Glorious events need glorious outfits!

Get Waisted is now well established in our new Steyning boutique and atelier. It feels like home already! 

We had a special soiree last week, which was well attended by clients and friends, and our new vintage clothing range is growing by the day. Toni has a special den in which to design and create her specially commissioned pieces, and we have a comfy new consultation room where clients can relax and discuss styles, textures and fabrics.

We’re all delighted to see the Spring daffodils, lambs looking cute and the tasty appearance of hot cross buns in the shops, but how about thinking ahead and being organised and stress-free, as well as turning more than a few heads this coming event ‘season’?

The south-east has a wealth of high profile diary dates each summer and there’s nothing worse than turning up at a prestige event only to find you are but one of several ladies wearing the same outfit. The answer – a sumptuous, made to measure outfit or, for the gentlemen, suit.

Made to measure is not just for ball gowns – how about a day dress for Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, Henley, the Epsom Derby, Wimbledon, the Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup, the Glyndebourne Festival or Goodwood Revival/Vintage (for the full diary, see http://www.classicalbritain.com/the-english-season/english-season-calendar)? You’ll then be subject of many admiring glances and know you’re the only one with a hand-made bespoke look created in a colour palette and fabric texture suited especially for you, your skin tone and designed to make the most of your shape.

Get ready for the great British summer! Events start in May with various local Ladies Days at the races (Lingfield, Plumpton) then June (Epsom Derby, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Wimbledon), July (Henley Royal Regatta, final of the Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup), August (Brighton Races Ladies Day, Fontwell Park Ladies Day) and September (Hickstead).

There’s also the cruise season where we can again help by putting together a collection of bespoke clothing for you to take away, knowing you’ll be able to sit at the Captain’s Table wearing something so special and unique, you only have to focus on the task ahead: enjoying yourself!

Call us to book a consultation now for your Get Waisted experience.

Love them or hate them, proms are here to stay!

No sooner will the delights of the various Fashion Weeks have come and gone, than they are swiftly followed by the consternation and preparation of parents up and down the UK about how to dress their youngsters for the summer proms.

Our students have taken the American custom to their heart; you can see the origins of the proms here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prom.

After all, which young person doesn’t love a good reason to dress up and set off to a celebration with their dream date on their arms?! And even if they don’t have their ideal partner readily to hand, a stunning prom dress or sharp suit can only enhance their chances of meeting them there.

Prom dresses in the UK tend to be slightly less risqué than in the USA as our students have their proms earlier, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create spectacular, sparkly, superb outfits to make Junior Miss feel like a Princess for a Night. Or Young Sir feel like style icons James Bond, Justin Timberlake or Labrinth (http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2013-02/22/labrinth-interview-music-and-style-london-fashion-weekend).

But the key, as ever, is in preparing early. Get Waisted’s Toni Pickles can make bespoke prom dresses at our Steyning boutique in whatever colour scheme or style you’d like – short prom dresses or long prom dresses - as well as tailored suits, and will offer you practical and sound advice about the most flattering shades and shapes, highlighting best features and skin tones.

Prom dresses by Toni Pickles, Get Waisted

Contact Toni for a chat about what will make your young person feel wonderful on their special night, followed by a series of fittings as the garments are made. You can follow the project from start to finish, and then watch your youngster’s face as they finally wear their extra-special prom dress or suit, brimming with expectation for a fun night ahead. Of course, you’ll also have to hide the tears of pride and joy as you wave them off in their limousine (or dad’s car!).

We also have a wide range of jewellery and accessories to match any outfit, so get in touch to book your appointment now.

You can see more about us on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us on:

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Steyning boutique, 94 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

Free Photoshoot AND 20% off when you Get Waisted for your Prom

At Get Waisted we like to do things properly. Prom 'season' is no exception. So we have got together with Phase Photographic to make an unbeatable offer.

Order a prom dress from Get Waisted before May 1st and not only will you get a 20% discount you will also receive a free photoshoot in your dress from Phase Photographic.

