Christmas Archives - Fashion Voyeur

Categories: Fashion

Sleigh the Ugly Christmas Jumper Trend with Boohoo

Let’s face it Voyeurs, Christmas jumpers are going nowhere, over the past decade or so, we’ve seen them skyrocket in popularity. What started off as a bit of a joke, has become an annual trend that gets bigger every year. Whether it’s an ugly Christmas jumper, a fairisle jumper, a sequinned beauty, something with a cheeky slogan, or a tinsel knit, everyone should have at least one Christmas jumper in their wardrobe.

There’s more than just hideous knitted sprouts and cheeky slogans behind us wearing our Christmas jumpers though. Each year children’s charity Save The Children nominate and set one Friday in December as national Christmas Jumper Day and children and adults alike pay a suggested minimum donation of £2 to wear their Christmas jumpers instead of their regulation uniforms and work clothing. (NB you can donate to this appeal any time throughout the year, not just on Christmas Jumper Day).

If you’re looking to sleigh the Christmas jumper trend and inject a little more glamour into your festive wardrobe, here’s a little gem I found during a recent team up I did with Boohoo.com on their Christmas campaign. It’s a Christmas jumper that still screams Christmas, but definitely not in the ugly Christmas jumper kind of way.

This is one that can be styled as an oversized piece or in your regular size and can be worn very casual with jeans or with your most glam party outfit. This one is wool but has tinsel threat throughout so it glitters under the light making it feel just special enough to wear with kick pleat skirts or PVC pants and glitter disco boots for Christmas and New Year’s parties.

As a party look I’ve layered it over a star embroidered dress from Topshop’s 2017 Halloween collection for a more witchy vibe (you know me) with some flat quilted Chanel boots although you can pick up some almost identical ones from Grenson Shoes – a brand which is super hot right now thanks to Holly Willoughby’s stint in the Australian jungle. Unfortunately I had to take these pictures on my landing because there was sleet, wind, all kinds of crappy weather outside and my autistic 11 year old having an almighty tantrum underneath the Christmas tree at the time – cue shrugging emoji.

So, if you’re looking to escape the ugly Christmas jumper trend this year, or just to add to your ever growing collection, I know that’s what I’m doing, then consider a tinselly piece to throw over your party outfit. Whatever you do, make sure you sleigh this season.

Pixie

Categories: Fashion, Uncategorized

Christmas Shopping with Metrocentre

Whilst most of the focus has been on the imminent closure of House of Fraser and the headline grabbing antics of Mike Ashley, you might have missed a whole batch of brand new stores that have popped up at Intu Metrocentre recently. See these guys don’t like to shout about it when they have us to do that for them…

This week Intu Metocentre invited eight of its centre Bloggers along to take a tour of some of the latest additions to the shopping mall and see some of those famous Christmas trees that go floor to glass ceiling. Sounds pretty good right? Well throw in one Santa Express Train and things just got awesome!

train Ticket for Snta Express at Intu Metrocentre December 2018

So, as we boarded the train, champagne flutes in hand, we set off on a tour like no other, with a few little surprises along the way. First stop, Hotel Chocolat, not a new store but with some beautifully festive windows and a quick refuel with some coconut ice-cream and mini chocolate reindeer, we were ready to head off to visit our first new store.

Jack Wills

This is a huge win for Intu Metrocentre, the varsity brand bridges a gap that appeals to teenagers and students as well as twenty somethings and beyond. In order to capitalise on the Christmas trade, a pop up store launched on the ground floor whilst the permanent store was being fitted ready to launch December 5th and I’m told the shop fit will be the typical Jack Wills aesthetic. Think dark wood flooring, monochrome tiling, exposed metal fixtures and those signature blue and pink stripes. If you’re looking for gifts for teenagers then you’re bound to find something here whether it’s a rugby shirt, a scarf or a simple beauty gift. On leaving the pop up store we were gifted a roll on perfume in handbag size which would make the perfect stocking filler, and a cute pair of thick ankle height socks, perfect for wearing with chelsea boots in the colder weather.

