Spa Destination of the Month: FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS

Situated in the home of Golf: St Andrews, this 5-star hotel really lived up to its 5-Star status. Here is NOIR's review...

HOTEL

Fiona Says: As I drove up the drive to the hotel I was instantly wowed. I parked up the car and entered the hotel. Luckily we were able to check in early so we headed straight to our room.We were given a Deluxe Double Room with a sea view. It was amazing. We were also very fortunate to have arrived while the sun was splitting the sky. After our horrible ordeal of being stalked by wasps in the town centre, I was in heaven in this room. The room is furnished with modern furniture but still has the traditional touch to it. The bathroom featured a massive bath (but unfortunately we did not have time to use). The hotel itself is very expansive. There are 6 different restaurants and bars, all within easy reach of each other. I loved the dual staircase to go down to the lower level of the hotel. I would definitely recommend this hotel to my friends and family, its décor, choice of restaurants/bars, friendly staff, and amazing spa facilities would make this a perfect getaway for anyone.

Leanne says: We arrived just in time for the Senior Open Golf Tournament which was a fantastic way to be welcomed to St Andrews as it is the home of golf after all. After a really simple check-in we went up to our room which was divine. I actually didn’t want to move from the bed as it was so big and comfy which was great to get back to later to watch some chick flicks on the big screen TV. Bathroom was a great size and stocked some really good beauty products that we could use.

SPA TREATMENT

Fiona Says: I entered the spa reception and the smell was beautiful. I was greeted with a friendly face and smile. We were early for our treatment so we waited on the comfy chairs taking in the aroma of the candles burning in the relaxation rooms. I was then welcomed into the treatment room by a very friendly, soft spoken therapist. I was having the Scottish Tranquillity Treatment. It started with a foot massage, and for someone who has extremely tickly feet, I loved it. Water was poured over my feet and then the therapist massaged a sugar scrub over my feet, concentrating on the top and heel area (possibly as I highlighted my ticklishness). This was then rinsed off and I climbed onto the bed, being short made it a little difficult but it was manageable. I was then massaged over my arms, legs and body with a sugar scrub, which I have to admit, is one of those painful pleasures! The sugar being rubbed on my body was sore, but I knew it was doing well, and it was relaxing at the same time. After this I was massaged over the same areas, this time with clay. I was cocooned in towels while this was setting on my body, and I was then given a head and neck massage. I had twisted my neck the night before and this definitely loosened it off and the pain was gone the next day. I then showered the clay scrub off and got back onto the bed (which the therapist had given me full privacy for and waited outside the room). The treatment was then finished off with an all over massage, at which point I was close to sleeping. My skin felt so soft and smelled amazing. I was worried as I am prone to spots on my face, but my skin loved the products used during this treatment as no spots appeared. I felt totally refreshed and relaxed and would recommend this treatment to anyone who loves a bit of pampering!
Leanne says: I too had the Scottish Tranquillity Treatment which should be renamed to 90 minutes of heaven in my opinion. I had such a lovely therapist who really made me feel relaxed. The scrub was amazing and it was my first time ever being cocooned in anything but once the warm organic clay to condition my skin was applied and I managed to ignore the slightly icky feeling and relax as I was given the head massage. After rinsing off I was treated to a pressure point massage (which I really needed) and to top it off we had our own private retreat room where we were served Tranquility tea with lovely biscuits to finish relaxing. We both smelled amazing and glowed afterwards so this treatment is well worth a try! There is also a pool and jacquzzi to relax in at the hotel also.

FOOD

Fiona Says: We had a free breakfast included in our stay at the Fairmont St Andrews, and I love a good breakfast. One word I would choose to use to describe the breakfast is amazing.There was so much choice from sausages to muffins, nobody could go hungry. It was like an American all you can eat buffet, and I think I thought I was in America going by the amount of food on my plate. I had a full Scottish breakfast, followed by 2 pancakes, and after that I nearly rolled off my chair. I love food, and this breakfast made my day. I would go back for the breakfast alone!
Leanne says: I have to be honest here, myself and Fiona were pigs at breakfast and must have left a stone heavier with all we ate. This is why I love buffet all you can eat style breakfasts – you can eat whatever you feel like, and however much of it you want. Being a vegetarian, I don’t think I have ever seen the mass amount of options that I had available to choose from, you could make a fruit & cheese plate, cereals, potato scones, yogurts, pancakes with maple syrup, selections of juices & waters, teas, coffees, toast…. Could have stayed for a week just in the breakfast area alone.

