Finding time to pamper new mum

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Jan 17, 2004

Byline: By Kate Walton

Producer Sal Brecken, 26, who lives in Whitley Bay, is a new mother and as such knows how difficult it is to find time for herself and shopping.

So as a treat for her birthday this weekend we took her out to find a new outfit to celebrate.

I booked Sal into Fenwick Regis Salon where Melissa styled her hair to give her a sleek and sexy evening look.

A visit to Estee Lauder (whose fans include Liz Hurley and Beyonce) was next on the list.

Melanie applied Sal's foundation using Fenwick's So Ingenious airbrush machine. Contrasting neutral colours with a palette of sultry shades for her eyes and completing Sal's vibrant new look with a blast of lipgloss.

Being a new mum with limited time to herself, casual clothes are the normal order of the day for Sal, so I opted to splash out by visiting the designer sales of Jules B of Jesmond, and Daniel in Eldon Gardens as a special birthday treat. The Vermont Hotel in Newcastle hosted the photoshoot, providing a great backdrop for Sally's new image.

Sal relaxes with a celebratory drink wearing a black diamante halter neck top, floating black trousers, black/ diamante shoes and a clutch bag to match.

For that special birthday night out, she wears a cream fitted top, belted skirt with gold diamante shoes and a soft gold bow bag. For a slightly more casual and versatile look, Sal wears cream knit polo neck, cream trousers and brown top-stitched shoes to match.

Sal is working on a new show called Makeover Mum in which children get to earn their mum a fashion makeover. If you think your mum is too expressive, too mumsy, too embarrassing or just too busy to find the time for herself then nominate her for Makeover Mum.

Tyne Tees Television is looking for four North East families to take part in the new series this year. Makeover Mum, presented by Sam Ross, gives sons and daughters aged between seven and 16 the chance to transform their mum's image.

Call (0191) 269 3859.

NThank you to Rhona and Gill at Jules B; Julie at Daniel, Yvonne and Melissa at Fenwick Regis Salon and Melanie at Estee Lauder, Fenwick, for all contributing to the makeover, and to Teresa Brown at the Vermont Hotel.

Happy Birthday Sal!

NAll prices are subject to change due to seasonal reductions.

PICTURES: BILL LAVERTY