G-Star Raw
Jack Wills
G-Star Raw

G-Star Raw

I gotsta be honest Voyeurs, this is a store I know of because I see it on Tottenham Court Road when I’m working in London, but I never go in because I always thought it was a men’s store but after hearing a little bit more about it, it’s piqued my interest and here’s why. Sustainable Denim. That’s right, G-Star Raw is a huge part of the sustainable fashion movement and each piece it makes is ethically sourced and sustainably made. The store itself is a denim lovers paradise, the biggest hurdle is getting through the door and it’s easy to see why you might be put off because looking through and into the space it’s just piled high with denim. Once you’re in however, staff are helpful and knowledgable, cuts are easy to understand and sizing is generous. In terms of pricing for denim it’s middle of the road, the average pair of G-Star Raw jeans is £80 which is comparable to Seven for All Mankind, Paige or And/Or. Only with this brand, you’re part of a positive movement. You’ll find this store on the ground floor opposite Flannels and The Disney Store.

The Couture Club

You’ll find The Couture Club in the Red Mall towards Debenhams, its dark frontage and red logo make it stand out as a streetwear store. Once inside you’ll see the store is divided into premium and more affordable streetwear as well as some premium sportswear. The shop-fit is simple and dark with wire fixtures and decorative skulls, this one is definitely a brand for fans of wearing a logo.

Victoria’s Secret

This is the one you’ve been waiting for, so, it’s finally here, the store the North East has yearned for for years, Victoria’s Secret has landed and man is it good. The store itself is a double walkthrough store – meaning we get Victoria’s Secret and we get PINK and they link through into one 10,000sqft store which combine Victoria’s Secret, Victoria’s Secret Sport, PINK, PINK Sport, Sleep and Lounge wear as well as the whole beauty and makeup offering which is pretty amazing right?

The store offers free bra measuring and those girls will run around after you all day long if needs be to find you the right bra, or they’ll leave you in peace if you want to choose your own. Whatever you tell them, they’ll do. Victoria’s Secret has one method of training and it rolls out across all stores so as long as you make your wishes clear at the outset, these Angels will do what they can to make them come true.

There are also seasonal offers which change pretty frequently and they’re real good. from their recent two bras for £40 (yes you read that right) through to 30% off all sleepwear, there’s pretty much an offer on in-store everyday. If you’re not a fan of the lingerie, and there are some of you out there, then the gym wear can’t be beaten. Some of the best gym wear I’ve ever had is from Victoria’s Secret Sport and with three lines, that means three price points and even the entry level range is every bit as good as Nike’s Dri-Fit running tights. True story. There’s also the obligatory Victoria’s Secret Wings photo opportunity tucked away underneath the closest escalator to the store too, you’re welcome Voyeurs.

Quiz Clothing

This one is more of a mover than a brand new store, Quiz has taken a bit of a hiatus from Intu Metrocentre whilst the new store was being remodelled in the Red Mall. It’s come to be be known as a total sparkle-fest and when we arrive that’s evident as the store is piled high with sequinned Christmas party dresses and shimmery jumpsuits all endorsed by the girls of TOWIE (including my lush mate Chloe Lewis).

We were very kindly given £40 to spend in-store on a party piece and as you know sparkle isn’t really my thing, I make it my mission to find something Christmassy, but not with too much sparkle and end up going way over budget and spending an additional £34 of my own money too on a ridiculously sparkly and very off brief floor length skirt, a houndstooth check jersey dress and an amazing skirt that looks like a 3D Christmas tree which I never would have found if I hadn’t been invited to this event, so thank-you Intu Metrocentre.

So, if like me, you’re yet to even think about starting your Christmas shopping, then Intu Metrocentre is a pretty good bet. With all your usual festive favourites (err Marks & Spencer anyone??) as well as some brand new amazing destination stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Jack Wills to check out too.

