STYLIST LIVE - My Favourite Event of 2017

As my time at university comes to an end I have recently been reflecting on all the incredible events I've experienced across London in these last few years, what types of events I would like to be responsible for making happen and essentially where I would like to begin my post graduate career.
Over the last year, one event in particular really stands out to me as it not only exceeded all my expectations but inspired me for so many reasons. That event is Stylist Live.

I am an avid reader of Stylist magazine and without doubt, every week, you can find me on the tube on the way to work or university with my head down, nose stuck into the latest copy.

I had never been to Stylist Live before, so last November my friends and I decided this was the year to go. We made the most of a ticket pre-sale months prior to the event date and when the day finally came around we got ourselves Stylist ready, got our glam on and headed over to Olympia. Greeted by the sparkling Stylist sign and Gordon's pink gin cocktails we knew we were going to be in for a treat.

The brands and businesses there on the day were the perfect fit for the Stylist image and what I imagine the team at Shortlist Media believed to be just right for your typical Stylist reader too. There were so many stalls to browse, accessories to shop and things to do. One of the nicest activities to see on offer was the 'design your own Stylist front cover' area. This provided everyone of all ages the opportunity to get creative with some colours. It was even cooler to see so many on display as well for everyone to find inspiration from.

My personal highlight though has to be the Headmasters area, offering complimentary hairstyling. Anyone who knows me well will know I ADORE having my hair done! Although I queued for almost 40 minutes the wait was definitely worth it - It offered a real feel good factor and I came away with some great recommendations for new products to try which were best suited to my hair type.
I have to say though, I regret not going to check out the manicure station upstairs at Olympia - I was too preoccupied with all the shopping to do downstairs! I'm sure manicure's were charged at just under £10, so great value for a file and polish in London.


Unfortunately for my friends, while I waited in line to be pampered they went off on the search for lunch. The only downside to the day was the lack of food stalls and selection for lunch. If I recall correctly there was a vegetarian offering, burrito stand and a crepe bar - Les Deux Amies. (Writing this reminds me I still need to go check our their creperies at Boxpark Croydon and Shoreditch at some point, I can never say no to a good dessert...)
BACK to my original point though, for the thousands of visitors at Stylist Live these three options simply didn't suffice and unfortunately the queues very quickly built up...

Post burrito fix we were very excited to catch the afternoons catwalk show. This was a definite highlight of the day and it provided me with so much inspiration for revamping my entire wardrobe. The nicest touch was the handout we received listing everywhere you could purchase each look. This was incredibly helpful for when friends were asking me where they could buy certain pieces after watching my Instagram story!

All in all Stylist Live 2017 was one of the best events I attended that year, giving me some crazy inspiration for all things hair, lifestyle and fashion. The only thing not to agree with me would be my bank account and the Stylist Live induced shopping spree that occurred shortly after that November weekend...

Bring on Stylist Live 2018! 

Be sure to get your tickets early and get yourself over to Olympia, I assure you - you will not regret it!

Thanks for reading,
Izzie x

^ Instant regrets not leaving with one of these beauties for the journey home...