A party where you can buy clothes? What's not to love?!
Especially one where there are copious amounts of alcohol and a great bunch of gals - pretty much my idea of heaven (and as there were Kettle Chips, I'd say it could almost be deemed perfect)
Ok so perhaps I exaggerate but last Thursday I had a clothes party at my house, hosted by the lovely Caroline, who is an agent of the company Taylor Stephens. She came over during the day and set up a number of rails with clothes on, as well as having a selection of jeans, trousers, scarves, jewellery and bags. The clothes are a great selection of colours, styles and prints. To give you an idea here are some photos, before the locusts descended!
Best thing, is that I don't think there's anything that costs over £35! Most tops are around the £22/£25 mark and a lot of those are actually real silk. There is a wide variety of styles, I'd really say something for everyone. I loved that there was only one, maybe two of each item in each colour. So no chance of five of you turning up on the next girl's night out in the same top. (unless you all bought it in different colourways - there was a gorgeous butterfly top which, let's just say was very popular... Phone calls needed before you wear it on our next night out ladies.)
Secondly most things are unlike other things that you see on the high street. Clearly a nod to what's on trend (god I hate that saying but anything that describes in fashion, manages to come cross as, pardon my French, rather wanky) but just some great summer items. For if it ever gets warmer.
The fact that things are so reasonable, means it's a great way to try things that you wouldn't normally wear. Even better, if you host a party you get a percentage of the sales to take in product yourself. Free clothes. Yup, actually free clothes. The Husband thought it was bloody Christmas. I went shopping and didn't spend any money, he had a pass out for the evening and there is a load of red wine left that I bought as everyone drank champagne or white wine. Happy Days Chez Moi. I can tell this is going to be a regular gig in my house!
If anyone in the South East would be interested in throwing a Taylor Stephens party at their house or just for more information (and it doesn't have to be in the evening with booze, could just as easily be during the day for coffee - although not sure I'd have had 50 gals turning up for coffee! I think part of the lure was definitely a good night out), send an email to carolinejdavies@googlemail.com. If you don't fancy doing it yourself, try and persuade a friend as you can honestly bag some great bargains and it really does make for a great evening. I'm trying to work how soon I can do another one.
Here's are some of the other goodies that I got. In fact so impressed with them that I've worn three of the items already.
Emerald green 100% silk and jersey loose top. Style is very much what I'd usually wear but the colour is so far out of my comfort zone, I'm verging on changing my name to Dorothy.
Scarf print silky angel wing top. I wouldn't have bought this (despite my current obsession with scarf print - I've been trying to abstain.....) but the friends I was with said it looked great on. (we may have had a cheeky trying on session in the morning which enabled me to be "hostess" in the evening. ie have a good old drink and direct people to the table of booze to help themselves. Not sure I ever passed my Hostess badge in Brownies - that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it) Anyway, I was swayed by them - it hides a multitude of sins and it was free! But I love it. Have already worn it as you can see below. Super chuffed.
Now this mink oversized top is clearly right up my normal street. I would definitely have bought it anyway - £22 I think, maybe £25, gorgeous drapey jersey edged with silk. So easy to wear. Very very pleased with it.
This sequin collar 100% silk top isn't something I'd normally buy (although again, I'd probably have given it a go at £28) but I think it will be a perfect top for those super hot summer nights over skinny jeans - either white ones for a dressier look or distressed slightly faded ones for an edgier vibe. I reckon it's pretty timeless as well so will probably be a staple part of my summer wardrobe for years to come. Gorgeous grey/beige colour which actually is super flattering on me. I have to be careful with these colours when there's lots of flesh on show and I can't have another colour near my face to break it up as I can look hideously washed out. But the sequins really do lift it. The perfect shade.
I did also get a great black blazer with tan elbow pads. However I managed to leave that at the function I went to on Friday night although handily I do have a photo of the outfit so you can see what it's like.
Here's what I've been wearing, including my new bits!
Friday. I was shabby. I was more than shabby, I was a mess. Exhausted and ever so slightly hungover. RR3 had actually been sick during the party the night before so couldn't go to nursery so we hunkered down for the day (ie he watched Cbeebies and I snoozed on the sofa)
Mink jersey and silk oversized top - Taylor Stephens
Floral skinny jeans - Primark
Apricot and beige tassel scarf - Mint Velvet
Clay Thelma wedges - Ash
Sunglasses - Tom Ford
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
Friday night I had to pull myself together as I had a school function. Which ended up being an absolute blast with friends coming back to ours for a 2.30 am finish. Wearing two of my new purchases (well gifts!) - scarf print top and black blazer.
