Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Glorious North East

Jo Malone Scent Experience

There’s more to Jo Malone London than fancy candles and fragrances as I found out during their signature Scent Experience.  I was invited along to the Jo Malone concept store at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre to discover more about the brand, their immersive Fragrance Combining, and the latest release, Myrrh & Tonka to the Black fragrance range.

Jo Malone is one of the UK’s most famous fragrance houses, founded in 1994 and sold to Estée Lauder in June 2006 in its entirety.  The brand continues to thrive with a legion of fans who can’t get enough of Malone’s famous scented candles (I’m one of them) and eclectic fragrances.  But did you know that Jo Malone stores and concessions offer in house experiences as well as those signature products we’ve come to know and love?  I spent the day with Jo Malone London to discover more about just what’s on offer on counter….

1. First up, the Jo Malone Signature Arm and Hand Massage.  This is no ordinary hand massage, it’s an immersive experience with a layered introduction to the range – there’s absolutely no pressure at all to buy from the brand afterwards – something I really like.  You’re sat at the beauty bar and given a branded velvet take home pouch for your jewellery before the treatment begins.

First of all you select your wash (all of the washes are a triple threat, they work as a handwash, bath foam and shower gel), then your body cream, and finally your cologne.  You’ll be given a lesson in the art of fragrance combining; if you’re familiar with Tom Ford you’ll know about the Fragrance Wardrobe, it’s a similar concept at Jo Malone as all fragrances are designed and crafted to work in harmony.

Once you’ve selected your trio, you’re treated to a foamy wash, which coats the skin in a base scent, then an arm and hand massage with a thick, luxurious body cream, before it’s locked in with a spray of cologne.  I like a heady, masculine scent so I opted for latest release, Myrrh & Tonka; a warm, woody mix with vanilla and tonka bean base notes.  Long lasting and unlike anything else around.

You’ll leave with arms as light as air, mine felt fresh and cool, kind of like the sensation you get when you use Physio Gel, and the feeling lasts long after you’ve left the counter.  This experience is open to anyone, it’s something you can walk on to counter and ask for, book online as a complimentary service, or make a purchase and you get a voucher to re-visit the counter for it.

2.  The Jo Malone Birthday Club.  How I missed his one I’ll never know Voyeurs, sign up to the Birthday Club by giving the day and month of your birth which is recorded against your client record and you’re in for a treat…..

Now before you get yourself all excited, the disclaimer with this one is that it’s not a yearly thing, it’s “from time to time” and the deal is a mini Jo Malone party on counter for you and five friends.  You’ll arrive on counter and be greeted with champagne and chocolates, a signature arm and hand massage is included as well as deluxe samples for the birthday bunny and regular samples for your pals.  Not bad right?!  Well it was my birthday in January and I’m late to the table but I’ve been invited back for this which I fully intend to do, because, well you know…..

3.  Jo Malone Bridal.  There’s a whole bridal themed experience available to brides-to-be, from selecting a fragrance to scent your wedding, to gifting for bridesmaids; select from a range of options to give your big day those special little touches.  Brides can choose to visit the counter with their prospective groom, mum or whole bridal party and the counter will cater to your needs.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, or if you’ve admired it from afar, this is a great introduction to Jo Malone and the products and services available.  Whether it’s home fragrance or skin fragrance the team at House of Fraser are helpful and attentive and when I say there’s no pressure, there really is no pressure.  You know me by now Voyeurs, I’d tell you if you were in danger of being cornered.  The counter at House of Fraser’s Concept Store is perfectly equipped for mini treatments, it’s a spacious area occupying the front aspect of the store meaning you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the main store and can enjoy browsing in peace.

So, with Mother’s Day right around the corner, where better to start for inspiration than the Jo Malone Concept Store on House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre?  Be warned though Voyeurs it’ll be difficult to leave without one of those signature ribbon tied bags for yourself too……

Pixie xo

All Jo Malone counter services can be booked via the brands website or by calling the Jo Malone Counter at House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre on 0370 192 5371

 

Categories: The Archives, The Glorious North East, The Lifestyle Edit

Newcastle in the Sky Dine by Flight Experience

Remember Dine by the Tyne – the death defying restaurant experience that saw diners suspended 100ft above the ground to enjoy cocktails and dinner prepared by some of the regions best chefs?  Ok well maybe it wasn’t quite as dramatic as that, the point is, it’s back with a new name and some awesome new restaurants on board.

