Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: The Archives, The Fashion Closet

Primark’s New Season Shoe Drop

I’m not one to jump on the Fast Fashion train quite so readily without assessing the durability of a microtrend first and I usually steer away from the cheaper end of the high street, however more recently, I’ve been enticed back…

We all have our own systems for managing the  turnover of fashion trends.  Some people don’t by into runway filtered trends, some people live and breathe them and there is a small proportion of people who monitor and turn over microtrends like their lives depend on it.  This Voyeurs, is where the high street is your best friend.  Everything you wear is dictated by the global runways.  Whether you know and accept it, or believe that plain white tee you picked up from George at ASDA is anti-fashion, everything in your wardrobe is runway fed.

If you consider yourself a fully fledged Fashionista you probably already look to the more expensive end of the high street when it comes to the seasonal shift and the bi-annual trend forecast.  With the rise of see now, buy now fashion in the industry, the high street can turn a trend into a full affordable capsule collection faster than you can blink and with global fashion month happening twice per year, you have time to plan for it.

But when we talk about microtrends, we mean short lived trends that were born as an Insta movement, maybe something your favourite Digital Influencer (obviously that’s me) has worn, or something you’ve seen an influx of younger girls wearing and championing.  This is where the cheaper end of the high street really shines.  Think that weird fishnet waistband poking out of your best ripped jeans that everyone did in May and June of this year – that right there is an Insta-born microtrend.

If you want to tap into fast fashion and microtrends, look to places like Primark, MissGuided, Little Mistress and those places that seem to have new stock in every month.  These are stores which focus on turning over microtrends alongside seasonal trends, the places that can spot the durability and popularity for a microtrend and turn it into product the next day.  You’ll have seen me championing the perfect transitional shoe from none other than Primark (if you haven’t then read this), and it’s about to get a whole lot better for all of you shoe fanatics out there because the first new season shoe drop from Primark is a doozie.

Whilst everyone else is going freaking bats for Primark’s Beauty and the Beast range and the Harry Potter merchandise filtering into stores as we speak, fashionistas everywhere are quietly enjoying the amazing offerings in the shoe department.

Here are my top Primark shoe picks to ease you into Fall 2017, all of which are available to buy right now (in addition to the ones that started it all):

Primark £8

1. Following on from the previous Primark Bee Flats I told you about in July, they’ve introduced some velvet slip on sneakers with a similar motif.  This one features metal thread embroidery and beading so for £8 they’re a total steal and they’re available in deep burgundy as well as black.

Primark £10
Primark £10

2. These giltter ball boots slip on easily like a sock and the block heel makes them way more comfortable than a regular stiletto.  They’re soft, super irridescent and available in black, silver and purple.  Wear them with everything from jeans to dresses and booty shorts to playsuits, these have enough life in them to see out the full Fall / Winter trend for disco so they’re well worth a punt.

Primark £16

3. My absolute favourites.  The deep V front on these shoe boots is a strong footwear trend for FW17 and something that was on so many of the big runways in February.  The oriental printed satin has rich tones of orange, purple and red and they’re comfortable considering they’re a pretty high heel.  Wear with black opaques when the weather inevitably turns.  Eye-catching for all the right reasons.

Primark £17

4. These oriental ankle boots with patterned heel fasten with an inside zipper and they’re similar in shape to a cuban heeled cowboy boot.  They’re available in regular and wide fit and up to a UK size 9.  They’re super comfortable too – I wore them out all day on a shoot in Newcastle and they gave me no problems but threw up loads of compliments from passers by.  #winning.

So, if shopping at the cheaper end of the high street isn’t your thing then maybe now you’ll at least consider a look at some of the Fall Winter trends and how you can spin them at a much cheaper cost.  If you’re a fan of fast fashion then hot foot it to Primark right now to get a head start on FW17 shoe shopping, they really are ahead of the game this season.

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Fashion Closet

Primark’s Bee-autiful Transition Shoe

Stop everything Voyeurs, I’ve found the perfect shoe to get you through the transition between seasons, and it’s not a heel!  You know by now that I love heels, in fact I have a collection to rival Imelda Marcos and maybe even put her to shame.  I have boxes and boxes of shoes in the attic and garage and six shoe closets.  I know, pretty cool/crazy right?!  I bloody love a statement heel, anything a little out of the ordinary, you’ll never catch me in a plain old court shoe, even a Pigalle or a So Kate is too boring for me (soz Louboutin, still friends ok? – call me….)

I’m a big fan of a sneaker too, my sneaker collection is one that I’m proud of, I’ve built it up over the years and it’s made up of everything from Reebok classic high tops and essential Stan Smiths, to more obtuse pieces like Batman and Joker opposition Chuck Taylors and Chanel quilted high tops, I have some pretty amazing bespoke pieces that Nike crafted for me from their archive too.  It’s a pretty awesome collection if I do say so myself.  Anyway, we’re not here to talk about heels or sneakers….

