The Party Pop Up Boutique and an Evening at The Alchemist

Thursday night marked the launch of not one but two amazing new Manchester ventures. Starting the evening's events, the STYLE etc. team headed over to suite 24 in Barton Arcade, Deansgate for The Party Pop Up Boutique - an eclectic mix of Manchester's independent fashion, jewellery and contemporary designers.


The nights designers and fashion included amazing jewellery by Fatz K and cutting edge fashion by the likes of Merabi by Nadine, Pretty Disturbia and Blaq to name but a few. The focus of the evening was without a doubt Nadine Merabi's new debut womenswear collection 'Merabi by Nadine'. Her 2010-11 Winter collection consisted of jaw droppingly stunning floor length gowns with heavy embellishment that oozed hollywood and red carpet glamour. Perfect to stand out at those fast approaching Christmas parties!

The tagline read "one party you dont want to miss" and we had to agree! The venue was jam packed with Manchester's fashionable elite who had braved to party the night away whilst showing their support. Guests enjoyed canapes and drinks whilst enjoying the sounds of the party's DJ and admiring the vast and diverse selection of fashion on display. Models were on hand all night modelling Nadine's premier collection and alternative festive cocktails were also on offer via the party's own mini cocktail bar!


The Party Pop Up Boutique is now open upstairs in Barton Arcade, Deansgate from 11am-6pm daily till Friday 31st December.

After the Pop Up Boutique had wrapped up, we headed over to Spinningfields for the opening night of new cocktail bar and restaurant The Alchemist. The Alchemist's amazing interior is reminiscent of a stylish, uptown New York bar and we were completely spoilt for choice regarding the vast list of cocktails and drinks on offer, plus the most sumptuous canapes I've possible ever eaten. Open till 2.30am on weekdays and 4.30am on weekends and with an extensive selection of drinks and eatery, there is no place better to spend your evenings this festive season.

Post by Anna J. Westerman

Journalists come to their senses with the help of Perception…

Last night Perception Sales & Marketing, based in Cheadle Hulme Cheshire, hosted their annual media showcase in Central Manchester. Taking place at chic city champagne bar Epernay, the event brought together media and press from across the North West to admire what some of the leading hotels from Perception’s impressive portfolio showcased what they have to offer. These included foodie haven Fishmore Hall based in Ludlow, Shropshire, and member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, located in Cologne.


We enjoyed a ‘Perception cocktail’ - an amazing blue in colour specially for Perception's signature blue logo, as well as a selection of wines, whilst feasting on a range of canapés including mini fish pie, cured foie gras and brioche, and red onion bruschettan. Guests were also treated to a taste of the spa treatments from the award winning Verbena Spa, part of the AA Hotel of the Year, the Feversham Arms.

The media showcase and drinks reception also gave guests the chance to win a range of fabulous prizes given by the hotels. An amazing time was had by all as guests mingled within the modern bar, whilst escaping from a cold Manchester evening.



Photos courtesy of The Francunian

Alex Gerrard's Line Launches Exclusively at Selfridges

Luxury womens fashion brand Forever Unique, a favourite amongst celebs and highstreet shoppers alike, recently celebrated its launch into Selfridges with an exclusive appearance from the Premier League Glamour girl and OK! Mag columnist Alex Gerrard.

The launch comes after the huge success of Alex Gerrard's first fasihon line in collaboration with the brand. The line is made up of Alex's four best selling styles from her critcally acclaimed fashion range with a further five styles from Forever Unique's partywear collection to make up the nine-piece range.

Amongst the frenzy of paparazzi and throng of excited fans as Alex made her entrance the STYLE etc. girls made sure to keep a short distance back clutching our champagne to oggle the dresses at a spot of safety (out of the way of the bustling paps!) Alex was looking picture perfect as usual and took time to happily chat to her fans after the madness had died down and pose for pictures.

With Forever Unique's signature infusion of glamour and show stopping ruffle detailing and embellishments, we know where we're getting out party dresses for the festive season!


Prices range from £110-£245

To celebrate the launch, Forever Unique is offering two lucky fashionistas the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to New York with $500 worth of spending money. Visit ForeverUnique.co.uk to enter and for more details

Post by Anna J. Westerman

Launch of Suzanne Neville's New Evening Wear Collection

On Wednesday evening the STYLE etc. team enjoyed a taste of the Cheshire living at the launch of Suzanne Neville's new eveningwear collection at their Wimslow store.

