His & hers Magazine Spring preview

HIS & HERS MAGAZINE MAGA G ZINE GA

LIVERPOOL’S MOST GLAMOROUS FREE GLOSSY.

SPRING PREVIEW ISSUE HIS & HERS MAGAZINE 11TH MARCH-11TH APRIL 2011

Sensational

Spring FASHION SHOOT

STREET SMART LIVERPOOL’S BESTDRESSED WOMEN

RESTAURANT REVIEWS: DIVINE DINING AT THE MAL, SOFRITO, HOST & THE BOOT ROOM

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WIN A

GLAMOROUS NIGHT OUT IN THE CITY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

GOK WAN

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‘A VALENTINE TO THE POWER OF LOVE’ LA TIMES

TUE 26 - SAT 30 APR TICKETMASTER 0844 847 2525 LIVERPOOLEMPIRE.ORG.UK GROUPS 10+ 0844 3727272 (MON - FRI, 10AM - 6PM) *

24HRS, BKG FEES

*

WELCOME & CONTENTS

SPRING PREVIEW Welcome

to the Spring Preview edition of His & Hers magazine, featuring an exclusive interview with the nation’s style guru, Gok Wan. We were delighted to be invited to join Gok for an intimate interview at Soho House Hotel just as his new glasses collection for Specsavers was hitting stores around the country, causing something of a fashion frenzy. Find out what Gok had to say about his difficult journey to finding his confidence and why he feels like he’s just getting started in our revealing interview from p6.

Other key features include our spring womenswear shoot from p10 and our on-trend men’s fashion shoot from p28.

We’re proud to work with some of the best stylists and photographers in the city and champion Liverpool designers and local stockists wherever possible. We think this makes our fashion pages particularly relevant to all of our readers in the North West, proving that the days of needing to hot-foot it to London for your fashion fix are long gone.

And it’s not just fashion that’s thriving ‘Up North’; our nightlife is pretty special, too! Don’t just take our word for it, though. Why not enter our competitions on p17 or p27 for a chance to win a stylish night out for you and your friends.

See you next month!

Emma Hill (Editor) emma@eg-publishing.com

Dan Perry Mediaplay Design (Design & Art Direction ) dan@mediaplay.co.uk

Hester Brodie (Style Editor) hester@eg-publishing.com

Luke Trevaskis, (Men’s Style Editor) luketrevaskis@hotmail.com

Emma Griffiths (Reviewer) emma.g@eg-publishing.com

To find out about the benefits of advertising in His & Hers magazine email: emma@eg-publishing.com

Emma Hill Emma Hill (Editor)

HIS COVER SHOT BY MATT FORD

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4 6 10 16 17 18 19 20

EDITOR’S LETTER & how to get in touch.

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GOK WAN SPEAKS OUT The nation’s style guru talks about the highs and lows of his fashionable life.

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SPRING FASHION SHOOT Our pick of this season’s best new women’s fashion finds.

HESTER’S TRENDS ADVICE Style Editor Hester Brodie’s fashion gems for spring / summer.

‘CINDERELLA’ COMPETITION Win tickets to summer’s most magical stage show at The Liverpool Empire.

STREET SMART (FOR HER) Real Liverpool women interpret the latest catwalk trends.

STEAL HER STYLE Make our favourite street stylista’s look your own.

WINNING WOMEN Real local business success stories.

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FINE DINING REVIEWS Emma Griffiths savours HOST’s Pan-Asian menu and The Boot Room’s best-selling burgers.

HIS & HERS’ SOCIAL DIARY PAGES A night of networking at Sofrito, old-school glamour courtesy of Blankstone Opticians & the ultimate ladies’ lunch at Malmaison.

HIS & HERS’ COMPETITIONS PAGE Win an unmissable night out in the city for you & your friends.

NEW SEASON MENSWEAR SHOOT Your new summer wardrobe awaits...

STREET SMART (FOR HIM) Liverpool’s best-dressed men.

STEAL HIS STYLE The ultimate laid-back summer looks for men.

LUKE’S TRENDS PAGE Why blue is the new black.

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HIS&HERS INTERVIEW

THE

GOK WAN INTERVIEW

His & Hers caught up with Gok Wan to talk about life, love and the importance of a great pair of glasses!

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hen His & Hers first spotted Gok Wan across a crowded room at Soho House Hotel shortly before our interview, he was every inch the larger-than-life diva we recognise from our TV screens. Shouting a cheery greeting and waving jauntily, Gok was causing quite a stir and not just because he’s famous. With his taller-than-average frame, distinctive looks, immaculate apparel and lively banter Gok is clearly accustomed to attracting attention wherever he goes. No surprise, then, that we were bracing ourselves for a rather lively interview.

