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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When friends and family visit, they all praise Leamington for its varied and different shops and individual feel. I am always proud of my adopted town (I have lived here 11 years) and am passionate about supporting our high street with its unique mix of boutiques, independents and larger retailers. The Love Leamington campaign www.loveleamington.com is an initiative which I hope will help prevent more independent retailers being forced out as a result of the recession (I am still mourning the demise of Comme Ci Comme Ca and Tiger). So here, as part SYW’s response to the #Love Leam challenge is a run through some of my Leamington favourites, old and new. The key that binds them all together is that personal touch and service you get, one thing is for sure wherever you go in Leamington there is always a warm welcome.
I cannot make a trip into town without stopping in at this gorgeous boutique (in fact if I try my husband asks if I am ill!) Offering individual vintage style clothing, accessories and gifts. Staffed by a lovely, friendly, team who are always prepared to help out, offer opinions and give further information on the ranges stocked, which include Closet, Darling and Emily and Finn. Will appeal to those who like classic with a modern twist. Perfect for sourcing that great little dress that will see you through every summer event or for that go with everything pretty scarf. – Also has a shop in Cambridge.
High on the glamour factor and great at bringing that feel to everyday outfits, that’s how I would describe this Leamington institution. Their window displays really stand out and I long for the lifestyle they depict, whether it’s a pair of suede ankle boots teamed with jeans and statement jacket or a selection of their evening gowns (currently I am coveting a rose gold sequin number). Whether you are looking for an everyday outfit with that special touch or something more formal for a prom, posh wedding, or a day at the races (their recent Cheltenham window was genius), you are in good hands with the Revolve team to help you look and feel a million dollars.
Small independent boutique focusing on brands that aren’t seen everywhere, mostly separates and casual dressing. One of my best purchases ever was a quirky take on the waxed jacket by the brand “Not the Same”, practical but still stylish. Great line in shoes and bags, one client I took shopping here bought the most comfortable pair of shoes she ever had. I have an orange clutch purchased here that people often mistake for designer. They have a fab selection of branded jeans including “Not Your Daughters”. My go to place when I am looking for something that lifts me out of the plain old jeans and jumper rut.
For jewellery and watches Colin and Sandy bring the personal touch and make you feel as if your purchase is worth thousands even if you are spending considerably less. Extremely knowledgeable and skilled jewellers, they will always take the time to explain the differences in the pieces and products on offer. They will also help give ideas or even narrow down your choices when you can’t decide. Offering good value too, I sourced 3 bridesmaids gifts here well within my modest budget. Perfect for special occasions or just that little treat.
discovery is also worth a visit.
The men of Leamington could do with a few more boutique offerings for casual wear but on the smart/formal side they are extremely well served by Clements & Church. Despite the rapid expansion (outposts in Birmingham, Leamington, Solihull & Oxford), you always receive personal service and recognition along with expert knowledge when you visit this store. Offering formal wear including tuxedos, suits, shirts and blazers from tailors skilled in their trade. Only a limited number of each suit or blazer is produced, meaning you feel as though you have purchased a bespoke piece without the bespoke price tag.
As a Chelsea Flower Show medallist you might think this would be home to the priciest flowers on the high street, not the case. The flowers are great value and are superior in quality to others I have purchased. The team are welcoming and happy to lend a hand in choosing from their array of, not only bouquets and flowers but innovative gifts such as the arrangements in china tea cups (a favourite of mine) to the outstanding range of own brand organic massage candles which I have gifted to friends and family and all have raved about them. Also Sarah has teamed up with garden designer Debbie Cooke and they are designing a garden to represent Leamington to be displayed in the Grand Pavilion at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (www.bloomingleamington.com ), how fab is that?
A gift for that someone special who has everything or that hard to buy for relative, stop in at this local boutique and you are sure to be able to find something that fits the bill. As with all my favourites once again it’s the excellent friendly welcome and knowledge of their products that make it a hit with customers.
gorgeous setting in a restored regency villa, you can almost pretend the bar complete with table service is your own living room (well I can dream can’t I?).
So what are your Leamington favourites? Share them here and on the #loveleam campaign. Don’t know your favourites? Take the Love Leam challenge this weekend. Let’s keep Leamington as a high street to be proud of.