I was recently invited to celebrate the launch of the exciting new re-brand, John Lewis & Partners. I received a complimentary Personal Styling session to try on some pieces from their fabulous new collection, and a makeover with their exciting new beauty brand ‘Too Faced’.
The styling session was literally a first for me. I’m so used to styling other people, that it was a completely different, but altogether exciting experience, to be standing in what would normally be my “client’s” shoes!! I met up with Miacah, one of the Personal stylists at John Lewis & Partners at the Brent Cross store. She was so warm and friendly, and put me at complete ease. Any slight nerves that I may have had about the experience, went straight out the window when I met her.
Miacah showed me into the Personal Styling suite, where I was offered a drink of my choice….even a glass of Prosecco if I wanted. Obviously, being that it was only 10.30am in the morning, I declined. But trust me, if hubby had been there it probably would’ve been a different story altogether!!!
I was completely “wowed” by the extravagant boutique feel to the styling suite. There was fabulous lighting, gigantic mirrors and decor that oozed complete “luxury!” My excitement soared to a whole new level, when I saw the clothes rail. It was bursting with beautiful clothes waiting for me to delve into. All I could see was pops of colour everywhere, cosy knits and clothes that screamed “plush Autumn/ Winter”. I quite literally “couldn’t wait to get my kit off”, and try them on.
Miacah talked me through the clothes and outfit combo’s she’d chosen for me, with some mix and match variations for a few. Then I was able to try each outfit on at my own pace, and strut my stuff in front of the huge mirror!! Everything I tried on except the earrings and some of the shoes, are all from the brand new John Lewis & Partners Womenswear range.
Look 1:
Kimono | Top | Trousers | Shoes
I absolutely adore this outfit. I’m completely in love with the kimono. Kimonos are a great way to liven up an outfit without much effort, and they work so well together with so many outfit variations. These trousers are so bright and full of life, and the colour is bang on trend this season! The great thing about them is that they’re high waisted so my “mum tum” was neatly tucked away. They were super comfy, as were the shoes!
Look 2:
I’m a pink lover by nature, so you can imagine my excitement when Miacah unleashed this combination. The cashmere jumper was so soft and cosy and the perfect accompaniment to this super stylish, lightweight skirt! If you didn’t want to style this outfit with heels, you could just as easily put on a pair of trainers and a faux fur gillet for day wear.
Look 3:
This coatigan had me wishing Christmas had come early!!! This is an absolute gem. Fantastic for this transitional weather that we’re experiencing at the moment, and can be styled with so many items “I know you already have in your wardrobe!” The detailing and trench style makes it so unique, and it’s super soft!!! I need this in my life!! Although you can’t see it, I had a gorgeous knitted dress underneath, which if you click the link, again you’ll see can so easily be dressed up or down, and is a great capsule wardrobe piece!
Look 4:
Again this outfit really ticked the boxes for style and comfort. The blouse was so lightweight, and is this wonderful mustard yellow colour that’s all the rage this season. I always used to think that yellow would clash with my skin tone, but I actually love it now. It brings a certain warmth and glow against the skin, that other colours might not necessarily give. The skirt actually looks like wide legged trousers from a distance. However, the waist comes up high, and the pleats down the skirt allow ample room for comfort. There is a tie belt, which is great for accentuating those curves!
Look 5:
Coatigan | Sweater | Culottes | Bag | Boots
The first thing I said to Miacah when I saw this combination was that “I’ve never tried all over blue”. I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this outfit on. This is a sky blue variation of the coatigan I so love. As you can see it goes so well with even the same palette! Underneath I had on an ultra soft cashmere sweater and wide leg culottes to match, both in cobalt blue! I felt like royalty in these rich colours, and for me the culottes were a winner. They were so comfy, high waisted, and the outfit possibilities with these are endless! Tees, biker jackets,, heels boots….you get the picture!
Look 6:
This last outfit, was one of my favourites! All the knits in this range are super soft, which is a must for me….but I am seriously obssessing over this knitted pencil skirt! When I tell you that it absolutely hugged me in all the right places…I kid you not!!! It’s the perfect length to wear with ankle boots, and although it’s a figure hugger, it isn’t too restraining! Ultimate style and comfort rolled into one!!! Don’t you just love the cute back pack to? The colour is gorgeous, and it’s just the right size to shove a nappy, cream, my purse, lippy and keys in!!