Pixie

Categories: Fashion, Uncategorized

Kicking off the Festive Season with Mulberry Lights

Is it just me or does it feel like Christmas has snuck up on us out of nowhere this year? I think with every year that goes by, I feel a little less ready, and a little less prepared – which I’m sure is the exact opposite of what life experience teaches us. Anyway, this year for most of the last few weeks I’ve been up and down to London working on a top secret project meaning that I’ve been to lots of different and exciting events whilst I’ve been in the capital.

In the run up to Christmas London is an exciting place to be, first up I got to go to #MulberryLights. It’s a festive light installation from Mulberry (yes the English heritage brand behind the bags), they’re a brand I’ve worked with quite a bit over the years, from the days of Emma Hill, right through to Johnny Coca and that period of uncertainty in-between. A few seasons ago Mulberry even created my own custom backpack for me which is still one of my favourite pieces for travelling.

So, #MulberryLights. A completely new concept for Christmas 2018 tapping into the art market, it’s basically a series of illuminating interactive experiences that celebrate how light, colour, shapes and people come together to create a modern British Christmas. It was a celebratory event that kicked off the festive season on Regent Street right before the Regent Street switch on which saw those gorgeous fluttering angels make a return to the shopping district.

The series is basically a giant sensory room using light and music as one big art installation. Eerie readings from Dr Seuss’ The Grinch are performed over 90’s trance music to light projections at 100 Regent Street. It’s a pretty amazing sight to behold, but one that’s very difficult to explain, basically, I could have spent hours and hours in there, it’s completely transfixing and sadly one with a super limited run.

The creative in me loved everything about it, the concept, the modernity and the fusion of fashion, art and inclusivity. With Mulberry’s direction still not fully realised, perhaps this is a hint at a new market for the brand. With share prices at an all time low it’s about time this English stalwart tried something new.

Pixie

Categories: Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion Blogger Secret Santa

Well Voyeurs Party Season is upon us and I don’t know about you but the whole of December and January seem to just blur into one long, weird, party filled, seemingly never-ending month. What with Christmas, New Year and then my birthday *hint hint*, it’s definitely a time for party wear and probably the only time of year I permit myself to wear sequins and embellishment.

Lucky then, that I was asked to be involved with the Quiz Clothing Secret Santa. What’s that I hear you ask? Well, it’s a fun little activity that sees Bloggers and Influencers paired up with one another online, to gift each other a full outfit from the party wear collection. A dress, shoes and an accessory that they can wear out to parties over the festive season and beyond. I had great fun making my selections for the blogger I was paired up with and waited with the excitement of a 7 year old on Christmas Eve, to receive my parcel full of unknown goodies.

As often happens with Christmas deliveries, mine didn’t actually arrive in time for Christmas but when it did I took great pleasure in opening up my Christmas parcel and relishing in the excitement of what might be inside.

Not my usual style but definitely within my ‘Fashion Zone’, I was sent a 90’s style slip dress covered in flip paillettes, a pair of studded turn down cuff ankle boots (very rock chick) and a black suedette clutch back with emerald and white rhinestones. All perfect for party season and most definitely for New Year’s Eve.

Trying on my Quiz Clothing Secret Santa Outfit for the first time, consisting of a slip dress covered in paillettes, whalenet tights and a pair of studded ankle boots. Appearing as the first of a series of 3 similar images on Fashion Voyeur Blog

Trying on my outfit for the first time

After a trying on session I decided to max out on rock chick styling with this party outfit and go for messy undone hair and whalenet tights with minimal accessories to avoid it looking too ‘overcooked’. After perusing the party dresses at Quiz Clothing I think what I received is a pretty damn good selection, these boots will work as perfectly with skinny jeans as they will with ripped up boyfriend jeans and the dress works just as well with a skinny tee or polo neck underneath and a woolly hat to give it a grunged up edge. In fact, I managed to find the perfect woolly hat with matching paillettes in Topshop!

