Shop talk
Box cleverPlus size has never meant poor relation with the Box 2 label, which is probably why they’ve downsized on selected ranges. They used to start at size 14 but now come in size 12 to 30, appealing to women of all shapes and sizes.You’ll find the styles on their website, but if you prefer a hands-on shopping experience visit one of the Box 2 seasonal roadshows. The next in Cheshire is at the Cottons Hotel, Knutsford on May 9th, 11am-4pm. Tel: 01565 622132 www.box2.co.uk
Blooming lovelyL’Occitane has gone back to the garden for its latest bloomin’ lovely range of cosmetics. The new Peony collection is distinctively packaged to look like something you might plant rather than put on your face and this month L’Occitane shops in Chester, Manchester and Liverpool will be taking the garden theme further. They are being transformed into a nursery garden overflowing with colours and scents to celebrate their new range, which includes a fragrance, lip and cheek colours and this illuminating face powder which lights and refreshes the complexion. Illuminating powder, �19.50 from L’Occitane www.loccitane.com
Garden gothicGothic is the trend for this year’s gardens inspired by the new Horace Walpole exhibition which runs until July 4 at London’s Victoria & Albert museumWalpole’s Strawberry Hill mansion with its extraordinary structure and interiors led the way for the Gothic revival in the 18th century and while we may not want a gargoyle in our bedroom these days, it’s a style that looks completely at home in a garden. You can easily get the look via fountains, urns, jardini�res and sculptures in the range by Haddonstone. For more information visit www.haddonstone.com or Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester 01244 682 856, Stapeley Water Gardens, Nantwich 01270 623868 and Woodford Park Garden Centres 01614 390745.
Scentsational find1830s perfume house Grossmith was one of the oldest in England until its demise in 30 years ago but now it is enjoying a renaissance with the help of Simon Brooke, who researched his family tree and found he was the great-great-grandson of founder John Grossmith. Along with his heritage, Simon unearthed formulae for more than 300 products and a selection of exclusive fragrances is now on sale at Hoopers in Wilmslow, priced �95-�420.Fragrance expert Roja Dove has been a mentor for these fragrances that can also be bought in limited edition crystal flacons. A special launch event is also scheduled at Hoopers in June.Tel:01625 525381 www.hoopersltd.uk
Tights are downSexy stockings are the order of the day at Selfridges which says that sales of its hold-ups have gone up by 200% (year on year). It seems that stockings are no longer being reserved for special occasions as brands including Wolford and La Perla are creating hold-up lines for every day, such as Merino wool and lace top 10 denier. Indeed, Wolford’s black lace ‘Souvenir’ (�48) and La Perla’s lace top sheer hold up (�19) are Selfridges’ current best sellers at stores in Manchester. 0800 123 4000 www.selfridges.com
Store style
7th Heaven BridalBlack Lion Court, High St, Congleton, Cheshire. 01260 2771238th Planet Beauty 01260 290888
Look no further than this gorgeous shop, frothing with dresses and other bridal essentials and to make the going even easier it shares its premises with 8th Planet Beauty, so you can get advice on the perfect look to match your dress.
STYLEA haven of heavenly loveliness. It’s relaxing and there’s space for you to check your look and enjoy the experience of choosing that all-important wedding dress. It’s everything a bridal shop should be and more because there’s the 8th Planet beauty salon on the premises.
WHAT TO BUY?Trudy Lee, Alfred Sung and Sophia Tolli gowns. Shoes by Paradox, Liza Designs, Ellie K and Bethany Allen, who also does jewellery. They also sell veils, petticoats and tiaras.
Anything else? Appointments on request, bride and groom beauty packages, hen parties and everything from holistic therapies to manicures and pedicures. There’s even a St Tropez Tan loyalty scheme.
Opening Times7th Heaven BridalTuesday-Friday 10am-5pmSaturday 9am-5pmSunday and Monday – closedAny other time by appointment8th Planet BeautyTuesday and Wednesday 9am-8pmThursday 9am-5.30pmSaturday 8.30am-2.30pm
