Style City, Liverpool Daily Post by Liverpool Post & Echo

StyleCity

Liverpool’s guide to urban living A Daily Post Supplement Thursday May 29 ●

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The low-down on Liverpool One Our A–Z guide to Europe’s biggest retail and leisure development

The bottom line Re-think your underwear

Sleek and chic Elegance abounds in Debenhams’ summer styles

INSIDE: FASHION – Pg 4 INTERIORS – Pg 6/7 PEOPLE – Pg 9 STYLE – Pg 10/11

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style City/happening

FashionVictim

Emma Johnson thinks she needs help

Our retail therapy now much closer to hand I F SHOPPING were an Olympic sport, then Liverpool would be weighed down with gold medals. We just love to shop in this city. In fact, I would go so far as to say that we love the act of shopping itself almost as much as we love squeezing a new handbag, dress or pair of shoes into our over-stuffed wardrobes. The difference between shopping in Liverpool and shopping in any other UK city is that a day’s shopping is not seen as a means to an end here, it is the end. Walk down Church Street on a Saturday afternoon and you will see women and girls dressed like they are going for a night on the town strolling between the stores and boutiques laden with carrier bags, giggling, chatting and generally having a fabulous time with their girlfriends, left. Friends of mine from farther along the M62 often find themselves thrown by this. You can see it in their faces when they rock up for a day in the city, clad in jeans and trainers only to find themselves up against fully coiffured, high heeled and manicured beauties in the Topshop changing rooms. Now, finally, after years of struggling on the retail front, the shopping offering in Liverpool is about to match up to our shopping skill. At a cost of £1bn (an amount

uncannily close to the combined spending power of our local Wageratti, I imagine), Liverpool One, which opens its many doors today, will finally bring us level with our city peers across the North-West. Indeed, it will take us further. When the hoardings come down on the South John Street entrance to this retail empire today, Liverpool will be immediately catapulted up the UK retail rankings from 15th to 5th place, and things will only get better when the second phase opens in September. I am one of the few people in our office not to have taken one of the hard-hat tours of the development (I thought it might ruin my hair and wasn’t sure that steel-capped boots would go with my miniskirts), so I will enter it today like all the other shoppers, no doubt wide-eyed, open-mouthed and with credit card in hand. Even after everything I have read, all the artists’ impressions and the things my colleagues have told me, I have to confess I am still not really sure what to expect. If I am completely honest, up until this year, I was under the illusion that Liverpool One was going to be an enclosed, airless shopping centre akin to the Trafford Centre. I now realise it will actually be more like a city within a city, with its own streets, terraces, bends, turns and even a zig-zag, and to be quite frank I can barely contain my excitement about the whole thing. For way too long, Liverpool has been left in the retail wilderness and its inhabitants have been forced to find shopping solace in Manchester and Trafford, but no longer. Liverpool One, here we come.

Girls behaving stylishly SHOPPING and Champers at LK Bennett, Tina Turner’s sixtysomething comeback, Eurovision, whether high heels are appropriate footwear for gardening, Boyzone doing the Full Monty, Kylie’s 40th birthday

and why drivers seem to have given up on the art of indicating. Yes, the Girls Behaving Stylishly have been gabbing away again. Check us out at http://blogs.liverpool dailypost.co.uk/ girlsbehavingstylishly

Get a taste for Urban Decay URBAN Decay describes itself as “beauty with an edge” and is beloved by celebrities and rock stars alike. Today, they launch a stunning make-up bar within the new Debenhams, on Lord Street, featuring all of its signature products in their funky packaging. Try out their new Brow Boxes and Surreal Skin Make up or pick up one of their power tools such as the Eyeshadow Primer Potion and Big Fatty Mascara. And buy two or more purchases from the new counter (while stocks last) and walk away with a fab Ammo make-up bag containing Mini Eye Primer Potion and three mini 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils in Zero, Covet and Lucky.

Look cool in designer shades WHO would have guessed these designer shades are under a tenner? Up-and-coming Swedish fashion duo Maki Aminika and Marcus Wilmont, who scooped last year's Fashion Fringe, have designed these stylish sunglasses for Superdrug. The limited-edition frames, complete with cool monochrome sunglasses bag, are on sale in Superdrug stores from the end of this month for just £9.99. Pray for constant sunshine so you can wear them all summer long.

