Austin Reed Re-launch Party

On Wednesday 14^th December I went to the re-launch of the Austin Reed and Viyella flagship store at 100 Regent Street. I had even more fun at this event than I anticipated…and I was excited to begin with. Press, designers, business elite, sports stars and celebrities were in attendance such as cricketing legend Alastair Cook, Mark Cueto, Courtney Lawes, Sir Philip Green, Dylan Jones (editor of GQ) and Prince Cassius. 

100 Regent Street

Courtney Lawes and Alistair Cook

Camilla Gleditsch, Alex McDonald, Prince Cassius,
Sade English, Nicola McSorley

Miranda McCarthey (London Bird),
Prince Cassius and Sade English

The red carpet and guest list added to the glamour of gorgeous Regent Street building, whilst the interior was beautiful filled with the exceptionally dressed. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Cary Grant or Sinatra walked in . Just goes to show how timeless Austin Reed is.

A brand film was shown to the guests, showcasing some of the wonderful clients  Austin Reed  has worked with over the past 111 years of its existence, such as; The Beatles, Winston Churchill, Cary Grant and Elizabeth Taylor.

Can anyone spot a fro?

The party was extremely enjoyable with music from The Overtones- ‘the UK’s hottest vocal group’ and acoustic musician Mike Davies whilst magician Christopher Howell stunned the crowd. Gourmet fish and chips, burgers and pies were served by waitresses in bowler hats while waiters ensured that no champagne glass was ever empty. If all this wasn't enough, we left with a goody bag containing ‘The Austin Reed Times’ and a silk handkerchief (which is now under the Christmas tree as a cheeky gift for my boyfriend).

Open bar

Gourmet fish and chips and burger

The Overtones

Mike Davies and a Christmas Tree

Magician Christopher Howell and his nemesis Camilla.

 The party gave everyone a great opportunity to peruse the store, chat with friends and have a really wonderful time. If you haven’t already, visit the new Austin Reed store at 100 Regent Street. 

Wrangler Jeans Christmas Party

On Thursday 8^th I also went to the Wrangler Jeans Christmas Party on Ganton Street. After the bouncer man found my name on the guest list, I took the lift to the, what sounded like, a mental party upstairs. My predictions were correct.

The place was packed with stylish fashionistas, bloggers, stylists and Wrangler employees all having a wonderful, festive time. Although with free cocktails being provided by Mahiki Coconut rum and awesome sets by DJ Cooks and Steffie Timanti, who wouldn’t be having a wonderful, festive time?! Complete with great tunes I haven't heard for years and a private, glass, karaoke booth (which I did not enter) although it was funny to watch the people inside, I had a great time. I'm sure that my head wasn't the only poorly one the next day.

Kirk Original's Birthday Party

On 8^th December I went to the first birthday party of Kirk Originals at 6 Conduit Street. Working late that evening I expected to find the remnants of an amazing party. Luckily, however, I was very happy to see the party was still in full swing.  Kirk Originals definitely knows how to party in style with press, stylists, celebs and fashion lovers in attendance.

Picture courtesy of Momoy.com

Party still in full swing

The store has a very futuristic, minimalistic style with eyes wearing fabulous glasses protruding from the walls. It was great to see so many of the party attendees modelling the glasses whilst supping on a beer or cider from the bar. Every person I spoke to had their own favourite. The most wonderful thing about Kirk Originals glasses is that they are as diverse and individual as the people wearing them. They reflect personalities and moods as well as being an absolutely fabulous fashion accessory.

I’ve put a picture of me wearing my favourite pair on here in the hope that my boyfriend will see my not-so-subtle hint. If you happen to be in London I recommend you pop in. I challenge you to leave without trying a pair or five on. Congratulations to Jason and Karen Kirk- here’s to next year! 

My favourites!

SPARKLE launch party

On Friday I went to a fabulous fashion party at Mia Bella in Soho.  The party was hosted by the sociable fashionista, Nixalina (creator/ writer/ editor of Sex and London City). Designer ldw Atelier showcased his brand new SPARKLE collection with a fabulous fashion show which he featured in. T’was fun watching a fashion show with a bottle of wine and the most beautiful cupcakes I have ever tasted! (BV cupcakes…seriously, check them out!).  

