December 2012 ÂŁ2.00
Affordable fashion, interests & lifestyle for the North East.
EDITOR NOTES
Hello to all who picked us up!
Big Thank yous! No copy of Loose Change magazine would be possible without the kind help of brilliant people. This month we give our special thanks to.. Fiona Baldesera at Recycle Boutique The staff at Age Concern Sunderland The talented Laura Jane Vest & the wonderful North East public for their cool street style!
A warm, cosy and excited welcome to Loose Change, the fashion and lifestyle magazine for all you North East folk who love something a little bit different. With affordable fashion, places to go, things to do and a whole lot more, we hope to keep you entertained each month. In our first ever edition (eeek!) we bring you a step by step guide on how to create your very own designer style studded boots, show you a fashion shoot that cost us less than £20, and a load of gifts you can afford! Its almost Christmas time and we’re feeling good, so prepare to be inspired to do something charitable and worthwhile. Trust us, you will feel great for taking part! We also have a chat with a local fashion photographer and take you on a vintage shopping journey to Berlin. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and dive into the fresh unread pages of Loose Change... Steph (Editor)
Like us on Facebook at Loose Change Magazine or follow us on twitter @loosechangemagazine
01
Contents...
40
76
30 26
14
7 02
FASHION Charity shop shoot 30 Street style
50
40
SHOPPING Bits & bobs
06
Quirky gifts 07 Top trends 08 Charity shop of the month
14
TRAVEL Vintage Berlin 50
44 18
JOIN IN D.I.Y studded boots
18
Christmas shoe boxes
44
Over to you
76
FEATURES Interview with Laura Jane Vest
26
EAT The Ivy House 54
03
SHOPPING
Bits & bobs... You mug!
A selection of groovy mugs are on offer at Urban Outfitters at the minute. Make the most of this generous deal of two for £15 for a nify little save. We love this crazy celebrity pet range and this old style emamel bicycle number. Get some in as your Crimbo stocking fillers now. Visit www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk or pop down to your nearest store while stocks last.
Ador-bauble
How adorable are these please? Have yourself a vintage Christmas with these beautiful vintage style baubles available from Tesco would you believe! Snatch them up for just £7.47 and make your tree stand out.
Flower Wow-er!
We are absolutley loving this beautiful flowering tea. Hear us when we say you really need to try it to believe it. Sewn by Chinese artisians, flowers such as jasmine are uniquely transformed into small round buds. Once steeped in hot water, the bulb will unravel and transform into an open flower inside your cup! Don’t worry, they taste fab too, and can be used up to three times. Perfect for a special occasion. Flowering tea available from notonthehighstreet.com, prices vary.
06
SHOPPING
Kooky gifts for under £20...
a b
d
e c e f g
h
Fancy something a bit different as a Christmas gift for that quirky individual? Take a look at some of our favourite finds all for under £20! a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k.
i
Glass art deco jar. £11.50. Notonthehighstreet.com. Q&A journal. £11.50. Anthropologie.eu Mini magnetic picture frames. £2.50. Culturelabel.com. Love & hate oven gloves. £16.. Culturelabel.com. Leather journal. £12.64. etsy (GenuineGoods786). Chalkboard spice jar. £10. Anthropologie.eu. Salt & pepper lab flasks. £12.99. Totally-funky.co.uk Elizabethan lipbalm. £9.99. Culturelabel.com. Gold fringe earrings. £12.50. etsy (lazysundayshop). Vintage hair slide set. £18. Anthropologie.eu. Leather moustache keyring. £6.50. Culturelabel.com.
j
k
07
SHOPPING
Nice shiney things...
c
a b
e f
d
h l
g i
j k
m r
o n
p q
How about cheering up the dreary winter weather? Give yourself some attitude and sparkle by stocking up on studs, metallics and all that shines. Go on, step out into the hail, wind and rain looking super stylish and ready for anything, and for a price to make you smile! a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
Metallic T-shirt. Asda. £12 Metallic tube skirt. Primark. £12 Glitter ankle boots. Primark. £18 Metallic coated skinnies. New Look. £24.99 Chunky silver necklace. H&M. £14.99 Beaded knit jumper. Primark. £16 Platform peep toes. New Look. £12.99 (sale) Studded blouse. H&M. £19.99 Heeled western boots. H&M. £29.99
j. Studded clutch. Primark. £8 k. Studded skinny jeans. Primark. £15 l. Glitter clutch bag. Oasis. £21 (sale) m. Glitter pumps. Redherring at Debenhams. £12 (sale) n. Biker bomber jacket. Primark. £25 o. Chain waist belt. Primark. £4 p. Silver bag. H&M. £14.99 q. Baroque foil jumper. Asda. £14 r. Diamanté skull cocktail ring. H&M. £5.99
08
SHOPPING
Quirky Knits...
