Wednesday 30 April 2014

Skip into Summer and Save the Date!

Hello lovely ladies! What is with this drizzle over the last few days? I have gone back to my trusted dark colours I am afraid with my big knit cardi; however I am still donning my flip-flops even though it is wet and gloomy!

We had such a fabulous night with our first Swishing Party. Thank you to all my gorgeous women who came! We got some wonderful new dresses in so they'll be popping onto the website soon! Here's just a little sneaky glimpse of what's to come! Such a tease!




With some wine and bubbles to sip on, we all sat round gossiping everything fashion and girly then browsing the collections and trying on! By popular demand, clients who couldn't make this one have asked for more, so we'll be making this a regular occasion! Had lots of people taking their new frocks home and it was a great way for one-on-one styling. One beautiful lady was very reluctant to try on a dress she really loved because she didn't 'think' it would suit or fit her. With my professional styling expertise, we both scurried into the dressing room and voila! It fit like a glove and she looked stunning! Rule is, if you don't know, try!!!


 Me on the night! 


As you would have received in your monthly newsletter we are also planning a great event in June! Think of it as a big Summer launch if you will. We have booked a beautiful venue where you'll be invited to spend an afternoon being styled and pampered. I will be there giving a short but detailed seminar where I'll be demonstrating how to wear lots of frocks in different ways depending on your style, colouring, body shape and occasion - day to night, office to party, casual to smart etc.

We'll have lots of hand picked accessories on hand also - everything from shoes to belts, handbags and jewellery so you can see what looks can shine through, simply by adding something a little extra. See yourself in something you always thought might look bad, we have the guidance and knowledge to make you feel great and look a million dollars this Summer. Personal styling and assistance by me after the show. Great way to meet London Frock Exchange and other fellow Swishers!

(Here is me power dressing for my meeting with the venue! One can only wear a bold bright white jacket if the sun is out!)


I'll be sending out invitations soon so I hope you can make it! Save the Date: 14th of June! 
And if you are not on our mailing list, get in touch and register or contact me directly at bethany@londonfrockexchange.com for more information.

And just a little something I stumbled on whilst visiting my sister in Frome. They have some gorgeous vintage and antique boutiques there. Loved popping into Donna May Vintage and Lark Vintage. Such wonderful frocks and accessories. Was such a pleasure meeting Donna and Hayley too - thank you! Will be visiting again soon!


Neon pink heart from Lark Vintage. I want one!

Speak to you soon!

With Warmest Swishes,
B x

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Spring in Style

Well I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend full on chocolate and long walks with family. I got a lovely visit from my beautiful neices, finding heart shaped stones on the beach as usual!


And I also got a lovely afternoon and evening in with my darling Dan from Last Style Of Defense http://www.laststyleofdefense.com/. The sun was out and we both got a little tan! Lush!




Having our first ever Swishing Party at the Frock Shack tomorrow night so I have been excitedly making everything look beatuiful. Just a few last minute things to get but ready and waiting for my lovely swishers. Should be a great night of fun and frocks! I'll tell you all about it next time!

And we booked our wonderful venue for our Fashion and Styling Seminar in June! Booked the gorgeous models too and so now just to pick out all the lovely frocks and accessories! Message me if you want a ticket!

And finally look who is wearing a very similar dress to our stunning, very own Vintage Summer Frock  http://www.londonfrockexchange.com/frocks/frock/220/ ? None other than the very understated and elegantly stylish Kate Middleton. Love the teaming of simple wedged sandals and flowing hair. You could steal this look! Hurry before it goes!


 (Picture- Daily Mail)


Carrying on the theme of sister selfy, grabbed this one last week! Very silly sisters indeed! 



Loving my boho boyfriend jeans look here. I added a funky earring and light weight floral slip jacket for an ultra cool, dressed down look. If you are going to go baggy on the bottom, choose a tighter fitting top and add bursts of Summer fun with florals, prints or bright coloured cardigans or jacket.



