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Categories: Fashion

What I Wore: The Perfect Summer Dress

I know I’m usually all about vintage and preloved fashion, but there are times when I just can’t resist buying new. The majority of my purchases these days are vintage and they’re getting more and more outlandish, in fact, the last few have been some pretty crazy bridesmaid dresses from the 80’s which make me look like a super cool Little Bo Peep, but we’re not here to talk about that right now.

This one is about a simple wardrobe staple; The Summer Dress. I’ve found a pretty simple solution from high street legend Marks and Spencer and it’s from their new sustainable cotton range so it has decent credentials too. I bought this right before it went into sale so I paid full whack to make sure I got my size (£59.99) but if you’re on the ball you’ll find it in stores now for £39.99 or failing that, it’s on eBay.

Blogger Pixie Tenenbaum wears a gingham maxi dress from the Marks and Spencer Summer 2019 collection

It’s got chunky straps unlike some Summer style dresses and the front is straight – all of these things mean you can wear most bra styles underneath and you won’t see it either over the front, or at the sides. Winning. Despite being maxi in length, it’s light on fabric and draughty so you stay cool. It’s gingham pattern is an obvious choice for Summer but what sets it apart from other high street offerings is the vintage style flounce and the embroidered detailing, I think this is why it caught my eye, because it still has that throwback feel and of course Marks and Spencer are refreshingly transparent about their endeavours to be more sustainable when it comes to the production of their fashion garments.

Blogger Pixie Tenenbaum wears the Vionic Kanela Black slouch boot in suede with a gingham maxi dress

A Summer dress, as if you needed to be told, is the perfect garment because it’s one thing. Easy to pack, easy to store, easy to wear and no need for co-ordinating items – except for shoes. I’m pretty much always in some kind of boot, with this one it’s the Vionic Kanela suede boot which is a slouchy pirate style boot. I was gifted a shoe of my choice by Vionic and I chose this one which I’ve worn time and time again because it’s so comfortable. One of the best things about this particular shoe and this brand in general is that all of their suede is completely and fully waterproof – no joke, it truly is. Vionic shoes also come with an insole that realigns the foot to its most ‘correct’ position for posture too meaning that it’s a better all round choice. (FYI I haven’t been asked to write a post by them, this is my genuine opinion and my genuine choice to wear them)

When September rolls around, I’ll be able to slip a white tee under this dress for cooler days and even throw an arran jumper over it for a fisherman’s wife vibe into Fall. The darker embroidery gives it a trans-seasonal edge that makes it super easy to style. If you manage to get your hands on one, tag me and show me how you style it! @pixietenenbaum

Pixie

Categories: Beauty, North East, Uncategorized

LVL Lash Lift at The Wax Bar

You’ll remember that I visited The Wax Bar back in December 2016 for one of their namesake waxes, but did you know, they don’t just offer waxing? Sure, that’s their specialty and I’m pretty sure these gals could wax in their sleep, but they also offer creative enhancements such as Insta-worthy nails, and LVL Lashes.

If you’re not already familiar with LVL Lashes, it’s a revolutionary treatment pioneered by the lash gurus at Nouveau Lashes. The treatment works to enhance your own natural lashes without the aid of ‘crunchy’ lash extensions or clusters. LVL (Lift Volume and Length), often referred to as ‘Lash Lift’, is a game changer – fact. Unlike the eyelash perm of the noughties, LVL works to straighten the lashes at the root, forcing the lashes up and out, meaning that when you look at the lashes straight on, they point upwards instead of forwards opening up the eye – your selfie game just changed forever. Lasting anywhere between 6 and 8 weeks, this just negated the need to travel with mascara. Winning.

The Wax Bar in Jesmond pride themselves on their high standard of training and staff truly are specialists in each discipline, I was introduced to my LVL Technician, Leah, who talked me through the process and each step of the treatment. The treatment takes around 45 minutes and is comfortable – I’m pretty squeamish and get grossed out by eye treatments but found this no problem at all, Leah took pictures of me during the treatment and it looks way worse than it felt. It’s performed with your eyes closed for the full treatment and once you’re set up and ready to begin, it’s actually pretty relaxing.

