Jewellery Archives - Fashion Voyeur

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

Categories: Uncategorized

BCharmd Jewellery Blogger Event

I was recently invited to a Blogger event at BCharmd, a cute little jewellery boutique in Newcastle, I’d heard of the brand, but never actually visited the store so was curious to find out more.

I decked myself out in a Giles Gothic Victoriana blouse, as modelled by Kendall Jenner on the LFW FW15 runway, paired it with a Year One leather skirt and Chanel boots and bag, tucked my hair into my collar and off I fled.

The boutique, situated on Shakespeare Street, just South of our famous Monument, is small and cosy with a light airy feel. With a feature central island and wall fixtures, it’s easy to navigate and the great thing is, unlike so many other jewellery boutiques, the products are accessible – you can, and are actively encouraged, to pick them up and try them on.

I’m greeted with champagne on arrival and introduced to the boutique owner and Creative Director, Stephanie Milburn who not only designs the jewellery herself, but also makes a lot of it in her secret workshop below the boutique. She’s actually developed and patented a sliding fastener which can be used to lengthen or shorten a necklace or bracelet to give a completely different look each time you wear it – not just a pretty face this one.

BCharmd actually has a pretty cute back story, let me set the scene:

It was 2009 in the coastal town of Tynemouth….

Back to the boutique itself, the cool white and grey colour scheme lets the jewellery do the talking and boy does it talk, clever lighting highlights and reflects just the right amount of sparkle and glass cabinets and mirrors are polished to perfection to create a beautiful environment in which to showcase the products. There are some great gift ideas and some great interchangeable pieces which can be mixed an matched. Shop Girl Lindsey Crawford demonstrates the twist and stack technique like a pro on a range of necklaces which can be worn in several different ways. Lindsey tells me it’s about maximising use and getting the most out of a piece of jewellery and I certainly get that.

With the boutique right in the centre of town, it’s well hidden enough that you might never have heard of it, but so well placed that you can’t miss it. So if you like a bit of sparkle and you haven’t yet been then I’d urge you to check it out, the staff are friendly and approachable and the boutique has a warm atmosphere, you’re bound to find something you love in there – I know I did. Plus, you’ll be supporting local North East business and getting something relatively unique – what’s not to love?

I was gifted some beautiful jewellery by Stephanie and the team at BCharmd to wear to a fashion show and couldn’t believe how many compliments I got in just that one night so huge thanks to BCharmd for surprising me with that, you guys rock!

BCharmd is having a Champagne Christmas Party this weekend and you’re invited! Its an all day event on Saturday November 21st 10am – 6pm so there’s never been a more perfect time to get in and check out the cutest little jewellery store that’s right under your nose.

Maybe I’ll see you there this weekend, I have a big Christmas party coming up and I could do with an injection of quirky sparkle….

Pixie x

Categories: Uncategorized

Gucci Cruise 2016

Ever since Frida Giannini’s sudden departure from Gucci in January, the eyes of the fashion world have been on Alessandro Michele. After all, it was only in March that the guy was thrust into his role as Creative Director at breakneck speed with only a month to design and prepare his womenswear debut for the label. Fast forward to today however and Gucci’s new Main Man has achieved the impossible; he’s shot two campaigns and directed two runway shows, all within six months.

In the hands of Michele, Gucci is colourful and wonderfully retro, there are distinct themes to each layer of the collections he has so far produced, calling upon the Gucci archives for inspiration. The 2016 Cruise collection was unveiled this week in New York and in a similar vein to Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent, the collection was vintage in feel and at times felt like a tribute to the Gucci of the 90’s. Even the invites and pre-show literature were retro in styling.

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From the Granny Chic chevron dresses which opened the show, to the block heeled, fringed loafers in metallic jewel tones, the collection was unashamedly retro androgynous. The opener, a retro vintage chevron midi dress with gold loafers, sets the theme for the show. Models stride across the street to the show space and walk the makeshift runway decorated with patterned rugs, it all adds to the retro ambience of the show. Accessories are adorned with serpents and metal detailing, models wear glasses in a nod to the Geek Chic movement and their fingers are loaded up with statement rings. It’s clear that Michele is a sucker for detailing; tiny pleats, lace, floaty fabrics, and lots of flowers are all features of the 2016 Cruise collection.

