Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Christmas Night Market at the Grainger Market

Last night I headed over to the Grainger Market in Newcastle for a very special Christmas Night Market.  If you’re not from the North East then let me fill you in…

 

The Grainger Market is something of a local treasure in Newcastle, housed in a square block between Clayton Street and Grainger Street, it’s been a part of the city since 1835.  With over a hundred shops and stalls under the steel and glass roof, it really has to be visited to give life to the description.  It’s the home of a collective of vibrant, small local businesses and some awesome creatives who thrive on their solidarity as a unit and if you visit the market, you’ll see that in spades.

It’s quirky, it’s cute and ultimately it’s well planned out.  From the original aisles which made up the ‘flesh market’ which now houses local food produce, through to the Grainger Arcade which is the younger, funkier end.  Everything in the Grainger Market has a place that has been carefully considered and every Geordie you meet, will have a favourite unit housed within it.

This year, for the first time ever, the Grainger Market played host to a Christmas Night Market with the promise of mulled wine, local food samples and a VIP tour of that famous hidden air raid shelter.  To be honest Voyeurs, I heard “Air raid shelter” and was there like a shot.

When I arrived, the place was buzzing with life, a choir was singing with an audience of smiling faces and Christmas jumpers as lights projected out across the glass ceiling, transforming the Grainger Market into a Winter Wonderland.  I registered for my VIP wristband and map, and headed straight to Pet Lamb patisserie to stock up on festive treats made with a local touch.

One of my all time favourite stores is in the Grainger Market; Ellen’s Cosmetics is a secret staple for many a Beauty Blogger, known for sourcing hard to find items and products, and stocking brands that you just can’t find anywhere else.  It’s my go to for hair toners.  Yup, that’s right Voyeurs, when you see me with my many shades of pastel hair, this is my supplier and I picked up some new ones last night taking advantage of their 20% off offer exclusively for the Night Market. ??

I also managed to get a tour of one of the two hidden air raid shelters under the Grainger Market, something I’ve wanted to do since I heard about it in The Chronicle earlier this year and it didn’t disappoint.  I headed into the dark tunnel with fellow Bloggers Rachel Kershaw & Ami Littlefair and we were given the lowdown on how it would have been used by the most adorably City Tour Guide.

From the surface, it’s pretty easy to, it’s the entrance despite being wide open & surrounded by metal barriers, it’s hidden in plain sight.  The steps lead down to a chamber which eerily splits off into two narrow corridors, it almost feels like picking your fate….

Filled with vintage props, the shelter has been preserved and still has original drawings on the walls.  Not my usual post but I’m actually super interested in this kind of thing so next on my list is The Victoria Tunnel tour.  I also kind of have to take some responsibility for Rachel bumping her head on a steel joist on the way out, soz dude.

After a good stroll around the market and it’s various entertainment spots, cue buskers, Newcastle Roller Girls Head Coach Kalamity James (and my awesome mate) whizzing around on quads, I headed home feeling slightly less grinchy and munching on a bag of sweet treats.

If you’re the kind of person who seeks to support local business over larger chain stores and you’re in the North East then give the Grainger Market a look.  There are quirky independent stores hidden within those old walls and some great places for food that still remain a bit of a Geordie secret.  Also, it’s looking super Christmassy in there right now, which is always a winner in my book!

Pixie xo

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

VS Fashion Show 2016 Paris Photocall

The VS Angels have landed in Paris ahead of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and their first port of call?  The Grand Palais of course!

Tomorrow night the venue will be dripping with glitter, feathers and rhinestones as the Angels take to the stage for the 2016 Paris showcase where a record eighteen rookies will take to the stage for the first time.  In preparation, the girls hit up Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite show venue for a pre-show photocall

As with every VS Fashion Show press call, the girls posed up a storm for the baying paparazzi and the fresh new intake seemed completely at ease, some of them saying they’ve been training their whole lives for this.

Jasmine Tookes will take to the stage in the $3 million ‘Bright Nights’ Fantasy Bra which is a move away from the traditional, prettified, sparkly Fantasy bra we’re used to seeing.  With diamonds and pearls fashioned into cones and spikes, this piece has a real urban and more ‘hard’ feel to it.  I have to admit that on first sight, I wasn’t keen but the more I see this Fantasy Bra, the more I grow to love it, especially with the belt piece that will be worn in the show.

cvu0loyxgaaljoe

The 2016 VS Fashion Show can also lay claim to being the first VS show featuring two sisters walking the same show with Gigi Hadid walking for the second time, and sister Bella taking to the stage for the very first time for the brand.  I’m super excited about seeing Bella walk the show, this chica has a walk to die for.

We already know everything we need to know about the show on everyone’s lips, if you need a quick recap the check out this post, and if you’d like to read up on the Rookies before they make their debut, then you might want to consider checking out this post.

