Since my last update quite a lot has happened. First of all I now have another part time job, working at Fat Face in Leicester. I've been working there for a few weeks now and it's going really well. It's a nice place to work and the people are lovely which is great. It's also retail so the hours are more sociable (no ridiculously early mornings) and it's something I've done before so there's no nasty surprises.
I'm pleased I've managed to find a job that has a bit more relevance to Head & Griffiths too, so I don't feel like it's a waste of time. The only down side is that I have to work over Christmas so I don't know how I'm going to be spending Christmas day yet, whether I'll be able to get home to see family and friends or whether I will simply have to postone Christmas and see them all after.
Also, I'm on the move again, found a gorgeous place just up the road from where we're living now and fingers crossed for moving in very soon! The timing isn't great so close to Christmas but I moved this time last year and it wasn't so bad and the landlord has thrown in a Christmas tree this time so it can't be bad!
I had my friends from back home to stay a few weeks ago which was awesome. They came for the weekend and I showed them the sights of Leicester! It was really lovely to see them and it was great to catch up. We ate, drank and ate some more! Thanks for coming girls!!
Things at Head & Griffiths are going well, I've been doing more womenswear fittings recently, and even did one on my own for the first time. I was really pleased with how it went and hope that the fittings continue so that womenswear can really take off.
We spent the week in Manchester a few weeks ago for another exhibition which was great. I'd never been to Manchester before so it's always fun to go somewhere new. My first impressions were good, Manchester seems like a great city, loads of places to eat and shop! What more do you need!?
Also, I got an invite to my first corporate event last week - a Leicester Tigers rugby game. Despite the freezing cold it was a great game and I met some lovely people. It was really nice to be invited and it felt good to be invited instead of the guys! (No offense guys). I must be making friends in the business world!
All in all it's been a good few months, lots happening and lots more to come in the new year!
Monday, 6 December 2010
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Winter 2010
I hate to admit it but I actually really enjoy winter, there's something nice about a frosty morning and let's be honest, who doesn't love a bit of snow!? Maybe it's because it means Christmas is around the corner or maybe it's simply because I get to wear all of my favourite clothes.
I personally feel much more comfortable in my winter wardrobe of boots, coats and hats. I much prefer thick black tights to bare legs (shudder) and anyone who knows me will know that I rarely go anywhere without a scarf anyway! So maybe this is why I welcome the colder weather, the opportunity to get some use out of the majority of my wardrobe.
My favourite trend this winter is the camel coat. It's such a classy colour and together with the trend for minimalism (which I also adore - I don't do frills) it screams understated elegance. It's the sort of colour that goes with anything and it will last forever, I'm sure there will be plenty of camel coats walking around next winter!
Thinking about the upcoming Christmas party season, there couldn't be a better trend than gilded brocade for your party dress. Maybe I'm just a fan because I bought one last year for my birthday party and can now get some more use out of it but it is still a gorgeous trend, very luxurious and it's perfect for this time of year.
Balmain Gilded Brocade Dress
Gucci Camel Coat
I personally feel much more comfortable in my winter wardrobe of boots, coats and hats. I much prefer thick black tights to bare legs (shudder) and anyone who knows me will know that I rarely go anywhere without a scarf anyway! So maybe this is why I welcome the colder weather, the opportunity to get some use out of the majority of my wardrobe.
My favourite trend this winter is the camel coat. It's such a classy colour and together with the trend for minimalism (which I also adore - I don't do frills) it screams understated elegance. It's the sort of colour that goes with anything and it will last forever, I'm sure there will be plenty of camel coats walking around next winter!
Thinking about the upcoming Christmas party season, there couldn't be a better trend than gilded brocade for your party dress. Maybe I'm just a fan because I bought one last year for my birthday party and can now get some more use out of it but it is still a gorgeous trend, very luxurious and it's perfect for this time of year.
Balmain Gilded Brocade Dress
Gucci Camel Coat
Monday, 15 November 2010
A first time for everything..
Six months ago I did something for the first time - quit my job and moved away from home. Since then, there are many things I've done for the first time, most without even realising until I started thinking about writing this post.
Living in Leicester and working for Head & Griffiths for the last 6 months has seen me do all sorts of things for the first time, from writing a blog and owning my own business card to public speaking and meeting celebrities. I've been involved with a photo shoot and watched a friend's designs walk down the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week, both of which were amazingly good fun.
I've been introduced to the world of networking (and survived to tell the tale) as well as learnt how to broadcast my every move on twitter. I've worn a suit (pretty key really) and I now own a little black dress. I've advised men on suit fabric and design and even measured an inside leg!
