Shop talk, compiled by Janet Reeder
You’ve been framedChester-based Adrenaline Brush is reinventing board games for the Wii generation by transforming them into works of art.Those old enough to remember the dark ages, when there were only three channels on the telly and families used to gather round playing Ker-plunk! or Connect 4 can relive those happy days again as Adrenaline Brush Director, Nellie Maan, has been determined not to let board games be consigned to the cupboard. She’s created games that are not only fun but they double up as art works.The first seven that have been launched by Nellie have been called ‘A game in A Frame’.‘The idea is no-one expects that a picture on a wall is actually a board game,’ she says. ‘Until you take it down and say ‘why don’t we play it?’For details visit www.adrenalinebrush.co.uk or call 01244 325 507. Prices start from �24.95 to �59.95 for a framed and mounted game.
Beauty inside and out at TarporleyGood news for those who want to both feel good and look good: Angela Bartlett health and beauty has now joined forces with the Tarporley Health Store.‘The idea is to offer holistic treatments,’ says Angela, who is currently the chairman for BABTAC, one of the largest professional beauty associations in the UK. ‘So Richard at the health store treats the inside and I treat the outside. I am a big advocate of treating the face and body not just on the outside but also the inside with suitable supplements.’ Visit www.tarporleyhealthstore.co.uk or call 01829 733393 for further information.
Sea changeNautical chic is back for spring, a style that, let’s face it can start to look a bit Captain Pugwash if you’re not careful. Thankfully, this ensemble from Viyella references the trend without going the whole ocean’s away. These pieces look great together but are versatile when worn with other neutrals. Check them out at the Viyella store in Alderley Road, Wilmslow. Tel: 01625 539 970. Cardigan �125, jumper �70, trouser �70.
What do they know?If you hate Uggs and love skinny jeans – you’re a man.A recent survey of fashion trends women love and men hate revealed that Uggs, leggings and tattoos are a no-no with the boys, while one-shoulder dresses, skinny jeans and the maxi are a big hit with the 1,564 18 to 30-year-old men interviewed by www.MyCelebrityfashion.co.uk Men also hated pink and thought darker clothing was sexy, in which case they’ll probably only half-like this one shoulder dress from the new collection, �325, by Frank Usher. On the other hand, it’s the sort of thing we gals would love to wear for a special occasion.
Sassy in the cityThis is the to-die-for-range that everyone’s talking about. Halston Heritage, a diffusion line from the legendary 1970s label has arrived at Manchester’s Selfridges. We’ve already seen the posters of Carrie Bradshaw in the new Sex and the City movie wearing a fabulous white jersey number from the range and even more exciting for those who don’t have a Hollywood salary to splurge, the dresses are priced from around �250. We predict this will be the hottest label this summer. Contact Selfridges Exchange Square on 0800 123 400.
Family affairAny excuse to print a picture of the still-lovely David Beckham...of course there’s further reason for including this image of the former Cheshire resident because the Beckham name is the creative force behind the new Sport Relief T-shirts this year.In fact, it’s the entire family, including sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz who have apparently been involved in the creation of a series of one-off designs to promote the fundraising weekend of March 19-21. Each T-shirt features ‘The Beckhams for Sport Relief’ logo, a combination of the footprints of each family member. Want to know more? Check out www.sportrelief.com for ways in which you can get involved.
Store Style
Julie at Ruth Rae
56 Hospital Street, Nantwich01270 624555www.ruthrae.co.uk
StyleIf someone wanted the template for the ideal local clothing store, they should visit Julie at Ruth Rae. The shop celebrates its 45th anniversary this year so it’s definitely doing something right. Maybe the relaxed atmosphere, or the great location, the smart interior, or the terrific selection of labels or perhaps it’s all of these things?
What to buyThis is a shop which knows its clientele. It’s a place to browse for that little something to pep up your wardrobe, or to get first class advice and service from the clued-up staff. There’s a smattering of menswear and labels to suit women sized 10-26, with the emphasis on good quality European, especially German brands such as Baronia, Eugen Klein, Manke, Basler and Bianca.
Anything else?Free alterations on new stock, expert advice, special requests, and generally great service.
Opening times Monday 10am to 4pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (May-October) 9.30am-4.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am-1.30pm, Saturday (November-April) 9.30am-4pm, Sunday – closed.
