fashion: Perfect way to say thanks; SUHAINE STEVENS sorts out a makeover for a very deserving teenager

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), May 5, 2008

Byline: SUHAINE STEVENS

THIS week the fashion pages have a special makeover for a very deserving young lady.

Michael Storey nominated his girlfriend Helen Robinson for a day of pampering, to thank her for all her support during his mum's recent illness.

For almost four months Helen was at the hospital with him every night and Michael felt a makeover would be the perfect way to show his appreciation.

Helen, 18, from Gateshead, works as a pharmacy assistant at Sainsbury's on the Team Valley, and she got quite a surprise when we rang her up to tell her!

We started the day at Soul Hair Salon on Saville Row. Stylist Kim sprayed Helen's hair with Revlon 2 Phase, a leave-in conditioner to detangle and nourish the hair.

Kim then used GHD straighteners to give a satin-smooth feel and finished off the hair with Osis Magic Gloss for a salon sleek look. We then headed to the Bobbi Brown counter in Fenwick, Northumberland Street, to check out the latest summer makeup trends. Make-up Artist Hillary Whitham opted for Bobbi Brown's Nude Collection - which uses neutral colours for a natural look.

Hillary used subtle rose blusher and mahogany gel eyeliner and mascara for an elegant summer look.

We went to River Island in Eldon Square where the latest range includes pieces with a nautical feel, new romantic influences with ruffles and puffed sleeves and a hint of Victoriana with lace detailing.

For our first outfit we selected a cute red and white striped capped sleeve top, which we teamed with a stylish pair of cropped skinny jeans.

We accessorised the outfit with a long crystal necklace for a modern twist.

Next, Helen models a lovely pair of white high-waisted linen trousers with a coral pink ruffle-detail blouse and a simple silver necklace.

Finally we chose an outfit with a warm summer evening in mind.

Helen models a gorgeous vintage pink cotton dress, with beautiful black lace detailing on the neckline.

We added a simple baguette diamante clutch bag and opted for a black diamante cuff watch instead of a bracelet.

We headed down to the newly opened Loja in Newcastle's Tup Tup Palace, where Helen enjoyed a drink while the photos were being taken!

Helen's favourite outfit was the pale pink dress as it was different to her usual style - the colour was really flattering to her fair complexion and the dress was a beautiful cut. She said: "I've really enjoyed the day, it was a great experience!"

Outfit one: Striped top pounds 8.99, cropped jeans pounds 24.99, necklace pounds 12.99

Outfit two: Graphica white trousers pounds 34.99, Flirtini coral blouse pounds 24.99, necklace pounds 12.99

Outfit three: Flirtini dress pounds 49.99, black watch pounds 19.99, clutch bag pounds 21.99

Thanks to Kim and Andrew at Soul Hair Salon, Saville Row, (0191) 230 2135. Hillary Whitham at Bobbi Brown, Fenwick, (0191) 232 5100. Trish and the staff at River Island, Eldon Square. Rachel and the staff at Tup Tup Palace, St Nicholas Street.

Do you deserve a makeover? or know someone who does? Following a pampering our deserving reader will then take part in a fashion shoot. If this appearls to you, or you know someone who would be cheered up by a makeover, write to Features Department Evening Chronicle, Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI IED.

CAPTION(S):

VERSATILE - Helen in outfit two; CUTE - Helen in outfit one; STYLISH - Outfit three