Join Peaches by going green AFTER some recent scandal, rock progeny Peaches Geldof has been putting her fame to good use by helping design an eco bag for Golden Square’s Bin the Bag campaign, which aims to make the Warrington shopping centre the first in the UK to become a plastic bag free zone. The 19-year-old says: “I think it’s always good to help the environment – and this initiative enables me to do that through the creation of a fashionable accessory.” Peaches will launch the bag at the centre tomorrow, giving away 500 of them to lucky shoppers. A further 4,500 will be sold at £3.50 each, with all profits going to Peaches’ chosen charity, The Sea Turtle Trust.

TRAVEL / Price Hot Air Balloon Flights 1

The perfect Father’s Day gift . . . from just £142.50 Searching for an amazing Father’s Day gift experience he’ll never forget? Well, for every dad who has secretly dreamed of being and old fashioned adventurer, a Virgin Balloon Flight is a once-in-alifetime voyage through the sky.

And for a limited time only, all readers can get Virgin Balloon Flights Adventure Packs (rrp £285 per person) for half the normal price, just £142.50! You can look forward to: • Three to four hour ballooning experience, with around an hour in the air • Traditional champagne toast • Choice of 100+ launch sites in England, Scotland and Wales (full list at www.virginballoonflights.co.uk) • Certificate signed by Sir Richard Branson and your pilot. • PLUS – an exclusive gift pack including Virgin Balloon Flights shoulder bag, compact binoculars, heavyweight branded pen, baseball cap, DVD & key ring (worth £90.90) But be quick – this incredible offer ends on Father’s Day – 15th June Flight vouchers are valid for 12 months from start date which you specify when booking.

Call 0871

663 0016

or visit www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/offers.asp quoting Liverpool Trinity Mirror now to book. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style City/fashion

Pearce Fionda grey sequinned dress, £200 Code: jr220508fashion-7

Pearce Fionda twist back taupe dress, £120

Code: jr220508fashion-18

It’s excess all areas This summer, it’s all about dressing with classic style. Laura Davis reports

F THE launch of scores of new shops at Liverpool One isn’t something to celebrate, then we at Style City don’t know what is, so this week’s fashion shoot features a selection of party dresses from the brand new Debenhams store. This season, it’s all about extremes – prom-style frocks are a big look, with layers of netting to give a more exaggerated form, but ankle-length, streamlined shapes are also a popular style for the summer. The location is Raven, the latest venture from the people behind Negresco, Korova and Circo. The Emerald Isle is the inspiration for this barrestaurant, aimed at those who “want to enjoy a great pint of Guinness, or a glass of Champagne, but who also want to dress up for dinner”. The decor includes bold green walls with vintage-style picture frames and vast mirrors. ■ DEBENHAMS has joined with Style City to offer readers the chance to win a makeover at the new store, including hair styling and make-up by New<id and an outfit worth up to £300 of Debenhams own brands. New<id, whose cosmetics are loved by Mylene Klass, Sarah Harding and Holly Willoughby, is one of the departments exclusive to

Red Herring special edition turquoise dress, £55 Code: jr220508fashion-15

Notes Location: Raven, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, www.raven liverpool.com, tel: 0151 709 7097 Model: Catriona, of Boss Model Management, www.bossmodels.co.uk, tel: 0161 834 3403 Photographer: Jason Roberts Stylist: Laura Davis Hair: Christina Garrity, at Barbara Daley, 29-31, Lime Street, Liverpool, tel: 0151 709 7974 Make-up: Natalie Dawling, at Barbara Daley Stockists: Debenhams, Lord Street, Liverpool

Liverpool, as well as a male personal shopping suite, a brow bar, nail bar and tanning room. For a chance to win, simply answer the following question: On which street is Liverpool’s new Debenhams store? Answers on a postcard to Debenhams Competition, Liverpool Daily Post, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Closing date, Wednesday, June 4. Usual Debenhams and LDP competition conditions apply. The hair styling does not include a cut.

For more fashion inspiration, visit www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/stylecity

