Sample does it.

Sample sale top tips.

A few months ago now I went to my first ever sample sale. I didn't really know what to expect and it really wasn't what I expected.
The next time I go I will take the following tips with me.

The early worm.... The sale started at 10.00am and I got there at 12.30pm (it was a two hour journey to get there mind) and most of the things had gone. All of the handbags most of the garments. Next time I will be in the queue banging the door down for when they open.

Sample sizes......... if you are a size 12 onwards don't go thinking you are going to be walking away with a cheeky new dress. All garments that I could see were sample sizes and are small. Just look at the models walking down the catwalk to see what size they are made for.
I went knowing that it was the shoes, bags and in the case of Jasper's AW11 season the hat,s I was going for.

Stage clothes...... and thirdly, and this is the thing that surprised me the most about sample sales being the complete novice that I am is, some of the garments are not fully completed wearable everyday clothes.
Some are press studded down the back, like quick change stage clothes,  easy to get on and off during a fashion show I guess. So if you are lucky enough to get into a sample garment you may need to send it to a seamstress to get it finished or if you are feeling brave leave as it is and wear some nice underwear underneath. :0)

The crush.....Finally don't think well heeled women are polite and considerate when hunting down a couture bargain, because first hand experience tells me they are not. A bargain is a bargain which ever way your bread is buttered. 

I had a great time, it was a fantastic experience, a great day out and I brought myself two pairs of shoes and a fabulous Stephen Jones hat all for under fifty quid. 

Bargain of the year I would say.

My new hat, walking down the catwalk February 2011 Somerset House. 

Photo kind permission from Jasper Conran and jasperconran.com

Claridges.

Yesterday I fulfilled one of my many life’s ambitions and that was to have a cocktail in the Claridges Bar.

I have waited many months to be able to do it, but every time Clive and I go to London we always have Cam so have been unable to go. And on the odd occasion we have arranged to go on our own this as never materialised.

So yesterday I was in London anyway for an event which I will blog about in a few days time, so I decided to go. Clive and I have a friend who lives in Kensington so I text him and asked him if he would like to join me for a drink. He jumped at the chance and a date was made.

When we arrived I was astounded by the front lobby. White, black and chrome hit you as soon as you walk in, making you feel as if you are walking into a 1940’s Noir film set and the warmth of the place overwhelms you, instantly putting you at ease and in a great mood.

My friend wanted to have afternoon tea, which would have been a real treat but we were told they were full and had no available tables. We laughed and joked later about it wondering if we had been Brad and Angelina would a table have been found?

Anyway I was quite happy just being there, so we were taken into Claridges bar and our waiter came over immediately and showed us to our table.

I was slightly disappointed with our table it was very much in the corner and I had my back to the room. I would have liked to have been a little more in the room, so I could have appreciated the ambiance of the space more and of course do a little people watching.

The room does have a lovely feel, its very dark in there with a single candle on each table with the dark red leather seats and benches and the dark green material lined walls, which was a great topic for conversation.

Many, many moons ago, someone recommended a Claridges espresso martini to me so that is what I started with and it did not disappoint in any way shape or form. In fact it went down rather a little too well and left me feeling quite squiffy. My friend had a pot of tea, all served in matching white china. The pot was huge and would have easily provided two or three people with a cup.

My second drink was the ever so faithful slightly wet Vodka martini with a lemon twist that was really strong but served in a fabulous chilled glass and that went down very well also. Again my friend had another pot of tea.

We were there for around two hours and I had a lovely time. It was all that I imagined it to be and more. We had great service, great conversation and a great time.

Next time, I would like to sample the Fumoir room, a very art deco, interment bar that looked stunning when I stuck my head around the door on the way out.

The bill came back at £47.50 yes a little pricey for two martinis, two pots of tea and a bottle of water oh and the little nibbles that arrived at the table without being asked for, but come on its Claridges after all and I forgive it all its sins.