Style Birmingham Live 2015

Birmingham is fast becoming THE shopping destination in the UK. With the addition of Grand Central Birmingham (two words: John Lewis) alongside the Bullring, The Mailbox and more, there’s something for everything.

Us Wardrobe ladies, love arranging a little shopping trip in Birmingham. Once we’re done with stores such as River Island, Topshop, Selfridges, Debenhams, Urban Outfitters, New Look and Zara, we’ll rest our feet (and credit cards!) in one of the many food and drink places around. Even with our hectic schedules, we’ll always make time for a Brum day out and one of the local events we always look forward to every year is Style Birmingham Live.

For those not familiar with Style Birmingham Live, it’s the city’s fashion and shopping event of the year. Seriously, if you love fashion, beauty and shopping then this is the event for you. We’ve been regulars at SBL over the years and we really missed it’s absence last year. But this year it’s back – with a bang!

On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September, SBL will be taking place at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery‘s Gas Hall which is going to be transformed into ‘The Fashion Theatre’ for the event. It’s the first time the event will be held at the Gas Hall which is such an impressive venue. We can’t wait to see how it will all look.

Everybody’s fave Essex boy Mark Wright is the host this year and hell be joined by Stylist Mark Heyes. Mark Wright will be hosting the six catwalk shows across the weekend which will be taking place at ‘the fashion theatre’. The catwalk shows are our favourite as we get to see the latest autumn/winter styles and collections from some of our fave high street retailers. The shows are basically a chance for us to write down ‘want, want, need’ next to the items!

For those following our Facebook and Twitter, you’ll have seen photos from the launch evening of Style Birmingham Live. Award-winning salon Francesco Group will be the official hair partner at the event and MAKE UP FOR EVER will be the official make up partners for the show. We’re familiar with Francesco Group here at Wardrobe but it was the first time that I tried MAKE UP FOR EVER. First impressions? Er I’m sold! I can see why Emily was raving about the HD foundation, it looks flawless on my skin. Looking forward to learning more about the brands at the shows.

I can’t wait for this year’s event, it looks set to be a big one especially with the transformation of the city. There’s still time for you to buy your Style Birmingham Live 2015 ticket, just visit http://www.theticketfactory.com – your ticket will get you a VIP entry to the show, a welcome drink on arrival, access to retailer offers and activities plus a goody bag. Perfect if you want to make it a day out with your friends!

We’ll be tweeting live from the event on Saturday 26th September so follow @WardrobeMag for the latest. Now, what to wear…

Who will we be seeing at Style Birmingham Live 2015? 

Sunny

Images courtesy of Rewired PR

Destination Christmas: Selfridges

It didn’t feel right to mention the ‘C’ word until now. But as we reach the end of November, it’s time to start thinking about yep, Christmas.

Now, the holidays emphasise two kinds of people: those who have already started and pretty much wrapped up their Christmas presents and those who have yet to start. Guess what camp I’m in?

I’m not panicking though. The shops are full of amazing gifts that I have to stop myself buying (for me) and there is still time until the big day.

I quite like hitting the shops by myself; Sunny on a mission. No messing about, I know what shops to visit and roughly what I want to get. It’s a massive bonus though if you can just get the majority of your gifts from one place.

Step forward Selfridges. Your first destination this Christmas.

The Selfridges Birmingham branch in the Bullring is one of our favourites if you haven’t already guessed from our previous posts. You’ll always find something there from food to beauty.

This year, Selfridges have gone for a personal touch so you can make your gifts extra special. One of the most popular gifts is a personalised jar of Nutella- trust me, we got quite excited at this! Not bad for a scrumptious stocking filler…

As a young girl, I loved reading Mr.Men books. As my name is Sunny (hello!), I used to get a lot of Little Miss Sunshine related presents so the personalised Mr. Men station is such a cool idea. I think this is a great little gift idea not just for kids but grown ups too (cough). I love my gift courtesy of Selfridges! [Prices start from £34.99*]

This bespoke Christmas sack would make such a good present that can be reused every year. I think this would make a nice present for a new family. Again, this is a present suitable for anyone of all ages. I can’t remember the exact price but think it was from £20.00…

There are so many personalised gift options on the first floor as well as the ones mentioned above. Check them out and the best thing is, you’ll get them done whilst you shop. While you wait for your bespoke gifts, check out the Christmas Gift Shop also on the first floor. You can even get gifts for your pets…yep. The food and drink section has some ace gift ideas if you want to splash a bit of cash for a special person. Selfridges have a wide range of Christmas hampers filled with amazing products. From luxury chocolates, teas, Christmas puddings, cheeses, wines, champagne and so much more. If you have no idea what to get, there is a dedicated team of food and drink experts on hand to point you in the right direction.

That is all just on the first floor- with four floors in the Birmingham store, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We couldn’t resist venturing to the beauty floor where there are so many amazing products making our Christmas Wardrobe Wishlist including these Alphabet Makeup Bags [£20]. Which one though?