http://www.fairmont.com/standrews

SPA DESTINATION OF THE MONTH: BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE

HOTEL SERVICE/ROOM:

Leanne says: When we arrived we were early so went to the spa first. Our concierge who was showing us to our room couldn’t open the door so to our delight we got a free room upgrade and oh my the room – and bathroom – were huge. The bathroom was filled with marble décor and had underfloor heating, a large bathtub and shower and an amazing waterfall style water system in the sink basin. Our kingsize bed was more than enough room for watching the free just-released on DVD movies that are provided for guests. Rating: 5/5

Joanne says: I can't find any fault at all with the room we were given. The room was very spacious and the bathroom massive. I loved the decor in both. The room was styled very modern but also had a homely touch with lots of pretty scattered cushions on the bed and chair. The kingsize bed was massive and the most comfortable I have ever came across in a hotel. To top things off, there was a large flat screen TV which offered a range of newly released films to watch for free! The bathroom was decorated in dark marble and had an amazing rain fall shower. Something which I have always wanted to try and I was not disappointed. Rating: 5/5

RESTAURANT/FOOD:

Leanne says: The restaurant’s décor provides a very relaxed yet classy atmosphere. For starters I had a soup which consisted of vegetables, leaves and cheese blended together – was so lovely but filling. Round two saw my main meal of vegetarian pasta which baffled me and Joanna with its shape – the shape and size of lentils, accompanied by a type of stock, some mushrooms, lentils and other veggie delights. I actually really liked it even though I hate mushrooms. Our dessert was a rhurbab Panna Cotta which was summery, yummy and I could eat one right now just thinking about it. Rating: 4/5

Joanne says: The restaurant was stylish, bright and modern. The staff were great, very friendly and helpful. We had to choose from the market menu which did not have loads to choose from, but enough to satisify most tastes. To start I had a chorizo and smoked haddock mousse dish. This was very nice and just enough for a starter. For main, I had the pasta. The pasta was completely different from anything I had seen before but very tasty. The desert I chose was the rhubard panna cotta. This was a lovely desert and actually very refreshing.

Rating: 4/5

SPA FACILITIES:

Leanne says: Before we had our treatments we tried out both the hydro and vitality pools which were a highlight of our spa experience. The hydro pool is in a dark chamber which you enter and sit down in the circular poll. Upon pressing some buttons the pool begins to bubble and massages you. I loved it. Next we checked out the vitality pool which upon pressing a button turns half the pool into bubbles with massage fountains and swimming jets – truly relaxing. Post-treatments we headed into the Thermal Experience which sees you alternating between hot and cold temperatures which help detoxify your body. You are put on a journey beginning at the lower end of the sauna scales and work your way up. I have to say when Joanne opened the door to one of the more hot ones and a cloud of steam came flooding out I did have my reserves but we did manage to stay in for a while and had amazingly glowing skin. The ice fountain also helped us to cool down in between saunas with flakes of ice you can put on your body. Rating: 5/5

Joanne says: The spa was located on the ground floor of the hotel and was absolutely gorgeous. The staff where very friendly and helpful. After the spa treatment, we took advantage of the spa facilities and went through the Thermal Experience. This was fantastic and featured a number of sauna/steam rooms and also an ice fountain. The use of both left my skin even softer than before. My favourite parts of the spa however were the gorgeous jacuzzi room and pool. I could have sat in them for hours. Rating: 5/5

SPA TREATMENT:

Leanne says: I opted for the ila Vital Energy Full Body Massage which just completely rejuventated my aching body. The massage therapist was lovely and began by massaging my feet and asking where I had tension in my body. Then she massaged me in sections by hand and also by using the application of Himalayan herb poultices which were warm and left on for a while as she moved around to other parts. Reflexology, marma massage and lymphatic drainage are also techniques used. I would definitely recommend this treatment for anyone with tension in their body and just anyone who wants to harness and restore the energy in their body – the treatment promises this and it delivers. Rating: 5/5

