Back from desert for stylishcivvies

Aug 18 2007 by Jennifer Bradbury, Evening Chronicle

Female soldiers don’t get much time to dress up, as SUHAINE STEVENS discovers

AFTER returning home after a stint in Afghanistan, Army officer Joanna Marples is more than keen to kick off her combat boots, get out of her uniform and get into some stylish civvies.

Joanna, 25, from Bedlington, is a lieutenant troop commander with the Royal Logistics Corps and is on operations in Afghanistan with 4RSL. Joanna loves her job but rarely gets the chance to dress up, so her sister Kathryn nominated her for a day of much-deserved pampering.

First stop was Soul Hair Salon on Saville Row. Joanna has curly hair so salon owner Andrew Davison decided to create a funky look, straightening the hair, but flicking it out at the edges.

We then stopped off at Virgin Vie in Eldon Square to get some tips on make-up which could withstand the scorching heat in Afghanistan. Make-up Artist Jan O’Brien used Perfect Balance foundation which has an inbuilt SPF, then enhanced Joanna's eyes with Sea Gems and Rock Pool tones, lengthening mascara and lipstick in shimmering pink.

For outfits we went to Miss Selfridge, Eldon Square.

OUTFIT 1: A wonderful cream and green peasant dress with attractive detailing on the cuffs and an embroidered belt under the bust. A leaf design necklace in bronze to complemented the dress and we added a pair of tan peep-toe shoes from Faith, Eldon Square.

OUTFIT 2: Next stop was John Lewis, Eldon Square, where style advisor Eileen Connelly had selected a few outfits for Joanna to peruse.

Our second outfit: classic grey trousers teamed with an elegant kimono-style jumper in baby blue. We added a simple pair of black court shoes and a long necklace.

OUTFIT 3: Joanna models a silk top with square neck and a pair of floaty aubergine evening trousers. We accessorised the outfit with a simple pink beaded necklace.

Thanks to: Andrew Davison at Soul Hair Salon, Saville Row. Jan O’Brien at Virgin Vie, Shiela at Miss Selfridge, the staff at Faith, Eileen Connelly at John Lewis, all Eldon Square. Caroline at Jimmyz Bar on Newcastle Quayside, where the photos were taken.