His & Hers had been invited to chat to Gok on the day his debut glasses collection for Specsavers was launched, so it’s possible that he was brimming with even more nervous energy than usual. Looking rather dapper in a pair of specs of his own design, Gok quickly made us feel at home with a friendly barrage of questions about our journey from Liverpool and quickfire jokes. In fact we’d barely made it to our seats before the giggling and chatter began in earnest.

There was no mistaking the natural warmth and confidence that makes Gok so compelling on camera, and as the presenter warmed to the topic of how much he’d enjoyed designing his first glasses range for Specsavers, taking an active interest in every detail – from the cases to the thickness of the frames, he was every inch the relentlessly chirpy professional.

However, when we asked Gok about how his experiences as a child, when he was subjected to a sustained campaign of bullying over his weight, had affected his career choices, the conversation took a surprising turn. Suddenly Gok stopped his mile-a-minute chatter, and looked rather serious as he contemplated the question before answering: “When I was growing up I always felt like I was a victim, or in the minority. I still feel the same way.

There are so many kids out there today who are victimised over wearing glasses, but I hope we’re going some way towards making them cool.”

Gok told His & Hers that trying on his father’s glasses “which used to burn my eyes and blind me, they were so strong, but they looked great” was one of his personal turning-points in finding

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HIS&HERS INTERVIEW

his own fashion confidence. Having felt like an outsider as an overweight teenager, experimenting with accessories like his father’s glasses enabled him to go some small way to controlling how others viewed him, giving the young Gok a veneer of confidence which he has clearly built up over the years. Speaking to him about how he learnt to accept his own looks, and how he has helped others to do the same through countless prime-time makeover programmes, it’s clear that Gok’s relationship with fashion goes far deeper than the usual obsession with trends – he clearly believes that a new wardrobe, or even a simple pair of specs, can not only change the way others view us, but the way we view ourselves.

His collaboration with Specsavers was carefully chosen because Gok liked the brand’s low pricepoint. His specs will retail at just £99 per pair, and are currently on a two-for-one promotion, which is frankly mystifying given the quality of the materials used. We can only assume that Specsavers expects to sell a lot of these babies and that bulk-buying is responsible for the savings; either that or Gok has done some serious arm twisting to persuade the brand to shell out for the kind of materials and design details that are generally only found on designer glasses costing approximately four times what Gok’s do.

Gok seems quietly proud of having created something of quality that everyone can have a piece of and it suddenly occurs to His & Hers that this is what we’ll take away from our interview –

not our memories of chuckling with ‘Auntie Gok’, the larger-than-life diva - but the quieter moments when you suddenly realise that Gok’s fought every inch of the way to build up his own confidence the only way he knew how, with killer glasses and accessories. It’s a hard-won sense of self-worth that Gok’s driven to share with everyone he meets and perhaps that’s why he’s the perfect presenter for our times – instead of hectoring us to drop a decade, or a dress size, go under the knife or submit to laser surgery, Gok’s simply desperate for the men and women he meets to feel better about themselves.

As our interview draws to a close, we ask our parting question: After such a long journey to feel comfortable in his own skin, does Gok finally feel like he’s arrived? After pausing for a moment, the presenter replied: “That’s a very good question.

Up until 12 months ago I was experimenting every season, but I finally feel like I’ve tried all the styles I wanted to try – from city slicker to skater boy.

At almost 37 an element of comfort’s beginning to creep in and I like the idea of being more ‘me’.

And in terms of my career? I feel like I’m just getting started – I feel like I’m still on an internship and I have so much more to learn and do.”

With that we leave London with a recommendation for some fabulous 50s-inspired specs from Gok’s Specsavers range and a strange feeling of confidence. If this is what being ‘Gokked’ feels like, we like it!

Gok’s glasses are available in Specsavers stores throughout the UK from March.

“WHEN I WAS GROWING UP I ALWAYS FELT LIKE I WAS A VICTIM, OR IN THE MINORITY. I STILL FEEL THE SAME WAY.”

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WOMen’s fashion

Playsuit, £49.99, Traffic People at Boudoir Boutique in Cavern Walks; belt, Balenciaga at Cricket in Cavern Walks; necklace, £86, House of Harlow at Cricket in Cavern Walks; hat, stylist’s own.

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Jacket, £65, Topshop; shirt, £89.95, Barbour at Boudoir Boutique in Cavern Walks; trousers, £945, Balenciaga at Cricket in Cavern Walks; shoes, £24.99, New Look.

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woMen’s fashion Top, £30, Topshop; skirt, £210, Kirsty Doyle; shoes, £45, Miss Selfridge; earrings, £8, Mood by John Richard at Debenhams.

We love this lightweight blue skirt by Kirsty Doyle teamed with skyscraper heels.”

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Blouse, £28, Topshop; shorts, £40, Warehouse; bag, £380, Chloe at Cricket in Cavern Walks.

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Top, £29.99, Zara; trousers, Isabel Marant at Cricket in Cavern Walks; shoes, £550, Christian Louboutin at Cricket; hat, stylist’s own.