Not all of my first experiences have been great, for instance I've struggled with regular 5am starts to the point of exhaustion and missed friends and family incredible amounts but they're nothing compared to the fun I've had.
I've been to places I've never been to before, met new and interesting people, learnt how to live in a city and enjoyed every minute of it. I'm looking forward to the next 6 months and hopefully many more new experiences to come.
Living in Leicester and working for Head & Griffiths for the last 6 months has seen me do all sorts of things for the first time, from writing a blog and owning my own business card to public speaking and meeting celebrities. I've been involved with a photo shoot and watched a friend's designs walk down the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week, both of which were amazingly good fun.
I've been introduced to the world of networking (and survived to tell the tale) as well as learnt how to broadcast my every move on twitter. I've worn a suit (pretty key really) and I now own a little black dress. I've advised men on suit fabric and design and even measured an inside leg!
Not all of my first experiences have been great, for instance I've struggled with regular 5am starts to the point of exhaustion and missed friends and family incredible amounts but they're nothing compared to the fun I've had.
I've been to places I've never been to before, met new and interesting people, learnt how to live in a city and enjoyed every minute of it. I'm looking forward to the next 6 months and hopefully many more new experiences to come.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Stapleford Park Little Black Dress Event
The Little Black Dress event at Stapleford Park went without a hitch last week. Everyone had taken the theme on board and made the effort to wear an LBD, and I have to say that everyone looked fab! We had presentations from onesixeight:fitness, Sheelagh Powell Professional Make-Up Artist and Cleo Lacey from Demi-Couture which were all fantastic.
The audience loved the essential tips on how to get looking great in their LBDs from getting rid of 'bingo wings' to fantastic party make up ideas to the correct underwear to wear! We even had some advice on the 'sheepdog effect' (ladies you know what I'm talking about, and if not ask Cleo!) The shopping on offer was fab too - gorgeous jewellery, shoes, handbags and lingerie and there was even some hair restyling going on!
My LBDs first outing went well too. In this case it was carefully chosen and not thrown on last minute, worn with a pair of shiny heels and some statement black jewellery. I was very pleased with the overall look, I've never felt so glamorous in something so plain! Since the event I've actually worn it a few more times and it is definitely living up to its reputation as a wardrobe staple!
I've included some pictures of the event below, please feel free to comment. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event, a total of £395 was raised for Breast Cancer Care!
The audience loved the essential tips on how to get looking great in their LBDs from getting rid of 'bingo wings' to fantastic party make up ideas to the correct underwear to wear! We even had some advice on the 'sheepdog effect' (ladies you know what I'm talking about, and if not ask Cleo!) The shopping on offer was fab too - gorgeous jewellery, shoes, handbags and lingerie and there was even some hair restyling going on!
My LBDs first outing went well too. In this case it was carefully chosen and not thrown on last minute, worn with a pair of shiny heels and some statement black jewellery. I was very pleased with the overall look, I've never felt so glamorous in something so plain! Since the event I've actually worn it a few more times and it is definitely living up to its reputation as a wardrobe staple!
I've included some pictures of the event below, please feel free to comment. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event, a total of £395 was raised for Breast Cancer Care!
Me in my first LBD!
Sheelagh Powell and I posing for the camera!
Sheelagh Powell and Becky White from onesixeight:fitness
The venue
Becky giving her presentation on the Little Black Dress Workout
Cleo Lacey from Demi-Couture showing us all how to make the best of our LBDs
Sheelagh Powell demonstrating perfect glamorous evening make-up
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Little Black Dress
The iconic little black dress or ‘LBD’ has been a wardrobe essential for most women since the 1920s. However, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never actually owned one. So when preparing for the Little Black Dress event that I’m attending this week I started thinking about how I should wear it. Autumn/winter 2010 trends weren’t much help, I fail to see how the new ‘midi’ length fits in with the ‘little’ black dress, so that’s out, and a dress covered in brass buttons military-style will soon look dated. I want my dress to stand the test of time as it should.
However, I’m still excited about owning my first LBD and the possibilities of reworking it each time it comes into use. So I’ve opted for a classic shift dress, sleeveless and knee length with a simple neck line, a perfect style for my body shape - Gok would be proud! This will hopefully stand to be my wardrobe staple, with me through thick and thin, carefully chosen for glamorous parties as well as thrown on last minute when nothing else feels right!
However, I’m still excited about owning my first LBD and the possibilities of reworking it each time it comes into use. So I’ve opted for a classic shift dress, sleeveless and knee length with a simple neck line, a perfect style for my body shape - Gok would be proud! This will hopefully stand to be my wardrobe staple, with me through thick and thin, carefully chosen for glamorous parties as well as thrown on last minute when nothing else feels right!