lauradavis@dailypost.co.uk

Ben de Lisi pink bandeau dress, £130 Code: jr220508fashion-9

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Inspired by vintage style

Look to the future with a blast from the past VINTAGE prints are among the inspirations behind Oasis’s spring/ summer collections, all of which will be available in the brand-new store at Liverpool One. The flagship store, opening today, has been designed to emphasise the individual boutique culture of the Oasis brand. Limited edition collections include Floral Frocks, LBD (Little Black Dress), Fashion Show Exclusive shoes, Ballerina Pumps, Fashion in Film, Belle and New Vintage, all with beautiful bespoke labelling and packaging. The Floral Frocks range is made up of four exclusive dresses based on original vintage prints from the mid20th century and designed with a contemporary feel. Inspired by the Floral Frocks exhibition at Bath’s Fashion Museum and a book of the same name, the collection references the history of print in fashion and epitomises this season’s trend for all things floral. Summer 2008 looks set to be a flowery affair, and Oasis has created a name and personality for each of its dresses, including the Lily Lane – a strapless summer frock with a sweetheart neckline in crisp cotton flaunting a bold yellow and green lily print. Layers of tulle create a full underskirt and the Oasis’s Lily bodice top is gathered around Lane dress the waist showing off a simple ruche detail. A young lady of the 50s would have found this dress quite irresistible. To celebrate the opening of the new store at Liverpool One, Oasis is holding a tea party on Thursday, June 5, from 4-8pm, with an exclusive goody bag on purchase (while stocks last), as well as offering a 20% discount when you spend £70. Hair stylists from Toni & Guy and make-up artists from Benefit will be on hand to carry out minimakeovers. Cakes and iced tea will be served, and music will come from DJs The Broken Hearts. And, as a special treat, Oasis has joined with Style City to offer readers the chance to win a pampering package that will help the lucky winner kick-start the summer looking head-to-toe fabulous. The prize includes a cut and blow dry courtesy of Toni & Guy, Liverpool, a selection of must have beauty products from Benefit and one of the Oasis sell out Floral Frock dresses, created in collaboration with the Bath Fashion Museum and adored by celebrities such as Lily Allen. The Lily Lane dress will come packaged with a gorgeous Floral Frock coffee table book. For a chance to win, simply answer the following question: Who is Lily Allen’s famous father? Answers on a postcard to Oasis Competition, Liverpool Daily Post, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB by Monday, June 2.

Red Herring special edition yellow floral dress, £55; and, front cover, Star by Julien Macdonald acid dress, £140 Codes: jr220508fashion-1, above, and jr220508fashion-22, front cover

Prize Draw Terms and Conditions: The draw is not open to anyone associated with the promotion, either friends, families of agents. This includes employees of Oasis Stores Ltd and Mosaic Fashions Ltd. No cash alternative. Non refundable. Prize package includes one Oasis Floral Frock dress, Floral Frocks book, beauty products from Benefit and a cut and blow dry at Toni & Guy in the Allerton Road or Whitechapel salon only. Usual LDP competition rules apply.

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style City/interiors

Your guide to our new sh

It has been a long time coming – now, as Liverpool One’s first phase opens its doors today, Emma Johnson gives you an A-Z guide to Europe’s biggest retail and leisure development

IS for American Apparel. Famed for funky leisure wear, Tshirts, lycra dresses and must-have leggings, not to mention the trendiest possible stretch slacks, Liverpool One will be home to the UK’s first American Apparel store outside London.

is for Beauty addicts and there is plenty in store for you at Liverpool One. Inside the flagship Debenhams store, on Lord Street, you will find brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, Clinique, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Estee Lauder.

Meanwhile, John Lewis’s stunning store will be home to exclusive beauty brands like Sisley, Decleor, REN, Prescriptives, Dr Hauscka and La Prairie.

C D

is for Chavasse Park. Providing an outdoor landscaped area between the shopping complex and the Strand, the new Chavasse Park is a stunning five acres of green space surrounded by trees. is for Designers. As well as the fantastic Designers at Debenhams range, in the flagship store, which features diffusion lines from John Rocha, Julien Macdonald, Jasper Conran, John Richmond and Frostfrench, when their second Liverpool store opens, label junkies will be able to get their fix at Flannels next February.

is for Europe’s biggest. With more than 160 shops and restaurants, two new hotels, a 14screen cinema, a five acre park, residential and office accommodation, Liverpool One is the biggest leisure and retail destination of its kind in Europe.

is for Food. When you are done shopping, there will be plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat. Restaurants opening this week, and in phase two, in September, include Pret a Manger, Costa, Pizza Hut, Zizzi, Nandos, Wagamama, Las Iguanas and lots more.

is for Gourmet Burger Kitchen. The chain, said to do the most gorgeous burgers in town, is due to open in Liverpool One later in the year.

K H L

is for Hilton. The 216room Hilton Hotel is due to open early next year.

I J

is for iPod. Whether you are looking to upgrade or purchase your first, then you will find everything at Liverpool’s first Apple store when it opens soon.

Shoe aficionados will be able to fuel their addiction at the new Office store

The latest fashions will be available at the new Topshop store, which will be the largest of i kind outside London

is for Jewellery. The Goldsmiths store will be the city’s only stockist of Chanel jewellery, including the J12 timepiece.

is for Keys Court. Formerly home to HMV and currently housing Topshop and Next, this stunning frontage on Church Street will become a grand entrance to the development.

is for the new LFC store. Designed by George and Per Una genius George Davies, and with over 10,000 sq ft of selling space, filled with Liverpool FC merchandise and products, this will be the biggest official club store in Europe.

is for Movies. Cinema fans will be in their element when the incredible 14-screen Odeon cinema starts screening the latest films following the grand opening in September.

