Back to Bristol

Now that I’m living with my mum and dad in Bath, I’m finding it very hard to resist girly days out with my Mum. Yesterday, I gave myself a well earned day off and drove Mum to Bristol for a spot of shopping, coffee drinking and deli eating. I know I've only been living in Bath for a week but I have to admit I really am missing Bristol.  I miss being in walking distance to my friends and I miss the Bristol buzz.  Bath is lovely but it’s so different to Bristol.



Our day of shopping started in Clifton Village and The Arcade, a part of Bristol I love rummaging in. It’s changed since I was there last; there are some great new shops. I went into a gorgeous craft shop – I Love Crafty.   It was full of lovely presents perfect for Mothers day but with my mum was in toe I couldn’t make any purchases. I’m pleased to say however that they have a website so I’ll be visiting it later today before it’s too late.

Next I walked straight into fab vintage shop Clifton Vintage Boutique (I took some photo’s but they really don’t do it justice – note to self – must buy a decent camera!!) and spotted a really cute, blue, floral fifties dress, I wish I’d tried it on now; my wardrobe could really do with an injection of this seasons florals!





After the delights of Clifton Village, we jumped back in the car and drove to Park Street to visit my favourite shop Whistles. I must have tried on half the shop but was lucky to have a very patient sales assistant. I was naughty and made a couple of purchases, a blue shift dress, perfect for Personal Shopping trips, and a high waist pleated skirt that fit’s like a glove and will slot seamlessly into my wardrobe. Being a pear shape I love this seasons fifties inspired skirts that are springing up everywhere.

On our way home we popped to Cribbs Causeway, and then home for a much needed cup of tea.  It was a long day but really lovely. I’ll find it hard to resist more girly days out – and they’re a great excuse to go back to Bristol.

Weekend Warriors













Some of my vintage finds from this weekedn at the Vintage clothing and textile fair at the Alderly Edge Festival Hall.

Posts of my outfit and me wearing some of these beauties soon to follow!

New Hobbs store

I know...three posts in one day is unheard of from me! Well, I’ve got some catching up to do as I’ve been offline for far too long. The main reason is that I’ve been busy sorting out wardrobes and taking lovely clients shopping, but the other reason is that I’ve been in the process of moving house. I’m pleased to say that everything went to plan and we completed on Friday so things are starting to get back to normal, well kind of, my husband, dog and I are now living with my parents so it’s not quite normal, but it’s very nice all the same.

My office has taken some setting up, I hadn’t quite realised what an undertaking it would be but thankfully it’s done and so I’m able to pay my rather neglected blog some attention and start to get through the huge mound of admin that’s piled up.

So, I’ll stop rambling and will get on with my next post of the day, and this is, as promised, all about Hobbs.

Hobbs is a brand that I regularly use for clients, I find that it suits a range of people and mixes fabulous wardrobe staples with fashion items. So when I heard that they were opening a standalone store at Cribbs Causeway I was over the moon, anything that makes my life a little easier and my client’s wardrobes a little better is always a winner.

For those of you who don’t know Hobbs or haven’t been in for a while, it’s what I’d describe as quintessentially English with a little dash of quirkiness.

This season’s collection is so strong and I love their NW3 range, that’s got to be my favourite collection of the season so far. Unfortunately the NW3 range isn’t available at the new store, although I’ve got my fingers crossed that it makes an appearance. For now it can be sourced from John Lewis and the Hobbs store in Bath (which by the way is huge and full of lovely things).

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from Hobbs spring/summer collection, along with my must haves from the NW3 collection.

Hobbs


NW3 

Images courtesy of PR Shots

Calling all recessionistas!

If you love fashion and love a bargain, then you’ll not want to miss the Oxvamp fashion show being held on Friday 1st April at Bush House.

This unique event will showcase unwanted items from the Oxfam Hub in Portishead that have been lovingly re-styled and re-vamped by UWE fashion students and Orange Street members. The event is in honour of Oxfam’s online store where you can get some great pieces without the hassle of travelling to one of the Oxfam boutique stores (of which there are only 7 in the UK!). 

More and more people are adding unique pieces to their wardrobe that they’ve picked up from charity shops, however not enough people are aware of the gems they’re missing out on, it sometimes only takes a little tweak here and a small alteration there to turn someone else’s junk into your favourite treasure.

The re-vamped items will be on the catwalk and are expected to be very avant-garde and unrecognisable from their original state, it’ll be impossible to leave without being inspired to create your own masterpiece. If sewing isn’t your strong point then don’t worry, the pieces from the show will be making available to purchase on the online store.