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Photographer: Sarah Jones, www.sarahjonesphotography.co.uk, Stylist: Hester Brodie, Hair and make-up: Collette Casey, Model: Tess at Industry People

woMen’s fashion

Blouse, £479, Balenciaga at Cricket in Cavern Walks; shorts, £145, Kirsty Doyle.

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WOMEN’S FASHION

HESTER’S LOOKS Style Editor Hester Brodie takes her inspiration from our shoot to create this pulled-together look.

IF YOU DON’T ALREADY HAVE A DECENT BLAZER I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU’VE SURVIVED SPRING’S MIXED WEATHER CONDITIONS. HOWEVER, NOW IS THE TIME TO REDEEM YOURSELF AND GET YOUR HANDS ON A LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET. THIS NAVY JACKET LOOKS SOFTER THAN BLACK AND GOES WITH MORE THAN YOU’D THINK; WE HEAR TOPSHOP CALLING! JACKET, £65, TOPSHOP.

THE BLOUSE WE USED IN OUR SHOOT IS A LUXURIOUS LIBERTY PRINT NUMBER

BY BARBOUR AT BOUDOIR BOUTIQUE; HOWEVER IF SPENDING £90 ON A SHIRT IS SLIGHTLY OUT OF YOUR BUDGET THEN THIS ONE BY PAPRIKA COULD BE A VERY NICE ALTERNATIVE. BLOUSE, £26, PAPRIKA BY RARE.

EVEN THOUGH THE CUTE HEELS FEATURED IN OUR SHOOT WERE A FANTASTIC HIGH-STREET BUY FROM NEW LOOK, WALKING AROUND IN THEM ALL DAY WOULD ALMOST KILL ME! SO I’VE OPTED FOR THESE WEDGES FROM PRIMARK, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE IN BLACK, RED AND NAVY. CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR, OR GO FOR ALL THREE (AND AT £12 A PAIR THE ‘ALL-THREE’ OPTION IS LOOKING RATHER TEMPTING).

WEDGES, £12, PRIMARK. I’M GUESSING YOU’VE ALREADY MARVELLED AT THE BALENCIAGA TROUSERS FROM OUR SHOOT... BELIEVE ME WE WERE ALL DROOLING ON SHOOT DAY. BUT I REALISE THAT ALMOST £1,000 FOR A PAIR OF TROUSERS IS OUT OF ALMOST EVERYONE’S PRICE RANGE - EVEN IF THEY ARE MADE FROM THE SOFTEST LEATHER I’VE EVER LAID MY HANDS ON – SIGH! TO CREATE THE LOOK ON A BUDGET I’D SUGGEST THESE CROPPED TROUSERS, £20, FROM DEBENHAMS.

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competition

Win Tickets to Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella A new production of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is coming to the Liverpool Empire from 26th-30th April and to celebrate we’re giving three lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show.

C

inderella is coming to the city following the success of Swan Lake, which Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures brought to Liverpool in February this year to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, in what was their first trip to the city.

Now they are set to make a welcome return.

New Adventures’ new production of Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative journey through London during the Second World War. Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of

Prokofiev’s haunting score has, at its heart, a true wartime romance. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

Cinderella is both a tribute and a testament to the spirit of London during a time when every second counted and lives were changed forever. Bourne’s vivid storytelling has never been more heart-stopping and touching, creating a unique and unforgettable depiction of a familiar and beloved fable.

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to the opening night on Tuesday 26th April, simply email: emma@eg-publishing.com writing ‘Cinderella Competition’ in the subject box, and providing your contact details in the body of the email. Three lucky winners will be chosen at random by Monday 11th April and will be contacted by email with details of how to claim their prize.

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WOMEN’S FASHION

STREET SMART

We may be approaching spring, but sunshine is far from guaranteed, so we’re taking a tip from this month’s street-smart stylistas and holding on to our faux furs for now.

WORDS: HESTER BRODIE PICTURES: ADAM KENRICK

JANINE, 27,

on maternity leave If we’d just had a baby we don’t think we’d be looking this good! We spotted Janine shopping in L1 with her mum and new daughter looking fabulous in this faux fur Oasis coat and smart H&M trilby.

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SHAINEY, 24,

teacher Teaming summer’s denim dress with black opaques and a heat-hugging faux fur is a great way to avoid accessorising your look with goosebumps!

But when the warm weather hits, brave those brogues with bare legs.

NINA, 20,

dance student Nina’s safari chic is perfect for this time of year; she looks completely up to date yet is still holding on to her cosy Topshop knit to keep the cold at bay.

Adding a patterned scarf gives her simple outfit added interest.

AMY, 17,

student We couldn’t believe it when Amy said that this was her school uniform.

She has adapted it in true fashionista style – complete with on-trend lace-ups, cute alice-band and camel blazer. Schoolgirl chic at its best!