a
b
e
c
f
Nab yourself a quirky jumper & look super trendy and cool without breaking the bank. Animal knits were all over the catwalk for this winter, so if they can do it, so can we! Keep cosy while looking as cute as a rabbit, owl, badger, bird... (see what we did there?). a. Dorothy Perkins £21 b. New Look £19.99 c. Primark £14 d. ebay (funkythings) £12 e. AX Paris £23 f. H&M £19.99
09
JOIN IN
Do it yourself studs...
Each month we bring you an easy guide to creating something cool. This week it’s studded boots, feel free to take part, enjoy and good luck! Studs are everywhere this season, whether it’s shoes, bags, jackets or belts, you can’t really avoid them. We love the spiked look, but the price tags on these rock and roll pieces can be a bit steep for the bargain shoppers among us! Wait, hold on, don’t fret! It’s easy peasy to create your own designer inspired (not to mention unique) creations! Just follow our step by step guide.
a
a & b. Grab yourself.... A pair of boots/shoes/a bag/belt A leather hole punch A pointed screw driver Some studs A fineliner c. Mark on you your shoes where you want the studs to be. A handy tip is to practice on a piece of card, lay out a row of studs to see how far apart you want them, then use it as a guide.
d
d. Use your punch to make the holes. As you get further down, the punch may not reach, but don’t worry, a pointed screw driver is the perfect tool! Just be careful, safety first! Use a cork or blob of plasticine on the inside to avoid any mishaps! e & f. Begin adding your chosen studs and screwing them together tightly. Footwear is best studded on the outside of the shoe to avoid rubbing and possible loss of studs on the inside.
g
g, h & i. Continue adding studs to create your design. j & k. Et voila you’re done! Get them on your feet and off you strut!! Where we found our supplies: Boots, Primark £8.00 Studs, ebay (seller tomtop_au) £4.99 for 100 Hole punch, ebay (seller batterybonanza) £3.75
18
JOIN IN
b
c
e
f
h
i
j
k 19
SHOPPING
Hidden gems...
22
SHOPPING
Out with the new. in with the old... Have you ever been inside a charity shop? If not, get yourself in one asap. It’s amazing how much great stuff you could find. We at Loose Change love a good old rummage and here we show you one of the best. And the charity shop of the month award goes to... Drum roll please... Age Concern, Blandford Street, Sunderland. This really is an Aladdin’s cave of fabulous clothing and vintage knick-knacks. Not only is it full of great priced items, but the layout and displays are beautiful. Downstairs to the front of shop are rails of good quality garments, with a section of slightly higher priced but fantastic vintage pieces, from fur coats and macs to printed blouses and evening dresses. To the back of the floor is a small mens section and a wall full of shelves laced with bric-a-brac. Here you will find vases, ornaments, tableware, plant pots and more. The upstairs is another world, as you climb up, you are surrounded by vintage artwork and pictures that lead up to three rooms that take you back in time. Bursting with old books, household goods, blankets, hats, and even more clothing, you could spend a good half hour or more inspecting the array of pieces. This is the place to go for a quirky purchase for either yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
23
INTERVIEW
Talking to Laura Jane Vest...
