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Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Shoppers at The Centre, Livingston had ‘spring in their step' during style event
The event was hosted by local fashion and colour expert, Leigh Maybury, who shared her top trending, must-have insights for the season. Shoppers at The Centre, Livingston had a real 'spring in their step' especially those who dropped into the Spring/Summer Style Up event, hosted by local fashion and colour expert, Leigh Maybury, who shared her top trending, must-have insights for the season. Visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy an express colour analysis, which has made a comeback after its initial popularity in the 80s, for a £10 donation to the mall's charity partner, Breast Friends and Family, which supports patients through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Leigh, who qualified at the London College of Style and trained in the art of colour, and is also the founder of the fashion consultancy, Life with Style, spent time with shoppers to assess everything from their natural colouring, including skin tone, hair, and eye colour, to help identify a bespoke colour palette that enhances their natural features. Shoppers also had the chance to get tips on refreshing their wardrobe and mix and match with existing pieces in their wardrobe, and get an insight into this summer's holiday must-haves, including the Del Maar beachwear collection in River Island, which ranges from a stunning kaftan to a beautiful glitter v-neck swimsuit. Whether it was a gingham tie neck mid dress from New Look, boho chic styles with suede waistcoats and bags from M&S, a very versatile white dress from stores like River Island and Yours Clothing, or maybe even a maxi skirt with floral prints from H&M - there was something on the fashion inspiration rail for all preferences and every occasion. On the day, The Centre's Style Squad team popped along to chat to shoppers who came along especially for the event and others who were enjoying a day out with family and friends. Six lucky shoppers got a very special surprise when they were presented with a £25 Gift Card, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston to treat themselves, including Ayesha who thoroughly enjoyed her colour analysis with Leigh. Ayesha said: 'It was brilliant to be able to spend some time with Leigh and find out which colours really suit me best. I've always liked brown but it was great to know which other shades I should be including in my wardrobe, like green, which I had never really thought about before. 'It was such a great experience and even more extra special that it was for the local charity, Breast Friends and Family.' Next up on their radar to catch up with on the day was the Rooney family who were shopping for new summer clothes for their forthcoming holiday to Spain. Mum Stacey, said: 'We love popping into The Centre, Livingston with our twin daughters and spending a day browsing the shops, but today we had a checklist for our holiday which the girls were very excited about. 'We managed to pick up everything we need, including shorts and t-shirts in Primark and we are now planning a wander through M&S to see what else grabs our attention.' It was great to chat to best friends who even share the same name, Emma and Emma, who love shopping, especially in M&S, H&M and Primark, and spending a day out together and today was no different. They had just enjoyed a Pilates class, then a bite to eat at Dnisi, which is one of their favourite eateries in the shopping centre, before we caught up with them. Emma said: 'We've always enjoyed meeting up at The Centre, Livingston to catch up and on most occasions, we always treat ourselves to something nice, even if it's a nice coffee and cake. 'Today I had a few things on my list to get as I'm getting married soon in Majorca, which I'm very excited about, and thankfully, I'm already feeling a little bit more organised.' Katie Sinnet, a nurse at St John's Hospital in Livingston, and mum of three, was next up to share her reasons for dropping into the shopping centre with the family. 'After a morning of watching my two sons play football we decided to visit The Centre, Livingston to treat ourselves to a bit of shopping and a bite to eat. When I'm here I love to check out M&S and H&M where I always manage to get something nice whether it's for me or the kids.' After a shopping spree in River Island for jeans and t-shirts, Caroline Haywood stopped to tell us all about her exciting recent trip to Singapore. Living locally, she often visits the shopping centre, with one of favourite stores being M&S. When it comes to refuelling, her go-to place to eat is Nando's. It was such a joy to catch up with the three generational family, Claire Murray, her mum and grandma who planned their visit around getting a colour analysis, and also to celebrate her mum's birthday. Leigh spent lots of time with Claire and her mum not only advising them on which shades to really think about when they hit the shops, but also which styles are most likely to suit them best too. Claire said: 'I've always wanted to get my colours done which was so good as I've never really known which shade really bring out my best features and which ones to avoid too. 'Being a mix of 'warm spring', which includes greens and yellows, and 'summer' means there's lots of options to choose from – I just need to take my time shopping a bit more and try something different to what I'm used to. 'Thanks to Leigh's analysis and fashion tips, I definitely feel I can shop more confidently now knowing what really suits me best.' Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: 'It was fantastic to welcome Leigh back into the shopping centre at the weekend to give our shoppers the chance to get some great tips on summer trends and which shades to opt for. 'There was such a great buzz at the event which we'll definitely be running again soon.' Leigh said: 'Thanks so much to The Centre, Livingston for inviting me back in for another brilliant style event. 'It was so nice to chat to lots of shoppers and help them to pick out some new summer outfits and creating a more streamlined, easy to wear and adaptable wardrobe. 'It was a lovely extra bonus that we managed to raise funds on the day for Breast Friends and Family.' Hazel said: 'Thank you to both The Centre, Livingston and Leigh Maybury, for continuing to support Breast Friends and Family, raising awareness of the charity and the support we provide in West Lothian. 'The more we can be visible in the community, the more women we can reach, making them aware that they don't have to face breast cancer alone.'