SARAH, 15,

student At just 15 Sarah is quickly making fashion waves with her polished boho vibe. We loved her scarf belted like a dress (we’re starting to see a trend here!) and her pale leggings remind us that spring is on the way.

SUSANNA, 25, fashion designer As the designer behind fashion label ‘Ala Mode’ (stocked at Flashback boutique) it’s no wonder Susanna’s quirky style caught our eye. We loved her colourful yet cosy approach to fashion.

START WITH A GOOD JACKET – THIS ONE FROM M&S WILL SEE YOU THROUGH SUMMER AND ITS LIGHT DRAPED FABRIC WILL GO WITH ANYTHING FROM KNITTED T-SHIRTS TO CHIFFON DRESSES. JACKET, £55, M&S.

S teal her style This month Style Editor Hester Brodie demonstrates how to recreate Nina’s safari chic with key fashion finds from the high street.

THERE’S NO POINT INVESTING IN A CHUNKY KNIT NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS SLOWLY IMPROVING. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO YOUR WINTER WARMERS TRY THIS SWEET CORAL NUMBER FOR SPRING. KNITTED T-SHIRT, £36, TOPSHOP.

ADDING A PRINTED SCARF WILL INSTANTLY LIVEN UP YOUR PLAINER OUTFITS AND EVERYONE KNOWS YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH ANIMAL PRINTS. WE’D RECOMMEND THIS ZEBRA PRINT NUMBER WITH A HINT OF GREEN. SCARF, £29, EAST.

NINA HAS COMPLETED HER LOOK WITH FLAT BOOTS, BUT IF YOU FANCY SOMETHING A LITTLE DRESSIER WE’D GO FOR THESE SUEDE WEDGES FROM NEW LOOK. WEDGES, £64.99, NEW LOOK.

HIGH WAISTED PEGLEG STYLE TROUSERS SHOW NO SIGNS OF FADING INTO FASHION OBLIVION ANY TIME SOON, SO INVEST IN A LIGHT COLOURED PAIR LIKE NINA’S TO SEE YOU THROUGH SUMMER. TROUSERS, £40, MONSOON.

NO LOOK IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A DECENT HANDBAG – AND GIRLS, CHEAP HANDBAGS ARE A BIG NO-NO. HOWEVER, THIS ONE FROM NEXT IS A GREAT FIND AT WELL UNDER £100. THE COLOUR WILL GO WITH ANY OUTFIT AND IT’S THE PERFECT SIZE FOR BOTH WORK AND PLEASURE. BAG, £70, NEXT.

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HIS&HERS LIFESTYLE

WINNINGWOMEN This month we met with three women who’ve defied the economic downturn to carve out their dream careers.

WORDS: EMMA GRIFFITHS & HESTER BRODIE

CLARE WILSON AND NINA HALLIWELL, OWNERS OF BOUTIQUE LEATHER GOODS BRAND NOOK & WILLOW. Best friends of 20 years, Clare Wilson and Nina Halliwell, have every girl’s dream.

That’s right, handbags. And lots of them.

Clare and Nina run Nook & Willow, where they design and handcraft premium leather bags and accessories from their Liverpool studio that have a celebrity following including the likes of Sienna Miller, Elle Macpherson and Coleen Rooney. Not bad for a couple of girls from Huyton, eh?

Having studied and worked in the industry for 10 years before setting up on their own, Clare and Nina’s shared passion for beautiful, unique handbags, shoes and accessories pushed them to start up their very own brand. After much careful thought, design and planning, Nook & Willow was officially launched in 2004.

“At the time, the market was flooded with unimaginative, carbon-copy designs and designer fakes were at an all time high. We wanted to create luxurious, bespoke designs that were handmade to the highest of standards with the best possible materials sourced from around the world.”

From humble beginnings in Nina’s spare room, which the friends shared with her cat, to operating out of a fabulous creative studio in Liverpool’s city centre, Nook & Willow has really evolved over the years and grown into one of Liverpool’s most sought after designer labels.

Now stocked everywhere from local boutique retailers such as Kirsty Doyle

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in Liverpool ONE and Cricket to fashion powerhouse ASOS.com, Nook & Willow is blossoming as is the talented team behind it.

“One day we could be running design workshops with young people at a local school and the next working in the studio on a bespoke order. We have the chance to meet so many interesting people everyday but best of all we get to create truly exquisite products. We inspire each other everyday - it really is great to work with your best friend!”

We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on these lovely ladies in anticipation of their next stylish move. www.nookandwillow.com

JESSICA DOYLE, DJ & DOCUMENTARY MAKER In your 20s and struggling to secure your dream job? That’s the challenge facing talented graduate Jessica Doyle and thousands of others.

At 22, Jessica Doyle is working hard to break into a career as a documentary maker. You’d think being the younger sister of Liverpool fashion legend Kirsty Doyle might give Jessica a head start, right? Wrong.