Image courtesy of etc magazine Laura Jane-Vest is a fashion and beauty photographer based in her home area of the North East. Building a fantastic career and portfolio for herself, Laura has had her work shown in several fashion and lifestyle magazines and exhibitions, and not to mention her own solo exhibition. Adding to that, Laura has runner up professional photographer of the year 2010 and 2011, and second place digital portrait photographer of the year 2011 under her belt. Here we speak to Laura to find out how she arrived at where she is today, and her advice on how to follow in her creative footsteps. > Have you always been a creative and arty person? Yes, I always knew I wanted to do something creative. After my A-levels I was actually very torn between something artistic and journalism, but my passion lay with photography. > When did you first discover your passion for photography, and was it always fashion/beauty based? I didn’t study photography at school - the dark room there was just used as a storage cupboard. I had always loved photography and most of my scrapbooks and art work books were full with photos ripped from magazines. I would then illustrate images using them as inspiration. It was when I enrolled at Newcastle College on a Art Diploma course that I first got the opportunity to use a camera. We were given film cameras for a couple of weeks and I loved it. I began photographing urban scenes and found objects, but still had the urge to shoot fashion and beauty, I think I was just too shy in the beginning. After the Diploma I started a Foundation Degree in photography and started shooting with models and becoming more studio based. I found it a scary transition from shooting objects to then working with people but I really enjoyed being able to work with a model. I decided to enrol in a final year to top up my Foundation Degree to a BA Honours. This final year was more business and commercial based but allowed me to really concentrate on fashion and shoot a really strong portfolio.
> While studying did you always know you wanted to work for yourself someday? I began freelancing while still studying and this was a great opportunity. I think as a student you have a sort of safety net so you can push yourself and put yourself out there more. I think for me it was just a natural progression that I would start earning as a photographer, of course as a student you don’t always get the best rates but its still an achievement to get paid at all. > Have you had any other photography based jobs/placements that have helped you find your way? I did work in a family portrait studio for about 6 months, it was a great experience and I did learn a lot about beauty lighting and retouching. It wasn’t for me in the long term though. After six months I found that my creativity was diminishing and longed for the fashion world again! > Do you have a dream company/designer that you would love to do a shoot for one day? When I was younger I used to always say I’d love to shoot for British Vogue. My favourite magazines are LOVE Magazine, Wonderland and The Hunger, so to shoot for one of those would be a dream. There are so many designers who I’d love to shoot for, the obvious ones are McQueen & Vivienne Westwood for their individuality and Burberry as a real British staple. I really love Meadham Kirchhoff too - I think they’d be so fun to arrange a shoot with.
26
INTERVIEW > Do you display any of your work at home? I don’t actually, though my house looks like it is waiting for an exhibition to be put up as there are so many frames with my work under the stairs. I have one photograph up and its a shot of Dita Von Teese on stage in a huge glittery roll top bath. Its a limited edition by photographer Richard Heeps. I’m not actually that into burlesque but there was something about the shot that really appealed to me, its got that Tim Walker quality about it I guess. > What are you doing when you don’t have a shoot to plan/ edit? Or is it non-stop!? In between shooting or editing I am planning shooting! I have folders of inspiration on my desktop and like to put together moodboards. If I don’t make it down to London Fashion Week I like to watch the runway shows online if I get the chance. When I have a bit of free time I like to read a lot of different magazines, or rather I look at the pictures in a lot of magazines! > You have some beautiful work, if you had to choose one, which photograph would you say is your favourite so far?! My favourite changes all the time but I guess my current favourite is a beauty a shot I took for my first solo exhibition. I had it printed 100x70cm on metallic photo paper. I could be tempted to hang that one at home once the exhibition comes down in December. My all time favourite is a shot taken at Belsay Hall of a model surrounded by hundreds of tea cups. It always gets a great reaction from people. > Fashion films are popular right now, have you done any filming work, or would you consider it? I haven’t done any film work but it is on my radar. I think its something that I will dip my toe into at some point in the near future.
> What work do you have coming up in the near future? I have a meeting arranged with a local designer whose look book I will be shooting soon. I am also looking to shoot a submission for an online magazine, this will give me the opportunity to shoot something self motivated from my masses of inspiration files! > Will you stick to your North East roots, or will you follow the London trend and head South? I love the North East and think that the fashion scene is growing more and more each year. I will most likely stay North East based but start to travel more for shoots in London or Manchester. > What advice would you give to anyone wishing to pursue a career in fashion photography today? I think that its less important now to have a photography qualification to be a photographer. Studio photography does require some learning so you know how to do lighting set ups but I think that some of this can be self taught or acquired through assisting. Get to know your camera and start shooting straight away. I always value that my initial photography training was with film and I only moved to digital after around 2 years. It taught me to really assess what is in the frame and get it right the first time. I always try to shoot everything right in camera on set and think its an awful attitude when a photographer says they will just fix something in Photoshop. I see Photoshop as an enhancement tool and not a correctional aid. To see more of Laura’s work, visit www.laurajanevest.co.uk Follow her on Twitter @LauraJaneVest, laurajanevest.tumblr. com, or visit her Facebook page Laura Jane Vest Photography.
b a
c
d
Images... a. Laura’s all time favourite Belsay Hall teacup photograph, b. Model portfolio work, c. The Naughty Knitwear Company, d. Laura’s current favourite beauty shot.