The photoshoot includes a 7"x5" framed photo (you can order more in a wide variety of sizes and frames) and is alone worth £100.

Make a splash with your prom dress

There is always a last minute rush. So this is Get Waisted trying really hard to give you a real incentive. Phase Photographic are the perfect photographers to capture you in all your glory and Get Waisted can cater to your every whim in terms of design, colour and fabric.

So call me, Toni, now on 07947497342 or email at toni@getwaisted.co.uk to discuss your requirements or arrange an initial (free) consultation.

I look froward to hearing from you.

Toni

Love is in the air (and maybe a little snow)!

So here we are, snowbound as I write, and Valentine's Day is almost upon us. But before I start trying to get those creative juices flowing and showing you a few ideas I thought I would just give a little history.

If, like I did a few years ago, you thought Valentines Day was just an evil capitalist scheme dreamed up by Hallmark you couldn't be more wrong. In fact its origins can be traced back to pre-Christian times and the Pagan festival of Lupercalia. It seems Roman and subsequent Christian cultures 'adopted' Lupercalia on the basis of 'if you can't beat them, join them. Lupercalia was celebrated from 13 to 15 February in Roman times.

Whilst Lupercalia involved the 'encouragement' of female fertility through men stripping naked and whipping the backsides of young females with goatskin this can hardly be considered romantic love...although I can think of a few former...enough of that. The first linking of romantic love to Saint Valentine seems to have come with Chaucer in 1382 and his Parlement of Foules celebrating the engagement of Richard the II and Anne of Bohemia - "..for this was on Saint Valentines Day when every fowl cometh there to choose his mate" (rough translation).

The first recorded passing of a Valentines note seems to have been from a Frenchman (of course) captured after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 to his lover and subsequently imprisoned in The Tower. Throughout the 18th century the passing of notes became customary in England and in 1847 Esther Howland of Worcester Massachusetts starting producing cards in the US. In 1913 Hallmark produced their first cards and we were on the slippery slope. By 2010 the market was worth almost $15bil in retail sales in the US and over 1 billion Valentine cards sent worldwide making it second only to Christmas in this regard.

OK, and breathe. Hopefully you're still with me and we can take a look at a few ideas to get those pulses racing (now that's what I call target marketing).

A Get Waisted creation for Valentine's Day

As you can see we have moved on a little from Chaucer - you don't have to go all out 'vamp'. Here is a nice selection from Tight Flavor to illustrate the point.

At Get Waisted we like to add our own spin. As I may have mentioned, I just love corsets and what they can do for just about any woman. There are a few ideas (all from Get Waisted) above - I hope you like them.





Of course, if you want one of these or something similar with your own twist, well that's what bespoke is and the Get Waisted 'Raison d'etre'. Just call me, Toni, or email on toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Made in Britain

Do you remember when all sorts of manufacturers proudly displayed a 'Made in Britain' label on their goods? The answer is, if you are under 30, then probably not...but why...and are we seeing a reversal of the trend?

Back in 2011 we saw a campaign to adopt a new logo to proudly proclaim goods as British made (following a competition won by Cynthia Lee at Nottingham University). Since then all sorts of people from Ed Milliband to Mary Portas have been keen to show their support. More importantly over 600 manufacturers have now signed up.

Moving to my particular 'oevre', how is this being reflected in the fashion industry? It is clear that British fashion design and designers have a major place on the world stage yet it is increasingly difficult to find clothes exclusively made in Britain. Still Made In Britain is a site dedicated to promoting goods still manufactured in Britain. It is still possible to find a number of companies making clothes that are traditional or 'country' based - Original Montgomery is an example (and about as traditional as it gets - established in 1890 and chosen by the British Admiralty to make the first duffle coats). But you have to dig deeper to find many newer enterprises - especially of any scale.