N O P

is for Nike. Whether it is trainers you want or sportswear, you are sure to find something you fancy in the sports giant’s first Liverpool store, which opens soon.

is for Office. Shoe aficionados will adore taking a shopping spree in Office’s first Liverpool store selling high fashion and on-trend footwear for men and women. is for Pull and Bear. The new youth fashion concept, from the team behind successful fashion giant Zara, has chosen Liverpool One for its first UK clothing store.

Q R S

is for Q Park. Whether you choose the award winning multi-storey one or the incredible underground one, with over 3,000 parking spaces you should find somewhere to leave the car. is for Republic. One of the UK’s leading sellers of premium branded clothing including G Star, Bench and Henleys, Republic opens its first Liverpool store today.

is for Student discount. Impoverished students have no need to dress scruffily any more. All Saints, Office, La Senza, Principles, Warehouse, Espirit and Bank are among the stores offering money off for those in higher education.

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

hopping mecca

its

10 brilliant buys from Liverpool One Emma Johnson inspires you to shop until you drop

A WHITE suit is a classic staple in any woman’s wardrobe. This one at Principles is £79 for the jacket, £49 for the trousers and £39 for the waistcoat.

The new Liverpool FC superstore, which has been designed by George Davies

SWIMSUITS are back this summer, and this metallic one from Monsoon is sleek and sexy. Priced £31.

A view of Chavasse Park, as seen from the roof of One Park West

KEEP on top of everything with a BlackBerry 8110 Pink smartphone. Priced from £199.95 at the Carphone Warehouse.

Liverpool One's Keys Court entrance, on Church Street

T U

is for Topshop. The Liverpool Topshop store will be the largest of its kind outside London, featuring numerous must-have brands.

is for Underwear. Whether it is lingerie from the new La Senza store, or Floozie by FrostFrench, at Debenhams, women are well supported in Liverpool One.

Grab a stylish hooded top, like this one from Republic

Liverpool One's The Terrace

X W Y Z

is for Views. From Debenhams, One Park West and the Hilton Hotel – when completed – the views of the city will be magnificent. Enjoy a coffee in Debenhams’ Style Cafe and you can gaze out over the waterfront. is for Wall Street. One of the new

streets being incorporated into Liverpool One, Wall Street is named in recognition of the walls of the old Liverpool Castle and to mark the historic trading links between Liverpool and the US.

is for eX-tended opening hours (OK, we cheated a little bit there). With stores open until 8pm, Monday to Friday, and until 7pm on Saturday, you will always be able to find time to shop.

is for Yo Sushi. The famous sushi chain with its conveyor belt restaurant is to join the dining offerings at Liverpool One later this year.

is for Zara Home. The Spanish chain has chosen Liverpool One for its first Home store outside London, ideal if you are looking for some sexy interior design pieces at affordable prices. emmajohnson@dailypost.co.uk

GIVE kids a designer touch in this Rocha John Rocha Tshirt, £7 at the brand new Debenhams.

PARTY on in a shiny “Too Short” tube dress, £24 at the NorthWest’s first American Apparel store.

ADIDAS’S new Classic Clean collection is all about mix and match bright and funky casualwear. We love the red all-in-one, £34.99, at JD Sports.

CHECK out the new range of Tommy Hilfiger watches at H Samuel. This ladies patent one is a snip, at £110.

CHECK out the new Aqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Italian Resort skincare range, in the stunning beauty hall of the new John Lewis store. Priced from £29.

GET a sunless summer glow with The Body Shop’s bronzing and illuminating powders, priced £14.00.

BE PRETTY in pink with these fab sunglasses, priced £45, at All Saints, who open their second city

store in Liverpool One today.

