Fashion Blogger Archives - Fashion Voyeur

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Uncategorized

Hair Colouring the Smart Way with L’Oreal Smartbond

I don’t even want to get started on the issues I’ve had with my hair because A) you’ll be here all day, and B) you know them already.

Long story short: Too much bleach – hair breakage catastrophe – unwanted and lopsided bob.

Last Year I discovered the joys of Viviscal and Millionaire Hair Mist which I firmly believe have helped to improve the condition of my lacklustre hair. Coupled with the awesome L’Oreal Pro-Fiber in-salon treatment, after almost two years, I finally got my hair to a point where I could begin to consider an actual style again (or maybe wreck it again).

Understandably nervous, I found myself terrified to let anyone touch my hair, even if just for a blowdry and selecting a competent and trustworthy hairdresser became something of a double-edged sword for me. That is, until I discovered somewhere hiding in plain sight. Step forward Collective Hairdressing; sound familiar? Collective Hairdressing is the award winning ‘Hair’ in Newcastle Hair and Beauty Clinic and the brainchild of Paul Clayton. Not only that, it’s ranked as one of the best salons in the UK, sounds pretty good so far right?

Recommended by my fabulous Editor in Chief at NE Love magazine, I headed to the salon for a full head of highlights to even out my drab and patchy colour. Paul is straight to the point, he tells me my colour is bad, but before I start to panic, he tells me we can fix it. We’ll be using Smartbond with the colour, a revolutionary product from L’Oreal in the same arena as Olaplex. If you bleach your hair, there’s no doubt you’ll have heard of Olaplex, it’s success in the hair colouring world has been so huge that it’s now considered a staple for anyone considering highlights or bleaching services. Smartbond is a similar product, which works on the hair bonds in a different way and without the internal chemical reaction. All you need to know is that the result is visible. Cosmetic hair colouring with bleach is risky business, particularly if hair is already brittle, Smartbond seeks to change that and opens up a world of colour to clients who couldn’t previously consider it.

Back to my story…..

Me and my brittle hair sat down and tried to relax. Paul painted my hair with a bespoke pale ash colour mixed with Smartbond using a mix of freehand and traditional highlighting techniques, to give a natural effect mimicking where the sun would naturally lighten the hair. I’m left with a selection of magazines and a cup of strong black coffee whilst the colour develops; the salon is loud, mainly with regular clients who all seem to know each other, shouting over to talk to one another and salon staff offering Cadbury’s Miniature Heroes around the salon. If there’s one word to describe Collective Hair, it’s ‘buzzing’.

Once developed, the colour is removed and a cool ash toner applied to neutralise any yellow tones and give that cool icy grey tone that I adore. When we’re ready to blowdry, Paul confirms that Smartbond isn’t a miracle cure, it doesn’t prevent all breakage but it does minimise the damage caused by bleaching. It’s a three part regime, the third part requires home maintenance in the form of L’Oreal Smartbond Conditioner – think of this as a way of recharging the benefits of the treatment.

Time for the big reveal. I can feel my stress levels rising, mainly because I’m fussy and pedantic, basically a hairstylist’s worst nightmare. I’ve been burned (literally and figuratively) by Stylists in the past and its wreaked havoc with my psyche.

I needn’t have worried, cool blonde tendrils frame my face, it’s urban and youthful and above all else, I’m super happy with the result. As far as salon experiences go, this was pretty damn awesome. From consulatation to completion, taking into consideration my lifestyle and my desired result, Paul created a bespoke colour without overly compromising the already poor condition of my hair.

In terms of pricing, Collective Hairdressing is competitive. Obviously when it comes to bespoke colour there are varying factors and so a consultation is essential to determine what you’re likely to pay. The good news is that Collective Hairdressing are partial to an offer, and if you click here you’ll find a downloadable voucher that’ll give you your first cut and blowdry for half price, followed by a technical colour service for half price – you’re welcome Voyeurs. If you’re a student, you’ll also be able to enjoy 20% off services Monday to Wednesday, pretty damn sweet right?!

What I haven’t mentioned is that this is a two part venture – you know I like to switch things up with my hair and dreamy pastels are my favourite. This visit was all about achieving the perfect base, ready for another visit and a dalliance with Bed Head’s uber pale lilac just in time for London Fashion Week….