Ldw Atelier and Alex McDonald

From start to finish the party had a great atmosphere- a little red carpet on the way in, a guest list on the door (sure I wouldn’t have been as happy about this if I wasn’t on it) and great tunes which were perfectly audible from outside the venue.

Alex, Sarah and Camilla

We were welcomed with a smelly feather, (sprayed with perfume), were offered, and accepted, more than one cupcake and then headed to the bar just in time for the start of the fashion show. Also in attendance was TOWIE star Samantha Faiers, Glam Media UK and CK model Aaron Frew to name but a few. I had a great night, Nixalina and Lewis (of ldw Atelier) were as welcoming and lovely as they are talented.

Last but not least…free stuff! Lauren Goodger (TOWIE) provided goodie bags containing fake tan from her line ‘Lauren’s Way’, as well as some electronic cigarettes. Being an ex-smoker, I haven’t tried these yet- might wait to get a tad tipsy when I fancy a ‘social cigarette’. Failing this, they will make a cracking Christmas present to some lucky smoker. 

Coolway Launch

Thursday night concluded with the launch of Coolway’s flagship store on Oxford Street hosted by Surgery PR. Coolway is an affordable high street fashion brand originally from Spain with shoes ranging from ballet pumps to knee boots. The shoes are of excellent quality and the price is more than reasonable.

Zara Martin on decks

Party!

Alex McDonald and Prince Cassius

Shoes and Champagne!

 The launch was a massive success and was very enjoyable (checking out shoes whilst drinking champagne always makes me happy). Shortly after we arrived there was a projected show on the outside of the building which literally brought the street to a standstill as passers-by joined the already large crowd to watch.

Coolway,
Oxford Street

Probably the most exciting part of the evening for me was getting my glitter tattoo and a free pair of Coolway shoes- which I can’t wait to get home! 

My sparkle tatoo

My pair of new, free, Coolway shoes.
Eeeek!

Henrietta Ludgate Store Launch

Thursday was also the evening of Henrietta Ludgate’s first store opening in Whiteleys, Bayswater which will double up as her studio. The launch was co-hosted by Italian film producer, Livia Firth and model, Laura Bailey. As I’ve mentioned before, Henrie’s clothes are bold and colourful which was clearly shown to be the case at the launch. It was great to see Henrie and her friends, who were working at the event, all wearing matching black and white striped Henrietta Ludgate dresses. The music was loud, the drinks were flowing and the atmosphere was frenzied.

Henrie Ludgate, Livia Firth, Laura Bailey
 and Henrie's models.

Henrietta Ludgate

Camilla Gleditsch, Prince Cassius
and Alex McDonald

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Chic and Seek

On 24^th November, I attended the second birthday party of Chic and Seek at their gorgeous store in 35 St. Luke’s Mews. It was everything a birthday party should be- champagne cocktails, crab hors-d’ouvres, free manicures and a party bag containing a notepad, a candle and sweeties! This party atmosphere was made even better by the fact that we were surrounded by amazing clothes, shoes handbags, jewellery and accessories.

Champagne Cocktails!

Free Manicures - Marina Barr Nails

Chic and Seek's Motto

Party Bag!

From Jimmy Choo to Manolo Blahniks and Prada to Louis Vuitton, the store would make any girl excited, especially on the run up to Christmas. Chic and Seek however, is different to your usual luxury brand stores. The items in  the store are all pre-owned or pre-loved as Tara, the founder of Chic and Seek, likes to call it, hence the motto, ‘One girl’s freak is another girl’s chic!’.

Tara likes to take the hassle out of selling and buying, she even goes to your house to pick up the pieces. The website www.chicandseek.com, which is to be re-launched early next year, boasts some other features worthy of mentioning such as ‘Make me an offer’, which does exactly what it says on the tin- find something you like and make an offer. Also, ‘New Arrivals’, which again is pretty self-explanatory. You can even tell Tara about something you are looking for and she will contact you if she finds it. Chic and Seek probably offers the most hassle-free shopping experience anywhere! Probably the most important thing to mention is that you get luxury brands in pristine condition for a fraction of the price!  

Tara Nash-King and Prince Cassius

Alex McDonald, Prince Cassius and Camilla Gleditsch