In fact, at last there does seem to be something of a 'seachange' - to continue the metaphor. During the first of this years London Fashion Weeks there was a distinct focus on British manufacturing. Mulberry (right) has received £2.5mil to build a new factory in Somerset and Sir Philip Green argued for manufacturers to support Britain.

Research suggests this makes commercial sense. 67% of consumers want to see an 'official seal of approval' like the logo shown at the top of this blog and 52% want to see more manufacturing in the UK. As costs rise in China and other parts of the far east an increasing number of manufacturers both within and beyond clothing, are questioning the location of their manufacturing facilities.

For the sake of our young aspiring designers and entrepreneurs as well as the future of jobs for our young people and the economy in general, let's hope we can sustain this trend and create an environment where it is not just an emotional decision but a sound commercial one to locate manufacturing facilities in this country.

A Get Waisted creation - photography by Tristan at Apix Photography

At Get Waisted everything is made here in the UK. In fact even our suppliers of source fabrics and accessories are overwhelmingly UK based - often with a real heritage of their own. Your support is really appreciated. Of course, if you are thinking about a new, special dress why not go bespoke, buy British and Get Waisted!

Love,

Toni.

Fit bodies with style

OK, I know everyone is jumping on the Olympic bandwagon to establish some kind of link with their business and hopefully boost sales. But, especially here in London and the south-east it really is particularly hard to ignore. So, here goes.

You really don't have to have the body of an Olympic athlete to look good - even in modern fashions (not that it hurts) and give me this look rather than the emaciated waifs and strays we sometimes see on the catwalk.

Just to make the point take a look at the pictures below...is there really any question?

 And this is without using some of the more gratuitous imagery of (admittedly beautiful) athletes all around us right now.

Given the lead times on these things fashion has been taking its cue from the athletic world for a while now. At  New York Fashion Week back in March both Altazzarra and Alexander Wang took athletic aesthetics to influence their 2012 Spring/Summer collections.

 

From left Altuzzarra and two from Alexander Wang at NY Fashion Week

And so to Get Waisted. How are we interpreting the 'Athletic Look'? Well, frankly I let Nike, Adidas and the like do the tracksuit/trainer chic. So it is with a rather lighter touch and casting the net a little wider that we tread. How about the sailing events for example? Here are a few examples that would definitely be at home in Weymouth - the venue for the Olympic sailing events -  (now there's a town you don't often get mentioned in the same breath as high fashion) over the next few weeks.

All images courtesy Tristan Glinski - http://www.apix-photography.com/

 Get Waisted - style, fashion and fun with a nod to the Olympics too. What more could you want?

Sit back, enjoy the sun and watch all those other people straining every sinew to win a medal.

Toni.

It's in the Cannes

With the weather coming up trumps these past few days, here at Get Waisted HQ we're hoping it'll last through to our Yacht photo shoot next weekend. We've been working round the clock putting the finishing touches to the collection, which includes colourful kaftan's, super glam maxi dresses and a couple of 1950's inspired wedding gowns. Accessories will play a big part too with some wide brimmed hats, chic sunglasses and a bottle of champagne or two for good measure - think 1970's Joan Collins!

And speaking of yachting glamour, we've been watching the red carpet at The Cannes Film Festival over the past week with relish. With so many premieres, dinners and after party's we could easily find enough gorgeous get ups to fill our blog for the next month! But, we're exercising restraint and selecting just a few of our favourites from the past week.

Starting with the going for gold gang, these looks are all about the wow factor, with sequins featuring heavily. Here's Diane Kruger, in Vivienne Westwood, Jessica Chastain, in Gucci, Kim Kardashian, in Balmain and our favourite pocket rocket, Kylie Minogue, in Dolce & Gabbana.

Sandwiched in the middle we've picked some pretty in pinks. Jessica Chastain, once again, this time in fairytale Armani, Kirsten Dunst, in simple but sophisticated Balenciaga, Milla Jovovich, in a beautifully embroidered one shoulder gown and Naomi Watts, in delicate Marchesa.

And finally we've the girls who went for white on the night. 

