Friday 28 November 2014

Clothes shopping in Stratford

On Thursday I took the car up to Stratford Upon Avon because I'd been invited by Gemini Fashion to come and try on some party clothes they have in their shop, have my hair & make up done and have some professional photographs taken. Like the keenest kid at the front of the class with 2 hands in the air I was there like a shot (actually that's a lie because the traffic on the A34/M40 was not good in rush hour).

It was my first trip to Stratford and I knew NOTHING about it apart from the obvious Shakespeare historical reference. What an amazing town! Each of the stores (lots of independents) are housed in original 800yrs+ buildings and it absolutely adds to the feel of the market town.

Gemini is a VERY LARGE shop in Stratford. I was amazed at how big it is (3 shops knocked into one huge space). It is home to over 30 fashion brands covering formal and casual wear, accessories for you and for the home.




CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY - I was amazed to find out through chatting with Claire (owner) that they have lots of staff on hand to help their customers. Customer service to Gemini is KEY to their success and I have to say that we (there were two of us) were bowled over by the attention we received by the staff. Everyone was so happy, smiling, saying hello (but not in that in your face annoying sales person way).

My partner in crime for the day was the beautiful Donna from I Won't Wear Sludge Brown. When I found out Donna would be coming too I squealed with delight. She's brilliant. I adore her.

I can't stop 'chatting' because I really did have THE BEST DAY EVER!

Right, on to the visuals. Today's blog is about the photos I took - so selfie's and informal shots. Next week I'll bring the professional ones they took.

Make Up by the lovely lovely lovely ladies at space.nk in Stratford. They chose bronze to bring out the blue in my eyes and I was SO impressed by what they did I spent £50 on 2 products! Let it be known right now that I haven't spent £50 on makeup in the past 41 years in one go. I don't do expensive make up but I was bowled over by the effect.




Hair by the talented staff at Matthew Curtis. What this beautiful girl (she was young, she was stunning and she is SUPER talented) did to my hair is beyond words. Who knew I could rock a beehive like that?


Now to the clothes. We had free reign of the whole shop (think thousands of items of clothing and accessories) but our fantastic hosts had hand picked some key items for the season ahead.

Here are SOME photos .. next week there will be more I promise :-)
Jacket (French Connection)Top (French Connection)Boots
Ooooh look at Donna in the background focusing on what to wear next!


Dress (Sandwich), Shoes (Sasha London)
This dress was AMAZING. I urge anyone after a party frock to buy it. It fitted very well, it had stretch (side panels) and yet was fitted.


I can't wait to show the other outfits, let's say there are burgundy boots, animal print pencil skirt, a cream blouse that Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen would be proud of, leather and furry ankle boots and a whole lot more.

OK then, have a cheeky look at Donna and one of her outfits (more on her blog now and next week).


Do check out Gemini online and if you are in Stratford then you must pay the team a visit.

Fiona
xoxo

25 comments :

  1. Mwahhhh Fiona xx

    It was like one of those days that they auction at those posh charity events and sells for thousands of pounds and you think oooooh I wish that was me. Well this time it was! And it was fantastic. So glad we got to share it together. I had a ball. And hey, that selfie at the hairdressers is amazing....you should use the shot!

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    1. It was like a total prize winning day and we did it!

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  2. You look so, so gorgeous! Your hair is amazing and you were right to buy the make up ... I know you have incredibly blue eyes, but wow! that make up makes them pop. Sounds like the most fab day. Adore that FC jacket x

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    1. That FC jacket looked NOTHING on the hanger and as soon as I put it on it came to life!
      Shows with good hair and make up you can make anything look good!

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  3. That sounds like such an amazing day and like Helen above says - your eyes look totally amazing! If that's the makeup doing it - then that's £50 well spent!

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    1. I've yet to try it myself! Might do tomorrow night as I'm off out!

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  4. It's like Christmas came early, lucky you! Looking forward to seeing more pics...

    Becky x

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    1. That's exactly how it felt!!!
      I am nervous about the shots they took - I'm not photogenic at all so it takes 1300 shots to get 1 decent one!

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  5. You looked absolutely stunning, Fiona! Must learn how to do that beehive yourself, suits you so so well!!

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    1. Thank you! I did feel very very very good that day. I need a hairdresser and make up artist in my life daily. I've already asked the husband if he needs both kidney's!
      I will TRY to replicate one day - I know there was lots of back combing, hairspray and grips!

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  6. Such a fabulous day, Fiona. It looks amazing! Lynne xx

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  7. So envious....what an amazing experiance!! You look stunning in the outfit Fiona and the make-up looks well worth the hefty price tag!! Look forward to seeing more! xx

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    1. I cannot wait to recreate the makeup this weekend!

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  8. You look stunning, love all the outfits and your hair looks great too :)

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    1. I am never going to be able to replicate the hair - EVER!!!

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  9. Hi , Just came over from Fiona's place.
    Adore your hair - so Audrey Hepburn! And both of you look fab - you have got the great pins for skinnies and boots and frocks alike. That sandwich dress is perfection, so elegant and yet looks comfy too, which I am all about as I get older...

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    1. Sandwich is not a brand I've heard of before but I'm certainly going to look again.
      Thank you for lovely words.

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  10. Sounds like a truly fabulous day and you two are gorgeous models all tall and slim making the clothes look amazing. The dress and jacket is lovely on you and the make up and hair...stunning. A wonderful day for two gorgeous ladies who deserve it xxxx

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    1. The clothes they sell are made for women and so they were a perfect fit for both Donna and I (being women over 40 that is). Truly magical experience.

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  11. I think the beehive looks stunning on you, and I think you have the fab figure for a full-on '60s look if you chose! Honestly gorgeous Fiona!! xx

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    1. Thank you! I have no waist though - this is key for the '60s look?!!!

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  12. Gorgeous pictures Fiona! So glad you had a fab time, what a great opportunity xx

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  13. Looks amazing Fiona - as do you and Donna! Have spent the last 40 mins looking at the Gemini website - it's really impressive. Ax

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