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Centre, Livingston unveils plans to host spring and summer fashion event this Saturday
The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans to host a spring and summer fashion event this Saturday with local stylist Leigh Maybury, to raise funds for its charity partner, Breast Friends and Family. It follows on from the success of the previous events at the shopping centre hosted by Leigh, who qualified at the London College of Style and trained in the art of colour and is also the founder of 'Life with Style' consultancy. On the day of the 'Seasonal Style-Up' event shoppers will be able to get an express colour analysis, which was popular in the 80's thanks to the bestselling book, 'Color Me Beautiful' by Carole Jackson, and find out which colours can help enhance their natural features and personal style. There will also be the opportunity to get tips on how to refresh your wardrobe and insights into some of the hottest trends which includes everything from plaid jumpsuits and tuille skirts to boho fringing and ruffles in shades of reds, pink, oranges and bright yellow. Six lucky shoppers will also be in with a chance of being presented with a £25 Gift Card, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston to treat themselves. The aim of the event is to give people the confidence to step out of their comfort zone and try out a new, fresh look which makes them feel great and also to help them create a capsule wardrobe with key pieces that are versatile and adaptable, weaving in some of their existing wardrobe favourites. All style consultations and a live 'Q&A with Leigh' is free to attend. To help raise funds for Breast Friends and Family, which supports patients through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, one-to-one, express colour analysis sessions, will cost £10 per person, with all funds going the charity. Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: 'We are delighted to welcome local stylist, Leigh Maybury back to host another exciting event at The Centre, Livingston. 'The previous events were such a big hit with our shoppers who got valuable style tips and an express colour analysis, which is why we are really looking forward to providing another opportunity for visitors to tap into her fashion expertise again and help raise funds for a great cause at the same time.' Leigh added: 'If you are looking for inspiration on refreshing your wardrobe this season, pop along to the event where I'll be giving away lots of tips on some of the hottest trends and how you can mix and match to give you an easy to wear and everyday stylish new look. 'You'll also have the chance to get an express colour analysis which will help you to choose trending shades which suit you best this season and bring out your natural features. 'The event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some 'me time' and also raise funds for Breast Friends and Family at the same time.' All express colour analysis appointments will be carried out on a first come, first served basis. For more details on the event which runs from noon to 4pm this Saturday, check out the website Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Bright socks and clothes swaps! Stylists on 20 free and easy ways to liven up your look
As the seasons change, it can be tempting to buy new items of clothing, but a more sustainable and affordable approach is to work with what you already own. We asked stylists how to revive and refresh your look – using what is already in your wardrobe. For most people, this means having a clear-out. 'Too much choice is paralysing,' says Alexandra Fullerton, a stylist from Suffolk and author of How to Dress. 'If you've got hundreds of items of clothing to choose from, where do you even start? We only wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time, so we're not wearing all this stuff that we are storing.' Some things may be too formal for every day wear, Fullerton concedes: 'You might not want to push a trolley around Tesco wearing a ballgown. But fewer, better-quality pieces will save you time when you are choosing what to wear.' Donate to charity or sell clothes that are not needed any more, says Nick Hems, a Bath-based personal stylist for men and a tutor at the London College of Style. 'When you trim down your wardrobe, it cuts out the decision fatigue. It is better for your mental health if you are looking at clothes that you like and wear, rather than stuff you've bought that doesn't really suit you or make you feel good.' It is a good idea to put away seasonal items to avoid overcrowded rails, the stylists agree. When the weather is on the turn, pick an apt moment to swap collections over. 