With so many young people desperate to launch their careers, large companies (that could afford to pay for staff) are taking on hundreds of interns just to keep up with everyday demands. However, here at His & Hers we feel that those who continue to strive

to get that dream job will succeed and we’ve been chatting to Jessica to see how she plans to build her career making documentaries.

Jessica, who graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins with a degree in Performance Design, has been seeking an internship in London since graduating, but despite having a good degree and previous London experience, even securing an internship at a worthwhile company has proved a struggle.

Like many others Jessica started working in a bar and has slowly established herself as a popular DJ at Cargo in London. However, affording to live in the capital was near impossible on minimum wage, so Jessica is now back home in Liverpool and working for her sister, as well as DJing locally at Leaf Bar on Bold Street. She’s hoping to move back to London and pursue her dream career and has secured herself a slot DJing in H&M in Camden at the end of the month.

When speaking to Jessica it’s clear she knows what she wants, and although DJing isn’t her long-term plan, she is using her talent and finding alternative routes to begin her journey into documentary making.

She’s also teaming up with Kirsty to create a T-shirt range for Kirsty Doyle (fear not, His & Hers will be giving you heads-up as soon as these are available!) so with her funky designs and chilled-out tunes we think Jessica is certainly one to watch and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for her in the not too-distant-future. jessica-doyle-design.blogspot.com

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His&hers dines out

East Meets West

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This month His & Hers reviewer Emma Griffiths put HOST’s Pan-Asian menu to the test.

h, to be a lady who lunches...one can but dream! But this month my dreams of being wined and dined came true as His & Hers Magazine was invited to sample the gastronomic delights of HOST, a PanAsian restaurant in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. The name, inspired by Manhattan’s SOHO (South of Houston Street), comes from HOST’s eye-catching location on the corner of Hope Street. Known for its array of fusion dishes, HOST is quickly becoming a must-visit eatery in the city centre.

Not wanting to be a lady who lunches too much, I skipped the starter and moved swiftly on to one of the delicious sounding specials – pan fried sea bass with Malaysian curried rice cake, garlic spinach and a yogurt and mango sauce. The sea bass was a hungry girl’s fantasy, crispy skinned on the outside with moist

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flesh that melted in my mouth underneath. My slightly worse-for-wear companion opted for an old favourite, chicken katsu curry served with pickled vegetables and sticky jasmine rice. Not only was it scrumptious, but the dish was the ultimate in comfort food and seemed to do him a wealth of good, hangover-wise.

Despite being reasonably full and not being in need of anything to follow our tasty mains, I wanted to ensure that His & Hers readers got the full picture of the dining experience at HOST, and therefore forced myself to glance at the dessert menu...I really am ever so conscientious. The peppered pineapple brûlée served with coconut macaroons was absolutely divine, with a crisp layer of caramel to break through on top and a pot of rich, spiced cream and pineapple below, providing the perfect ending to our indulgent lunch. www.ho-st.co.uk

A Winning Formula Emma Griffiths’ next port of call was the Boot Room, the chic new eatery for fans of ‘The Beautiful Game’

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hen I heard that a new restaurant had opened on the grounds of Liverpool Football Club I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found, however, was an elegantly finished eatery with a varied menu. Oh, and of course a few football boots.

The Boot Room is situated under the iconic KOP Stand.

Named after the room where LFC’s managers and coaches would gather to discuss the team and tactics, The Boot Room provides the perfect environment for friends to enjoy great food and a good chat, post-match or otherwise.

Popping over for a late lunch, we were seated in an enormous leather booth with its own LCD television showcasing the football club’s signature channel, LFCTV. The menu featured drinks named after the team’s star players and I reverted to my 12-yearold self and ordered a Cole’s Coco Cola Float - yum!

To kick off our meal, I started with the bruschetta while my fellow diner went with the kofta kebab. The bruschetta was generously proportioned and lipsmackingly good. The half-time reports indicated that the lamb kebab was equally well received.

Moving on to our main courses, I opted to keep it light (and failed) with a crisp chicken caesar salad,

while The Boot Room’s popular burger was calling out to my guest. My indulgent salad turned out to be much more to take on than I had anticipated, but was far too tempting to turn away. The burger was another hit and we noticed that nearly every table around us ordered one after sneaking a peak at the goods.

With classic desserts and a great selection of coffee, The Boot Room is perfect for families, big groups, and friends but especially those LFC fans out there. www.liverpoolfc.tv/corporate/boot-room-sports-cafe

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HIS&HERS LIFESTYLE

HIS & HERS’ SOCIAL DIARY: SPOTTED AT SOFRITO..