Oh and I couldn’t not mention these Sophia Webster Evangeline heels also available in Selfridges- dreamy!! I hope Santa knows I have been a very good girl this year. Well…

Pop in and get your bespoke gifts from Selfridges Birmingham (please check London and Manchester). Is Selfridges one of your shopping destinations this Christmas? Have you started your Christmas shopping?

Images taken by WardrobeMag

Sunny

 

 

 

Discovering RMK (we know)

One thing I have learnt from venturing into the beauty world is that there are so many cosmetics and skincare brands out there. I don’t know about you, but it can leave a girl hella confused.

As mentioned before on WardrobeMag, I was introduced to another brand that I hadn’t heard of before: RMK.

RMK is a Japanese cosmetics and skincare brand which is available at Selfridges, Birmingham as well as online and worldwide. I had heard rave reviews about one of their products- the RMK Cleansing Balm- and when I was asked to come in for a little trial of the new range, I was like why not?

After a hard day at work, I popped into Selfridges and found the RMK counter next to Urban Decay. It’s crazy to think I have never really noticed it before. The lovely Shanara sat me down and explained she would be creating a fresh look for me. I normally go for something dramatic, like a smokey eye or dark lips but was intrigued to see what a fresh natural look would do…

My look would be created by using the new Power of Love A/W 2014 collection as well as some classics. First of all, the famous Cleansing Balm that I had heard a lot about came out to take my makeup off. It’s frickin’ amazing. It’s like my new favourite product. I was kindly given a sample which is still going strong. I am definitely going to invest and have been raving about it to my friends and family. It’s a rose scented balm that removes even waterproof eye makeup and a little goes a long way- worth an investment.

RMK Cleansing Balm- a beauty must have!

With my skin prepped, Shanara got cracking using the new range. One thing that I have had a problem with are my eyelashes. I naturally have long and thick eyelashes- which isn’t a bad thing but I can never find the right mascara to make them look wowsers. Shanara is probably the first MUA to get my lashes looking like this. SERIOUSLY. We could have ended the makeover there and then because I was just like wow. All it took was some nifty curling action with the curlers and then letting the RMK Seperate Curl Mascara do its thing.

Look at the difference!

Shanara then used the new limited edition Matte Shiny Eye pencil from the new range in the brown shade. The pencil has a matte crayon on one side then a glitter powder on the other side to give it some sparkle. I think it’s good for everyday use as you can sweep the powder on if you’re going out. The rest of my look made using the new creamy foundation, Matte shiny cheeks blusher, Shiny sheer gloss and Powder eyebrow kit.

I really liked my look- something different! I have since tried to replicate it and it’s really easy to do. The Power of Love collection is worth checking out especially if you’re a fan of the fresh look for a party alternative. I want to thank the lovely staff at RMK Birmingham for looking after me so well and especially Shanara for showing me how to get my lashes looking lush!

Have you ever tried RMK products before? 

Images taken by WardrobeMag

Sunny

Selfridges Birmingham- New Menswear Launch

We just can’t get enough of Selfridges here at Wardrobe Mag. The iconic store is one of the Bullring’s most popular destinations and you can see why. For clothing and accessories, you’re likely to find whatever it is you want- and not necessarily breaking the bank. Recently, Selfridges has had a bit of a revamp. We’ve spoken about the new beauty floor but the Menswear department has also had a facelift. Unlike before, you can find all you need on one floor (Level 2) from clothing to accessories- it’s definitely bigger and better. Around the floor, you can find over 100 different labels such as Burberry, Belstaff, Michael Kors, Reiss, Paul Smith, Billionaire Boys Club, Tiger of Sweden, DSquared and Valentino. You can also find high street brands such as Topman and Primark. I know a lot of people are surprised to hear Primark but just like the women’s floor, the Primark concession consists of on-trend pieces. If you can’t stand going into a Primark store (it’s like a constant Next sale!) do check out the Selfridges concession. On Wednesday 1st October, I was invited along to the see new Menswear destination launch in association with British GQ. Shoppers were invited to meet GQ Editor Georgina Waltier and the Selfridges Menswear Buying Team for exclusive tips. They could also enjoy exclusive discounts and offers, the complimentary Haig Club Whiskey Pop-Up bar, a game of Ping Pong… oh and music from MTV’s Laura Whitmore.

Photo credit: Dale Martin

I was looking forward to meeting Laura- she is definitely deserving of her ‘Wardrobe Style Icon’ status. She is beautiful and stylish in the flesh too! Her outfit on the night was a Victoria Beckham polka dot jumper dress and vintage hat. Laura was DJ-ing throughout the night and she was playing some absolute tunes; The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones etc. Here’s how you can get her look for less:

Blue Vanilla Black Polka Dot Contrast Collar Dress @ New Look £26.00

Burgundy felt Bowler Hat @ Dorothy Perkins £14.00

Priya from Kaprii Jewels was my plus one for the night and we both were impressed with the new Menswear floor.

Sunny & Priya with Laura Whitmore (Photo credit: Dale Martin)

If you get a chance, do check out the new Menswear destination on Level 2. Perfect just in time for Christmas…

Have you visited the new Menswear floor in Selfridges Birmingham yet? 

Images taken by WardrobeMag unless stated

Sunny