Joanne says: I got an ila Bio Energy Body Wrap treatment. The treatment was brilliant, the best I've had. An exfoliating scrub was massaged into my legs, arms, back and stomach followed by a cream. I was then cocooned within a number of towels and was given a head massage during this time. I was then asked to wash all of the scrub off in the shower and once clean a body balm was massaged onto my arms, legs back and stomach. The treatment left me very relaxed and my skin smooth for days. I would definitely recommend the treatment. Rating: 5/5

Make sure you take advantage of Blythswood Square’s current offers at: http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare/?utm_source=Noir%2BMagazine%2B&utm_medium=Weblink&utm_campaign=Noir%2BMagazine%2B

Designer v.s. High Street - Party Dresses

Yes, its that time of year again, the Christmas party season! Whether you are on a tight budget this year, or wanting to splash out, this week, Noir has found a selection of party dresses for you to choose from. As always, leave a comment and tell us what you prefer: Designer of High Street!
Up first is this gold sequin dress by Vick Martin coming in at only £69! So go on girls, dazzle the work collegues with this gorgeous dress, available at ASOS.com



Next up is ASOS.com again with their exaggerated one shoulder pencil dress. Its knee length (which always helps to preserve the dignity after a few too many) and is available in black, red and mink. At only £48, why not have all three!



This next one is not for the faint hearted! A Karen Millen Leather studded dress, coming in at £350. Ouch! Featuring a leather paneled design at the front, stud embellishment on the shoulders and zip fastening through the back. Go for this one if, like me, your always in it to shock!


Finally, we have All Saints. The antique gold Devo dress has a wide border with intricate details and zip fastening at the back. It piece s heavily embellished with metal components for an all over metallic effect. Sadly, its £295, but then again, who can put a price on perfection. If that wasn’t enough make you weep, Vanessa Hudgens has been spotted wearing it, and looks amazing!

Lanvin for H&M Sneak Peek!

SEE THE LATEST VIDEO ABOUT THE H&M DESIGNER COLLABORATION.

Fashion Icon

Barbara Hulanicki



As I was sitting waiting on my train from Queen Street I saw a logo I hadn’t seen in a long time. On the silver bag it said the word Biba. Biba was first launched in 1964 and started off the craze of high street fashion.

Barbara Hulanicki was the founder of Biba, along with her husband Stephen Fitz-Simon. Biba started off as a mail order company in the 60’s to a global fashion phenomenon of the early seventies. It was very popular with the likes of Mick Jagger and the rest of the rolling stones due to its stylish décor inspired by art deco and art nouveau. Unfortunately Biba closed its doors in 1975, however House of Fraser have now re-launched the founder of British High Street Fashion. The end of Biba however was not the end of Barbara Hulanicki. She went on to work as a fashion designer with the likes of Fiorucci and Cacharel, aswell as successfully starting off an interior design company, designing hotels for Chris Blackwell in Jamaica and the Bahamas, which she still continues to do to this day. In April 09 Hulanicki opened a Topshop store in New York and in the May launched a highly anticipated collection with all of her own designs, and continued this with another A/W 2010 collection. All of Hulanicki’s designs were highly influenced by the art deco and art nouveau style, which were seen in both her clothing lines and in her interior design work.
She has also designed a tickled pink range for George at asda this year, which flew off the shelves showing how successful a designer she has been. First off by launching the start of british high street fashion, which is known to have the best selection of high street shops, and by continuing her designs into the current day. Barbara Hulanicki is the perfect example of a great influence to up and coming fashion designers.

Interview with Accessory Designer Hazel Berryman

Hazel Berryman – Accessory Addict

Hazel Berryman, Student aged 19, didn’t always know she would take the path of a fashion designer, but here she is, sitting in a university canteen, being interviewed for Noir’s Blog!
Having tried her hand at physics, and hated it, she built on her obsession with jewellery and bags, and so, ‘Accessory Addict’ was born.
As a sales Assistant in Mandors, constantly being surrounded by gorgeous fabric (which was no help to the bank balance I’m sure!) she had always made her own jewellery.
After starting her own blog, and attending night school, she slowly started to deign her own range, using the blog as a platform to showcase her items.
So after reading her interview with Noir, I suggest you take a sneaky peak at her blog, and amend you Christmas wish list accordingly…

In your own words, how would you describe you range of jewellery and handbags?

