Friday 26 September 2014

Cruising in Cornwall

Well I have just returned from a lovely few days in Cornwall. Saw some friends, caught up on me time, planned a few exciting things...so needed!



Got to visit some lovely little towns and stumbled upon this gorgeous shop called Poshtotti in Kingsbridge. 

Having met the owner and browsing I was hit by beautiful bright colours and gorgeous prints.

'An eclectic mix of colourful beachwear, that's easy to wear in natural fabrics and is ideal for spending the day on the beach and in the evening dining and dancing.
As women in today’s world we always seem to be so busy, either working, caring, cooking, shopping, cleaning, when we stop to think, where does our confidence really come from? At Poshtotti we came up with the theory if a woman feels good in what she is wearing, she can wear her confidence with pride. We also believe that with the mixture of fabulous colours, beautiful natural fabrics that drape and flow over our bodies in a flattering way, we will hope that you will see yourself as others see you, vibrant, happy confident and loved.
It all starts from within and if a woman can FEEL that she is looking good, then it comes across from her every pore and empowers her to give out her confidence and kindness to others. So have a look in our store and see what we have that might just help you.'

Like our motto at London Frock Exchange, I just fell in love with the ethos and collections! Check out these amazing silk scarves and the many ways you can wear them! Love! And these funky necklaces.....




I also had the amazing pleasure of attending a very old friend's wedding in Noss Mayo. Set in a pretty little town with winding narrow roads and sweet cottages crammed next to each other over looking the estuary, it was stunning. We rented a very smart house on the hill with all the mod cons one could ask for; even had blue funky spot lights on the skirting boards! The wedding itself was picture perfect with a marquee on top of a hill overlooking the sea. The bride looked incredible and her dress was divine!




Well, last wedding of the year and I'm getting my wardrobe sorted for the Autumn. The weather is still warm during the day though so keeping some summery tops in the drawers!

Quote for the week -'If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it.'

What with having more determination than ever at the moment with 'In The Corner', Ella Moda collection and us, keep on pushing for what you want. I have such a busy working week it can sometimes get on top of me and then nothing gets done! The best way I find is to write a list, one that is do-able mind you, and go through each one, slowly. If you don't set the targets, one can get overwhelmed and lost.

Have a great weekend ladies and I'll be back soon.

Warmest Swishes,
B xxx

P.S Watch this space for our new video blog introduction! It's short and sweet but lots more to come! Exciting!

Thursday 18 September 2014

Fashion Week And A Fabulous Wedding!

Well I know Summer is over but this weather, gorgeous! Having to really layer it up with the warm days and chilly nights!


Had an epic week away working last week, so much driving.... My assistant and I were stuck on the M25 in solid stand still traffic for four hours! Got the tunes on so wasn't that bad in the end. New obsession - 'Go' by Grimes. A little dub step funk! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIi57zhDl78

Back at the Frock Shack now wishing I could have made it to London Fashion Week but hey, work work!

Got the utter pleasure of seeing two very wonderful friends get married last weekend. Hollie looked utterly stunning in a lace vintage gown, with subtle country flowers and huge balloons scattered everywhere. The weather was perfect and the sun shone brightly and warm as she walked down the aisle looking so happy and absolutely beautiful; what a love filled and fun day with family and friends. Boy did we dance!? Thank you,  Mr. and Mrs. Newton-Wilkes. Love you.





I chose to wear flat ballet pumps and large trousers with a beautiful vest that flowed above the tucked-in-ness! Kept warm by flowing bubbly and my trusted tweed riding jacket; it was a perfect weekend for all I think. Just got to also tell you about the groom's amazing pies! Yup, totally yum with a large range of delicious combinations! http://timmyspies.com/

Got our first video for You Tube ready this week too. Gosh was that nerve racking?! Let's hope they get better, but just a new thing we want to try out. Will be great to get your feedback and see us giving all the new trendy styling tips and our up coming events live! In person! Don't judge, it's been a while since being in front of the camera! Coming soon!