Pairing a Flip paillette slipdress from Quiz Clothing with a pailette woolly hat from Topshop for a grunged up glam look. Fashion Voyeur Blog

I found this hat with matching paillettes in Topshop!

Wearing my full Quiz Clothing Secret Santa outfit out in Newcastle on the Quayside. Fashion Voyeur Blog

I’m super pleased with the Secret Santa outfit I received from Quiz Clothing, and taking part has definitely encouraged me to browse more fast fashion high street stores for fun festive fashion. Leaving your outfit in the hands of another Blogger might sound treacherous but this was actually really fun and it’s definitely something I’d participate in again! In fact, if you’re looking for a way to experiment with fashion, or to just get another perspective on your style, then grab a group of your best gals and give this a try – set yourselves a budget and go wild picking each others clothes for a party or event you have coming up, just don’t blame me if you fall out over it…

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Pixie

Hadrian’s Tipi Returns to Newcastle

Hadrian’s Tipi is back in the Toon for the 2017 Christmas season! If you visited the festive Tipi on the Central Station site in Newcastle in 2016 then you’re in for a real treat this time round, it’s back on a brand new site and it’s bigger than ever!

I visited with Plankton for the official launch night and let me tell you, it’s nothing like last year! Hadrian’s Tipi can be found on the infamous old Odeon site at the bottom end of Northumberland Street, right in front of Commercial Union House. This year it comes with a whole Street Food village attached to it all lit up with festive fairy lights.

First up, access for the time being is a funny one, part of the site is still a working demolition zone so to access the tipi we had to walk down Pilgrim Street on one side and then back up the other. Plankton has been psyched about visiting the tipi for days, he’s called it the tutu and the pipi which has made things a little confusing but needless to say, when he saw it all lit up in the dark, I think he almost cried.

We were greeted on arrival with hot cider and mulled wine and before we’d taken two steps Plankton spotted a German bratwurst street food stall and his eyes lit up. We stopped to eat at a long picnic bench where the people either side were in great spirits and chatted to Plankton about his night, he told them he’d only just arrived but was planning on getting very drunk. Yes, he seriously said that. The bratwurst was good, at £5.50 it’s on the expensive side for a hotdog but in line with what you’d expect to pay for festive street food and he ate every last scrap of it so definitely worth it.

The tipi is marketed as child and pet friendly and we saw a few other families taking advantage of the large outside seated area at the back, and in the tipi itself watching the live music, as well as lots of people with dogs. We spotted my lovely pal Imogen from Newcastle fashion label Fash1 so Plankton took the opportunity to pet her adorable pet dogs by the open fire. The majority of people there were there for a night out but don’t let that put you off taking kids, we still had a great time during our visit and I’m biased of course, but the people in Newcastle are the friendliest people you’ll meet.

Launch night at Hadrian’s Tipi was busy. I took Plankton along not really knowing what to expect but the atmosphere there was great, and very festive. From the fir tree garlands inside the tipi to the decorated tipi poles, every effort has been made to ensure that it feels like Holiday season whilst you’re in there. There’s different live music on inside the tipi daily and there are wooden benches and crates to sit on and barrel table tops, if you manage to get in there early enough then be sure to grab a seat by the open fire pit to stay toasty and to create the perfect Instagram capture.

Plankton Tenenbaum drinking R Place White Hot Chocolate at Hadrian's Tipi — Plankton enjoying his White Hot Chocolate

Plankton and I wandered instead of staying static, and enjoyed trying out different foods from the street food sellers, we loved the white hot chocolate from R Place coffee and the American burgers from Fat Hippo and we’ll definitely back for more during the tipi’s 2017 stint. The new location makes it easier for families using the tipi on a weekend too, in fact it’s perfectly positioned for a hot chocolate after viewing the brand new Fenwick Christmas Window.

In or around Newcastle between now and Christmas? Then it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to amp up your festive-ness! Want to know Plankton’s views? His official review: “I thought it was going to be crap but it was actually awesome and I loved it!” Yeah, he’s got a real way with words this one…

Pixie xo