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style City/cool

What’s your bottom line? D

OES your bottom drawer speak the language of love? Is it a little bit rock ’n’ roll, with promises of naughty nights in white satin, or does it sing a sad tune of nylon that’s worn ’n’ torn, and lacklustre lace that’s turned a paler shade of grey? According to a new survey, 60% of women only ever buy underwear when it needs replacing, with just 31% splashing out on bras and pants for special occasions, according to market research analysts Mintel. “Despite the return of saucy Burlesque shows by Dita von Teese and others, British women still take a functional and practical approach to underwear, and clearly don’t see it as something that can be really sexy and alluring,” says Mintel’s senior fashion analyst, Katrin Magnussen. It’s sad but true that British women have long been derided by the French for our lackadaisical and shabby approach to underwear. Writer Helena Frith Powell, who is based in France and has written books about the French attitude to life, says we should take a tip from our Gallic sisters or risk losing our men. She says: “One way to minimise the risks of your husband straying is to adopt a French attitude towards underwear. French women wear very sexy underwear, which is always matching, most of the time. So, Valentine’s Day apart, it might be time to throw out your faded knickers and start again. “I don’t mean you need to wear stockings and suspenders, although as a seduction aid, they are second to none, but you could at least go for matching smalls that haven’t been washed so many times they’ve gone a nondescript grey colour.” It seems we Britons regard underwear as purely functional. The survey showed that only 34% of us buy matching bras and knickers, and 36% still mainly purchase multi-packs. In total, 63% of us spend less than £10 a month on our undies, with just 7% forking out between £21 and £40 a month. What is more, many women now also buy their smalls from value retailers and supermarkets. Although Marks & Spencer still

Most of us keep our underwear under wraps, but it’s time to go for some stylish smalls. Sam Wylie-Harris reports

Aliza Reger – well-made underwear is a boost to your selfesteem leads the way, with 51% of women buying their underwear from the store, 48% shopped at Tesco, Matalan, Primark or Asda for bras and pants last year. But Aliza Reger, of the legendary luxury lingerie house Janet Reger, says we should be aiming higher: “A beautifully made and fabulously shaped underwear set will do more for your shape and self-esteem than seven pairs of jokey thongs with the days of the week emblazoned across the front. “I have Janet Reger silk sets that are years old and they are still perfect and fit beautifully. A beautiful underwear set will last for years giving pleasure each time you wear it.” And that’s where the men come in. Some 70% of those who buy from the Janet Reger website are men. Dr Victoria Lukats, psychiatrist and dating expert for Parship.co.uk, Europe’s largest premium online matchmaking

Even comfortable, functional lingerie can look good

Britons regard underwear as purely functional

service, says: “Men do notice and appreciate nice underwear. However, I think men notice the overall effect rather than the latest expensive style. “They may not be able to tell the difference between French lace and nylon, but if it’s flattering and well-cut they certainly will appreciate it. Matching your underwear to your outfit and knowing there are no lumps or bumps can give you a confidence boost.” Dr Lukats adds: “From your own individual self-esteem and point of view, I think it’s important to make an effort with your appearance. That doesn’t mean you have to get overobsessed with yourself. “Often we say to people who’ve got depression they should treat themselves. Do something nice for yourself like buying new underwear and you’re saying ’I deserve this and I think I should be treated’ and that can do wonders for your self-esteem.”

What to buy

Janet Reger Vintage Rose/Honey bra and Tanga set, priced at £124 for the bra, and £55 for the Tanga knickers

IF YOU’RE inspired to start shopping smart for your smalls, take a couple of tips from Maria Walker, chief lingerie fitter for John Lewis, who will have an extensive lingerie department in their new Liverpool store. ■ Investing in key items ensures a better quality of design, fabric, structured wiring and

elastic, which will extend the shelf-life of your lingerie – hand washing and only wearing a bra for a day at a time will also help. ■ A basic lingerie wardrobe should be made up of five to seven bras, with three pairs of knickers to match each bra. ■ As well as T-shirt bras in black, white and nude, also consider sports bras, shapewear and, of course,

■ Functional lingerie is essential for everyday wear, but splashing out on a few beautiful sets in silk and lace can give you an instant confidence boost for a special occasion.

■ Manufacturers state the shelf life of a bra to be approximately three to six months, and we also recommend that women should be fitted every six months or every time they buy a new bra, due to changes in breast size and shape.

■ New technology means that shapewear can create a “red carpet” body in a matter of minutes and can be comfortably worn all day.

■ Always consult a trained fitter, as at least 70% of women are said to be wearing the wrong size of bra.

some more seductive pieces.

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style City/people

Byinvitationonly

Living it up with...

Carolyn Hughes reports from the latest lunches, launches and parties

HERE was Champagne, chic and celebrations galore as brand new designer store Amethyst finally opened its doors. Amethyst, based in the trendy Cavern Walks, Liverpool, will be the first fashion store outside London to stock exclusive brands like Erdem, Camilla & Marc and 12th Street, by Cynthia Vincent. Lucky guests, including Hollyoaks girls Sarah Jayne Dunn and Carly Stenson, were also treated to

Amethyst goodie bags filled with gifts including vest tops and notebooks by American Vintage, jewellery by local designer Claudia Pink, rings by Red Lotus and bath products by Lush, as well as a special introductory discount cards and much more. Liverpool will celebrate being awarded European Capital of Culture this year with artwork by one of its most famous sons being shown in the capital. The John Lennon exhibition will feature the Complete Collection of the

late Beatle’s artwork for the first time in their entirety in Liverpool. The exhibition runs at the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo building until June 2. Bank Holiday weekend proved to be a busy one for the cast of Hollyoaks. Actor Nick Pickard, who plays Tony in the Chesterbased soap, organised a Soapstar Football Challenge at Chester City Football Club on Saturday, where stars from all the major soaps fought out a tough match (Hollyoaks beat the AllStars 4-3).