Quotes of the week- 

'The soul often speaks from longing'
'You can learn from mistakes or mentors.' Do you agree?

Until next time Swishers!

With Warmest Swishes,
B x


Monday 14 April 2014

Bling it up this Spring!

So I think I got over excited last week and posted our blog twice! Well you can't have too many hearts and selfies right? Sorry about that ladies. May I blame it on my new manicure and technology please? OOh!

Right now I am loving the metallic silvers, bronzes and gold fabrics draped with heavy chunky jewellery and neatly cut trims. Smart, different and edgy!


Think full, elegant and ultra Glam. I'm not a huge fan of The Saturdays band but they can dress and I still quite like their 'all the same theme spacey meets Chanel' kind of look. You go girls!

Also I can't seem to get out of my skinny tracky bums, over sized tea and leather jacket phase. This Sports Luxe look is so comfy and yet I still feel cool and trendy. I am trying to wear less make-up at the moment so to make up for the blush and bronze I am adding my trusted earrings, big bright glass and beaded necklaces and donning a bright coloured polish on my pedicured toes. Me here having a 'back to being seven years old' moment on the swings!



Been doing a lot of thinking lately about this seflie melarchy and how sometimes we aren't seeing the moment we are in now. Coming to terms with being quite selfish recently I have had to take a real step back and look at the bigger picture. I have found this so hard as I am not a patient being and looking at things from other people's perspectives is really something I have had to tell myself to flipping do the last couple of weeks. Being there for yourself and looking after your soul and health is of course the most important thing so that you are strong and can be there for others.

It may not be in the way that you would want them to be there for you, so that has been a huge learning curve for me. Making someone else happy or calm or safe doesn't always mean making yourself happy. If they need time to stop, be still, pressure for them to conform for what you think is best for them is actually a result in what you want from them not the other way round.

I turned 31 at the beginning of this year and there are so many things I learn from the people that come in and out of my life however I feel sickened to know that its only just now I have had this epiphany. Not to feel sorry for myself, no, I have had restless sleepless nights  thinking over and over about the things I have said or done to make myself feel better when actually you just get angry with yourself because someone isn't doing what you think is best for them. Letting that go and seeing what makes you happy- your work, Game Of thrones watching with your sister, going for a swim, whatever it is, those things to make you happy in return will shine through and let others in. See and listen to what they want. It may sometimes be so hard and time away from it for me is torture but space, breathing, standing back, that's what I am learning oh so quickly. Being who I need to be for whoever it is.

I think the point I'm trying to make is that if we aren't worrying about things too much, it shows through what we choose to wear. If you're having a bad face day, it usually results in us putting on loads more make-up. If we want to get attention we choose to be more bold in our outfits. Going out to find a man or something we think they like us dolled up, less on. It's like putting on too much perfume. What attracts us to people is our naturalness and our aura that is just us from our naked bodies. Me wearing less make-up and slouchy comfies with flip flops is an expression that no, I can't be bothered, it's the fact I am OK with the world seeing me not make such a big deal about my looks. The more beautiful we appear is actually when we aren't caring so much. Have a naked day. Take off the heels, be calm in the shades and textures you wear. See what happens. Smile and the world will smile back. The people that don't? I bet you anything they're not content. You know I love getting dressed up but for an occasion. Be still for a while with your soul.




Silly selfie with fave cushion. Whatever next?! ('Hashtagalittlebitmadhahaha!' but you know I love the love!) and so back to fashion! Golly my harping on about life! Jeese!

Simple Spring in my Step

Loving this classic, dress down casual look. Simple tee with boyfriend jeans and cutesy pumps. Check out www.hush-uk.com for more pastel perfect and sexy slouch cool inspiration.