Keep it here Voyeurs

Pixie xo

Categories: Fashion, Uncategorized

Key Micro Trends from Vancouver Fashion Week

The 28th consecutive season of outsider Vancouver Fashion Week only just finished and six key trends appeared from what is considered one of the world’s top gateway fashion weeks.

Our very own Monarchs Prince William and Kate Middleton were in the host city during VFW, obvs they didn’t attend the shows, however the FROW was notably celeb packed, cementing VFW as a fashion fringe event to pay close attention to.

Silver appeared in several collections with Alex S. Yu, Evan Clayton, JKline and Maryam Niyazi all giving SS17 a silver spin on dresses, jackets and separates.

We al know that the 90s were the best era for both fashion and music and that trend shows no sign of abating, 90s rave influenced a handful of collections including Angus Chiang, Balaclava, Lillz Killz and Naovoe. Acid colours, playful shapes and attitude in abundance moved this trend from the fringe to the frow.

Texture clashing was prevalent across multiple designer shows – plastic pailettes, leather, metal, faux fur and cotton was combined, layered, juxtaposed and manipulated to create awesome contemporary looks. With Alex S. Yu, Clio Page, HUY-HUY and Moon Choi leading the charge.

Simplicity came in the form of purest white – swing dresses, shirts and daywear gave a nod to purity. With Vestige Story, TKC Design, GH by German Hernandez and Zi Xia leading the pack on all things pure and simple.

Pale pink was elevated from girly to focal and ended up in an array of collections as an accent colour or focal hue. Alogon, INSOMNIA, Angus Chiang and JKline pinked up their palettes to perfection and remember the golden rule, on Wednesdays, we wear pink….

Ruffles, if ever a trend was created with Lawrence llewelyn-Bowen, this is it. Solid hues, patterns and a deconstructed shirt saw ruffles taking centre stage and not small, understated ruffles, these were super sized and in your face, made to be seen ruffles. Hannah Vanderveen, Moon Choi, Alex S. Yu and Nuska added one of fashion’s oldest embellishments to their spring/summer collections.

With another Fashion Month over we’ve been moderately treated to a variety of new trends and even in some cases a new way of buying. With a relatively underwhelming start to show season (mentioning no names NYFW), London came through with the lift we needed. After Scout, MFW and PFW, Vancouver has given us a whole host of micro trends to play with and I might not even wait until spring to get started…

Pixie xo

Categories: Fashion, Models, Uncategorized

NYFW SS17 Show Schedule

Show season is almost upon us Voyeurs with only 19 days until NYFW begins and SS17 brings with it some changes, and a whole lot of excitement. Having separated from Mercedes Benz entirely, NYFW has a lot more freedom in terms of scheduling and ultimately, streaming. SS17 sees a big shift in delivery and NYFW will open more shows than ever before to the public, something they’ve not really done in a big way, and also there’ll be more live and post show streaming than we’ve typically seen in the past. So Voyeurs, get ready to get involved….

Here’s your NYFW SS17 show schedule for September 2016, obviously as always, this is subject to change. You’ll notice that Tom Ford is making an epic return to show season in New York and on opening day no less, one addition since the show schedule was published is Yeezy Season 4 which will also show on opening day.

So, armed with your NYFW SS17 show schedule and the Fashion Voyeur guide to pronunciation, I’d say you’re set for the first quarter of Fashion Month, be sure to check back for show updates, pictures and of course LFW SS17 as your next installment.

See you on the Frow!

Pixie x

Categories: Pixie, Uncategorized

The Perfect Blowout at Glam Squad Express

The arrival of Glam Squad Express has caused quite a stir in Newcastle and the place isn’t even officially open yet, well, it is, but it isn’t…..

If you’re not already familiar, Glam Squad Express is a Collective, a team of professionals skilled in the art of make-up, hair and nails. Think Kardashian and you’re on the right track, Kim regularly credits her #GlamSquad for her signature make-up look and Killer Kontour and says she won’t travel without them. Well folks, that’s exactly the idea behind Glam Squad Express, a one stop shop to get you event ready in a flash, Kardashian style, and with appointments available late into the evening, this is one place that should absolutely be on your radar.

With the official launch of Glam Squad Express still a month away, the team are using their time to upskill and perfect their techniques and this weekend was all about the signature blowout. With the help of two of the UK’s top Hair Stylists from Urban Retreat, Harrods, the team were treated to a masterclass in creating and mastering the perfect bouncy blowout.