ROY GRONOW - ENTWHISTLE, SOUFIANE - SOFRITO, GENIENE REESE - NOVOTEL

SOF1 - CHARLES MILLETT MORECROFTS SOLICITORS, RICHARD MOORE - FISHLOCKS FLOWERS, LAURA MCDONALD MORECROFTS SOLICITORS

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ecently we’ve noticed that acclaimed new Mediterranean restaurant Sofrito has been quietly establishing itself as one of the most popular destinations in the city for a spot of informal networking.

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JOHN SUTCLIFFE - SUTCLIFFE, JEANETTE MCNABB - HSBC, BRIAN MCANOY - POVALL WORTHINGTON

SOF4 - DR. ADAM DIRIR - MILK DENTAL, EMMA DOLAN - YBE

Ubiquity PR’s recent ‘Fish!’ networking event Sofrito in Whitechapel (pictured) attracted a mix of execs from the corporate, SME and lifestyle sectors, who met at the notoriously informal fixture to catch up on new business prospects for 2011.

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Liverpool’s fashionlovers turned out to celebrate 50 years of Breakfast at Tiffany’s in style this month.

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s the anniversary of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the film that established Audrey Hepburn as an international style icon, drew near, it was only natural that Liverpool’s fashion lovers would mark the occasion in a suitably stylish way.

Not satisfied with bringing Audrey Hepburn’s timeless oversized sunglasses to the city exactly 50 years after Breakfast at Tiffany’s was first screened, Blankstone Opticians, who will be the exclusive Liverpool

stockists of Audrey’s iconic shades, decided to hold a cocktail party to remember.

Joining forces with Oliver Goldsmith Store & Vintage Archive, Blankstone Opticians hosted a party for Liverpool’s movers and shakers within the contemporary confines of the Radisson’s White Bar and Lobby.

Sheer fashion perfection!

Audrey Hepburn’s shades are available exclusively from Blankstone Opticians, Liverpool. www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk

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His&hers’ Social Diary

Clockwise from centre:

Katie Agnew; Sandra Carney & Adam Yaffe; Katie (with books); Sonia Bremmam & model.

Liverpool’s most glamorous

book launch

Here at His & Hers there are few things we love as much as good food, great fashion and curling up with a page-turner, so when we heard that Malmaison Liverpool was holding a ladies’ lunch combining all three elements we were naturally at the front of the queue

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hen His & Hers arrived at the Mal for last month’s ladies’ lunch hosted by former Marie Claire features editor turned best-selling novelist Katie Agnew, the dining area was filled to capacity with well-heeled women eager to meet one of their favourite authors. As a tasty lunch from the Mal’s seasonal menu was served up, Katie Agnew read a section from her new novel ‘Saints V Sinners’ and answered readers’ questions about the book. She was joined by Yaffé Fusion Art, Angel Make up and city centre beauty spa Urban Calm, all adding to the glamour by plying guests with advice, samples and goodies.

Sharon Simons, Business Development Manager said ‘After the huge success of our ladies’ evenings last year, I thought it would be a great idea to start bi-monthly ladies’ lunches in conjunction with some of the best brands in the city and I am so pleased with the response we had for this lunch which has been fantastic... look out for the next one!’ malmaison.com/Liverpool

Win two tickets to

‘In Conversation with..

Peter Serafinowicz’

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lub Geek Chic has announced another date in their now renowned ‘In Conversation...’ series at St. Georges Hall on Friday 1st April, with Liverpoolborn actor, comedian and impersonator Peter Serafinowicz and one lucky reader will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the event.

The ex-Bluecoat schoolboy will talk about his incredible career which has seen him take on such varied roles as Duane Benzie, Simon Pegg’s arch-nemesis in Spaced, the USA-obsessed Tex from I’m Alan Partridge, a Tomorrow’s World-style scientist in Look Around You not to mention a plethora of bizarre and hilarious characters in The Peter Serafinowicz Show.

how to enter

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to the event, answer the question on the right and send your answer, along with your contact details, to: emma@eg-publishing.com, writing ‘Club Geek Chic competition’ in the subject box. www.clubgeekchic.co.uk

Peter Serafinowicz is an actor, comedian and which of the following? a) Impersonator b) Dancer c) Physician

Win the ultimate Mother’s Day Treat

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reat the special ladies in your life to a Mothers’ Day they’ll never forget with a trip to see Judy and Liza, a glittering new show, which comes to The Southport Theatre especially for Mothers’ Day on Sunday 3rd April at 4pm.

Almost five decades after the ultimate showbiz mother Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli last performed together at the London Palladium, these two legendary songstresses return to the stage in the form of West End starlets Emma Dears and Lucy Williamson.

One lucky His & Hers Magazine reader has the chance to win four tickets to the show in time for Mother’s Day.

how to enter

To enter the competition simply answer the question on the right and email emma@eg-publishing.com with your answer and contact details, writing ‘Mother’s Day Competition’ in the subject box. www.judyandliza.co.uk

Judy Garland is famous for her performance in The Wizard of Oz where she sang which iconic tune? a) Cabaret b) Somewhere Over the Rainbow c) Maybe This Time

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Men’s fashion Holographic detail tux by Topman worn with Diesel jeans and a Topman vest; string top and boots are also from Topman.