Returning for 2017 as Newcastle in the Sky, this ‘dine by flight’ experience will return to its previous location at The Sage, overlooking the Newcastle Quayside, due to delays at the intended Stephenson Quarter site.

With just five months to go until Newcastle in the Sky hits the North East and tickets already flying (see what I did there?) The event looks set to sell out all over again.  August 24th -29th is the period you’ll be able to take flight and enjoy culinary delights served up by chefs and mixologists from Browns, SIX, Aveika, Hawthorns, Chaophraya, Artisan, La Yuan, The Vermont Hotel, Livello and The Gin Bar.  Once you’re over the whole height thing, the only problem you’ll have is which one to choose.

To give you a helping hand, you’ll be able to choose from breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail flights (Livello and The Gin Bar will be supplying the drinks flights, while breakfast will be served by Brown’s. Lunch and evening dinner will be provided by SIX, Artisan, Aveika, Chaophraya, Hawthorns and La Yuan.)

“We are happy to return to Performance Square, the views of the river and bridges are spectacular. With our Title sponsor DS Automobiles and other exciting changes, the team are more determined than ever to deliver another outstanding event in the heart of the north east.”  Jacqui McKirdy, Event Director, Newcastle in the Sky.

If you missed out on this experience last year, or you managed to get tickets but want to try a breakfast, or cocktails, then you’d better be quick!  I was way too soft last year, I bottled it at the last minute but I’ve been told to man up and get on board this year and I’ve promised I’ll do it (although I can’t promise there’ll be no tears or tantrums).  For tickets, visit Events in the Sky or call 07808 527 039 for corporate bookings.

See you in the sky!

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Glorious North East

The Wax Bar Newcastle Official Launch Party

You’ll have heard me waxing lyrical (see what I did there?) about The Wax Bar, a recent addition to the beauty scene in North Jesmond and you’ll know that I’ve visited the salon for intimate waxing and LVL Lashes (two essentials for your beauty maintenance regime).  Now the salon may have been operational since December 2016, but after establishing a loyal North East client base, The Wax Bar threw open their doors this weekend for their official launch party and I was invited along. Obvs.

A live DJ provided the tunes and the salon was set up to provide complimentary treatments including nail polish and stencilling, HD Brows, threading, tinting and my favourite, a braid bar, with added glitter station.  Fresh pizza, pasta and doughballs from Pizza Express Jesmond were served, from Pizza Express along with sweet shop sweets and super cute bespoke cupcakes (of which three mysteriously appeared in my kitchen the next morning).  Prosecco and Pimms were on tap all night and the party was in full flow when I rocked up fresh com a runway show.

First stop: The braid bar, I was sat in front of a lit mirror and given a selection of styles to choose from, I opted for two top Dutch braids into wrapped ponytails which the Stylist did in record time. Sidebar, The Wax Bar will have a resident hair braider working in the salon once each month offering single or add on appointments. I can vouch for her talent too, she’s young, hip and dresses like a rockstar, oh yeah, she does awesome braids too.

If you haven’t already visited The Wax Bar, the salon is modern and minimalist.  With it’s cool grey and white colour scheme (with added Wax Bar branded metallic balloons for the party) it has a fresh, urban feel and the pop of fuschia pink in the branding is uniform throughout the each salon.

New and existing clients had a chance to chat about the treatments and products on offer at The Wax Bar as well as putting forward suggestions to the business – a real nice touch to involve potential clients in shaping the business to suit their needs.  Kudos.  Owner Nicole Peterson and Area Manager Claire travelled From Edinburgh for the party; saying they’d been nervous and excited for the past four weeks.   Nicole told me that after doing some research on Jesmond and learning about its huge student population, she wanted to cater for that because it’s unfair to price out such a huge chunk of the market, to combat this, The Wax Bar offer 25% discount to students on qualifying days.

I chatted to the staff who told me that throwing a launch party works so well in beauty because it offers a great opportunity to meet potential new clients and learn more about existing clients.