Chester Racecourse was then the venue in the evening for the inaugural Hollyoaks Charity Ball. This star-studded event was organised by Lime Pictures to raise funds for Claire House and The Alder Hey Imagine Appeal. A staggering £20,000 was collected over the two events, which were sponsored by David M Robinson jewellers and Cruise designer clothing. Corrie’s Kym Ryder was among those who helped make the evening a stunning success.

Pat Cash, 43, 1987 Wimbledon Champion Where did you last eat out? I eat out all the time. I’m not much of a cook and it was in Monte Carlo – I was there for the Masters tennis. What are you listening to? Classic guitar blues/rock from blues legend Rory Gallagher to Black Sabbath or Metallica. I’m not a fan of British indie rock bands, but think the Arctic Monkeys are great. Where do you splash the cash? On air fares, easily my biggest expenditure in life, due to the amount of travelling I do.

Jenny Metcalfe and Leah Hackett – alias Mercedes and Tona McQueen – at the Hollyoaks Ball

Describe your style? What style? Just what I feel comfortable in, which is usually a Tshirt/ polo shirt with jeans or shorts. Who does your hair? My hair’s pretty simple wake and shake. Who do you think has style? It’s not something I pay much attention to; I think it is my Australian roots, we are very relaxed. It’s easy having style if you have stylists and loads of money like Clive Owen or David Beckham, but you can’t hide the fact that his tattoos are horrible.

Coronation Street's Ryan Thomas with girlfriend and mum-to-be Tina O’Brien, at the Hollyoaks Ball

Who is your ideal dinner date? My loved ones. I don’t see Clive Owen them as often as I would like.

Emma Plazalska and Victoria Herd, of Cruise Chester, with Chris Fountain, who plays Justin Burton, in Hollyoaks

What’s your poison? Crisps and sake, though not together, but that may work – never thought about that...

Kym Ryder at the Hollyoaks Ball, in Chester

When did you last treat yourself? I tend not to spoil myself these days; I treat others to special things, instead. I think it is an age thing. What can’t you live without? My mobile phone. What was the last movie you watched? Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox story – a parody of the Johnny Cash/ Ray Charles movies. Why Liverpool? Great people, lots of banter and I love turning up every year and seeing the tournament grow.

Peter Hall (National Trust, custodian of Mendips), Michael Cadwallader and Sylvia Hall (National Trust) at the Lennon exhibition Debi Jones, Jonathon Poole (Lennon exhibition organiser) and Lynne Clifford (Bag One) at the launch of the exhibition

Jodie Gasteretous, Sarah Jayne Dunn and Kate Derefaka, at the launch of Amethyst

■ KEEP up with Carolyn’s party schedule at www.byinvitationonly.merseyblogs.co.uk

■ PAT plays the Legends tournament at the Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, June 10-15.

Jenna Fischer as Darlene Madison and John C Reilly as Dewey, in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style City/design

Ease your conscience Gabrielle Fagan shows it is possible to have a cool home without compromising your eco credentials

It makes ethical as well as healthy good sense

UDDENLY, it’s cool to care about the planet, and to worry that wasting our natural resources could generally trash the environment. But that concern shouldn’t be limited to the tropical rain forests and polar bears, because our homes should be eco-friendly, too, according to the “greenies”. That’s fine, but you still want your home to look great. No one wants to sacrifice style and fill rooms with grungy, dull objects simply made from reprocessed cardboard or car tyres, just so they can claim to have done their bit for the Earth. It is possible to find great green design but discovering what’s hot and what’s not for eco homes – and not paying a fortune for it – can be difficult. So expert help is needed. Judith Wilson, stylist and interiors writer, isn’t just an expert on natural living, she’s also following a green agenda in renovating her own home. She understands that style gurus want eco chic, but acknowledges: “For the design-conscious individual, there’s still the worry that going natural means compromising on style and choice. “Thankfully, it doesn’t. High street stores and specialist suppliers are falling over themselves to provide natural products, ranging from organic textiles to eco paints and from energy-efficient lightbulbs to lowflow shower-heads, while contemporary designers are increasingly using recycled materials to dramatic effect.” She’s put all her wisdom, top tips, practical strategies and detailed advice for creating an eco-friendly living space into a new book, The Natural Home. And she says it’s perfectly possible to save energy without compromising good looks, use old furniture in imaginative ways rather than buying new and source recycled materials and still have a stylish home. “Going the natural route is no longer for the minority,” she says. “Today, it makes ethical as well as beautiful and healthy good sense.” Turning green, it seems, has never been easier or smarter – and where better to soothe your conscience than in your own eco sanctuary! STYLISH ECO STRATEGY Judith says: “The focus of a natural home is beautiful,