David Fletcher (Fletch) and Tracey Jones from Urban Retreat, Harrods, bring with them a wealth of experience, having worked with everyone from Ashley Roberts and Abbey Crouch to Frankie bridge and Kelly Brook, their list of credentials is endlessly impressive, and with extensive Fashion Month and TV styling experience, who better to learn from, right?

Glam Squad Express Stylists Rachael and Rebecca were given an intensive, hands on Blowout Masterclass, with models brought in from local agency Tyne Tees Models, the reigning Miss Newcastle and reality TV stars from hit MTV series Geordie Shore, (with gorgeous Geordie Shore star Chantelle Connolly crediting it as the best blow-dry she’s ever had) the girls were taught to recreate the perfect bouncy blowout requested so often in salons up and down the country.

Geordie Shore’s Chantelle Connelly with Tracey Jones

Geordie Shore’s Chantelle Connelly with Tracey Jones

Fletch tells me that the perfect blow-dry is for anyone. Absolutely any hair length, from a short crop or a sharp bob through to long, Kardashian-esque locks, there’s a perfect blowout for you, and the principles are the same. He goes on to say “It’s not about creating volume, it’s about getting a lift, yes, but it’s also about making the top heavy so the hair sits closer to the head and the wave is through the ends, that’s what makes it natural, sexy and less styled”

So if you have shorter hair, like me (not through choice) and you thought this wasn’t something you could tap into, then this should be music to your ears. Don’t believe me? How about some visual evidence….

medium-length-hairstyles-for-fine-hair-2014

Convinced and want a piece of the action? Then you’d better get yourself booked in with the newly upskilled #GlamSquad! For the month of April and up until the official launch, Glam Squad Express are running a special introductory offer, £35 for both hair and makeup in one appointment. That’s right Voyeurs, you can kick back with a glass of fizz while your own personal Glam Squad work their magic on you; take in a movie on their big screen TV, catch up on emails or whatever takes your fancy. I did exactly that this weekend and channelled my inner Khloe Kardashian. To book click here.

Hair: David “Fletch” Fletcher

MUA: Emily Rowell, Glam Squad Express

Pixie x

Next up for the Glam Squad……… Braids!

Glam Squad Express can be found at 68 Jesmond Road West, Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 4PQ, right around the corner from the Civic Centre.

Categories: Uncategorized

British Fashion Awards to honour Karl Lagerfeld

The Outstanding Achievement Award will be presented to Karl Lagerfeld at the British Fashion Awards on November 23rd 2015. The white haired designer will be honoured at the ceremony, which will take place at London’s Coliseum, for his unrivalled contribution to the fashion industry over the years.

For over fifty years Karl Lagerfeld has remained a formidable force in the fashion industry and has taken the helm of numerous iconic houses – including Chloe, Fendi and Chanel (obvs). Never one to shy away from hard work, Kaiser Karl has juggled many successful careers as an award winning photographer, publisher and art director alongside his numerous design undertakings.

Obviously It’s his work at Chanel for which he is most recognised and applauded. A tenure of over thirty years has seen Lagerfeld’s unique vision transform the classic French house into a force majeur and one held in high esteem by any fashionista worth her Manolo’s. A vision that extends beyond the atelier, Lagerfeld’s influence has helped launch numerous supermodel careers, has redefined fashion advertising and laid down the blueprint of how to revive a fashion brand – revolutionising the industry in the process.

A titan of the industry, Chanel under Lagerfeld’s guidance continues to push the boundaries of expectation in fashion. Setting a precedent with his awe-inspiring, globe-trotting runway shows, Karl Lagerfeld’s visionary genius has kept him at the forefront of contemporary culture for decades.

Natalie Massenet MBE commented: “Karl Lagerfeld defines outstanding. He is the champion of excellence, the master of the exceptional and one of the most iconic figures globally from our industry. His life’s work for his own and so many extraordinary brands has written the language of fashion. He is the ultimate visionary and we celebrate not only the decades already passed but those yet to happen. In Karl’s hands the future of fashion will be an exceptional one.”

For me, this has been a long time coming; no other house puts on a runway show like Chanel, Lagerfeld takes a culturally relevant theme with each new season and runs with it, literally until the legs fall off. A modern visionary at 82 years old – I salute you Kaiser Karl, as do the British Fashion Council.

Pixie x

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