Local stylist Leigh Maybury helped shoppers get summer-ready at the latest fashion event at the shopping centre with many visitors getting the chance to have a colour analysis, with all donations going to the shopping centre’s charity partner, Firefly Arts.
It follows on from the success of previous ‘Meet the Stylist’ events, with people travelling far and wide to get some insights and tips on this year’s trends, which include everything from polka dots and stripes to a bohemian revival and tailored suits, showcased from stores like River Island, New Look and M&S.
Leigh, who is the founder of the ‘Life with Style’ consultancy, also shared advice on creating an easy-to-wear summer capsule wardrobe and did one-to-one, £10 colour analysis sessions to help raise funds for The Centre, Livingston charity partner, Firefly Arts, who help young people build confidence and resilience through the arts.
The sessions are designed to help shoppers choose shades that really accentuate their skin’s natural tones and the colour of their hair and eyes and really hone their individual style.
Leigh said: “Thanks to everyone for coming along to another fantastic ‘Meet the Stylist’ event at The Centre, Livingston and to the stores that took part.
“It can often be tricky to find the perfect outfit, whether it is everyday wear or for a special occasion, as quite often we’ll go for the easy option or what we’re used to wearing, but these events give people the boost they need to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, which complements their skin tone and personality.”
On the day, our Style Squad team were also on their walkabouts, catching up with lots of visitors from far and wide on their reasons for visiting and what they picked up, with some lucky shoppers being gifted a £25 Gift Card to treat themselves!
There was a vibrant energy in the air as people shopped for everything from wedding outfits to holiday wear, with many of them delighted to share their visiting stories with us.
Isobel Strachan from Livingston was the first to arrive for her colour analysis – something she’s always wanted to do for a long time.
“I’ve never really known which colours suit me best, so it was great to get Leigh’s expert help today to lead me more in the right direction.
“Knowing that I am a ‘spring’ colour and shades like navy, coral and buttercup yellow suit me best will really help the way I shop in the future and save time and money as I’ll be making more purposeful purchases.”
We loved catching up with Nadine Thomson from South Lanarkshire at the ‘Meet the Stylist’ event, who was shopping with her best friend for her upcoming holiday to Crete.
“I often visit The Centre, Livingston as there’s such a great choice of stores and places to eat that I like, including H&M, and I always make sure there’s plenty of time to pop into Boots for new make-up.
“It was so lovely to be surprised with a £25 Gift Card which I’ll be putting towards a bite to eat in my favourite restaurant, Nando’s, after I’ve got everything off my holiday checklist.”
Caragh Fraser from Lanark, who works in a plant nursery, was more than happy to share her favourite stores with us, which include River Island and New Look, who have just launched a new Terry de Havilland range, featuring vibrant, vacation-ready pieces which includes 70s-style prints with butterfly motifs and bold swirls in swimwear, maxi dresses, fringed tops and flowing trousers.
“I always enjoy a browse through the shops at The Centre, Livingston and never fail to find what I’m looking for – especially in River Island!
“I wasn’t expecting to get a £25 Gift Card on my visit today, which I will be using to treat myself to something nice or put towards lunch at wagamama which is my go-to restaurant when I’m here.”
It was great to hear all about Liz Baron’s colour analysis, especially as the shades she loves and always goes for are the ones that are more suited to her skin tone, so she was already on the right track.
“I was surprised to learn I’m a ‘winter cool’ colour which means I’ve haven’t been too far off what I tend to lean towards when out shopping.
“This means I can keep buying silver and black and white clothes, which I love, but it was also nice to know that I can add a splash of colour now and then, and the one to go for would be fuchsia, which is such a lovely colour but one I would never have been drawn to before.”
On our travels around the shopping centre we bumped into Jonny McDonald, who was in River Island picking up some new holiday wear, and to his delight, we surprised him at the till and offered to give him a £25 Gift Card towards his purchase.
“I’m heading off to Tenerife soon with my friends and nipped in to get a few bits and pieces and was so pleased to be offered the Gift Card to put towards my new shorts and t-shirt – thank you!”
Next up for Johnny was a visit to his other favourite stores, Flannels and Foot Locker – no trip to the shopping centre is ever complete for Jonny without nipping into Greggs for a bite to eat.
Last on our radar to catch up with was Jordan and Shannon from Livingston who were on the hunt for a new suit for a wedding in Suits Direct.
Jordan said: “I knew I’d find what I had in mind in Suits Direct – they’ve got such a great range!
“It was an even better shopping trip than I thought it would be when I was surprised with a £25 Gift Card to put towards it – thank you so much!
With a great variety of over 150 stores and restaurants to choose from, including M&S, schuh, JD Sports, Primark, Wingstop, Five Guys and Las Iguanas, there’s something for everyone at The Centre, Livingston!