Lockdown hasn’t been kind to our wardrobes. The boredom-busting online shopping sprees may have temporarily filled a hole, yet we’re somehow still living in the same three pairs of joggers on a loop.
A wardrobe declutter is desperately needed once lockdown is finally lifted, and there’s no better place to turn for help than Afflecks in Northern Quarter.
Up the winding stairs on the third floor of this labyrinthian shopping centre is a little place called LIEF: A self-described ‘swap shop and Dutch vintage treasure trove’.
First launching in September, the brand specialises in sustainable style – functioning as a store where Mancs can discover some hidden gems while giving their old clothing to a better home.
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“I used to run swap shops as an event at festivals and local coffee shops”, says Hannah, who co-runs LIEF.
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“I decided to anchor it as a little HQ so we are there every day if someone decides they want some new clothes!”
LIEF was founded to counter the current trend of shaming people that shop at more affordable high-street brands out of necessity, recognising that sustainable options aren’t always accessible.
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“This is where sharing tips and information on other options such as secondhand stores and swaps become super useful”, Hannah says.
By providing a simple, informative swap-shop service – LIEF is making it refreshingly easy for local shoppers to get their hands on sustainable clothing.
The company charges £4 per item or 3 for £10 to swap, and you will then receive points based on LIEF’s system – 10 for jackets, 8 for jeans and so on.
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After that, you can enjoy your own shopping spree and spend your points on a variety of items (which also have cash prices in case you want to buy them straight up).
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LIEF customers are issued with personal record cards, so you don’t have to feel pressured into spending all of your points at once.
LIEF’s store will be reopening in April in accordance with Government guidelines – offering a selection of accessories, art, candles and gifts made by independent artists as well as clothing.
But the swap shop will also be making its online debut in spring – increasing LIEF’s presence (with their social media account already being used to champion other small businesses).
Hannah comments: “Our website will be live in April, which has been specially designed so customers can upload photos of their clothes, receive points for them into their virtual wallet within 24 hours, and spend them either online or in store!”
You can check out LIEF’s Instagram for all of their clothing inspiration and to be the first to know when their online swap shop launches.
Style
Luxury tattoo studio with world-famous clients to open in Manchester for the first time
Daisy Jackson
A tattoo studio with a roster of VIP clients is heading to Manchester, as The London Social prepares to open The Manchester Social.
The world-renowned studio, which counts celebs like David Beckham, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Sam Smith as its clients, is opening its first site outside of the capital.
Set to open next week, The Manchester Social tattoo studio will span three floors and 2,200 sq ft on King Street.
They say this new tattoo parlour will be ‘serve Manchester’s elite’ and offer a convenient location for existing regulars, including Luke Shaw and Mason Mount.
The Manchester Social studio will offer the same bespoke tattoo experiences and world-class artistry it’s famous for, but with eight new artists, all from the Manchester city region.
The business is headed up by Miles Langford – named by The Times as one of the world’s most exclusive tattoo artists – and already has tattoo parlours in Fitzrovia, Soho and Angel in London.
It’s famed for fine-line specialty designs and will bring a luxury tattoo space to the historic King Street for the first time.
Miles Langford, founder of The London Social, said: “Opening our first location outside of London is a huge step in our business journey but Manchester seemed like the obvious choice.
Inside The Manchester Social. Credit: Supplied
“A key selling point for me was the building and its location. King Street is known for being the epicentre of luxury in Manchester so it was a no brainer for us to make the decision on where we would fit in best.
“An indescribable amount of hard work has gone into making this store one of our best yet, all whilst maintaining its Manchester foundations and we can’t wait for Manchester to get the experience that our London clients love so well.”
Holly Whitcomb, associate director at DTZ Investors, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome such an exclusive brand like The London Social to King Street.
“King Street is known for being the go-to place for luxury retail and leisure and addition of The Manchester Social will be help to diversify the offering on the street, aligning with our ambitions to be a go-to destination in Manchester City Centre.
“From its VIP feel, to star-studded clientele, we’re looking forward to seeing footfall soar on the street.”
The Manchester Social will open on Saturday 5 April at 9 South King Street – find out more HERE.
A Manchester dentist to the stars is offering an exclusive discount for their hugely popular treatment
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston
A designer dentist in Manchester is offering composite bond treatment with a huge saving this month.
Rüh Dental, hailed as one of the top dental surgeries in Manchester and one which counts popular celebs like Helen Flanagan and Molly-Mae Hague as their patients, is offering readers a healthy 10% off composite bonding treatment this month.
The boutique surgery leads the way in creating a perfect smile that both stands out in a crowd but is effortlessly natural.
The whole process can be done in as little as 60 minutes too, depending on how much work you need.
If composite bonding is something you’re new to, it’s a straightforward, smile-perfecting procedure that is designed to give natural results and improve your grin, all whilst preserving the patient’s own teeth.
We caught up with leading dentist Dr Billal Arshad from Rüh, who is an expert in his field and is famed for his dental diligence and artistic flair.
He tells us “Composite bonding is a simple but effective treatment where we sculpt composite onto the teeth to make them look aesthetically pleasing.
“It’s a painless procedure that gives a natural look and lasts up to seven years without damaging the patient’s own teeth.”
You can find more about composite bonding from our Q&A session with Dr Arshad HERE.
You can even check out a whole host of treatments that the dentistry offer and their availability via their official dental portal HERE.
Whilst Rüh Dental Manchester is also known for other treatments like their Invisalign treatments, general dentistry, veneers, etc, this offer is exclusively for composite bonding and for our readers. Quote TheManc10 when you call 0161 348 8738 to book.