Leah has been The Wax Bar’s resident Lash Expert since she started with the brand in Edinburgh years ago, she tells me that the trend for fuller, natural lashes is huge in Edinburgh and that the salon at weekends would be like a conveyor belt. With the price point just above the national average at £50, Wax Bar clients get a dedicated Lash Expert delivering their treatment to the highest standard (until the end of January 2017 LVL Lashes at The Wax Bar Newcastle is just £30 and there’s 25% off all other treatments. If you’re a student then you’re really in luck, the salon offers a thrifty 25% discount on all treatments with a valid student card and it’s Love Club is open to everyone who likes a cheeky offer now an again.

In a nutshell, a solution is applied to break down the bonds inside the lashes and force them to take on a different ‘shape’. Leah tells me that because I have very long natural lashes, we should go for a more dramatic look for maximum effect. The salon is clean and inviting and the sounds of Ministry of Sound Chill Out Ibiza make the space feel current and relaxing, Leah gets to work on my lashes and once the solution has taken, she tints them darkest blue black to match my heart.

I’m assured that the LVL Lash treatment doesn’t cause any damage to natural lashes, and referred to the Nouveau website for information on the research that backs this claim. Whilst it’s not a treatment that’s new to me, I never fail to be amazed by the results, when you’re first handed the mirror after the treatment it’s hard to believe that you’re looking at your own lashes. My lashes look darker, thicker and way shinier, like they’ve been coated with a conditioning serum, but unlike lash extensions they don’t feel ‘stiff’ or crunchy’.

A couple of important points to consider when you’re booking your LVL Lash treatment at The Wax Bar: First of all, you’ll need a patch test at least 48 hours before you plan to have treatment and after treatment you can’t wet your lashes AT ALL for 24 hours otherwise the solution will deactivate. If you’re planning on having this treatment for a big night out, it may be best to have it done a few days in advance so that you can remove your eye makeup afterwards without fear of deactivating the LVL solution.

The great thing about The Wax Bar is its uber cool location, set on leafy St George’s Terrace in Jesmond with free parking right outside the front door, it couldn’t be easier or more convenient to get in and get out with minimum fuss. The colour scheme is super modern and minimalist with on point branding throughout the salon, cool grey, black and white are the perfect backdrop for the brand’s pink logo. Therapists are introduced on a first name basis and clients are looked after with hot drinks etc. as they’re talked through their choice of treatment.

I had my LVL Lash treatment 3 weeks ago and they still look awesome – I told you this was a game changer and I meant it. It’s a Fashion Voyeur approved treatment and one that’s an absolute pre-vacation essential, be careful though, it’s highly addictive….

Peace out Voyeurs

Pixie xo

Categories: Beauty, North East, Uncategorized

The Wax Bar Newcastle

With only a few more days until Christmas, party season is well and truly upon us. If you’ve let your party prep fall by the wayside then fear not as I’m about to tip you off with a brand new beauty offering you’ll want to add to your little black book.

What we’ve lacked in Newcastle for some time now, and you’ll know this because of my endless rants about it, is a dedicated wax bar. Somewhere that specialises in the art of hot waxing, from eyebrows to intimate waxing and everything in between, it’s something we’ve been in need of for a long time.

Brand new salon The Wax Bar aims to address that. On upmarket St George’s Terrace in Jesmond and with free parking right outside the door, the salon is perfectly situated for fly-by appointments. With salons in Edinburgh, Fife and now Newcastle, The Wax Bar is an established brand that’s rapidly expanding largely because of their expertise and quick appointment turnover. Founder & Head Therapist Nicole Peterson is a graduate from the Mary Reid International School of Beauty; an institution with a reputation for being the best of the best in the beauty industry, and those high standards are reflected in The Wax Bar.