I’ll bring you the scoop after the show, but for now, all that’s left to do is check out these images of the VS Angels working the press call ahead of tomorrow night’s show in Paris!

Pixie xo

IMAGE CREDIT: MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

Introducing The 2016 VS Fashion Show Rookies

We know that it’s just days until the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show takes place at Paris’ Grand Palais, home to the famous Chanel runway show during Paris Fashion Week and with it come a whole new pack of Angels for us to adore.

That’s right Voyeurs, the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will feature eighteen rookies and it’s all part of a plan masterminded by Ed Razek to win back fans and viewers after 2015’s slump.

We’ve all seen the casting videos for the show but who’s earned their wings?  Lets find out…

1.Bella Hadid

Everyone in the world knows that Bella made it through the process and will appear on the runway.  In lingerie.  With her recent ex-boyfriend performing live.  And her sister, who is rumoured to be pissed about the whole thing.  Awks.

2. Alanna Arrington

Super in demand runway model whose stock is rising.  With every runway season Arrington grows in popularity, if you think she looks familiar that’s because she was a regular fixture on the runways of NYC, London, Paris and Milan during Fashion Month SS17.

3. Brooke Perry

Hailing from Montana, Perry is the quintessential girl next door.  She’s been the face of Victoria’s Secret Pink  for just over a year now so was an easy choice for the VS Fashion Show.

4. Camille Rowe

Another girl already familiar to Victoria’s Secret having featured in several of the brands lingerie campaigns and instore visuals.  Looks a little like Behati Prinsloo no?

5. Dilone

Dilone is a force to be reckoned with in the modelling industry.  Ruling the runway by day and rapping by night, that’s right Voyeurs, this girls got skills!  She brings the cool points as the urban choice for the VS Fashion Show

6. Georgia Fowler

New Zealand born Fowler has tried out for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show five times already and cried for two straight days when she found out she’d made it through.

7. Grace Elizabeth

A regular in Vogue, this rising star covers both commercial and editorial modelling work, something only a few can do well.

8. Herieth Paul

You’ll recognise her from the Maybelline New York campaign, she’s no stranger to modelling with six years of experience under her belt.

9. Irina Shayk

As famous for her love life as she is for her modelling career, Shayk is no stranger to the runway.  Famously binned Ronaldo for Bradley Cooper, well, you would wouldn’t you?

10. Jourdana Elizabeth

A recent change to Jourdana’s appearance has seen her propelled into the limelight, much the same as when Karlie Kloss cut off her long locks, Jourdana sheared her long dark curls, reached for the bleach and earned herself a spot in Antony Vaccarello’s first runway show for Saint Laurent.

11. Keke Lindgard

A regular on the campaign circuit, Keke has already appeared in major billboard campaigns for DKNY, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, the Victoria’s Secret gig looks set to push her into the mainstream.

12. Lais Oliveira

Another Brazilian beauty joins the line up, already a regular in the Victoria’s Secret catalogue, Oliveira has dreamt of donning the famous wings since she was 13 years old, which, coincidentally is when her modelling career began.

13. Lameka Fox

Only 18 years old, Fox was scouted through the Instagram We Love Your Genes campaign.  Since then she’s walked the runways of major designers such as Burberry, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Miu Miu.  She also opened the SS17 Yeezy runway show.

14. Luma Grothe

Brazilian, beautiful and with cheekbones and brows to die for.  Convinced by a friend to enter a local modelling competition the rest is history.  Grothe is currently a L’Oreal spokesmodel and has featured in a Dolce & Gabbana billboard campaign.

15. Maggie Laine

After being spotted on FaceBook Maggie was given a model contract and said at the time that she’d set herself a goal of walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.  Achieved within two years, this all American girl looks set to go far.

16. Megan Williams

Williams needs no introduction, already known for being a Guess Girl, British born Williams regularly appears in Sports Illustrated.  She’s no stranger to getting her kit off.

17. Xiao-Wen Ju

In July 2012 Ju was ranked 22 on the models.com Top 50 Models list, she’s a seasoned pro and has already walked for Thierry Mugler, Luis Vuitton, Prada, Dior and Kenzo.

18. Zuri Tibby

The first black model for Victoria’s Secret Pink line, Tibby is fun loving and fresh looking.  She was discovered in a shopping mall and says that walking the VS Fashion Show is a dream come true.

So there we have it, a record number of eighteen new recruits have earned their wings in the Class of 2016 and you can watch the full show in early December.  If you’re in the US, CBS will screen the show at 10pm on Tuesday December 8th.  While the UK will have to wait an extra day to catch up on Wednesday December 9th when the show will air on 4Music at 9pm.

In the meantime, if you just can’t wait and need a little VS fix, check out my posts on the 2014 VS Fashion Show, The History of the Fantasy Bra, and Everything we know so far about VSFS 2016.