Have another wedding with very dear friends this weekend in Cornwall so I shall bring you all the gossip on what everyone wore and how it went! Styled my sister yesterday in this lovely yellow floral dress. The mustard vintage jacket is right on trend for Autumn. It can be yours! Beautiful! Somi Sun Silk Frock




But....fashion now?! With Fashion Week in full swing, here are a few sneak secrets of what to expect on the high street this Fall......

Gowns draped in embellished sequins and mermaid tails with satin sailor-esque tailoring. Lots of 1960s and 70s florals- think masses of pumping bright oranges, yellows and pinks. Jasper Conran brought the catwalk some low key, less formal t-shirt dresses with paint stroke prints and lighter fabrics.

Topshop showed a daring 'Strictly Come Dancing' vibe with over-zealous detail and add-ons galore.

Henry Holland brought back the chic flares with lots of flower power......rummage through our Ma's loft methinks?!

Marcazza flaunted flowers again with feathers on their A/W collection and of course, our amazing Vivienne Westwood did Scotland proud and brought out tartan, tartan, check, check, tartan with badges following her political views.

Right, back to getting your winter frocks ready! Happy Swishing ladies, stay beautiful and happy!

Quote for the week- 'Perhaps wisdom is simply a matter of waiting, and healing a question of time. And anything good you've ever been given is yours forever.' Rachel N. Remen


Warmest Swishes,
B xxxx

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Your Autumn/Winter Wardrobe Revamp Explained!

Right, so we all have that 'leaving Summer, hello chilly nights ahead Autumn' feeling, so what can we do to perk us up? Well, with the changing seasons and weather, we'll firstly need to get our wardrobes freshened up; free from the maxi dresses and bikinis, back to the warming scarves, trusted leather boots and cashmere sweaters. It seems like such a task but it really is so therapeutic and once you've tackled it in my easy to follow steps, you'll feel refreshed and like you've just had a day on Oxford Street buying lots of new clothes...without spending any money!

Where to begin?

1. Make a cup of tea!

2. Pop on a funky playlist.

3. Turn the phone off.....

4. Pop on some slouchy sweat pants and an old jumper to be comfy. Hair back, we are good to go.

5. Clear a space on the bed so that you can lay your clothes out and see what you have.

6. I like to do drawer by drawer, then do the rail but choose whatever you feel like tackling first.

7. Put all selected clothes on the bed/ floor and pick one item at a time and if you wear it often, love it, you'll know instantly. Three second rule. If you can't decide within those three seconds it most definitely means you don't need it. (Now remember, we aren't throwing things away or swapping them out at this stage, we are merely choosing our Autumn/ Winter wardrobe). Ask yourself if it will suit your daily needs - work, play, gym etc. Say yes to long sleeved cami tops, cashmere, anything wool, jeans, long trousers, shirts, cardigans, knee high boots, Uggs, heeled leather and suede boots etc. It's going to get colder so pick items that keep you warm yet stylish. The rest is easy.

8. Any Summer outfits, just select and fold neatly and flat pack to protect and keep fresh and clean. Pop into the loft or under the bed in containers...boom. You're ready for the new season and your Summer wardrobe is ready for the next. Once you have done this, it makes it so much quicker and simpler when you swap next time round. And if you go on a holiday somewhere warm in our colder months, you'll have the perfect template in place to find what you need to pack without messing up your current 'live' wardrobe!

9. I find it best and most practical to put under tops and t-shirts in one drawer, next drawer is sweaters, bigger bulky tops in the next drawer, then any other trousers that don't need hanging up (I have an obscene amount of tracksuit bottoms so they have a drawer all to themselves!) into the bottom drawer. Keep knickers in one drawer, socks separately then hang your bras up or cup them into each other to keep shape. I like to pop fresh lavender wrapped up into my drawers to keep everything smelling fresh and clean and the moths away! Rose petals are also a nice alternative but remember to change frequently to avoid a stale smell. I change mine around every 4 weeks.