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
New website
The Head & Griffiths new website is now up and ready so I thought I'd share some of the images with you including some behind the scenes snaps from the photoshoot..
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Update
Lots has been happening in the last month including countless trips to London, a family visit, 3 birthdays, a BBQ at Rachel Elnaugh's house, a friend's wedding and my last shift at the hotel! I left the hotel last week as I wasn't coping with the exhaustion too well and needed to focus on H&G as much as possible. It is such a relief not to have to get up at 5 am anymore, and I now really appreciate a good lie in!
We've been spending a lot of time in London recently, I think I've been more times in the last month or so than I have in the last few years! Fittings have been done, suits have been delivered and birthdays have been celebrated! We've even spent two days on an exhibition stand for employee benefits hooking people in for the chance to win a free suit! In doing all of this I've had a chance to visit parts of London that I wouldn't usually (because I'd usually spend the entire time on Oxford Street!) and I'm liking it more and more, I definitely think I'd like to live and/or work in London at some point in my life.
As well as all the trips, I've also been spending some time researching what women look for in a suit and came up with a survey, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WJ3DQ5Q . So far I've found that the most popular place for women to buy formal wear is Next and that almost 50% of women think that the choice on the high street is poor. In fact very few women rated the formal wear they had bought as very good in categories such as fit, quality, style, choice and price. I definitely think more women should be looking to buy bespoke clothing! Please complete my survey and receive a H&G voucher as a thank you.
September saw all 3 members of the H&G team get a year older...all three birthdays in one month (and within a week and a half of each other) was certainly a cause (or 3) for celebration! Meals were eaten, drinks were drunk and a jolly good time was had by all!...until the depression of being another year older hit us.
I had family come to visit me in Leicester which was great, and I've also been home to see a friend get married which was fab! It was really good to see everyone and catch up and it was a gorgeous day, congratulations Mr and Mrs Stephenson! x
And finally you'll be pleased to know that I've finally experienced the Leicester nightlife and it hasn't sent me packing my bags to go home!
We've been spending a lot of time in London recently, I think I've been more times in the last month or so than I have in the last few years! Fittings have been done, suits have been delivered and birthdays have been celebrated! We've even spent two days on an exhibition stand for employee benefits hooking people in for the chance to win a free suit! In doing all of this I've had a chance to visit parts of London that I wouldn't usually (because I'd usually spend the entire time on Oxford Street!) and I'm liking it more and more, I definitely think I'd like to live and/or work in London at some point in my life.
As well as all the trips, I've also been spending some time researching what women look for in a suit and came up with a survey, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WJ3DQ5Q . So far I've found that the most popular place for women to buy formal wear is Next and that almost 50% of women think that the choice on the high street is poor. In fact very few women rated the formal wear they had bought as very good in categories such as fit, quality, style, choice and price. I definitely think more women should be looking to buy bespoke clothing! Please complete my survey and receive a H&G voucher as a thank you.
September saw all 3 members of the H&G team get a year older...all three birthdays in one month (and within a week and a half of each other) was certainly a cause (or 3) for celebration! Meals were eaten, drinks were drunk and a jolly good time was had by all!...until the depression of being another year older hit us.
I had family come to visit me in Leicester which was great, and I've also been home to see a friend get married which was fab! It was really good to see everyone and catch up and it was a gorgeous day, congratulations Mr and Mrs Stephenson! x
And finally you'll be pleased to know that I've finally experienced the Leicester nightlife and it hasn't sent me packing my bags to go home!
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
"Leicester!? Why do you want to go there!?"
The most common response I got when I told people I was moving. It worried me a little at first, I started thinking maybe there was something everyone seemed to know about the city that my minimal amounts of travel hadn't yet taught me? Most opinions were pretty derogatory, and the ones that weren't were due to the fact that they had never been! Or maybe they were just trying to be positive for me? But coming from a small county in the countryside, Leicester offers a lot more excitement than I'm used to. Suffolk is a very pretty county but I think I'll appreciate it more as I get older. For now I'm happy to be visiting and instead living in a city with a bit more hustle bustle!
Having been here 2 months now, I have to say that I don't agree with all the negative things I've heard. Ok, Oxford Street in Leicester is no Oxford Street in London but hey, I couldn't handle living in London. Leicester is a nice half way point for me, it's offers more than Suffolk but it's not going to give me an early midlife crisis either.