From its signature charcoal and white colour schemes complemented by fuschia pink branding, The Wax Bar prides itself on being sleek and minimalist, much like its signature Hollywood wax. ??

I arrived for my appointment and was greeted by two smiling faces and a salon that smelled like fresh grapefruit. The place is gorgeous, pretty damn near perfect in fact. Smart, slick and very clean, there’s a nail bar in the main reception area too. I was introduced to my Therapist Gemma and taken through what to expect from my Hollywood wax (£38) in a well equipped room in keeping with the theme of the salon.

The Wax Bar favours hot waxing and uses Lycon wax throughout, if you’re not already familiar, here comes the science: Lycon is the market leader in hot waxing. Used with an oil prep, Lycon wax shrink wraps around the hair to remove only the hair and not the skin, reducing the pain caused by waxing to almost nothing. Because of this, the area can be re-waxed to remove stubborn hairs, something you can’t achieve with strip wax.

Aside from the gorgeous, simplistic colours scheme and genius branding, one of the best things about The Wax Bar is the speed at which they can turnover an appointment. With over ten years experience in the beauty industry and a flair for waxing, these girls have got mad skills and it shows. With no rushing, but also no waiting around, it’s the perfect appointment – done and dusted in a cool 20 minutes including changing time – perfect for days when you need to be in and out with minimal fuss and with online booking the process is streamlined from start to finish.

Obviously you all know by now that I’m a bit of a waxing connoisseur and after living in London, I’ve come to know where to find the best Wax Therapists in the UK. The Wax Bar definitely makes the cut. With a mission statement similar to Strip in London, although the salon also offers additional sought after beauty treatments such as LVL Lashes, HD Brows and nail services, the focus is firmly on the waxing with a full, diverse treatment menu dedicated to the sticky stuff.

Uncomfortable about intimate waxing? Don’t be. There’s just no need, yes there are places out there that may make you feel uncomfortable, The Wax Bar isn’t one of them. These girls eat, sleep and breathe wax, it’s their lifeblood and their job is to make you feel at ease, which they excel at. It’s a virtually pain free process, (yes, you read that right) and there’s a wickedy loyalty scheme to boot.

If you’re an intimate waxing virgin and are mildly intrigued, then man up and book an appointment, it’ll change your life. If you’re not brave enough to opt for the Hollywood wax then The Wax Bar offers a full suite of waxing treatments including eyebrows (£10), underarms (£15) and legs (£30). If you’re quick you still have time to grab one of their Festive Offers including a Half Leg Wax & Hollywood Wax for £40 instead of £56 and I’d stake my kid on the fact that you’ll be back for more….

Pixie xo

Categories: Fashion, North East, Uncategorized

Dress Me Luxe Launch Night

If you’re a fan of fast fashion then online boutique Dress Me Zara is a must for your Instagram feed. Currently undergoing a relaunch as Dress Me Zee, with its fast paced style turnover and an inhouse designer ready to replicate the latest high end pieces at high street prices, this is one secret you need to know about.

The brainchild of Jessica Broomfield, a girl from the North East who started designing dresses in her bedroom long before the brand became the business it is today. Dress Me Zee is the fresh, funky signaturen line, whilst new addition Dress Me Luxe adds high octane glamour and serious sparkle for high end, red carpet dressing. Heavily influenced by Balmain and the Kardashian/Jenner sisters, it’s full of sparkle, tassels and body con, perfect for occasion dressing.

I went along to the pre-launch runway show at Aveika last night to see the brand new Dress Me Luxe collection, along with the best festive pieces from signature line, Dress Me Zee, proving there’s something for every budget across both collections. The night was hosted by the gorgeous Sophie Gradon who also walked the runway, and the best bit? A pop up shop offering showgoers the chance to snap up a piece of the action before anyone else. (Apologies for the quality of the pictures, Aveika is notoriously difficult to photograph).

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Amongst the many standout pieces were Yonce worthy double split fronted gowns in black and rose gold, and cool mini dresses with high necks and long sleeves. Oh yes, and a super cute little harlequin playsuit with just the right amount of sparkle.

