Big thanks to everyone who helped us to raise awareness and funds for our winter Charity Partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS), at our Autumn/Winter ‘Meet the Stylist’ event where shoppers got an insight into this season trends from fashion expert, Leigh Maybury, and also skincare and makeup advice from Boots.
The free event follows on from the success of the Spring/Summer style pop up, which raised funds for the local charity, Breast Friends and Family.
Visitors to the shopping centre snapped up the opportunity to get one-to-one personal shopping tips from Leigh, who is also a trained colour expert, specialising in helping people to discover the specific shades they should be wearing, based on their natural skin tone and the colour of their hair and eyes.
The benefits of wearing colours that suit you best include enhancing your natural complexion, confidence boosting, having an easier time shopping for outfits that bring out your best features and being able to create a more cohesive, ‘mix and match’ wardrobe.
The express 15-minute colour analysis sessions cost £10, with all funds going to CHAS, which has recently been announced at the shopping center’s winter Charity Partner, for the third consecutive year.
Boots also took part in the event, giving shoppers an insight into which Autumn/Winter make-up styles are trending, including the revival of the graphic blue and metallic eyeliner from the 90s, frosted eyes in bronze, silver and copper and subtle, natural glossy lips to help keep them soft and nourished.
Some lucky shoppers on the day were also gifted with a surprise £25 Gift Card, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston to treat themselves.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We at CHAS were absolutely delighted to be part of such an exciting fashion event at The Centre, Livingston.
“It was incredibly kind of Leigh to share her knowledge and help create an atmosphere that was nothing short of fantastic.
“It was a wonderful way to raise vital funds and awareness for the work CHAS does across Scotland.
“Every pound raised helps us continue providing care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families, and we’re so grateful to The Centre, Leigh Maybury, and everyone who took part for their incredible support.”
On the day our style team took the opportunity to catch up with lots of shoppers to find out which purchases they had made and also which styles and colours suit them best at the event.
It was great to meet mum Demmi and her daughter Brodie from Inverkeithing, who were shopping for school boots from schuh for the winter.
Demmi said: “Visiting The Centre, Livingston is something we’ve always enjoyed doing together. Sometimes we have a check list, like today, which is to pick up a pair of winter school boots for Brodi and a warm jacket too, but sometimes we just visit to browse the stores and see what catches our eye.”
When they are not clothes shopping, Brodi and her mum like to enjoy a bite to eat in Nando’s.
Rachel, who is a teacher and her mum, Anna, who is a retired nurse, from South Queensferry, were enjoying a day out shopping together when we caught up with them.
Rachel had just picked a stunning, cosy grey woolly jumper from H&M, before heading to M&S to see if anything eye-catching captures their attention.
Rachel said: “We often come to The Centre, Livingston for a day of shopping to treat ourselves and then head to one of our favourite restaurants for bite to eat – it’s a great way for us to catch up too.”
Next up on our radar to chat to was Bella Hughes from Bathgate who loves a day out shopping with her mum Kimberley – a pastime they both enjoy!
Devin, a Beauty Specialist and Maddie, a No7 Adviser from Boots, were both on hand to give Bella an insight into make-up trends for the season.
Bella said: “It was great to get some make up tips from Devin and Maddie especially as Boots is one of my favourite stores – it’s my go-to for e.l.f. make-up and skincare products, which I’m a big fan of.”
Last up was Carol Dunbar from Armadale who was enjoying her time shopping and getting style tips from Leigh, before she headed off to meet her friend for lunch.
Leigh recommended a few bits and pieces for Carol who was putting her wardrobe together for an imminent cruise and trip to New York.
“It was fantastic to get some advice from Leigh on which clothes to pack for my upcoming holiday. I’m a big fan of animal prints so it was no surprise the M&S jacket on the rail at the style event caught my attention.
Carol said: “Thanks so much to The Centre, Livingston for surprising me with a £25 Gift Card! After my consultation with Leigh, I made my way straight to M&S and picked up the jacket I fell in love with!”
Keep an eye on our socials channels, @shopthecentre, for details of our next ‘Meet the Stylist’ event – coming soon!