Category Archives: Fashion

Hot on the Highstreet Week 247 – The Braid Bar

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The Braid Bar has arrived at Selfridges London – an answer to stylish, braided hair on the go.

Open for two weeks only, this new pop up founded by West London duo Sarah Hiscox and Willa Burton is exclusive to the Beauty Workshop on G.

From French plaits and fishtails to stylish corn rows, you can choose from a menu of 12 styles named after supermodels and stars, priced between £10 and £25, and style takes no longer than 20 minutes.

After repeated requests from Sarah’s daughter Lucy to braid her hair – she realised that there was nowhere in London that she could take Lucy to get a quick braid and not have to pay a fortune for it. With the help of Willa, fashion stylist and girl about town, they saw there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled.

The Braid Bar was born! With Suki Waterhouse and Davina McCall, amongst others, giving them a name check on Instagram – they gained a huge following in a very short space of time. And the demand for braids seems to be growing at speed with stars like Rita Ora regularly sporting the look.

With my new short crop haircut I’m not sure there are many styles suitable for me, but I’ll be going along to Selfridges at some point this week to trial the pretty plaited look.

More information on the braiding bunch here: www.thebraidbar.co.uk 

To book call The Beauty Workshop, Selfridges, London on 020 7318 3647.

Ena Salon, Holborn

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I only go for a radical hair change when I really trust the salon. At Ena Salon I immediately noticed the creative energy combined with a reassuring professionalism. And so I decided there and then to be bold and undergo a makeover.

Owners Pedro and Johnny both started their hairdressing careers at a young age at Vidal Sassoon. As colleagues and best friends, they opened Ena Salon in 2009 with a desire to do more with their experience. They have quickly garnered a keen following and have won many accolades over the last few years. Their close-knit team of stylists and colourists are a friendly family, fiercely proud of their workplace: a unique Georgian townhouse in Holborn. Inside they have created a salon, a beauty retreat, a teaching academy and a home. The interior is beautifully designed with charming original features and contemporary touches. If you look carefully you will spot baby photos of the staff throughout the building – emphasising the importance of the people who make Ena Salon such a success. Ena’s education company Allilon also continues to thrive, and the salon staff regularly travel to teach their craft to eager hairdressers around the world.

Ena is also the flagship store for Davines products, a sustainable and ethical Italian brand. The products are attractively packaged and the pastel liquids sit on the shelves waiting to be picked for application. They used a variety on my hair, helping to enhance the colour, strengthen and polish.

I was directed upstairs for my colour transformation where I was greeted by Madeleine, a cheerful colour director. We briefly discussed options and perused a colour chart before deciding on a dark reddy brown. The colouring session was blissfully quick and easy, and Madeleine’s expertise was demonstrated in her ability to attend to my hair efficiently and effectively. Within an hour I had my head in a smart sink and I was a new girl. An invigorating wash and massage followed, and my hair was left with a red tinted Davines conditioner.

Next it was master stylist Jonathan’s turn. I wanted to look different so we decided on a bob, about three inches shorter than my previous hairstyle. After shortening the length, Jonathan perfected the style, creating a sleek, chic look. I felt grown up, sophisticated and looked not dissimilar to Jessie J, which they assured me is a good look! Various Davines products were brushed and scrunched through my hair, a volumising mousse and a medium hold hairspray, both felt light and natural in my hair.

After a morning of enjoying copious tea, gossiping and reading magazines, I was ready to hit the streets with my new look. I had so much fun at Ena, I barely noticed all their hard work; it is only now that I am appreciating the thorough and brilliant job they did.

More information and book an appointment here: www.enasalon.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 246 – Shopping in Brussels

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I’ve just spent a lovely weekend in Belgium, here are my favourite shops in Brussels for fancy food and fabulous fashion… and a little stationery store that I can’t resist mentioning!

Maison Dandoy – we stumbled across this charming little biscuit shop, also recommended by knowledgeable blogger Jess on Thames. A sweet institution established in 1829, Dandoy produces irresistable oven-fresh biscuits. Coincidentally the original shop is found in Brussels on rue au Beurre (Butter street).

L’Antichambre – an unmissable boutique on the Brussels shopping scene. Owner Anne Pascale has created a sensual shop with the highest quality scents from Grasse, and will work with clients to create their very own bespoke fragrance. I was lucky enough to make my own, which I named Resolument Moderne including Chocolate, Spicy Pepper and Fig ingredients. L’Antichambre also produce a range of beautiful scented candles, try the unique flavour Le tomate verte.

Mary – this pretty feminine shop has packaging that is just as lovely as the chocolates. There are now a few branches of this artisan brand, all stocking the signature illustrated boxes filled with seriously delicious treats. My favourite chocolate shop in Brussels, a box of Mary chocolates would be a memorable gift for someone special.

Hunting and Collecting – this spacious, cleanly arranged shop stocks a range of labels, which are rotated regularly, so you are bound to find a new gem every time you visit. The basement hosts art exhibitions whilst upstairs you can browse the tailored clothes, and lust after the design objects and striking accessories.

Pierre Marcolini – when you ask the locals in Belgium for the best chocolate, most will point towards the haute chocolatier, Pierre Marcolini. The shop is more like a museum with immaculately presented chocolates everywhere you look. I loved the coloured heart collection, which are almost too pretty to demolish!

La Fabrika – Opened by Kelly Claessens in 2010 this design haven stocks a beautifully curated collection of classic furniture, unusual books and chic accessories that would complement any home. La Fabrika is a trendsetter in Brussels and is popular with the stylish Bohemian locals.

Le Typographe – I have been excited about my trip to this stationery emporium for months, so entering the doors of the perfectly ordered shop was a joy. Alongside the carefully hand-picked pens, pencils and other writing paraphernalia Le Typographe stock their own brand, often neon, cards, envelopes and notebooks. An atelier of the finest stationery, I wanted it all.