It has everything I need, bars and restaurants are everywhere and there's certainly more (and better) shopping on offer! And seeing as it’s previously been voted as Britain’s ‘Curry Capital’ (I didn’t make that up I swear, the award actually exists) it definitely has great take away options! There is a huge student population which is not a crowd I’m familiar with but so far everyone I’ve met have been awesome and it has it’s advantages in terms of student prices. Of course Leicester has a lot of the traits of any city but that's to be expected, and to be honest the fact that it’s not what I’m used to is what I like about it. I’m embracing my new life on all fronts!
However having said all of this I'm yet to experience the Leicester nightlife properly, maybe my opinion will change?! I'll let you know...
Having been here 2 months now, I have to say that I don't agree with all the negative things I've heard. Ok, Oxford Street in Leicester is no Oxford Street in London but hey, I couldn't handle living in London. Leicester is a nice half way point for me, it's offers more than Suffolk but it's not going to give me an early midlife crisis either.
It has everything I need, bars and restaurants are everywhere and there's certainly more (and better) shopping on offer! And seeing as it’s previously been voted as Britain’s ‘Curry Capital’ (I didn’t make that up I swear, the award actually exists) it definitely has great take away options! There is a huge student population which is not a crowd I’m familiar with but so far everyone I’ve met have been awesome and it has it’s advantages in terms of student prices. Of course Leicester has a lot of the traits of any city but that's to be expected, and to be honest the fact that it’s not what I’m used to is what I like about it. I’m embracing my new life on all fronts!
However having said all of this I'm yet to experience the Leicester nightlife properly, maybe my opinion will change?! I'll let you know...
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Exhaustion
Endless late nights and early mornings are starting to catch up with me, but when there are bills to pay and work to be done how do you know when to say enough is enough?!
I'm constantly reminded of the phrase 'work hard, play hard' but how can I play hard when I'm always tired! I don't mean to moan because truth be told I enjoy working hard and I'm positive that moving to Leicester and working for Head & Griffiths was the right thing for me. But it will be nice when we're successful enough that I can work solely for H&G and not have to kill myself serving breakfast first.
On a more positive note however, my role as Head of Womenswear is going well. I've attended my first networking events, looked for new designers at Graduate Fashion Week, searched suppliers for womenswear accessories and made my first sale! It's hard work but at least it's hard work for something I'm interested in and care about...at last!
I'm constantly reminded of the phrase 'work hard, play hard' but how can I play hard when I'm always tired! I don't mean to moan because truth be told I enjoy working hard and I'm positive that moving to Leicester and working for Head & Griffiths was the right thing for me. But it will be nice when we're successful enough that I can work solely for H&G and not have to kill myself serving breakfast first.
On a more positive note however, my role as Head of Womenswear is going well. I've attended my first networking events, looked for new designers at Graduate Fashion Week, searched suppliers for womenswear accessories and made my first sale! It's hard work but at least it's hard work for something I'm interested in and care about...at last!
Thursday, 8 July 2010
On the move
The Head & Griffiths team have now moved into our new pad along with another friend, so I now have female company as well as male :)
We love it! It's definitely a step up! Many steps up in fact, 4 floors to be precise - it's quite a workout but at least I have an excuse to turn down the offers to go for a run! We have a roof terrace with an awesome barbecue (which has been used every night so far...obviously) and a living room with a pool table (which I rock at...sometimes). It's nice to be in a place that is as much mine as the others, rather than crashing with the guys. Before, I was a guest in a city I didn't know and now I feel at home.
We've also moved offices, same building but different room. It's a definite positive for the company but it was very stressful whilst moving home as well! We have our own space now rather than sharing with others but it's on the complete other side of the building so lugging suits here was a bit of a mission! Now that we're in all that's left to do is attempt to get the guys organised!
We love it! It's definitely a step up! Many steps up in fact, 4 floors to be precise - it's quite a workout but at least I have an excuse to turn down the offers to go for a run! We have a roof terrace with an awesome barbecue (which has been used every night so far...obviously) and a living room with a pool table (which I rock at...sometimes). It's nice to be in a place that is as much mine as the others, rather than crashing with the guys. Before, I was a guest in a city I didn't know and now I feel at home.
We've also moved offices, same building but different room. It's a definite positive for the company but it was very stressful whilst moving home as well! We have our own space now rather than sharing with others but it's on the complete other side of the building so lugging suits here was a bit of a mission! Now that we're in all that's left to do is attempt to get the guys organised!
Monday, 14 June 2010
All falling into place..
Second job – check! I have finally managed to get a second job, at Maiyango, a fantastic boutique hotel in the city centre www.maiyango.com. I'm working breakfast shifts at the moment so it means an early start but once the shift is finished I have the rest of the day to focus on being ‘Head of Womenswear.’ I can now stop stressing about money and just enjoy my time in Leicester.