'It sounds a bit mad, but welcome them back into your wardrobe,' says Fullerton. 'Make it into a special occasion to shop your own wardrobe and reacquaint yourself with your archive. Sew any buttons back on. Give them a steam or iron. Out of sight is out of mind. When they are back in sight, you will realise that you don't need more shorts because you've already got four pairs.' Hems advises keeping something for 18 months before passing it on if it hasn't been worn. For Fullerton, a year is enough, 'because then you would have gone through all the seasons'. She has an ingenious tip for keeping track of what you have worn: 'When you put clothes in the wardrobe, turn the hanger around so the hook is facing towards you. When you wear an item, hang it the other way. Then, when you go through your wardrobe each season, if you notice anything still facing towards you, consider whether you are ever going to wear it. Challenge yourself to build it into an outfit over the next week. If you wear it, then it can regain its status in your wardrobe.' If not, it's got to go. Going through your clothes, 'think about the pieces that have made you most happy,' says Fullerton. 'What you put on when you are most confident. The outfits that get the most compliments. We should be wearing things that make us feel incredible.' 'Our brains crave newness, but a new combination is as valid as a new item,' says Fullerton. She suggests 'remixes' of outfits to her clients: 'Why have you never worn this flowery skirt with this jacket? Or, why have you never worn that dress layered with that jumper?' This helps to 'mix things up in a way that you wouldn't have thought of, so that satiates a need, and dulls down the feeling that you are bored with all your clothes.' 'You can have a capsule wardrobe but make sure you have some personality in there as well,' says Anna Cascarina, a Hertfordshire stylist and author of The Forever Wardrobe. She aims to own mainly classic items 'that will transcend seasons', such as 'a tailored blazer, a pair of black wide-leg trousers, and a cashmere jumper'. She also likes to have a smaller amount of trend-led items that allow 'my own personal style to come through, like a 1970s California-style fringe jacket' and lots of colour, too. Adding an unexpected item, be it something with an asymmetric hem or off-the-shoulder, 'can make your look a bit more modern and a bit more you,' she says. Iso Neville is a secondhand stylist who has not bought any new clothes since 2019, except underwear. She organises car boot sales and flea markets in south London where she lives. One of her favourite approaches to styling is using the 'wrong shoe' method: 'I first saw this with people trying to dress like Scandinavian influencers who wore trainers with everything. The premise is that if you wear a fancier dress and put a pair of trainers on, it really dresses it down.' You can apply this more broadly with your outfits, Neville explains. 'If you are wearing tracksuit bottoms with a hoodie, that is one language of style that is quite comfy. If you put a blazer over the top, that instantly dresses it up. Adding in something that is a bit smarter or a bit more casual can really change the outfit.' Don't be ashamed to wear the same thing often if it works, says Fullerton: 'We should get joy out of wearing our favourite things, and that doesn't mean you need to have a new outfit every day. We all turn to the formulas that we love, so wear those formulas over and over again.' 'There is a big trend for menswear and tailoring,' says Neville, 'which is easy to achieve; I'm a big fan of just putting a blazer on with anything. I'm also seeing ties everywhere.' Fullerton suggests recreating fisherman core. 'Most people will have some sort of stripy top and chinos or jeans that will give a jaunty fisher feel. Adding interest to basics with a neckerchief or scarf is having a bit of a moment, too. If you don't have a scarf, a scrap of fabric could do the same thing. The Miu Miu show this month had huge gold brooches as features on lapels. Have a look in the bottom of your jewellery box and cluster three little brooches to recreate the look.' 'Satin mini dresses with a lace trim are back in,' says Cascarina, in case you have hung on to one from the 90s or have a nightdress like this. 'Wear over a pair of jeans and under a jumper, so you can just see it hanging out.' There are very simple things you can do to make it look as though you have intentionally put together an outfit. 