Ciao for now!

Pixie xo

landscape-1449612114-hbz-vs-soc

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Here’s The Rub….

If you’ve been into Newcastle recently you’ll know that the landscape is changing.  Newcastle is actually shaping up to be a pretty damn amazing hub, buzzing with creatives and tribes of fashionistas.  With this wave of new business prospects comes a whole phase of brand new eateries, one of which is Rub Smokehouse.

Housed in The Gate which is undergoing extensive redevelopment, Rub can be found on the first floor and is a welcome addition to the entertainment complex which has seen its popularity dwindle in recent years.  With a relaunch on the cards for early 2017 it’s high time for The Gate to take in some Fresh Meat, and already Rub has opened up to rapturous applause.

Obviously as a smokehouse, Rub primarily caters for the meat lover (although there are vegetarian options), and their preparation methods are sound; following the traditions of the deep American South, all of the meat sourced by Rub is from ethical farmers and is hung in a smokehouse after being ‘Rubbed’ down with a secret blend of herbs and spices known only to Rub chefs.  After which it’s slow cooked to perfection for 16 hours to give the meat that super awesome flavour and a tenderness that’s better than foreplay.

It’s a place that’s been on my radar for some time now due to a member of my Squad literally ‘Rubbing’ it in and sending me photos of food from Rub, every damn day.  (Thanks for that Ashleigh Money Saver).

But Rub is so much more than a smokehouse….

Rub is the brainchild of three guys out to have fun and make some Epic Food and Newcastle is the third branch for the successful trio.  With the Epic Food side of things covered, Cocktail King Joe serves up the fun at the Newcastle branch with a cocktail menu almost as in-depth as the food menu, some of which are his own creations.

Earlier this week, a gazillion Bloggers descended on Rub Newcastle for a night of great food, fun and mad cocktail making skills with the invite promising ‘Cocktail Carnage’.  We were treated to a cocktail making masterclass from a standup guy who competed in the actual Cocktail Making World Championships (it’s a thing Voyeurs, I checked) and boy, did we rack ’em up!

As an interlude, we were served pulled pork sliders, nachos, and burritos, (in order to soak up the excess alcohol I suspect), and damn, they were good.

After a crash course in creating bar essentials (Porn Star Martini, Mojito) Bachelorette Party must haves (Cosmopolitan) and classics smokes, (including one of my all time favourites, the smokey old fashioned), winners were announced.  Long story short, my team won, obvs.

When preparing cocktails for Newcastle’s elite, we were taught that there’s no cutting corners and no cheap option.  Only the highest quality ingredients are used at Rub and that means Titos vodka (my favourite), Chambord black raspberry liqueur and only the freshest fruit – no cheap alternatives, that’s not the Rub way.  We were also taught that shaking and stirring are key, to pull off the best drinks in town, they have to be stirred to perfection and that’s exactly what these guys do.

I’ve got to say a big thank-you  to ELLEfluence for the invite, and a big shout out to Team White for pulling off a massive win; Toni, Mimi, Geordie Kisses, Lorna, and Chloe, WE BE AWESOME!

So, if you’re looking for somewhere that does great food, and knows how to make a really aces cocktail without waiting around forever for it – get you somewhere that can do both.  Rub Smokehouse needs to be on your radar.  Go there once and you’ll see why, go there twice and you’ll know why.

And that, Voyeurs, is the Rub…

Pixie xo

 

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, North East, Pixie, Uncategorized

Catch Up on the The Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016

Missed the Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards on TV?  How could you Voyeurs?!

You’ll know by now that the Newcastle Discovery Museum played host to the inaugural Lifestyle Awards Ceremony recently which produced an honours list for North East business.  The best of the best, as shortlisted and voted for by you, the North East public.

Made TV broadcast the entire event live with a live edition of The Lowdown as a prelude to the big event itself, looking at red carpet dressing, fashion trends and prepping for the awards.

Why should you watch it?  One word: ME!  No seriously, you should watch it because the Lifestyle Awards is your essential guide to what’s hot in the North East in 2016/17.  You’ll discover the hottest nightspots, the best places to eat and maybe even a hidden gem or two that you weren’t already aware of.  What’s really awesome about these awards is that they don’t just focus on Newcastle – an undeniably awesome city – but there is so much more to Tyne & Wear than just our Geordie Hub.

So, this of this as your second chance, your saving grace….. I’m giving you the power to watch the entire show at your leisure, as many times as you like using the following links.  Although I will say this, you might want to just skip ahead to part two, that’s the best bit, I’m told it’s because I’m in it but I can neither confirm nor deny that*…… (*It’s absolutely true Voyeurs)

So here you go, knock yourself out Voyeurs…..

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 1

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 2

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 3

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 4

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 5

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 5

 

Follow @pixietenenbaum