So things are going well work-wise, but I have to admit I didn't expect EVERYTHING to go so smoothly..
World Cup 2010, what a great time to decide to move in with 3 guys! My first few days in the house have been focused around football, football and more football and somehow I’ve even ended up with my own fantasy football team?! Having said that however, I have to admit it’s been fun and despite my initial worries about being the only female in the house, I’m enjoying it! We’re not staying here long though, the lease is up on this house soon and we have a fantastic new pad to move into, can’t wait!
So things are going well work-wise, but I have to admit I didn't expect EVERYTHING to go so smoothly..
World Cup 2010, what a great time to decide to move in with 3 guys! My first few days in the house have been focused around football, football and more football and somehow I’ve even ended up with my own fantasy football team?! Having said that however, I have to admit it’s been fun and despite my initial worries about being the only female in the house, I’m enjoying it! We’re not staying here long though, the lease is up on this house soon and we have a fantastic new pad to move into, can’t wait!
Monday, 7 June 2010
First week panic
I’ve been in Leicester a week now and I’m starting to panic about not having enough income. I’m loving my role at Head & Griffiths but unfortunately it’s part time so I’m on the hunt for a second job in order to tide me over until we make it big! This is proving to be incredibly tiring, I’ve taken my CV to countless shops and boutiques in the city centre but no luck so far. I’m also coming to terms with the fact that I am going to have blisters for the rest of my life as a result of all the walking! But at least I’m getting to know the city. Anyway, got to stay positive and keep going….
On the plus side, I can spend all my time in the office until I find a second job so I have lots of time to get to grips with things. We’re also moving office so it’s been really useful having all this extra time. I attended my first formal event as Head of Womenswear this week, the Vantis Challenge event. It was a great evening, meeting lots of new people and hearing about of all the fantastic fundraising that had gone on in aid of LOROS hospice. We had a brilliant meal (I got to taste my first Melton Mowbray pork pie!) and I would like to thank Phoenix Partners for their hospitality.
On the plus side, I can spend all my time in the office until I find a second job so I have lots of time to get to grips with things. We’re also moving office so it’s been really useful having all this extra time. I attended my first formal event as Head of Womenswear this week, the Vantis Challenge event. It was a great evening, meeting lots of new people and hearing about of all the fantastic fundraising that had gone on in aid of LOROS hospice. We had a brilliant meal (I got to taste my first Melton Mowbray pork pie!) and I would like to thank Phoenix Partners for their hospitality.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
My first blog
The decision to move to Leicester was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, however after my first day being the ‘new girl’ at Head & Griffiths I’m definitely feeling as if it was the right one.
I have always had uninteresting and irrelevant jobs that have so far not been helping my career move in the direction I want it to. So when a 'right place, right time' situation presented itself to me, I took it. I handed in my notice and moved from Suffolk to the Midlands to work for a bespoke tailoring company founded by an old school friend. I’ve spent my first day researching women’s tailoring and listening to discussions about web design - a whole world away from what I’ve been used to. And I’ve loved it.
Although I’ve only been working for around 3 years, I already feel as though I understand how and why people get stuck in dead end jobs. Thankfully I was determined that I wouldn’t be one of them and have made the leap. I made my decision based on “if I don’t try it now, when will I?” If it doesn’t go to plan at least I can say I tried and will never have to look back and say “I wish I’d done that.” If nothing else, I’m gaining life experience. I’ve now been in Leicester for approximately 30 hours and I’m feeling very positive about the move. I’ve taken a step in the right direction towards achieving my goals and am already looking forward to what the future will bring.
I have always had uninteresting and irrelevant jobs that have so far not been helping my career move in the direction I want it to. So when a 'right place, right time' situation presented itself to me, I took it. I handed in my notice and moved from Suffolk to the Midlands to work for a bespoke tailoring company founded by an old school friend. I’ve spent my first day researching women’s tailoring and listening to discussions about web design - a whole world away from what I’ve been used to. And I’ve loved it.
Although I’ve only been working for around 3 years, I already feel as though I understand how and why people get stuck in dead end jobs. Thankfully I was determined that I wouldn’t be one of them and have made the leap. I made my decision based on “if I don’t try it now, when will I?” If it doesn’t go to plan at least I can say I tried and will never have to look back and say “I wish I’d done that.” If nothing else, I’m gaining life experience. I’ve now been in Leicester for approximately 30 hours and I’m feeling very positive about the move. I’ve taken a step in the right direction towards achieving my goals and am already looking forward to what the future will bring.
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