These guys are the holy grail of hot waxing; resident hot waxer Gemma has her technique nailed and can have you stripped, Hollywood waxed and out again fuzz free in 20 minutes.   The salon also offers a range of other treatments including men’s waxing, gel nails, LVL Lashes, HD Brows and lash extensions amongst other things.  Each Therapist has her own specialty so you can rest knowing you’re in good hands.  All treatments booked at the official launch party were offered at 50% off but fear not Voyeurs, there are regular rotational offers on treatments and there’s a loyalty club too which allows clients to collects stamps leading to free treatments.

So, long story short, aces launch party, friendly professional staff, free parking outside the door and good coffee. What’s not to love?!

Pixie xo

To book an appointment at The Wax Bar call 0191 2812183

Categories: The Archives, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Menswear Fit for a Duke

When it comes to menswear things can get a little tricky, sure it looks simple enough for a fashionista looking in but when it comes to dressing men, silhouette is key as everything is loosely based on one main aesthetic – a trouser paired with a top.

With the emergence of more and more menswear design talent through LC:M and NYFW Mens, the options for male dressing are widening however these groundbreaking shows are more about pushing boundaries than setting seasonal trends.  As much as Men’s Fashion Month is an major event in the fashion calendar, it mostly gives me inspo for my own wardrobe.

We all know that Fashionista’s move in tribes.  The key difference is that men often aren’t aware of the theory of fashion tribes, or of which tribe they fall into; whether they’re a Classic Aesthetic (jeans and tee), Sports Luxe (relaxed fit jeans / sweatpants, sports tee & sneakers), Wide Boy (skinny sweats & vest) or Urban Gentleman (tailoring with all the trimmings), it’s not usually a conscious decision.  Whether aware of it are not, men are unwittingly influenced by fashion.

You’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, you know the theory behind the cerulean blue sweater – in a nutshell, every purchase you make on the highstreet, every throwaway notion or bargain bin selection, is directly influenced by the elite runway shows at the top of the chain.  Fashion is everywhere and influences most of your day to day decisions around clothing, makeup, accessories and shoes, right through to the way you style your home.

If you’re a guy who naturally favours suiting and consider a pocket square to be the ultimate accessory, then congratulations!  You fall into the Urban Gentleman tribe, (and there are definitely a few of you out there who follow me), it’s likely that you already know that tailoring is your best friend.  The high street can work with tailoring to a certain extent but the clue is in the name people, tailoring only achieves its MO if it’s made to fit.  Yes, I get that budget is a huge factor and can recommend some off the rack retailers for tailoring but trust me, going made to measure will change your life.

Step forward Duke Ata Bespoke.  Duke’s self titled label focuses on luxury, made to fit, with all the trappings of a modern, urban gentleman.  Everything Duke produces has flair, from the signature wide lapels and polka dots to the wide shouldered cut of his jackets, a Duke Ata Bespoke piece is recognisable by its artistry.

With a background in Blogging, Duke’s knowledge of menswear in particular led him on an eerily similar journey to mine.  Styling wedding guests and curating wardrobe overhauls for years gave him a clear idea of pieces that would work for clients.  It wasn’t long before Duke turned his hand to design himself, and ultimately, tailoring.   Inspired by classic elegance, the gentleman’s silhouette and the craftsmanship of Savile Row, Duke has developed a peculiar and recognisable style which has been forged into the Duke Ata brand.

His first collection – Vol.1 – sees classic tailoring married with an urban twist.  Duke has a penchant for unusual fabrics and is super particular about the quality, threadcount and finish – I can say that, we’re friends – basically, if it’s not perfect, it’s not Duke Ata.

The fitting service offered by Duke Ata Bespoke is a step above tailoring.  A tailor will take an existing suit model and make it fit the client (think Tim Gunn in How I Met Your Mother), with a bespoke service fabric selection, shape, cut and fit are all handcrafted to the needs and expectations of the client.  It’s a different ball game.  The cost is high, but then that’s not news.  For anyone considering something bespoke there’s a price to pay, but business is booming.

Duke’s clients tell me that there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on a Duke Ata Bespoke suit, it’s like The Emporer’s New Clothes, they fit so well that you feel like you’re wearing nothing, but you just know you look awesome.

You’ll recognise his aesthetic too, Duke recently dressed footballer Jamie O’Hara for his Celebrity Big Brother 2017 entrance, and Body Fixers Dr Esho only wears Duke Ata Bespoke.  Natty credentials indeed.  Duke doesn’t shout from the rooftops about his brand, he’s quietly confident.  Charismatic and charming, it’s no wonder his clients are fiercely loyal.