For the lucky recessionistas who manage to get a ticket, not only will you be treated to a fabulous fashion show , but you’ll be able to indulge in some yummy cupcakes and wine, and of course, will receive a goodie bag. I can’t wait to see what saunters down the catwalk and promise to feedback after the show.

Details:


Bush House
16 Narrow Quay,
Bristol,
Avon
BS1 4QA

Doors open at 7pm, for a 7.30pm start

Visit their Facebook page for more info
Visit Oxfam online to find your bargain

Bristol Fashion Week part two

There was a dramatic opening for this seasons fashion show, it started with a very talented violinist (who also happened to be one of the models - some people have all the luck!) playing beautifully against a dramatic backdrop of imagery taking us from the dark and dreary winter months to a happier, lighter and warmer mood of spring. A great start to what turned out to be Cribbs Causeways best catwalk show yet.


The styling is always superb and this season was no exception, with bags and bangles in abundance the models looked great.  We were treated to twelve scenes illustrating every trend, floral, ladylike, seventies glamour and soft neutrals, you name it, it was there.


 All scenes were highly energetic with perfectly co-ordinated choreography, but my favourite scene had to be scene seven which had everyone rocking out to Bon Jovi, and one cute model doing some seriously awesome air guitaring.

My photo didn't do him justice so thanks to Sarah King for this one.

My favourite pieces from the show are (surprise surprise) the animal print halterneck dress from Warehouse and a gorgeous grass green shirt dress from Hobbs NW3 available at John Lewis – which reminds me, Hobbs has opened a standalone store at Cribbs Causeway, but I’ll tell you about that later.

Mark Heyes and Andrew Barton were sporting the latest trends, dressed head to toe in light toned suits.  Andrew Barton opted for a retro look and temaed a pale blue suit with a floral shirt.  Mark Heyes added edge to his slim fitting khaki suit with a pair of studded Louboutins sneakers (very jealous).
 

The show was testament to the fact that fashion at Cribbs Causeway is getting better and better, it’s well worth a visit whether you’re looking for the latest fashions or something a little more classic – there’s something for everyone.   I’m looking forward to taking my clients shopping there in the coming weeks.

Techno Traveller







My new cream tassel kimono from Topshop, is pretty much my most favourtie thing that I have ever bought ever...EVER! its amazing, and lets face it, its tassled, so obviously I'm going to like it! It sold out on the internet and two stores that I tired, but I eventually managed to get my hands on one, and it was defo worth the wait!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

I'm off to a vintage fashion fair today so I shall let you know what I find. As well as some amazing recent thrift finds I found whilst shopping with my grandma (that girl can rummage!)

laters skaters.

Bristol Fashion Week

I can’t believe it’s that time already, it seems only a couple of months ago that we were treated to a fabulous showcase of what Cribbs Causeway had to offer for the winter season, and now it’s time to discover what lovelies we can add to our wardrobe for spring/summer!
I can’t wait; I’ve been so busy updating client’s wardrobes so I’m really looking forward to taking some time out to think about what I might add to mine. I always find the fashion show’s at Cribbs Causeway a great source of inspiration, as they feature the latest trends in an easy to wear way.

This season the show features 18 catwalk fashion shows hosted by the TV fashion stylist Mark Heyes and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton. The hour-long fashion shows preview the best designer and high street pieces from stores at The Mall, including John Lewis, Hobbs, Marks & Spencer, Jigsaw, Kurt Geiger, Fat Face, French Connection and Coast. So if you’re looking for some ideas this season, and want to find out where to buy the latest items, along with how to wear them then head over to Cribbs Causeway between 23rd and 27th March for some top tips, entertainment and of course, a goodie bag.

Fashion show tickets cost £8.50 or £13.50 for front row seats and are available from www.mallcribbs.com or The Mall’s Information Desk. Tickets include pre-show refreshments, a fantastic goody bag and discount vouchers for stores in The Mall.

If you’re still not sure, here’s a photo from last year to entice you...

Flashing Lights







DIY top with cross safety pins, old topshop purple velvet cutwork jacket,
topshop PU trousers, shoes from a random store in NY.
Rings: forever21, h&m

It's been a busy week this week, hence the lack of posts (sorry about that!) I was featured on Fashionbyhe, an article which you can check out here which is pretty exciting!

Just thought I would share with you guys a look that I wore out one night last week. (still not sure how to wear dark red lipstick and not feeling like a goth, but I will get there!)

enjoy!

Wind in my hair





A winding evening in England.

shirt from h&m, fur gillet h&m, hat -which got blown away by the wind alot) topshop.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people suffering in Japan and their friends and families around the world.


Penelope.