Regular readers of the blog know what a fan I am of Fabulous. Their Annual Garden Party always sells out rapidly, but this year, I managed to snag a ticket, yay! So with a garden partyesque dress lined up all that could spoil it was the rain. Thankfully it didn’t. Arriving at Mallory Court, the gorgeous venue for the event, we were bathed in sunshine. Brilliant to get started checking out a host of the designers featured at Fabulous, not before we had a glass of Pimms in hand of course.
Enjoying the Pimms
First stop Reeves and Reeves, the husband and wife team who are helping Fabulous to design their new own brand – Life’s Journey bangle collection. I can’t wait to get my hand on one of these bangles but in the meantime I was drawn immediately to their chunky leather cuff in vibrant colours. The perfect piece to stash in the suitcase for holiday or to simply bring that holiday feeling to any outfit. After I tried it I just couldn’t take it off, especially as it matched my handbag. It had to come home with me.
Well how could I not?
Even better than the jewellery though was all the beautifully put together outfits. I had picked the dress in my wardrobe that makes me feel most like Audrey Hepburn and I wish I could wear all the time. It’s from Katherine Draisey in Solihull and I know will be one of those forever dresses.
If I click my heels will I become Audrey?
It was particularly everyone’s the shoes that stood out to my stylist’s eye, both the favourite pairs we spotted were from Dune’s summer collection. Jo, Fabulous’ founder had this amazing metallic pair with intricate detailing on the heel, another one to bring a hit of instant summer to any outfit.
The ultimate holiday sandal
Whilst introducing my friend Clare, my guest for the afternoon, to Fabulous’ own brand Mantra, I was able to get the mantra necklace I was already sporting engraved. The mantra is Life is Beautiful so I thought it was only fitting for my engraving to be the date of my wedding.
My Special Date
Jo’s welcome and run through of all the designers at the garden party, made us realise there was still lots for us to see, but first lunch.
But first lunch
This included chance to swap styling stories with Lynn Bromley and to find out about the sartorial challenges faced by Leamington’s deputy mayor. Oh and not forgetting the most delicious dessert, the mint, lemon and raspberry flavour combo was Summer in a glass.
TWYN
Post lunch was more browsing. Most exciting was 2 of the new brands coming to Fabulous. Take What You Need – the concept is a changeable bar necklace which uses magnetic bars which can be personalised. One of them is definitely finding its way to my wish list. The other was Suzannah Key, a young designer just out of college who won Fabulous’ futures awards. I am already in love with her spinning pendants, designed as a result of women’s tendency to touch and fiddle with their jewellery, I can just imagine spinning the compass one around.
Talented Suzannah Key’s spinning pendants
All good things come to an end but another great Fabulous event and now I am sat at home, Betty Draper style, awaiting the return of my husband. I really don’t want to take my dress off, maybe he’ll take me out when he see’s me in it.
If you have an event or occasion coming up and need a hand pulling together you look, get in touch we can shop with you or for you. Our express shop service aims to find the outfit or finishing touch in your lunch hour. Available in Leamington or Solihull for £75.