Going green can be as simple as reusing old objects, or making something new with them

Store's EcoTwine baskets, £19 or £28

The Natural Home, by Judith Wilson, published by Jacqui Small, £12.99 natural materials, but it’s also crucial to remove, or to avoid adding, harmful substances.” Take time to research the materials you plan to use and choose eco-friendly versions of common building materials and paints. Companies such as earthBorn, The Little Greene Paint Company and Francesca’s Paints offer natural paints without harmful chemicals. Judith believes the best hunting grounds for anything from a recycled bath to an entire salvaged floor or from old radiators to second-hand bricks are nearby demolition sites and salvage yards. Or find a reclamation dealer who will source for you. Wood and stone are two obvious choices for a natural home, but don’t forget fabrics. There’s an increasing choice of organic textiles such as organic cotton, linen and hemp. It’s even possible to source natural flooring made from bamboo, paper, coir and sisal from companies such as Crucial Trading. Graham & Brown has a range of wallpapers printed on either recycled paper or paper from managed forests. Wall and floor tiles made from recycled bottles, tea cups and CDs are appropriately called Kyoto after the environmental

summit. They’re from £122-permetre from The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. FURNITURE Judith says: “Restore old furniture – which brings personality and character to rooms – or seek out furniture makers who are prepared to create new pieces using recycled elements, eg: a headboard made from old flooring planks or a dining table made from an old, enamelled sign.” There are eco websites where you can buy innovative furniture, from coffee tables made from recycled washingmachine drums to sustainable cardboard shelving. If you’re really not into renovating a refectory table or repainting a vintage cupboard, you could find pieces to tempt you at Nigel’s Eco Store. You’d never guess that the Big Shelf eco-shelving system, that would also work as a room divider, is made from cardboard. It’s £319.99.

Heals’ Bambu Veneerware and Lacquerware, starting from £14

A bamboo veneer cabinet is £519.99, and movie fans might be tempted by the Rocky chair made from an old cinema seat, £1,499.99. GREEN & SENSIBLE Pop clutter like toys, or perhaps magazines and newspapers into EcoTwine baskets, £19 or £28 made from recycled sweetie wrappers and fizzy drink labels, or choose neat white boxes made from recycled cardboard, £19 for two. Sleek EcoGen bathroom containers are so smart you’d buy them no matter what their credentials. They are made from a combination of polymer and cornstarch. EcoGen toothbrush holder £9, soap dish £8, storage Box £14. All the above from Store, 10, Queen Street, Chester (www. aplaceforeverything.co.uk). Heals is a byword for offering well-designed and functional homeware and its Bambu

Veneerware plates and cutlery start at £10 and Bambu Veneerware and Lacquerware starts at £14. They could be great for picnics and al fresco meals. Most of the chain stores now boast “green ranges”, and both Marks & Spencer and John Lewis have an excellent selection of baskets and boxes. GREEN SWEEP Embrace green living by using natural cleaning and beauty products and garden organically and you could reduce your impact on the environment, according to Christina Strutt. Her book, Cabbages & Roses Guide to Natural Housekeeping (Cico Book, £19.99) is a comprehensive guide to living more ecologically. She says: “It needn’t be more time-consuming, could be far cheaper, and help you live a calmer, healthier life.” GREEN ART Change your view of junk and waste by delving into Eco Deco, by Stuart & Sally Walton (£12.99). This book is packed with hands-on projects so you can transform into art things that might otherwise have ended up in the bin. It also showcases brilliant examples to inspire.

DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

but keep your style Rocky chair made from an old cinema seat, £1,499.99, from Nigel's Eco Store

A prime example of an eco living room

Stockists ■ BAILEYS Home & Garden: 01989 561 931/ www.baileyshome.com ■ Casa Copenhagen: 0184 427 4449/ www.casacopenhagen.com ■ Crucial Trading: 01562 743 747/ www.crucial-trading.com ■ earthBorn Paints: 01928 734 171/ www.earthbornpaints.co.uk ■ Fairwind Online: 020 8374 6254/ www.fairwindonline.com ■ Francesca’s Paints: 020 7228

7694/ www.francescaspaint. com ■ Graham & Brown: 0800 328 8452/ www.grahamand brown.co.uk ■ Heals: 08700 240 780 / www.heals.co.uk ■ John Lewis: 0845 6049 049/ www.johnlewis.com ■ Little Greene Paint Company: 0845880 5855/ www.thelittlegreene.com ■ Love Eco: 01223 313 409/ www.love-eco.co.uk

■ Marks & Spencer: 0845 302 1234/ www.marksand spencer.com ■ Nigel’s Eco Store: 01273 710936/ www.nigelsecostore.com ■ One Eco Home: 0844 800 4144/ www.oneecohome.co.uk ■ Re-Found Objects: 01434 634 567/ www.re-foundobjects.com ■ The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse: 020 8993 5545/ www.sacw.co.uk

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DAILY POST Thursday, May 29, 2008

TRAVEL

The Best of the Alps Carcassonne, Cathar, Catalonia From £639 for 7 nights

6 & 13 September 2008

• Return flights from Liverpool • 7 nights accommodation (1 B&B in Geneva, 4 HB in the Aosta Valley, 2 B&B in Annecy) • Boat trip on Lake Geneva and a cable-car ride to Chamois • Visits to the Breuil-Cervinia and Chamonix • Services of a tour representative • Optional excursions available at extra cost to Courmayeur and the Gran Paradiso National Park.

£559

From for 7 nights 23 & 28 Sept, 7 Oct 2008 • Return flights from Liverpool & Manchester • 7 nights HB accommodation (4 in France and 3 in Spain) • Excursion to Carcassonne and Rennes-leChateau • Free time in Figueras and Barcelona • The chance to see Perpignan, the artists resort of Collioure and Pyrenean Vallespir Valley.

4-Star Andalucia & Gibraltar

Green Spain & the Road to Santiago

From for 7 nights 9 & 16 October 2008

From for 9 nights 6 & 13 October 2008

• Return flights from Liverpool & Manchester • 7 nights Four-Star accommodation (4 HB in Antequera, 3 B&B in Gibraltar) • Visits to Granada and Ronda • A journey on the Ronda–Algeciras Railway • Services of a tour representative. • Optional excursions, at an additional cost, to Seville, Cordoba and Morocco.

• Return flights from Liverpool • 9 nights accommodation (3 B&B in Madrid, 3 HB in Galicia & 3 HB in Asturias) • Visit to the Picos de Europa • Excursion to Santiago de Compostela • Services of a tour representative.

£619

Monte Carlo & Italian Riviera

Ephesus, Pamukkale, Berlin, Poznan & Brandenburg Lakes Turkey's Aegean Coast

From for 7 nights 30 June, 9 October 2008

From for 7 nights 25 August 2008

• Return flights from Liverpool & Manchester • 7 nights accommodation (5 nights HB in San Remo and 2 nights B&B on the Côte d’Azur) • Visits to Dolceacqua and Monte Carlo • Alpine Rail Journey • Optional excursions, at an additional cost, to Rapallo and Portofino and the Hanbury Gardens.

• Return flights from Liverpool • 7 nights 3-star and 4-star hotel B&B accommodation (2 in Berlin, 2 in Poznan, 3 in Potsdam) • Walking tours of Berlin and Poznan • Ride on the steam train service between Wolsztyn and Poznan • Optional excursion at extra cost to Colditz and Wittenberg.

£599

£569

£709

From for 7 nights 6 & 17 October 2008 • Return flights from Liverpool & Manchester • 7 nights HB accommodation in 4-star hotels • Visit to the ancient sites of Didyma & Miletos • Excursions to Ephesus and Pamukkale • 3 lunches on tour • Services of a tour representative and local guide.

£719

Seville, Jerez & the Costa de la Luz

£569

From for 7 nights 27 Sept, 9 & 14 Oct 2008 • Return flights from Liverpool & Manchester • 7 nights HB accommodation (1 near Malaga, 4 in Sanlucar de Barrameda, and 2 in Antequera) • Visits to Jerez (with included entrance to the ‘Dancing Horses of Andalucia’ show) and Seville • Services of a tour representative. • Optional excursions, at an additional cost, to Ronda, Cadiz and the Donana National Park.

For further information and a FREE brochure

Call: 0151 227 5987 Visit: www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/traveloffers

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: PREFERRED TRAVEL SERVICES ABTA W3692 ATOL 5537