I’m telling you, I had such an amazing session trying this beautiful range of clothing on….that time just ran away! Before I knew it, I was being whisked away to have my makeover, at the first ever Too Faced makeup counter in a John Lewis & Partners store! Moreover, this Too Faced Makeup counter is exclusive to the John Lewis Brent Cross store and online, which made me feel even more special!! To be honest since having my kids I’ve completely fallen off the makeup bandwagon. I don’t know anything much at all. As I said to my Too Faced makeup artist Chris, all I ever have time for nowadays makeup wise is lippy and my Benefits Goof Proof Eyebrow filler! So trying Too Faced makeup, was something completely new and exciting.
I must say the Too Faced counter is gorgeous! Completely glam, chic, glitzy and most importantly pink!!!! It has the kind of feel to it, that will make any lady feel special.
I met the staff who were lovely, and after Chris walked me through their products, and found out a little about my relationship with makeup, he went to work on me! He really did look like an “artist creating a masterpiece.”
It was such a fun experience, and as he went along he gave me makeup tips and tricks, that I can easily apply to my own makeup routine. I had no idea about ‘contouring’, although I’ve been told that it’s all the rage now….. so Chris gave me some tips on that to! I had no idea what I looked like, but passers by seemed to be giving positive reactions. I wanted to save the ‘Big Reveal’ till the very end!!
When I did finally see myself, I couldn’t believe my transformation! I seriously felt like a superstar!!! The first thing I said was “This is why Beyonce always looks so good!” If I had Chris in my life everyday doing my makeup, I’d literally look like a star!!! The overall look was such a change, but unlike many other makeovers, the makeup on my face didn’t feel heavy. I could still see myself under it all, and I wasn’t shining like I’d just stepped out of a sauna. I’d mentioned to Chris that my T zone gets really shiny nowadays, but he got my makeup just right!!!
Here are the products that Chris used during my makeover:
Primer| Foundation | Concealer | Powder | Shadow Insurance | Glitter Glue | Eye Palette | Eyeliner | Mascara | Bronzer | Blush | Highlighter | Lip Colour
When I went to collect the kids from school, they couldn’t believe their eyes! Some of the parents didn’t even recognise me!!! If you fancy a treat, get yourself down to the John Lewis & Partners stin Brent Cross, and give the ‘Too Faced’ counter a visit! I wish I could’ve taken all the products home with me! They’re absolutely amazing! I mean who else has scented makeup??? None of their products are tested on animals either, and they’ve got a huge range of shades for different skin types and tones available. So you tell me…. what’s not to love??
Additionally, I’d say that John Lewis & Partners have some fabulous pieces in their new range! They’ve managed to combine the right elements of style, comfort and quality into the pieces! The best thing about them, is that it’s so easy to combine the individual items with other clothing, to create fresh, unique outfits for yourself!
As for their Personal Styling service, I would totally recommend it! The service was so professional, and I felt completely at ease with Miacah. She listened to what I liked, and wasn’t pushy as some other stylists can be, with the outfit choices. Everything had been pre-selected, prior to me arriving, so when I did get there, we were good to go! Beforehand, I also received a courtesy call from one of the stylists, to find out a little more about me and to take a few measurements. If you fancy checking out the Personal Styling at John Lewis & Partners, they have two available services. You can opt for a 2 hour complimentary appointment, which covers; special occasions, workwear, wardrobe update, with a free refreshment. Alternatively, they offer an hour service if you’re looking for the perfect pair of jeans. Both services are completely free, and you can conveniently book online so you can’t go wrong!!
Have you tried any ‘Too Faced’ products before? If so, what are your favourites? Have you booked an in store Personal Styling experience before? Would you book one at the John Lewis & Partners Brent Cross store? What do you think of the new John Lewis & Partners clothing range I tried on? I’d love to hear your comments.
Until the next time….
Keep Smiling
Kam 💋