My jewellery is just something a little bit different! I wanted to design something fun that would get the person who was wearing it noticed. You will see from my bags that shapes have inspired me, which is especially good because I can’t draw! Everything is very proportionate, and no one item is the same.
What inspired you to start you own collection?
When I was in Canada, I was obsessed with Niagara Falls, so a lot of my items have been inspired by waves and water.

What would you say to someone wanting to start their own collection?

Go for it! Don’t let anyone dictate to you, or tell you that your ideas are stupid, do what you want to do. Its hard, but you mustn’t get disheartened by anything anyone says about you or your designs.

Where would you see yourself and your designs in 10 years time?

This is something I have always wanted to do on the side, I’m not sure if I want to make a career out of it. I just do it because its fun and it earns me a bit extra pocket money! So I will continue until it stops being fun I think.

How would you describe your personal style?

Comfy!! I don’t dress to impress at all. I also don’t really care about what people thing of me. If someone has a problem which me or what I’m wearing, then its their problem!

Which of your items are you most proud of and why?

My Mini Satchel/ Clutch bag is definitely one of the items I am proudest of! It is made with Liberty Of London leather, and it always gets so many compliments! Either that or one of my ruffle bib necklaces, purely because they took me ages to make! The thing that people don’t realize is that all my pieces are hand made, which gives them their unique selling point. They all take a huge amount of time and care. The bags for example, take me a whole night to make! I’m proud of my whole range because it gives power back to the consumer; they are items that, if you buy them, they are truly yours. They are not forced upon you by the media, people buy them because they like them and want them.


If you could work with any designer, who would it be and why?

MARC JACOBS!!! I love all of his stuff, and he has really inspired me.

And finally, if you could invite any 5 people to a dinner party, who would it be and why?

Marc Jacobs (obviously)
Katie Hillier – she is the Creative Consultant for Marc Jacobs. She is really inspiring because she has worked her way up from a non-conventional background
Emma Hill – She is the Creative Director for Mulberry, enough said!
Tim Gunn – He is an American fashion consultant and TV personality, he was on the faculty of Parsons The New School for Design from 1982 to 2007 . He is also know as a mentor for Project Runway.
Christian Siriano – He was the winner of project runway, I would just love to know how he did it!


Noir’s Quick Fire Round!

1. Hight Street of Designer? Designer!
2. Jewellery or bags? Agh……. Bags!
3. Casual or dressy? Dressy
4. What the wort item you own? Oh god, this horrific dress my mum bought me! Its big and poufy, frilly and flowery! Its strapless with orange, green, blue and purple! Yuk!
5. What is the best item you own? A gorgeous silk dress from Hobbs! It add to the perfection, it was on sale! Reduced to £39!





Like what you see? Check out Hazels Blog - accessory-addict.blogspot.com

Desginer v. High Street

Winter coats

Often, people associate winter with too many layers, too much wool and not enough fashion. However, This week, Noir Blog brings to you the best selection of designer and High Street winter jackets. Now all you need to do, is pick one!
The first is from Topshop and it comes in at £85. A small price to pay for looking good this season. If that’s not enough, it will provide you with not one, but 2 of this winter’s trends: Capes and Military.




The second, and far more extravagant winter cape comes from Rebecca Taylor and it will set you back £ 575! This camel wool-blend is a sophisticated winter cover up. I’m sure it will come in handy when you have to resort to turning the heating off to save money!




Next we move onto another trend of the season, the double breasted coat. The first is from ASOS and it comes in at £90. Its smart, fashionable and nice and cosy! It also come is a choice of 3 colours: Khaki, Navy and Black. What more could a fashionista ask for? All 3 perhaps?



Finally, comes the ultimate winter must have, this black Burberry double-breasted military coat. However, at £895, it’s hard not to shed a tear at the thought of never being able to wear it. Complete with leather tabs at the collar and cuff Burberry have given the trench coat a hip military style update. But is it worth the negative bank balance? Probably!