Jewellery Archives - Fashion Voyeur

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

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

10 Years of Hublot All Black Concept with Alan Shearer

BCharmd Jewellery Blogger Event