Model wears Tom Ford glasses & a Hugo Boss jacket (available from the Metquarter).

28

Spring’s

most wanted menswear

Spice up your weekend wardrobe with this season’s tailored jacket, then dress down the look with a statement T-shirt and some artful layering.

Vest from a selection at Topman. All of the pieces featured are available from The Metquarter, Liverpool

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Men’s fashion Blue tux and hat from Topman, worn with a Levi’s shirt.

30

Weekend Wonders. For the ultimate laid-back weekend look: Jumper and trainers from Firetrap, trousers from Hugo Boss (all available from the Metquarter).

T-shirt and watches from Firetrap, jeans by Levi’s and sunglasses by Diesel.

31

Men’s fashion

Photographer: Matt Ford, model: Jonny Kerns, stylist: Kathryn Robinson.

We love this structured yet dressed-down look in spring’s new lightweight fabrics.”

Model wears a Diesel shirt with Levi’s trousers and braces and trainers from Topman.

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Come and try the best Coffee &Â Hot Chocolate in the city!

Rococo Rococo Independent Coffee House Fully Licensed and available to hire.

TEL 0151 227 4822 First floor, 61 Lord Street, Liverpool

MEN’s fashion

STREET SMART

It was one of those rare clear February days when, after a period of winter gloom, you just can’t get enough of the sunny spells when His & Hers hit the streets in search of Liverpool’s most stylish men.

Style Editor & Photographer: Luke Trevaskis, WORDS: Cirila Zorenc

Jamie, 19,

Student Jamie salutes the sun in a stylish yet relaxed fashion. Wearing last-year’s must-have accessory, Ray Ban sunglasses, paired with a vintage cardi for that retro feel in combination with a Ted Baker T-shirt, Kenzo Jeans and a Topman hat.

34

Sam, 17, Student Sporting classic jeans, a white top and a leather jacket (in order: Topman, All Saints and H&M) with his effortless ‘less is more’ attitude, Sam proves that some styles just never die. Sam’s look is completed with his classic Fred Perry pumps.

Kevin, 21,

Student With his Topman chinos and T-shirt and H&M shirt, Kevin is a true pioneer of a relaxed, chilled out style that is sure to be one of the hottest looks of the season as we head into summer.

Rob, 27,

NHS procurement Keeping his look casual with his vintage jacket and unique with his hand-knitted hat, Rob proves that you can wrap up against the chilly breeze and remain fashionable at the same time. Trousers from American Apparel, shoes from Underground.

Shaun, 23, Doctor We’d barely started our quest when we noticed Shaun in his Calvin Klein jeans, Prada belt, Moschino shoes and Alexander McQueen T-shirt, wearing his clothes as the designers intended – mixed effortlessly together and finished off with vintage glasses and a jacket.

Matthew, 21, Student Layering is definitely the way to go in this trans-seasonal period – as illustrated

by Matthew in his Ben Sherman shirt, Fred Perry jumper and Penguin jacket.

Matthew’s jeans are from H&M and his boots are from Clarks.

AS WE MOVE INTO SUMMER, MUTED AND FADED TONES WILL BECOME MUST-HAVES. THIS UNBUTTONED BLUE ROLLSLEEVED SHIRT ACCENTUATES KEVIN’S LAID-BACK LOOK AND IS AVAILABLE FOR £26.99 FROM RiveR iSLanD.

S teal his style This month we were impressed with the diversity of looks gracing Liverpool’s streets and Kevin has most definitely perfected this season’s style.

WITH MANY WHITE T-SHIRTS CURRENTLY CREEPING ONTO THE RACKS IT IS IMPORTANT YOU PICK CORRECTLY. OPT FOR THIS WHITE SLUBBY POLO IF YOU HAVE A SLIGHTLY UNDEFINED FRAME, WHILST I WOULD ADVISE TONED FASHION-FOLLOWERS TO SPORT A MORE FITTED TANK VEST - ONE THAT I CERTAINLY CAN’T PULL OFF! £18, ToPman.

WordS & PhotograPhy: LuKe TRevaSKiS

CROFT LOAFERS HAVE BEEN A FASHION FAVOURITE ON THE CATWALKS. AT £90, I WOULD ALSO ADVISE INVESTING IN A GOOD SUEDE PROTECTOR AS THESE SOFT SHOES SEEM DETERMINED TO LURE STUBBORN DEBRIS! KuRT GeiGeR.

CHAMPIONED IN MY STYLE RULES LAST MONTH, IT IS GREAT TO SEE KEVIN FASHIONING SHADES OF CAMEL IN THESE LIGHT BROWN SKINNY JEANS. £34.99, RiveR iSLanD.