So what other treats are in store for your wardrobe this Easter? Now the holidays have begun and thank goodness there is a hopeful sign of sunshine coming up, get that fake tan on and dark colours out! It's all about the pastels- peaches, sky blues, soft lilacs, minty greens and playful pale pinks. Cropped trousers, block heels and short jackets are all the rage this Spring so pop a 'spring' in your step and go that extra mile with tie dye prints paired with colourful textured designs. Add a long silk shirt with floaty culottes and play with the pyramid themes and opt for two piece trouser or skirt suits with double blending and electric styled influences.




Slice up the party scene with short biker leather jackets, short crop tops and high waisted pleated skirts. Add your trusted worn to death suede booties for a relaxed 'going to Camden' look or add high thick chunky heeled courts with straps galore for a real dance floor look.


Sunnies are round round round this Season. Add a 1950's cleaner scarf with bow or knot to your hair and bright lipstick or simmer down sultry with a simple centre parting and soft pastel peach lips. Notice that if you are wearing lots of colour on the lips, barely there eyes looks stunning. Accentuate your eyebrows carefully though other wise we'll look like I did at school! Monobrow B! I have no idea what the obsession is with making it look on purpose like you have drawn on your brows? To highlight my 'missing' bits I use Rimmel's dark dark brown liner and finish off any gaps or length with a soft brown shade. Go easy girls though. Our chaps like us with a more natural look, not over made up and 'can't get to your face through the paste'  look! If you are toning down the lips with matte peaches and pinks, smoky eyes and smudging is a sexy but cute look. Softly on the blush though ladies. Doll like also isn't particularly cool this Spring!




To finish off, love this pick of me and my darling dog Reggie. Cuddling up to me whilst having a snooze, adorable! Thanks Ma for sneaking up on us!



Until next time Swishers,
B xxx


Tuesday 1 April 2014

Hearts and Selfies!

So what is hot this week ladies? 

Well the weather seems to have been lovely the last few days! Got my flip flops on and my embroidered summer jacket out for my beach walks even! Always searching for the hearts.....



Super cool designers are pulling out all the stops and opting for an 'origami' style this Easter. Crafting skirts that ripple with razor-sharp pleats played out in sporty cottons for the day and shimmering metallics by night. Team with flats or heels and add a cutesy knit jumper for a dazzling look.

Spent all your wages on Easter eggs and bunny ears? Fear not, the 'shoulder robe' look is so now, and so free. Any of your cardigans, jackets, over coats etc must be worn on the shoulders with the arms hanging down beside you. Effortlessly cool - think, 'just been out with my man and he popped his jacket over me' inspired look!

Got something to say? It seems you can 'wear your thoughts on you sleeve' is the way forward this season. Bright colourful logos and expressions are donning the high street tees and jumpers right now. Bursting with street flavour and sportswear styling, subtly whisper your thoughts to the world without saying a word!

Say it with embellishments and jewels galore this season. Everything from sport luxe to denim is seeing shiny and sparkly additions to the pieces. Razzle in crazy over-the-top beads, fringing and glitter and your outfit is sorted from work to play without changing! More is more, said it before!

And if you like a bit more of an edgy and rough look, go grunge and reboot the 1990s! Boob tubes, dragging-on-the-floor denim, skirts over trousers, kimono cutting, scarf dresses and leather-laced sandals are all part of this subversive trend. 'Nail the Nineties' redux look by wearing patchwork denim, leather mules, slip dresses and oversized power suits. Electric and moody, bring out the side worn cap, checkered shirt around your waist, bare midriff and braces. I'm opting for Victorian lace dresses with military jackets and my trusted ballet pumps, but go big and super retro and add Doc Martin boots to finish the style off.

I am also seeing lots of jungle prints and flowers on all-in-one jump suits right now. Soft floaty fabrics and vest tops attached to flared trousers and the skinny ankle version are a must have for your holiday. Easy to wear and great from day to night, pair a denim jacket with gladiator sandals or your trusted black suit coat with killer heels. This funky number is super hot from Next.