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There’s a delicious juxtaposition of textures repeated throughout the collection, whether it’s suede paired with lace for a prairie girl chic vibe, or fur and brocade for an opulent aristocratic look. Rewind back to March when Michele unveiled his Fall Winter line with a similar retro vintage theme, although this was poorly received by a minority of the fash pack, it’s almost as if Michele is addressing the haters through this collection, by extending the theme beyond Fall Winter and into his Cruise collection to let them know it’s his and he’s sticking with it.

Dresses were playful and gorgeously kitsch, with serpents, tigers, dragonflies and birds adorning dresses in various guises. The Cruise collection seems resolute and assertive; as if Michele has relaxed into his talent and his niche and now understands how to manipulate it. The collection drew admiring glances from the FROW, with the likes of Anna Wintour to Karen Elson and Dakota Johnson (rumoured to be the latest Gucci muse) who both wore looks straight off the Gucci runway, nodding in approval.

The Gucci of the past was driven by sex and attitude, under Michele, the new Gucci is driven by emotion. Sure people will say that we’ve seen it all before and that there’s nothing groundbreaking here, but if it’s groundbreaking you want, then head over to Graduate Fashion Week where young designers are pulling out all the stops to be noticed. This is different, it’s softer, it’s commercial and realistic. Every item in the collection has the wearability factor and there’s something in there to suit every personal style.

We all know that fashion is cyclical, what goes around comes back around and that’s not a bad thing. what Michele has created here is a commercial offering in what appears to be his signature eclectic retro style. With a flair for modern vintage styling and geek chic, it’s a whole new direction for the brand who once ran a campaign with the signature ‘G’ shaved into a models pubic hair.

Dakota Johnson, Alessandro Michele, Karen Elson

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I don’t know about you but I like it. These are exciting times in fashion and with Michele at the reigns, Gucci is in safe hands; I’m interested to see what Michele brings us with his Spring Summer 2016 collection this September, whether it’s more of the same, or whether the story unfolds a little and we see more of Michele’s creative flair. For now though it seems, Michele has found his niche and is firmly nestled in it. The high street will spawn a million tributes to this uber wearable, vintage inspired collection in the coming months and even if you didn’t plan to, we’ll all be wearing something that resembles it.

Pixie x

View the 2016 Gucci Cruise Collection here:

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Categories: Uncategorized

Love Niche Sample Sale

Newcastle is a City full of culture and creatives, and the shopping is amazing. Aside from the usual high street chains there are lots of smaller independent boutiques and studios, you just need to know where to look.

One such boutique, Love Niche, is hidden away on Clayton Street in a second floor studio. Offering a bespoke styling and made to measure service, Love Niche also stocks hard to find brands and one off pieces for when you absolutely must have something unique for a special occasion. In-house Designer and studio owner Nisha Vedhara designs her own range which she stocks in store too. Specialising in Cruise / Resort wear and Occasion wear, each piece is unique and hand embellished, the work that goes into creating each piece is immense and demand is high as her loyal clients keep coming back for more.

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Despite having known Nisha for some time now and having become firm friends, today is my first visit to the studio and I’m looking forward to it. Why? Two words: Sample Sale. Love niche has thrown open its doors to reward clients past and present and entice in new shoppers with a 15% discount off all full price items, as well as some real knockout prices on sample and one off pieces. You may remember that I was invited to attend a Love Niche Fashion Event back in April where Nisha showcased her entire new season collection so I’ve come here today with a mental shopping list….

As you enter from the street and make your way up the narrow staircase, framed images of the collection line the walls. The studio is well equipped, there’s a large reception area where champagne and canapés are being served and in the main viewing area, the collection is displayed in themes around the room. It’s like a huge closet, with a jewellery island in the centre which sparkles in the sunlight.

It’s busy but very relaxed and everyone is advising each other on which items to try on, I spot some familiar faces; there are a few high profile models, a young ballerina and a well known Popstar and her family in the studio today and all have armfuls of clothes. Nisha’s own Love Niche Resort wear is by far the most vibrant of the collections, with bold colours and prints dancing amongst the rails, it’s the area of the studio commanding the most attention.

Nisha greets every guest warmly and makes sure everyone has a drink, she’s buzzing about giving advice to guests on how to style items, or what type of shoes to wear with a particular item when I arrive and she comes straight over to say “Hi”.

I’m instructed to “think outside the box” Nisha knows me well enough to know that I’m pretty unconventional in the way I put an outfit together, I try on a super long pleated skirt which is soooo not my usual style and I’m talked into buying it (very well actually) by Clare, a fellow guest and the sister of Faye Tozer of Steps fame (Clare, you should be on commission). I spot an amazing Chanel-esque tweed longline blazer, and an Indian paisley shirt dress which I decide are coming home with me too.