Scarf print top - Taylor Stephens
Grey straight leg trousers - Day Birger et Mikkelson
Black blazer - Taylor Stephens
Black and gold chain necklace - Made
Dull gold chunky link bracelet - Made
Nude sandals - Zara
Tan De Manta clutch - Alexander McQueen
Saturday - well following the debacle of the night before, enough said. Dragged the whole family to school football for RR2, as I knew they served the most fantastic bacon sandwiches there. Result. Plus I got an iota of fresh air and didn't feel too guilty about spending a large amount of the remainder of the day on the sofa. The less said about the quantity of carbs I consumed, the better.
Navy and white striped jersey longline top - Joules
Distressed ankle zip skinny jeans - Zara
Brown leather biker jacket - All Saints
Gun metal hi tops - Ash
Sunglasses - Tom Ford
Jubilee scarf - Scarf Envy
And today for sunshine. Wasn't quite as warm as it looked, hence the scarf (I am still loving this scarf - the colours mean it just goes with everything. Will be a staple come the A/W definitely. So, so useful)
Navy and Camel racer back maxi dress - New Look
Wide tan hipster belt - Fever
Denim jacket - Red Herring at Debenhams
Tan leather cuff - Mulberry
Beaded leather cuff - Jigsaw
Cross body battered chestnut bag - Campomaggi from Plumo
Sunglasses - Tom Ford
And now I am off to enjoy the wonderful dinner The Husband has cooked. Father's Day and his treat is being able to cook. I know.
Wow - looks fab! I want one of those parties too
ReplyDeleteAs always, loving all the outfits...could you please try to look vaguely awful next time you have a hangover tho? Thanks. Avrilx
Honestly love, close up, I look truly horrendous! And yes, the parties are such great fun! Shame you don't live nearer. xxxxx
DeleteRails full of clothes in your living room must be like a dream come true. The clothes look fabulous and if I lived in the UK I would definitely host a party! You look fantastic as always. Your blog is so inspirational. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteYes it was quite fabulous, it does have to be said. Such a shame you're not in the UK. And thank you for your lovely comments xxxx
DeleteSounds like a great party! I'd buy that dress with bejeweled neckline. Also love your other ensembles.. I would never be able to pull off the denim jacket at my big 42 but you did it so well! Should I dare try? Hmm... seriously considering
ReplyDeleteCome visit my latest post when you can :)
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/2012/06/windy-day-inspired.html
oh you could SO wear a denim jacket. Staple for a summer wardrobe here! xxx
DeleteGood stuff - I wish they did it on-line, living in the style desert that is South Belgium just now (high street shops are: Etam, C&A and...Damart) I'm totally reliant on t'internet for shopping (apart from when OH can be persuaded to return to UK).
ReplyDeleteGosh - that's a challenge..... I've been to Belgium lots and definitely remember it's not exactly a fashion paradise. Good luck with that one! xxx
DeleteGorgeous clothes! I love your scarf print top and blazer ... hope you retrieved it:) My friend has hosted a few clothes parties for a Danish line of clothing in the past! Fuelled by a few large glasses of wine I always managed to come home with some lovely pieces:) You have an amazing sense of style:) Have a fabulous week!
ReplyDelete~Anne
Thank you! And yes, blazer retrieved now. Clothes parties are such a great great way to shop. I wish I could do one every month! xx
DeleteLovely photos and outfits, I really like the maxi dress and what a good idea a clothes party :)
ReplyDeleteTanesha x
www.tanesha-marie.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you! And will definitely check out your blog. Isn't a clothes party just the best idea? Maxi dress was a great purchase last year - really easy to wear, comfy and not needing any ironing. All a bit perfect for a relaxed warm day. xxx
Deletewow a clothes party , great idea ! of course added bonus of kettle chips & alcohol ! love the style of you blog & pics !
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes, kettle chips and alcohol were definitely the cherry on the top.xxx
DeleteLove that scarf print top - gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteQuite pleased with it actually. Not something I'd normally go for but I think it will be pretty useful! xxxx
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