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MEN’S FASHION

LUKE’S LOOKS In the Navy. This month Men’s Style Editor

Luke Trevaskis explains why blue is the new black.

W

ith each issue of His & Hers, I hope to guide readers into wearable fashion that will look good on a variety of different body types; compiling collections that can be fused together to create great looks, my aim is to eliminate your worries of having to buy a new wardrobe each month – especially if you are like my brother, and most of it will end up on the floor!

February saw us focus on shades of biscuit and camel – classic colours that can be a killer combination when paired with the right contrasting shade.

This month’s accent is navy.

Fast becoming the new black, it complements last month’s muted shades of beige and brown perfectly – both slimming a wider frame whilst accentuating a more toned physique.

I would recommend choosing a darker shade of navy that is striking but not bright.

There are a variety of navy chinos currently lining the high-street shelves but unless you can pull off wearing them turned up or at ¾ length, I would avoid them completely.

I would recommend always opting for a contrasting colour on the upper torso. A good daytime look could consist of camel pants with a navy shirt and hessian scarf, beige trench and a canvas bag with navy detail, whilst a sophisticated evening look could consist of smart brown-leather shoes with fitted navy pants and a camel pullover.

FROM TOP: PEACE CORPS MILITARY BACKPACK, £30, TOPMAN; WORN BY MONEY T-SHIRT, £30, TOMPAN; GLOVERALL WAX DUFFLE COAT, £240, ASPECTO & PLAIT WEAVE BELT, £25, JOHN LEWIS; LEVI’S NAVY CHINOS, £49, JOHN LEWIS; CREAM ‘DRAPEY TIE’ JUMPER, £30, TOPMAN; NAVY FUNNEL-NECK TOP, £32.99, RIVER ISLAND; NAVY CRINKLE SNOOD SCARF, £14, TOPMAN.

Liverpool’s Vibrant New Mediterranean Restaurant.

Enjoy freshly prepared Mediterranean food with friends at Liverpool One’s welcoming new eatery. Sofrito can cater for all functions and parties; the restaurant is set on two levels and can therefore be split to offer an exclusive area for a party evening, there’s even a lower level dancefloor.

Enjoy freshly prepared local food in a friendly atmosphere; you’ll want to come again and again!

0151 236 0411 www.sofritol1.co.uk 51/53 White Chapel, Liverpool, United Kingdom, L1 6DT

McGuffie’s Continental-Style Café Bar.

N O OW PE N

Just opened adjacent to the Town Hall, Castle Street, with the city’s oldest original shopfront, McGuffie’s specialises in great coffee, paninis, sandwiches and soup. We also serve scouse and hot crusty bread on Thursdays and delicious cold tapas, wine and beers by night. Available to hire.

Telephone: 0151 236 4719 Address: 10 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 0NE

because staying in is the new going out.

GIRLS’ NIGHT IN AT THE LIVERPOOL MAL. friday night

£65

per person * GIRLS’ NIGHT SPE CIAL RAT E

Staying in?

• • • • •

option

1

2 x bottles of wine (50cl) Tempting nibbles Chocolate!

A selection of DVDs to watch 2 x continental breakfasts delivered to the room the next morning

or going out?

option

2

A selection of CDs Tempting nibbles 2 x cocktails each at the bar Automatic guest list at The Newz Bar, Mosquito, Palm Sugar or Alma de Cuba • 2 x continental breakfasts delivered to the room the next morning • • • •

* Both packages are £65.00 per person based on two people sharing.

Mal life. To go out or to stay in? That is the question. Do both. Friday night is your night and no girls night would be complete without the involvement of one of our favourite indulgents... fashion! So whether it be a pamper night with some retail therapy in the comfort of your room or a pre night out luxury styling session to ensure you look fabulous Purple Haze Couture’s personal stylist and exclusive online boutique will cater to your every whim and offer an exclusive discount for Malmaison guests. Eat drink and sleep every moment of it at the Mal.

Visit Purple Haze Couture at www.purplehazecouture.com

To book call

0151 229 5000

Liverpool

or email reservations.liverpool@malmaison.com For the best rates GUARANTEED visit malmaison.com

Hotel | Bar | Brasserie

HIS & HERS MAGAZINE MAGA G ZINE GA

LIVERPOOL’S MOST LIVERPOOL’S GLAMOROUS MOST GLAMOROUS FREE FREE GLOSSY. GLOSSY.

SPRING PREVIEW ISSUE HIS & HERS MAGAZINE 11TH MARCH-11TH APRIL 2011

SPRING’ S most Wanted MENSWEAR STREET SMART LIVERPOOL’S BESTDRESSED MEN

SOCIAL SCENE

NEWS, REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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LET US PAY

FOR YOUR NIGHTS OUT THIS MONTH

IN THE NAVY

WHY BLUE’S THE NEW BLACK EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

GOK WAN