#DaretoBare the naked no make-up look last week. Have you? Such a great cause but can I just point out, no make-up means no make-up. I know every woman is beautiful, not arguing that...however some pics, actually quite a lot, the women are definitely wearing some! Completely defeats the reason of the cause but still, it has raised so much money and awareness, I will shut up now.

Here's a 'selfie' me and my big sister took on Mothering Sunday. We are wearing make-up! Hope you enjoyed a sun filled and fun loving day too!


Organising a few swishing events soon ladies so watch this space for your invite. Lots of funky discounts too so keep reading! And like us on Facebook this week and you'll be put into our 'free swap' draw. Blag yourself a fabulous frock just at the click of a button!

This blog is dedicated to my very great girl Amanda from LA. Visiting her man but with room for me, love you babes, see you soon.

 Brunch

Night out...who could tell the difference ha?!!

Be back soon,
Warmest Swishes as always,
B
London Frock Exchange

Hearts and Selfies!

So what is hot this week ladies? 

Well the weather seems to have been lovely the last few days! Got my flip flops on and my embroidered summer jacket out for my beach walks even! Always searching for the hearts.....



Super cool designers are pulling out all the stops and opting for an 'origami' style this Easter. Crafting skirts that ripple with razor-sharp pleats played out in sporty cottons for the day and shimmering metallics by night. Team with flats or heels and add a cutesy knit jumper for a dazzling look.

Spent all your wages on Easter eggs and bunny ears? Fear not, the 'shoulder robe' look is so now, and so free. Any of your cardigans, jackets, over coats etc must be worn on the shoulders with the arms hanging down beside you. Effortlessly cool - think, 'just been out with my man and he popped his jacket over me' inspired look!

Got something to say? It seems you can 'wear your thoughts on you sleeve' is the way forward this season. Bright colourful logos and expressions are donning the high street tees and jumpers right now. Bursting with street flavour and sportswear styling, subtly whisper your thoughts to the world without saying a word!

Say it with embellishments and jewels galore this season. Everything from sport luxe to denim is seeing shiny and sparkly additions to the pieces. Razzle in crazy over-the-top beads, fringing and glitter and your outfit is sorted from work to play without changing! More is more, said it before!

And if you like a bit more of an edgy and rough look, go grunge and reboot the 1990s! Boob tubes, dragging-on-the-floor denim, skirts over trousers, kimono cutting, scarf dresses and leather-laced sandals are all part of this subversive trend. 'Nail the Nineties' redux look by wearing patchwork denim, leather mules, slip dresses and oversized power suits. Electric and moody, bring out the side worn cap, checkered shirt around your waist, bare midriff and braces. I'm opting for Victorian lace dresses with military jackets and my trusted ballet pumps, but go big and super retro and add Doc Martin boots to finish the style off.

I am also seeing lots of jungle prints and flowers on all-in-one jump suits right now. Soft floaty fabrics and vest tops attached to flared trousers and the skinny ankle version are a must have for your holiday. Easy to wear and great from day to night, pair a denim jacket with gladiator sandals or your trusted black suit coat with killer heels. This funky number is super hot from Next.


#DaretoBare the naked no make-up look last week. Have you? Such a great cause but can I just point out, no make-up means no make-up. I know every woman is beautiful, not arguing that...however some pics, actually quite a lot, the women are definitely wearing some! Completely defeats the reason of the cause but still, it has raised so much money and awareness, I will shut up now.

Here's a 'selfie' me and my big sister took on Mothering Sunday. We are wearing make-up! Hope you enjoyed a sun filled and fun loving day too!


Organising a few swishing events soon ladies so watch this space for your invite. Lots of funky discounts too so keep reading! And like us on Facebook this week and you'll be put into our 'free swap' draw. Blag yourself a fabulous frock just at the click of a button!

This blog is dedicated to my very great girl Amanda from LA. Visiting her man but with room for me, love you babes, see you soon.

 Brunch

Night out...who could tell the difference ha?!!

Be back soon,
Warmest Swishes as always,
B
London Frock Exchange