27
FASHION
Thrifty
Revival Model - Bekah Turell Photographer & stylist - Stephanie Ghitazi-Asli Location - Recycle Boutique, Sunderland
This fashion shoot was created solely using garments purchased from charity shops. The location is Recycle Boutique, a second hand shop which raises money for free advice service Fiscus.
30
FASHION
Bekah wears... Above, Matalan tie dyed maxi dress, Marie Curie, £2.99, Matalan batwing cardigan, Marie Curie, £3.99. Facing & previous page... New Look peep toe wedges, Age Concern £4.50, Robbie Bee silk shirt, pdsa £2.99, handmade floral skirt, Oxfam £4.99, Cameo jumper, Oxfam £1.99, scarf (unknown) car boot sale £1.00. Other garments in pictures, a range from Recycle Boutique.
33
FASHION
New Look peep toe wedges, Age Concern £4.50, Robbie Bee silk shirt, pdsa £2.99, handmade floral skirt, Oxfam £4.99, Cameo jumper, Oxfam £1.99, scarf (unknown) car boot sale £1.00.
34
FASHION
For more information on Fiscus Recycle Boutique, or to donate, buy or volunteer contact Fiona Baldasera at 07908176451 or recycleboutique@fiscus.co.uk
36
FASHION
37
FASHION
Street style. Students of Newcastle City Centre...
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
40
FASHION
Students always look cool and unique. We wandered the streets of Newcastle to find out just where they get their style. a. Cerys Wood. Fashion student. & sales assistant. Shoes Primark, jeans, bag & scarf H&M, jacket Top shop, hat Best Vintage. b. Sammy Pervis. Business studies student. Shoes Faith at Debenhams, leggings New Look, coat H&M, bag River Island. c. Kelly McParlin. Fashion student. Shoes Best Vintage, tights Primark, dress Dorothy Perkins, coat Charity shop, hat & bag Topshop d. Abbey Lockwood & Nicki Jones. Both geography students. Abby: Shoes Matalan, trousers & cardigan psda, shirt Peacocks, scarf Primark. Nicki: Shoes & trousers Camden Market, Coat vintage shop (unknown). e. Georgie Morris. Sports science student & beautician. Shoes Topshop, tights & dress Primark, coat TK Maxx, bag New Look. f. Kathryn Sweeny. Animation student. Shoes Age Concern, tights New Look, dress car boot sale, cardigan H&M, bag Primark. g. Emilie Grey. Fine art student. Shoes ebay, jeans H&M, coat Attica, bag given by a friend. h. Lizzi Copeland. English student. Boots Best Vintage, Dress Blue Rinse Leeds, Coat Vintage fair, bag ebay. i. Kelly Long. English & maths student. Shoes & tights Primark, coat H&M, bag River Island. j. Claudia Franks. Illustration student & model. Shoes, shorts & Coat best Vintage, tights Topshop, blouse ASOS. k. Janette Scollen. English literature student. Shoes Faith, tights Primark, coat Topshop, bag vintage ebay. l. Polly-Anne Bennet. Fashion student. Shoes and jeans Dorothy Perkins, coat ASOS, bag River Island.
41
JOIN IN
One good deed... Well, it’s that time of year again. Crowded shops, money flying from our pockets, rushing around trying to find the perfect gifts for our friends and family. Although its a hectic time, please spare a thought for others. For the past 7 years, we have donated shoebox gifts to those who need it and we thought we’d share with you just how and why and see if we can get even more people to donate. Some of you may remember this as a school project, others may already partake. For those who are unfamiliar, its simple. All you need is a shoebox, a few things to fill it and a kind heart. Pop down to your local church or search online to find out the information needed as every charity will have different dates, rules and requirements. Shoeboxes will be shipped abroad via charities and volunteers to poor countries including Romania, Kenya and Belarus. You really can make an amazing difference. These particular shoeboxes we have made up are for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. A great tip if you want to take part is to spread it across the year. Buy a few bits and bobs every now and then so by the time Christmas comes around all you need to do is pack it all together. That way you don’t notice the expense.