When Jessica put the event together, she told me she was keen to support charity Cancer Research UK and made the admirable decision to donate £5 from every clothing purchase made on the night, to the charity. She made sure she came armed with enough stock in different sizes to cater for everyone and where stock wasn’t available, Jessica beams her gorgeous smile at me and says “No sweat, we’ll post it out the next day”.

I think I made six visits to the restrooms to try on dresses before settling on the first thing I tried on – typical. A floor length black gown, aptly named ‘Midnight in Paris’. With a double fronted thigh split and the kind of embellishment you could stare at for days. It’s safe to say that I’ll be leaving a trail of glitter as black as my heart in my wake when I wear this beauty. It was a tricky decision, this same dress is also available in gold and is also pretty amazing, at £59.99 I’d say it’s an absolute steal and it comes with the colour matched panties too!

The Dress Me Luxe range will be added to the Dress Me Zee website this week to complement the current collection and with next day delivery, there’s still time to pick up something unique and dramatic in time for your Christmas party to ensure all eyes are on you. The only problem? Narrowing it down to just one….

Pixie xo

Categories: Fashion, North East, Uncategorized

10 Years of Hublot All Black Concept with Alan Shearer

Last night Alan Shearer took to the stage for an exclusive Q&A session to celebrate ten years of the Hublot All Black Concept at ROX Newcastle.

As a society event calls for less quirk and more class, I opted for an Alesha Dixon for LBD party dress that I picked up from my favourite Yarm boutique, DC Couture with super uncomfortable Kurt Geiger shoes, because apparently fashion is painful.

Hosted by Sky Sports Presenter, and the voice of FIFA, Geoff Shreeves, Shearer spoke passionately about his football career, his recent CBE, and his beloved Newcastle.

A hand selected audience were treated to personal stories from throughout Shearer’s career, from THAT Gareth Southgate penalty at Euro ’96 to his heart-wrenching decision to retire from his Captaincy of the England team to continue to play league football. With anecdotes thrown in about in team fights, Sir Bobby Robson and playing two touch in a shoe shop in fancy dress, Shearer had the audience riveted from start to finish.

But whilst anecdotes are great, and these ones really were, the reason this exclusive event took place was to celebrate 10 years of the Hublot All Black Concept. As a Brand Ambassador for Hublot, Shearer was given free reign in the design of a signature timepiece, named the King Power Timepiece; two of which were produced to his exact specifications. One of these sits in pride of place firmly on Shearer’s wrist, the other is up for auction for a very special cause close to the ex-footballer’s heart.

The Alan Shearer Foundation is a charity set up by Shearer to benefit children and young adults with disabilities. This isn’t just something Shearer has lent his name too though, he’s actively involved in the running of the The Alan Shearer Centre, the maintenance and the commissioning of new services and facilities within the unit. It’s something he speaks briefly but passionately about. The Foundation hosts an annual fundraiser and at the next big event in February 2017, the watch will be sold during the final hours of the live auction (you can bid on the King Power timepiece here) with bidding expected to reach upwards of £50k All of which will be ploughed back into The Alan Shearer Foundation. Kudos Shearer.

After the Q&A concluded, I caught up with Shearer to discuss his plans for the foundation and the type of people it aims to help. His answer? Anyone who needs it. Plain and simple, the centre was set up to provide support and respite for families just like mine, who care for disabled children or young adults. With an onsite respite unit where children can stay overnight with round the clock care, parents are given the opportunity to take a break once in a while. The best bit? It’s all provided free of charge. ??

With a personal invite to visit The Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton and Shearer promising to look after me, I got a real sense that Shearer is the real deal. That he doesn’t do this because it’s good PR, it’s because he’s fortunate enough to be in a position to make a difference, and he wants to do just that.

I had a great night partying with my girls, looking at beautiful jewellery and listening to inspiring stories from the most capped footballer in British history in his hometown. Doesn’t get much better than that Voyeurs.

Some boy that Alan Shearer….

Pixie xo