'Even pushing your sleeves up takes your outfit from just being worn to being styled,' says Fullerton. 'Tucking in your top, adding a belt, popping the collar of your shirt – all this will elevate your look.' If an item of clothing doesn't feel quite right for you, says Neville, try wearing it a different way. 'Instead of buttoning up a shirt, you could tie it at the front instead. Or you could put it on backwards, like I do sometimes, and tie it up to expose a bit of your back.' 'One rule for most men is: inject a bit of colour,' says Hems. 'Break free of the navy blue and grey.' If you don't feel confident in bold tones, or don't have any to hand, 'choose a bright sock to add a pop of colour,' says Fullerton. 'This season's colour is butter yellow, so put on a pastel sock instead of a black or white one.' Cascarina adds that pinks and natural colours will also be big this season. 'Most people have great clothes that are perfectly wearable,' says Fullerton, 'but often you can't see the wood for the trees in your own wardrobe, which is why it helps to have a stylist or a stylish friend or relative come in and suggest how to wear things.' Find someone to 'look at what you've put together and say if it works', says Hems. 'You've got to love and respect your clothes enough to wash them properly,' says Fullerton. 'Don't just throw them in the washing machine; follow the instructions and handwash them if necessary. Separate them into pale and bright loads, so your best white T-shirt doesn't end up with a rogue red sock. Fold your knits, don't hang them up, because they will lose their shape. Moth season is incoming, so make sure that everything is clean because moths are attracted to proteins in food particles and sweat particles in clothes. Get a debobbler or safety razor and some packing tape to pull bobbles off.' Fix tears or holes before they become a bigger problem, says Neville: 'This can be a daunting prospect. Sewing literacy is not as great as it was with my parents' generation, but there are lots of mending cafes that are popping up, which are a good way to learn new skills. Visible mending is also becoming a trend, so don't feel as if everything has to be perfect and made to look as if it was never damaged. Having a visible mend is a badge of honour: it shows that you are looking after your clothes and care about longevity.' 'Recognise the clothes that don't fit you well,' says Hems, and get them professionally adjusted. 'Especially with trousers, take them to get altered, and the same goes for shirts and jackets where the sleeves are too long.' 'If I'm feeling in a bit of a rut,' says Neville, 'I will try not to add things back into my wardrobe that have been in the laundry. Because people automatically go for the things that they wear every day.' Rather than reaching for her favourite items, she will 'see what else I can try to wear, and incorporate those into my daily wardrobe'. Anything that still isn't getting worn can be given away. 'Accessories can elevate a look,' says Hems. 'Switching pocket squares will instantly make it look different. Or adding a belt or watch.' Accessories are also a good way to introduce colour, says Cascarina. 'People are frightened of wearing colour but you can add in a colourful belt, scarf or bag.' 'Decide on three words that best describe your style,' says Fullerton. Hers are: 60s, denim, tomboy. 'This will streamline your wardrobe, because it won't be full of stuff that you don't feel like you in. You'll be saving money, because you're not buying stuff that isn't going to get worn. And you'll be saving time because you know in the mornings what your style is, what goes together, what suits you. When you have a coherent wardrobe, then everything will go together.' 'Everything comes back around,' says Cascarina. 'The difficult thing is that people might not have the space to keep hold of things. There have been loads of times when I've thought, 'If only I'd kept that!' Age doesn't matter: you can wear what you want. But at the same time, our bodies change and that can be difficult to navigate. It is all about finding what your style and lifestyle is like now, and trying to change your wardrobe to fit that.' 'Even with rental, you have to think about the shipping emissions, and dry-cleaning,' says Neville. 'But before I would even go to the rental sites, I would consider an organised clothing swap; Loved Again London is one of my favourites. But I also really enjoy swapping among friends. It reduces the potential regret if you get rid of something that you later wish that you'd kept hold of. If you've just swapped it with a friend, you can probably get it back.'
