Fashion & Fun: Ladies Night at The Centre Livingston
I've never been to Livingston before, nor heard much about it, but when the lovely Michelle from Michelle Brown PR told me about an upcoming event I couldn't resist checking it out. Ladies Night at The Centre Livingston (a huge shopping complex full of big brand names) was a full on girly night out with some of my favourite Edinburgh and Glasgow bloggers. complete with make up tutorials from Jamie Genevieve, styling sessions with Forever Yours Betty, delicious food at Wagamama's and a killer shopping spree. Read on to find out more....
Now the name 'Ladie's Night' may immediately put you off, but this event was far from a group of old women talking about anti wrinkle cream and tuppaware over dry martinis. Instead there was a much younger audience, and a huge one at that, gathered round to see gorgeous Scottish youtube star and make-up artist Jamie Geneveive perform a full hour make-up tutorial in her signature sassy style. I learned so many little beauty tricks and tips from both Jamie and the girls from Urban Decay at Debenhams, like how to properly apply lipstick (who knew I was getting something so simple so wrong...).
Before Jamie wowed the stage, the front-row blogger gals were treated to mocktails from suited and booted waiters, a dance performance, a fashion styling session all about this season's trends with the wonderful Sheri from Glasgow fashion blog Forever Your's Betty, and top quality hosting by Heart Radio (the night's sponsor) DJ Adele Cunningham. All this glitz and glamour in the middle of a giant shopping mall was totally unexpected!
It was such a treat taking a road trip to The Centre Livingston with some fellow fabulous Scottish bloggers, from long-time blogosphere buddies like Kimberley from Wardrobe Conversations, Nicole from Coco Made Her Do It and Jen from Tartan Brunette, to new friends like the lovely Lyndsey from The Quiet Resolution and Becky from the wonderful Ion Magazine and finally my total girl boss inspiration Amanda from Honey Pop Kisses.
One of my favourite parts of Ladie's Night was definately the late night shopping ( a regular Thursday service at The Centre), and I loved seeing what the other girls picked up. Of course I don't totally advocate fast fashion brands, but some of the bargains on offer I just couldn't resist, and after a stressful few weeks I definetely needed a little pick me up. There were mid season sales on at River Island and Topshop, plus The Centre were offering a genourous 20% discount at many of the shops that evening, so I picked up a pair of faux suede embroidered heeled boots from RI at only £25, and a metallic teal party dress from Topshop at less than £20. Total steals and I cant wait to bring them out partying with me! What do you think of the boots?
Another fabulous treat we all didn't expect were the gorgeous goodie bags filled with bits and bobs available from the stores at The Centre Livingston. In mine I was ecstatic to find stacks of Urban Decay samples (which I'm totally loving so far-especially the liquid lipsticks!) and some a Lush cosmeics Love and Kisses gift box; everything smells amazing and cleans like a dream! Anyone whos tried the Lush lip scrubs knows that theres no going back after using it just once- I'm obsessed with the peppermint ones. They are totally edible too if you're feeling pecksih haha! Huge thanks to Urban Decay and Lush, as well as the Perfume Shop, Clinique at Debenhams, Beaverbrooks and Primark too for the goodies!
Finally, I can't not mention the meal we shared at Wagamama. One of my favourite chain restaurants, Wagamama serves a multitude of delicious vegetarian, vegan and omni options, so its the perfect spot to take a big group. We feasted on a whole host of different dishes, and tried out all the new healthy juices too, but I particularly enjoyed the mushroom and panko aubegine steamed buns, the bang bang cauliflower and the edamame beans. I ate my weight in food. All for the sake of the press pictures of course, not my complete lack of self control. All in all it was a brilliant night for us all, and we couldn't stop the chatter in the car journey home (sorry Neil the driver). Thanks Michelle for organising a fabulous time!