So, the transition between Summer and fall is often a tricky one when it comes to footwear.  If you’re in the UK you’ve probably confined your sandals to the closet and looked longingly at them on occasion wondering if the rain will hold off long enough for you to showcase your new pedicure.  It probably didn’t.  But on the other hand, it’s way too soon for boots and tights. The shops are starting to look to FW17 and eek in the new trends as the last remnants of SS17 sit on the shelves contemplating their uber short life span.  What do you do when you’re at that in between stage?  A ballet flat? A sneaker? A loafer?  Any of these work, (if you said flip flop then log out, take your device back to the store and tell them you’re not fit to own it or have access to the internet.)  But there’s something way better out there, and it’s available right now!

I’ve found you the perfect transitional shoe that works with jeans, cigarette pants, dresses and skirts.  they come in two colours, teal green and boring black, they’re velvet AND they have embroidery.  With this many trends in just two shoes you’re expecting a hefty pricetag right?  Well get this Voyeurs, these little beauties are £8 from good old Primark who are coming up trumps with their Luxe range and new team of trend designers (more on that next time).  Check out these gems….

Bee-autiful right?!  These Bee-auties are on shelves in selected Primark stores right now and at £8 they won’t ‘sting’ you either!  Ok I’ll stop with the bee jokes now…  Seriously though, these shoes get a tick in the box for being on trend, they’re flat and so completely manageable, glam enough to wear for a night out and above all else, they’re actually comfortable.  One thing, as with all Primark flats, when you get them home from the store and you’ve checked they fit and you’re definitely keeping them, rub the front section of the soles with some Wet and Dry sand paper.  Primark flats are notoriously slippy and this helps to give them a little grip, you don’t have to go hell for leather with it, just rough them up a bit to take off the shiny coating.

Now, all that’s left to do is get to Primark, get these in your basket, then get them on your feet and wait for the admiring glances.  You’re welcome Voyeurs…

Pixie xo

 

Categories: The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Glitz & Glamour with Meridith Towne at Q Festival

Gateshead’s inaugural Q Festival is well underway, taking place in a traditional spiegeltent structure that’s been erected right in front of The Baltic on the Gateshead side of the Milennium bridge, perfectly positioned for some epic photographs of some of the best North East landmarks

The timetable for the festival is brimming with awesome and unusual activities for the whole family to enjoy and I was invited along to a fun fashion session called Glitz and Glamour with Costume Historian Meredith Towne.  Admittedly I didn’t know a lot about what to expect from the session or what it might entail, but as a fellow Fashion Historian, I was definitely intrigued.

 

I arrived ahead of schedule to get my first proper look at the spiegeltent and true to Deutsch tradition, it was a solid structure with mirrors all around the outside.  Guests were treated to a popup shop from vintage reseller Trendlistr and crafty goodies from The Crafthood.  One thing it’s worth telling you early on is that the light in the spiegeltent was geared up for a performance so not that great for taking photographs, hence the poor quality of my images.  Bloody bollocks.

Costume Historian and Dressmaker Meridith Towne took to the stage in a 1920’s style dressing gown with her hair pinned in low rolls and from the moment she first spoke I was riveted.  Speaking eloquently and confidently about fashion through the decades in a way that demonstrated not only the fashion that you would typically see, but also the circumstances and social and financial climates.

Towne’s collection of original vintage and hand made gowns is impressive to say the least.  Personally collected, found, and rescued, her vintage wardrobe includes beautiful original pieces such as Juliette caps, flapper dresses and original stilettos (by their intended and true definition).  Towne offers the audience a chance to get up close and personal with the collection at the interval answering questions and making tongue in cheek jokes about her charismatic “glamorous assistant” who doubles up as her mum.

We’re guided through each decade from the 1920’s to the 1970’s with precision, detail and even a little audience participation with Towne’s signature panache.  It’s hard to describe just how incredible this ‘show’ is because I don’t really know how to categorise it.  Somewhere between a talk, a history lesson, a performance and a play, it hits the spot when it comes to getting an insight into how fashion was used to express femininity throughout time and you definitely leave feeling like you learned something, albeit in a super fun way.

From the rebellion of the 1920’s to the end of rationing in 1947 and into the 50’s, Towne’s Glitz and Glamour show includes every major fashion trend synonymous with the decade it appeared in and even a few more.  As a speaker she’s fantastic, engaging from start to finish and very well informed, her ability to pull together a complete, era specific outfit is astounding and the part she plays when on stage only serves to add artistic flair and aids delivery superbly.

I was kindly gifted to tickets to the event because the organiser thought it was right up my street and she wasn’t wrong.  With a face value of £15 per ticket, if you’re a fan of fashion, whether vintage or modern, it’s well worth that and I’ll definitely be looking out for the next in Towne’s series of shows on vintage fashion.

Towne tours the U.K. With History Wardrobe delivering ‘shows’ on a range of topics within the vintage fashion genre including The Art of Power Dressing, 100 Years of Hats, Victorian Lady Cyclists, A History of Shapewear and lots more.  If she’s coming to a town near you then buy a ticket Voyeurs, I promise you you won’t be disappointed, this was one of the best events I’ve been to in a while.

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….

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.

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.

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

Pixie Tenenbaum Editor's signature with fashion illustration graphic