With a series of low key, invite only events around his home town of Newcastle, he let’s the pieces he creates do the talking and is quietly building momentum in both the North and in London where he takes regular fitting appointments.  When we discuss the theory of fashion tribes he agrees with me saying “I know my tribe, I stay in my lane.  I don’t try to force tailoring on to people it won’t work for, I’m particular about my clients.”  With bespoke tailoring on the rise and Tom Ford recently stating “My suit is my uniform, I feel weak in trainers”, it’s an aesthetic that more and more men (and women) are aspiring to.  Well Voyeurs, it just got a little more accessible to the Urban Gentlemen of the North East – you know who you are.

Pixie xo

For appointments email appointments@dukeata.com

Categories: The Lifestyle Edit

Another Day in Sparadise

Tucked away in the basement of the busy Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, you’ll find the Mineral House.  An inner city sanctuary I’ve come to know and love over the past six months, the Mineral House is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle.  With its basement corridor bathed in flickering candlelight and the scent of lemongrass, it really is a treat for the senses.

In a nutshell the Mineral House comprises a gym, pool and treatment spa.  As far as hotel facilities go, this is pretty damn good.  The gym is larger than the average hotel gym and it has everything you’d expect from an unmanned facility.  Sure you won’t find a huge selection of free weights and Olympic bars, but let’s not forget, this is a fitness suite largely populated by hotel guests who use it with the sole purpose of preventing stagnation during their stay.  It’s very well equipped (for what it is) and has a good balance of cardio machines, cable machines, kettlebells and dumbbells – and if my numerous requests for a punchbag are noted then who knows, we may even see that as an addition for 2017.  The Mineral House offers personal training to clients on request and recently extended its hours to offer 24 hour access so now there’s no excuse not to train.

The pool area is gorgeous, accented with soft purple light; the swimming pool is accompanied by a large whirlpool spa and steam room, perfect for unwinding after a workout and there are several loungers poolside for those who just want to chill and be immersed in the cool ambience.

The Mineral House treatment spa is manned by the best Therapists in the business, during the build the recruitment drive was fierce and only the creme de la creme were selected (a massage from Roberta is otherworldly, I can vouch).  The treatment menu is huge, offering a range of spa treatments with a focus on eastern aromatic spices and warm pindas to encourage deep relaxation within the muscles.  Locker room chat is always about how awesome the deep tissue massage is.

As such, the team is a tight knit band of industry pros always willing to help out, I’m often offered a person to work with me on boxing pad work in the gym with me when it’s quiet.

In it’s entirety, the Mineral House is a place I’ve come to rely on to escape real world shiz, it’s where I go to get my head in gear and when I’m lacking motivation I can rely on staff there to gee me up with some inspiring words.  I primarily use the Mineral House for the gym, it’s somewhere you can get your head down and get a serious workout in without judgement, or people staring.  With the influx of no frills gyms in the city, the Mineral House offers a refreshing change from the stereotypical functional gym goer.

My favourite thing about the Mineral House is the convenience.  The location is easy, it’s easy to get in and out of Newcastle from the Crowne Plaza, the parking is free and you’re given towels on arrival.  Seriously Voyeurs, it’s the little details that make the biggest differences: think hot showers with shampoo and shower gel provided, large lockers, separate restrooms and TVs with subtitles so you have someone to watch whilst you train.  Yes, it’s small, we’ve established that, but it’s perfectly formed.

Fancy trying it out for yourself?  Get in touch, they’re a friendly bunch and offer a free trial so you can get to grips with everything on offer and decide whether it’s for you.  With a range of memberships to suit different needs, there’s bound to be something you can work with.  Don’t fancy a long term commitment?  The Mineral House offers two hours exclusive use of incorporated facilities with every treatment booked, spa day sessions are also available.

For a hotel facility I’m really impressed with the Mineral House, whether it’s the cool, calming environment, or the uber friendly staff, it’s a place you’ll feel welcome in from your first visit.  I’m a member and I’ve got to say Voyeurs, I’m hooked, in fact, I’m heading there right now to get my workout on.  If you’re thinking about joining, or checking the place out for a free trial, be sure to tell them Pixie sent you and maybe I’ll see you there some time.

Pixie xo

Pixie Tenenbaum Editor's signature with fashion illustration graphic