I beg Nisha to sell me a bowler hat and a jewelled twenties style crown which are part of a display and not actually for sale and she agrees. (Lucky bonus).

I swear I was only in the studio for half an hour but according to my watch it was actually more like two and a half hours and judging by the bag of goodies I brought home with me, that kinda makes sense.

So, If you’re in Newcastle and are bored of the high street, give Love Niche a visit, you might just be surprised – it’s a non-judgmental environment and there’s something for every budget and every body shape. Just don’t get too attached to the display pieces, they’re not actually for sale….

Pixie x

Categories: Uncategorized

Dainty Lou & Dolly Rockers Store Launch

This weekend I was invited to the launch of a boutique in Middlesbrough so I put on my stonewash jeans, packed up my Tom Ford tote and off I set.

It’s less of a new launch and more of a “coming together”. The boutique I’m visiting is called Dainty Lou and it’s recently moved into shared premises with another local boutique called Dolly Rockers.

Dainty Lou owner, Leah Kirby, had been trading out of the Forbes Building in Middlesbrough for some time before deciding it was time for a move. Leah says that the Forbes Building is on the outskirts of town and just didn’t get the footfall of other, busier areas of Middlesbrough. The clothing she makes herself is stocked in various fashion boutiques in the region, one of which is Dolly Rockers on Baker Street. She struck up a friendship with Leigh Gallacher, the owner of Dolly Rockers and a fashion and accessory alliance was born.

Baker Street, Middlesbrough has a cool, urban feel to it, lined with independent boutiques, vintage stores, record shops and funky hair salons it’s hard to miss This joint boutique. The front of the building is mint green and pink, alluding to the kitsch products you might find inside and the window display filled with vivid colour and kooky frocks.

I’m greeted by cupcakes, fizz and the friendly faces of Leah and Leigh who tell me that it just made sense for Dainty Lou to move into the same premises as Dolly Rockers; the boutique is small and interesting, there are fixtures and fittings made from crates and a vintage till and suitcase in the front section which makes up the Dolly Rockers brand. At the back of the store is Dainty Lou, it’s a clean and uncluttered space with a studio feel and there are vibrant prints on display. Leah makes most of the clothing herself at home and buys in around ten percent of what she sells from local North East manufacturers or fashion students. There’s a real eclectic mix in Dainty Lou, from ice cream and unicorn print tees to gingham co-ords and some real quirky swimwear.

Leah makes the jewellery she sells in-store too and she tells me it’s been really popular with customers, there’s a mix of rings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces and in the run up to Festival Season Leah is stocking flower crowns and metallic tattoo’s that are guaranteed to sell out. There’s a feature wall of necklaces in picture frames, Leah tells me she wanted to put them out on display but wanted it to be different from a regular, run of the mill jewellery display. Dainty Lou also stocks bath bombs, wax melts and candles and Leah tells me that these are all good sellers. Customers of Dainty Lou are encouraged to send in their selfies wearing items from the store and in return they’re rewarded with a £5 discount off their next purchase, customers are loyal and there’s a feeling of community here, it’s apparent when customers arrive in store and Leah instantly recognises them.

Dolly Rockers is a little different. Leigh buys in most of her stock, including some of Leah’s designs, her love of faux fur is evident as there are various faux fur and faux fur-trimmed pieces around the store in shades of pastels. Leigh also makes feather trimmed bags in a variety of colours (in fact she’s working on an orange one as we speak, it’s for herself and it’s for a big night out). There are re-worked vintage pieces including some really cool original Christian Dior silk shirts that have been re-worked into cropped shirts with hoods, with their seventies and eighties style prints they ‘re perfect for SS15.

If you’re in or around Middlesbrough then the Dainty Lou and Dolly Rockers store is definitely worth a look, there’s a real eclectic mix of clothing and accessories and the girls are friendly and happy to give advice, and if you do happen to visit, don’t forget to upload your selfies to the Dainty Lou website for a discount off your next purchase!

Pixie x

For more information on Dainty Lou visit www.daintylou.co.uk where you can also shop online

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Dainty Lou

Twitter: @daintyloux

Facebook: www.facebook.com/daintylou

Dolly Rockers

Twitter: @dollyrockers3

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