen’s personal doctor), and given a skin analysis using a high tech facial scanner. The machine scans for skin concerns and prioritises them in order of their appearance. This wonderful, awful machine also has the capability to fast forward time and give a projection of how skin may appear on the future. Horrific but also very fascinating.

After completing a basic questionnaire about my health, lifestyle and skin concerns we established that my primary and secondary concerns – fine lines and brightening – could be improved with a glycolic peel and a selection of Murad products for home use.

If you didn’t already know, House of Fraser has a suite of treatment rooms hidden away at the back of the store, it’s a calming, tranquil oasis that could be a million miles away from the busy shopping mall. The Murad room is bathed in soft light and there are a range of products on display. As Rachael begins the process of the glycolic peel, she explains that this will brighten and tighten my skin, but may give rise to a little temporary redness.

The process starts as you would expect, with a deep cleanse, and once the peel is applied, my eyes are covered with a weighted mask whilst my shoulders, arms and hands are massaged. The whole treatment takes a little over an hour and is incredibly relaxing – not at all what you would expect from a glycolic peel. There’s no tingling sensation, no pain and personally, I have no redness afterwards although this varies from person to person. At the end of my treatment I’m left thinking (almost out loud) “don’t stop!” Yup, it’s that good.

Rachael makes observations about my skin during the treatment and asks about my diet, lifestyle and stress levels, all of which have an impact on skin. She advises the use of retinol on an evening to encourage cell turnover and renewal, and gives me a batch of “youth activating” smoothie recipes (none of which require the purchase of any Murad products).

I’m also given an awesome goodie bag with a selection of Murad’s hero products and a promise of a follow up in four weeks to see how I’m getting on. The philosophy is clear, treat the skin concerns from both the inside and the outside and you’ll see improvement. It’s doctor led skincare with a focus on healthy, nourished, strong and protected cells.

As I leave the counter, I’m reminded to “eat your water” by consuming a balanced diet, exfoliate regularly, and to “be kind to your mind” by cultivating emotional self awareness. Rachael hands me a card that she’s hand selected for me as she bids me adieu, it says “Focus on your ultimate goals and not the steps getting there.”

If you’re looking to switch up your skincare then Murad is a good place to start. Good solid foundations, a strong clinical basis and completely cruelty free; the brand is made up of products which aim to address common skin concerns with a suite of off-counter treatments available using clinical grade ingredients. My experience with Murad was great and it certainly got me thinking about internal, external and environmental factors which could be affecting my skin. Well worth a visit , even if it’s just for the scary skin assessment….

Pixie xo

I visited Murad at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre’s and was treated to a glycolic peel which normally costs £55.