The countdown is well and truly underway for the biggest event on the Scouse social calendar; National Weekend. Most of you will have already prepared and planned way in advance every detail of your day/weekend, but for those who haven’t here’s my pick of the best places to get races ready.
Dress
Who other could I possibly recommend than the amazingly talented Mark Melia? He’ll create you a one off dress and always ensures that no one will be wearing the same outfit as you – how considerate is that? His outfits are a firm favourite amongst Liverpool women and celebrities and yes, his outfits have won the all important best dressed competition before now. Mark’s ‘atellier’ is situated on School Lane in Liverpool City Centre. Prices start from around £250. 01517098881 Mark Melia Designs
Hat
No visit to Aintree would be complete without a hat, and a big one at that. Fascinators are sooooo 2008 darling. My pick this year is a new entry; ‘House of Charles’. I recently used a couple of her hats at a River Island masterclass shoot and they were a big hit there. She has a signature flower hat which is humungous and apparently florals are something the best dressed competition judges are looking for this year. Just saying. I’ve researched this shit. Hats are available to buy or to hire from her website.
Sunglasses
Ok so it might rain, but let’s be the optimist and say that it won’t and the sun’ll be cracking the flags – you’re gonna need some decent eyewear. Let’s stick with the theme of ‘keeping it local’ and where else would you find a better range of couture eyewear than Silverbergs opticians opposite the Met Quarter? I went in the other day to get mine and the service was fantastic. Colin, the practice manager, went throguh a wide range of styles and shapes and has even ordered me in the style that I like but in a different colour than the ones they had in stock. In the end I went for a pair of jewelled Lanvin (can’t beat a bit of bling) but the purple Chanel and the cat eye Tom Ford’s were personal favourites of mine too. Big thumbs up from me for service! You can contact Silverbergs on 01517092012 or visit their website.
Suit
Aintree races are just as much for the men as they are for the ladies so I couldn’t really leave them out could I? All I needed was a willing victim man to test somewhere out cos as we all know they like to leave everything to the last minute. There’s only a couple of places that spring to mind when you think of suits in this city and Slaters is the main one. I’d been there before when my mum got married and as I remember the service was great. I took my friend Anthony who works for Klinked (who I will be bringing out a Scouse Bird Dizzy app in conjunction with next month so watch this space….) to get his suit for the races. The assistant Phil was able to offer recommendations and advice and tailor the suit to his exact size (but naturally I got final say). The range of choice in Slaters is amazing, it’s an absolutely huge building so I challenge anyone not to find what they need. Suits range from £49 to £449 and they have a selection of shirts, suits, ties and shoes on site so it’s a one stop shop to get your man kitted out for the races. Anthony said, “I found my recent visit to Slaters fantastic. Not being a fashion expert myself I found the staff very helpful and personable. Every member of staff I dealt with was eager to help me make the right purchase.” Slaters can be found on Williamson St (not far from Williamson Sq). 01517071600 Visit their website here
Hair
Naturally I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair other than Voodou and whatever style you go for they’ll master it with ease. For hair ups book in with Zara (Button St) or Preston (Bold St) and you can’t beat a curly blow from Frankie (Button St). They also offer £10 off for new customers so if they’ve got any appointments left I’d get in there now. Visit Voodou’s website here.
Make up
I love doing my make up so I’ll be doing my own this year, however if you definitely have not got the ‘skillz that killz’ when it comes to smokey eye and contouring then consulting a professional is a must. I can recommend Illamasqua in the Met Quarter or The Make Up Artist on Bold St (run by some of the amazing MUA’s at Illamasqua of course).
Champagne Breakfast
The races comes but once a year so of course you need to see it in with style, be a prinny at least for the day. There’s only really one or two places which cross my mind when I think of champagne breakfasts and one of them is The Living Room on Victoria St and that’s where I’m going for mine. They have packages ranging from breakfast only for £15 right up to breakfast, transport & 3 course dinner for £59.95. There’s also another package which includes a booth in Mosquito downstairs.
Party on afterwards
I’m off to Igloo, I tried their new cocktail menu last week and I’m hooked – I want more. Plus it’s within walking distance of The Raz hahahaha.
Enjoy! It’s gonna be an amazing weekend as always and make sure you’re looking fab cos I’ll be doing this…. If you STILL haven’t bought your ticket you can get Ladies Day Tatts tcikets for £25 instead of £37 using code SBP25 on Aintree’s website.
XOXO
Scouse Bird