Suzanne Neville is currently the top UK couture bridal label and creates abeautiful range of classic evening wear. Her dresses are ultra glamorous and fit for the red carpet - so much so that they are regularly worn by celebrities, such as Anna Friel, Alexandra Burke and Alesha Dixon as well as being commissioned for many TV shows. Suzanne Neville gowns are known for their perfect fit, with the amazing corsetry and seamstress skills giving the wearer a perfectly streamlined and feminine silhouette. Her use of carefully sourced luxury fabrics are all handmade into unique gowns, giving them an extra special feel.

On arrival we were treated to champagne and an array of cute cupcakes to nibble on whilst admiring the bespoke wedding dresses and evening wear the boutique had an offer. A select few of the stunning gowns were also modelled in store by Hollyoak's actresses Gemma Atkinson and Rachel Stenton. The collection included stunning, floor length red carpet gowns, cocktail attire all in Suzanne Neville's signature corsetry in luxurious fabrics. The STYLE etc. team's favourite dress of the evening was without a doubt a crisp white, mini, strapless, bodycon number whose every inch of fabric was completely covered in stunning, show stepping embellishment. Definitely one to add to our ever growing wishlist!


Due to popular demand, Suzanne Neville's evening wear collection is now available to view in the Knightsbridge, Wilmslow and Guildford showrooms. For more information on Suzanne's designs, visit her website at:
http://www.suzanneneville.com/

Post by Anna J. Westerman

Spinningfields Hosts Coolest Party for Launch of the Ice Rink

Spinningfields hosted Manchester’s coolest party this week launching the newly located ice rink on The Avenue and the brand new pop-up winter themed bar, The Lodge.


Guests including Hollyoaks stars Kieron Richardson, Jorgi Porter and Ellis Hollins enjoyed a spin on the ice followed by hot beer and Gluwein courtesy of The Lodge. Waterloo Road stars Rebecca Ryan Ben Ryan Davies, William Rush and Chelsea Healey also attended the VIP bash.

Mark Addy head chef Robert Owen Brown provided the canapés, which included roast beef and butternut squash cups, whilst DJ Dom Kozubik provided an eclectic mix of Christmas and contemporary music for the VIP guests in attendance.

Spinningfields Ice Rink – an established part of Spinningfields Management Company and Manchester City Council’s festive programme of events – is newly situated on The Avenue, Manchester’s luxury retail quarter and is open to the public until Monday 3rd January 2011.

The authentic two-floored 300 capacity Lodge offers the ultimate experience in service and atmosphere. The second tier is available for private parties and events and is open to the general public outside of private bookings. The ground floor is open into the night to ensure skaters and visitors to The Avenue can enjoy festive food and seasonal beverages.

Jorgie Porter, who plays Teresa McQueen in Hollyoaks said, “It was brilliant to learn some of Kieron’s moves on the ice, and warming up with a Gluwein in The Lodge afterwards was great.”

Its All About 39 Steps...

Yesterday evening the STYLE etc. team had the pleasure of being invited to sample an amazing 3 course meal courtesy of 39 Steps restaurant. Based in the picturesque Village of Styal, Cheshire the 350 year old restaurant is a perfect mix of the calm, relaxing feel of the countryside with exquisite fine dining, achieving that perfect dining out experience.

Warm and inviting, 39 Steps is ideal for those cold winter nights - and as there is no better time to indulge then Christmas so why not get yourself ready for the festive season with their sumputous 3 course meals and selction of fine wines?

Look out for the full review in our first STYLE etc. Magazine issue out mid December!

In the mean time check out their website to browse their delicious menu for yourself at:

http://www.39stepsrestaurant.co.uk/

Introducing STYLE etc. Magazine!

Fresh from the creative minds behind the Rejuvenate Group comes STYLE etc. Magazine; a new fashion and lifestyle magazine, delivered both in print and online reaching readers across the North West and worldwide through it’s unique and frequent online content.

More than a fashion magazine, STYLE etc. provides the reader with ‘a stylish view to living’. With innovative journalism, creative photography, fashion forward editorial and inspirational features it creates a link between designers and our readers.

Our Jan/Feb 2011 issue is launching Mid December packed full to the brim with a mix of features on fashion: from the latest FASHION looks to vintage style, from designer to high street, revolutionary BEAUTY treatments, exotic and Spa filled TRAVEL destinations, CULTURE reviews, breathtaking Fashion Shoots, the Best of the Boutiques, stylish INTERIOR glamour, Restaurant and FOOD

Watch this space!

xox