What to put in... Hygiene items Soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, flannel, brush/comb Toys Soft toys, cars, small dolls, finger puppets, balls, yo-yo’s etc Stationary Pencil cases, pencils, rubber, ruler, notepad, colouring book, stickers Other Hats, scarves, gloves, sweets, bangles etc.
44
JOIN IN
45
TRAVEL
Lets go to...
Berlin
Prenzlauer Berg
Berlin is known as a fashion filled capital full of designer stores and posh boutiques. Although the majority of us can only afford to window shop, if you explore further, you will discover that Berlin also has another side to its fantastic city. If you have a passion for vintage you’re in luck! We have found a fantastic place you really must visit. With vintage shops and markets, this really is the place for the bargain hunters an lovers of all things old.
Eberswalder Strasse What’s there? Flea market (Every Sunday) Vintage shops What to expect? The flea market is fabulous, jam packed stall after stall of antiques, vintage clothing and trinkets. Vintage furniture, handmade jewellery, bags cushions and more! There are also food and drink places where you can grab anything from the traditional bratwurst to kebabs and grilled fish. The shops leading up to the market are of a vintage and alternative clothing nature.
50
TRAVEL
Oderberger Strasse What’s there? Vintage shops & boutiques What to expect? Oderberger Strasse is the next street over from Eberswalder Strasse, continuing the vintage theme. With more antique shops full to the brim with homewear, toys, German memorabilia and bric-a-brac. Dotted along the street are restaurants, cafes and bars that are open all hours for hungry passers by to take a seat indoors or outside in the sunshine.
Do take note... As many of the vintage businesses take part in the flea market, some of the shops are therefore closed on a Sunday.
51
EAT
Good pub grub...
54
EAT
The Ivy House in Sunderland has been a favourite watering hole for the locals for years. After a few changes of management and loss of interest some regulars unfortunately chose to drink elsewhere. That was however, until a massive revamp last month. The Ivy has graciously returned and really put itself back on the map as a brilliant place to go. The pub has been dramatically transformed to a place that wouldn’t look out of place on the corner of a Manchester or London street. With its deep dark atmosphere and classy surroundings, open fire and comfy seated areas, it’s hard not to love this pub. New on the scene is a food menu too, with a satisfying choice of nibbles and starters, and mains of home made pizzas and burgers. All food is prepared at the end of the bar in view of everyone, which is always a good sign. Pizza doe is stretched and toppings added fresh to order, and then cooked in the huge stone floored oven. Prices range from £5.50 to £7.95 for the classics, or if you prefer something a bit different, choose the pub’s rather huge
special ’Detroit’ which serves four. Pizzas can be eaten in or taken away - brilliant! If pizza is not your thing why not go for a Caroline or a Lisa? Don’t worry we havn’t gone mad, all of the Ivy’s delicious burgers are called a variety of ladies names - a quirky touch! Prices range from £5.75 to £7.65. Alternatively just pop in for a bevy, with a large range of draught beers, bottles, wines and spirits there is a drink for everyone. While you’re on, try a crazy bar snack of flavoured worms or crickets, or a scorpian lolly! Find the Ivy House at Worcester Terrace, Worcester St, Sunderland, SR2 7AW Tel 0191 5673399 Opening hours Sunday - Thursday 11:00am - 11:00pm Friday - Saturday 11:00am - Midnight
55
JOIN IN
Over to you lot... Send us something you’ve drawn, taken a photo of, found, discovered or made, absolutely anything you like. Send it in, give us an explanation and see if you can make our wall of fame. It’s that easy! You won’t win anything, but hey, it’s fun! Send your bits to loosechange@magazine.co.uk.
Hand drawing of Scarlett Johansson. This was drawn a while back when she first got the contract at Mango. I use pencil to build up layers of tone. Dominic Inman, Illustration student. Newcastle.
A photomontage I created on photoshop using a load of separate photographs taken of the view from my balcony. This was part of my degree project and was shown in a few exhibitions. Anna Welsh, Illustration student. Roker.
A photograph I took of the dramatic colours in the sky one sunrise over the Roker pier. Alan Place, musician. Sunderland.
76