|
This month Sally Stillingfleet and Genevieve Potter have teamed up to offer two lucky local ladies a chance to get some professional wardrobe expertise from Genevieve (www.ihaventgotathingtowear.com) and enjoy some fabulous beauty treatments courtesy of Equilibrium and The Hair House
Helen Dale was treated to a full day of treatments at Equilibrium, Stamford, and hair colour and cut at The Hair House
At Equilibrium, Helen was given the revolutionary Thalgo EnergiLift facial, which is described as a massage-based “facelift”. The technique works every facial muscle, and includes application of an Exceptional Serum which firms the skin, promotes the production of collagen, and combats signs of ageing and pigmentation. The facial takes 90 minutes, during which time the face is treated to a deep modelling massage which restores tonicity and contours. This results in optimum oxygenation and effectively ‘nourishes’ the face. Finally the Exceptional Mask, (which includes natural algae and was created using medical research for burn victims), is applied; with five strips covering the entire face and neck.
Helen only had one EnergiLift session, which noticeably ‘lifted’ and tightened her skin, but six to twelve facials are recommended as a course, which will leave the face fully toned, firmed, and radiant.
For gorgeous hands and feet, Helen was treated to an OPI rejuvenating manicure, using ingredients that leave the hands nourished and looking visibly younger and her nails were finished with a gorgeous plum shade “meet me on the star ferry”. She also indulged in an OPI pedicure, using the same colour, so that her feet will look perfect in summer sandals.
On to make up, and firstly, to define her striking eyes, Helen had an eyelash tint (£12). She was then given a make-up lesson using the Coleur Caramel range. This is a renowned French brand of mineral based, certified organic make-up, which contains products that actually protect and treat the skin to leave it looking radiant. In common with lots of women, Helen had got out of the habit of applying make up for every day, but she was shown how just a few products could multi-task to provide a fresh and natural new look.
Once Helen was feeling fabulous from top to toe, it was on to some attention for her crowning glory at Stamford’s Hair House, next door to Equilibrium. Proprietor Roger persuaded Helen to try some gentle colour, reassuring her that no colour is irreversible. The result was a great success, with a toner taking away the starkness of Helen’s grey hair, and because it contained no ammonia or peroxide, it actually enhanced her hair’s natural shine. Roger also tweaked Helen’s style, shaping it to accentuate her amazing cheek bones, and razor cutting the fringe to give a softer effect.
Helen comments:
“I’ve never really had beauty treatments before, so this was a real voyage of discovery. But I love the new make-up, my hands and feet have never looked so good and the facial has left my skin feeling wonderful. It’s been a great experience, thanks to Sam and her team.”
• Katie Davies (right) visited Equilibrium to try the latest beauty must-have; semi-permanent eyelash extensions. There are several brands on the market, but the Nouveau Lashes, expertly applied by the experts at Equilibrium really are the Rolls Royce of eyelashes. They are applied individually to your own lashes and because they are virtually weightless they don’t cause them to fall out prematurely. You can have them “topped up” every three to four weeks to retain the fullness and provide longevity, and they are perfect for summer as you won’t need mascara or need to worry about “panda eyes” in the heat. (The initial consultation and treatment takes around 90 minutes and costs £85).
Katie comments:
“My own eyelashes were not particularly long so having these lashes applied has really opened up my eyes and it will be so nice not to have to worry about mascara this summer!”
The “Wardrobe Workout”
Most people have wardrobes stuffed full of things that no longer fit and some that may have never even seen the light of day. Faced with such chaos, it’s no wonder that most of us experience those moments when we feel like we haven’t got a thing to wear (even though, in reality, most of us have far too much). That’s where Genevieve Potter and her new styling service, www.ihaventgotathingtowear.com, come in. Genevieve’s philosophy is that everyone can look lovely (and you don’t have to be particularly rich, thin, or young to make the grade!) She comments:-
“I’ve been mad about fashion since I could open a dressing up box. The right clothes can give you so much confidence, but most of us are so busy with families, work, and homes that it can all become a bit of a chore. My aim is to put the joy back in to fashion for people that have lost their way.”
With Genevieve’s sensitive and imaginative approach to ladies’ fashion styles, likes and dislikes, Helen and Katie acquired new confidence and refreshing and intuitive solutions to their fashion dilemmas. I went along to see Genevieve in action – to see what her new business really has to offer.
Katie Davies from Helpston has a great flair for fashion, amplified by her part-time job within successful fashion retailer Attic of Stamford. She genuinely loves helping other people to look great, but being a very busy, working mum of three, she can lack the time to make the most of her own wardrobe.
Genevieve commented:
“Katie has some fantastic clothes, and is naturally leaning towards a slightly bohemian style which really suits her. Working together we identified some gaps in her wardrobe and we also developed some signature looks for Katie, for day, evening, and off-duty. Whereas many women feel they have lost their way with fashion, Katie is quite the opposite, she has a highly developed sense of style and this session was much more about making her life easier.”
“We went through every part of Katie’s wardrobe, including shoes and accessories, to match everything up, at the same time de-cluttering and letting go of anything which didn’t serve a purpose. After the session I also wrote Katie a detailed report which included a focused shopping list of the items that needed to be replaced or introduced.”
Katie commented:
“I think what I now realise is that I can push the boundaries and try new colour combinations and think of the unexpected – really mix things up! I’m now trying to be me, not a typical “Boden” mummy, and I’m enjoying every minute.”
Helen’s Wardrobe Workout
Helen is a classically elegant lady with amazing posture and poise and a very slim size ten figure, who has a natural sense of style just waiting to burst forth!
Genevieve immediately realised that Helen has a great instinct for what suits her, but hasn’t enjoyed shopping for clothes for some time and has a commendably frugal attitude towards fashion. She commented:-
“Helen knew exactly which were the key pieces and what to let go from her wardrobe, and she needs to set aside a leisurely day to clear out the clutter, which will make the whole process of deciding what to wear much more enjoyable. She then needs to employ her shopping list to fill in some of the gaps and to buy an outfit for a family party she is attending in October.”
Genevieve approached Helen’s wardrobe workout with great sensitivity and even set her some homework! I was particularly impressed with her ability to give Helen a new sense of direction for future fashion purchases, filling her with the confidence to dress with flair and grace.
Again, Helen was given a full written report and shopping list after the two hour wardrobe workout session. This included some individual “fashion rules”, which included details of the shapes and colours which suit her best and will work hardest in her wardrobe, saving her from any costly mistakes.
The “wardrobe workout” service costs from £175, depending on location, and also includes a haventgotathingtowear privilege discount card to use in selected fashion and beauty retailers.
Directory
Equilibrium 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE
Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk
The Hair House 7 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE
Tel: 01780762687
www.ihaventgotathingtowear.com Tel: 07973 828541
|