10. Any dresses, coats, shirts or smart trousers hang up neatly on wooden or felt hangers and colour coordinate on the rail or in the wardrobe. You can do this just by shade or if you prefer arrange all trousers, all shirts, all skirts, all coats so they are all together. It just depends on how fussy you want to be, but choose a system that works best for you. You should be able to look at your clothes with excitement and then have a fun, easy, stress free time picking what to wear. If it's all in a nice order you can work with, know where things are, you'll have a better, more enjoyable and let's face it, quicker time dressing for work and play!

11. Lay out boots, shoes and heels in an orderly fashion paired together. Shoes I wear all the time I usually have at the side of the front door on a rack. However if it's shoes you maybe only wear once a month, for example your 'take me home' Jimmy Choos, pop into a shoe box to protect and neatly store away. Pop some fresh mint leaves or another herby smell you like into a cotton pouch and place into the box or bag you've stored the shoes away in. This will keep them smelling lovely and fresh for the next event you wear them!

12. And you are done! See that wasn't so painful was it? Finish tea, relax!!!

Thursday 4 September 2014

Back with Attack!

Hello lovely ladies! How was your Summer holiday? Well it's back to reality now and we all have to knuckle down and get back to work. I have been so busy recently and have so much to tell you! Look what we did..........



My sister and I have opened a new shop in a wonderful vintage market in Wimborne- check it out https://www.facebook.com/toadhallc on facebook. We are selling Harriet's amazing drawings and gift cards, Made By Harry, website coming soon, and beautiful linen ladieswear by Ella Moda. So great for slouching around in whilst still keeping that elegant and fashionable look. Effortlessly cool! I love mixing the different fashion jobs I do. Not only do I get to meet more people and style more but it also keeps me on my toes with new and up and coming trends. Best of both worlds- selling, styling AND swishing!



 

 

I was away for a few weeks with Ella Moda showing at trade shows in London, the Pure show then onto Birmingham for Moda. I met this amazing girl who I have become good friends with called Fenella. She designs her own Italian made ladieswwear which is just gorgeous. Take a peak http://fenellaclothing.co.uk/


Just a few gowns then......


Had the utter pleasure of having these lovely beauties with me! Stunners right?! Did a few posey selfies too as it was a great chance to dress up everyday and get the lippy on! Ha! Oh rah! 




Few of my favourites this month....

Loving the tune ZHY Faded right now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwWzSyxNc9I All the travelling I am doing at the moment it's such a good driving and 'singing at the top of your lungs' song! Boom!

Can't live without my Rhodes To Heaven 'Orange Skin Food Light' and 'Rose Refining Skin Polish.' After all the sun I need to keep exfoliated and moisturised and this beautiful range never disappoints. And it's my anti- ageing cream too! Bliss!

What to expect on the high street this season? Well it's back to black and white! Yep, the mononchrome set has returned. You''ll be seeing lots of tailored trousers, pleated full A-line skirts, slip on heeled brogues and over sized jackets and leather handbags. Oh so boring me thinks!!! I like to sass Autumn up by matching the changing colours of the trees! Nothing like a wintery green, vibrant orange and mustard yellow to get you kicking up those leaves in the park!

Crazy trend....the retro revival hair cut is back! Just as our parents did when we were little. You've got it- bowl, over head, cut round! The 1970's style is back with vengence- Purdey oh darrrrling! I'm just glad my hair is finally growing! I loved it short but now it's at that annoying stage where it doesn't really look good down unless it's properly styled and blow dried to oblivion or bunged up in a knot! Oh! Looks like hair extensions might be coming out soon!


Well until next time Swishers! And if there's any questions you might have or if you need any help with your wardrobe queries, just ping me a message! bethany@londonfrockexchange.com 

Newsletter coming soon with helpful tips on clearing out your Summer wardrobe for a fresh Auntumn/ Winter one.

Bxxx

P.S Check out a very good friend of mine's fabulous socks! James from Doris And Dude set up this awesome company making bamboo fabric socks with funky bright colours and designs for complete comfort. ' Trendy toes stay fresh, fun and hygenic with the protection of bamboos natural wicking properties.' Have a look!