Chronicle reader Kim Robson was nominated for a much needed day of pampering by Anne Twine, her boyfriend Nick's mum.
 Anne wrote: "Kim spends her working life catering to others' beauty needs and has no time to spend on herself." Kim, 21, from Washington works full-time and is also working on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve at Rioz Hair and Nail Studio in the Galleries, Washington, which means there's little time to get herself ready for the festive party season. This will also be the first Christmas and New Year she has spent without her family, after they recently moved to the Midlands. Anne wanted to cheer up Kim's spirits. She wrote: "She misses her mum, stepdad, sisters and dog dreadfully, however she never complains and has a smile for everyone." Kim has her staff Christmas party at Ramside Hall in Durham to look forward to and wanted a new look for the night. As Kim's style icon is Kate Moss, we thought we'd get a party look which was fun, trendy and a bit `rock chick'. First we went to Saks, Newcastle, to liven up Kim's hairstyle. Kim already had red slices through her hair and didn't want to lose them. So after a consultation with Norman, salon director, he decided to chop into her fringe, put shorter layers throughout and take some of the weight out to enhance the red and give it that funky, party, rock chick feel. Norman then blow dried the hair with root lift mousse to lift the hair. He insists you can get the same effect at home by blow drying your hair upside down. When the hair was 80% dry, Norman finished blow drying it with a round bristle brush to maintain volume and to polish the hair and finished with an anti-frizz hairspray. Kim was really pleased with the cut. It was versatile and would take little time at home to recreate the look by following Norman's tips. Fenwick in Northumberland Street, Newcastle, was the next stop. Here freelance make-up artist Lyndsey used Bobbi Brown products to create a `wearable' party look using subtle shimmers for a modern edge. Lyndsey first applied a hydrating eye cream and SPF25 moisture balm, which is especially good for winter with extra protection from dry skin. Using a powder liner to define the eyes, mahogany and vanilla eye shadow was applied as a base followed with different shimmers to give a stronger look. A light bronzer was then applied with blusher and a hot pink lip-gloss to give lots of colour. Kim, who is not used to wearing colour on her lips was surprised at how much it suited it her and said she would definitely try this look for the party. To get in the party spirit we headed to Bar 38 on the Quayside for the photo shoot. Kim with her model figure and height suited all the outfits and was willing to try new looks. All clothes and accessories were from H&M and the shoes from Office. Both these stores keep really up to date with new trends so were perfect for our Kate Moss/rock chick look! The first outfit was a different take on the gold and black party look. Skinny black trousers (£19.99) were teamed with a gold vest (£3.99), waistcoat (£24.99) and gold necklace set (£9.99). The black and gold shoes (£59.99) set the outfit off perfectly. For the grand party entrance, a red tutu style dress (£14.99), with black waistcoat (£14.99) and matching black necklace (£4.99), bracelet (£4.99) and shoes (£59.99) were chosen. A black corset (£14.99) was put on after a maroon polo neck (£19.99), with a pair of long shorts (£19.99) the must have item for any party girl. Two rows of necklaces (£4.99 & £9.99) complimented this outfit, topped off with black high heels (£59.99). The final outfit was a day and evening look. Again by layering the black T-shirt (£4.99) with a blue vest (£14.99) a new look is created. It was worn with skinny denim jeans (£29.99) and tucked into knee-high flat black, suede boots (£59.99). Gold necklace (£59.99) to finish. Kim said: "I'm really pleased with my new look and really enjoyed the day, it was nice to be on the other side for a change and be treated to a pamper day. I can't wait for the party!" Special Thanks to; Norman, salon director of Saks Hair & Beauty, Market Street, tel 0191 2612989. Lyndsey Young, freelance make up artist using Bobbi Brown products, tel 07715 106526. All staff at H&M, Northumberland Street and Office Grainger Street. Bar 38, Quayside, 0191 2616463. Winners of our Twiggy outfit giveaway: D Wilkinson, North Shields, Mrs G MacKay, Felling, Gateshead, Judith Wallace, Gateshead, Isabel Donaldson, Whitburn Village, South Tyneside, and Lorna Appiah, Cochrane Park, Newcastle. | 
Fashion
Gardening