Cheryl Cole, in stunning Stephane Rolland, Erin Wasson, in Antoni Berardi, a second inclusion for Diane Kruger, in Nina Ricci, and last but not least, going against the grain, we've picked Cameron Diaz, in a Gucci trouser ensemble looking every inch the film star.

With another three days until the grand finale, there'll be more from us on Cannes next week along with details of the final touches to our photo shoot.

Strictly Ballgowns

This week saw the press preview of the forthcoming V&A Ballgowns exhibition. Opening to the public on Saturday, we are planning our visit in a frenzy of excitement and anticipation. Never before has such a extravagant, decadent and extensive collection of dresses been put together and all displayed in the newly renovated Fashion Gallery.

Many of the designs on show were made specifically for debutante balls, Royal engagements and red carpet events including beautiful and daring creations from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Erdem. 

It's the fantasy of most women to attend that fairytale event in a gown that makes you look your absolute best, whilst also showing your exquisite level of taste. This carries through to Prom's too and the imminent prom season is keeping us busy with a host of bespoke dresses in final stages before their debut outings and here's a couple of our previous creations, from the Get Waisted archive.

Speaking of debuts, the Cannes 2012 festival kicked off yesterday too. With so many premiere's and stars doing their best to outshine each other, we're always treated to plenty of dresses to drool over, with day one being no exception.

Eva Longoria went from day to night in a stunning theatrical Marchesa number, then a sophisticated Alberta Ferretti fish tail dress.

Eva Herzigova in translucent beaded Alexander McQueen, Diane Kruger did old school glamour in mint green and Tilda Swinton leans towards the more unusual in Haider Ackerman.

But the award for the most unusual of all yesterday's gowns has to go to Chinese actress and singer, Fan Bingbing, whose white strapless gown is covered in traditional Chinese patterns and imagery to stunning effect.

And before we sign off, just a reminder that out Yacht photo shoot is happening very soon so for your chance to get on board, just like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, sign up for our Newsletter and tell all your friends!!

Met Ball: The Agony & The Ecstasy

Oh, how we love a red carpet event and this years Met Ball goes to the top of our list of most talked about, with a feast of beauties and bloopers rocking up in almost equal measure.

Lets start with the positive and name check our top three absolute fave's. In straight at the No.1 is hands down, knock-out, Carrie Mulligan, going for gold in Prada.

Next up at No.2 is America's newest sweetheart, Emma Stone, sparkling in short, sweet Lanvin.

And in 3rd place, Amber Head, in a lilac Zac Posen gown that's all about structure.

Now for the bloopers, in no particular order.....

Someone who firmly divided opinion on the night was Beyonce in Givenchy. As you'll know we are regular fans of this bootylicious babe and her red carpet choices but there's just too much going on here for our liking.

Next up, fashion adventurer Florence Welch, is always going to take risks but this Alexander McQueen number is just so, so wrong making her look like a bit like a Christmas catastroph-tree

Final special mention goes to Mr Marc Jacobs. There really are no words.

So whilst pondering on the successes and failures of the Red Carpet,we're back to thoughts of the Prom season. 

Absolute essential reading for anyone wanting to make the right Prom night impression is this brilliant Prom Dress Inspiration article from Vogue UK, which really says it all. Armed with their knowledge and our expertise, why not get in touch and let Get-Waisted realise that dress of your dreams.

Yacht to Trot

Get Waisted are going nautical, organising a super glam photoshoot on a luxurious 44ft yacht.

Scheduled to take place on the 3rd June at Brighton Marina, with four models lined up and a selection of stunning Get Waisted outfits, we're praying to the God's of fair weather and keeping everything crossed for some perfect sailing conditions. Is it too much to hope it might even turn out to be a little bit like this....??

And if our previous photoshoots are anything to go by, we're expecting fabulous things.....

.....with our gorgeous models sporting stunning summer wares. 

To top it all we're going to select one lucky winner from our fabulous GREAT CORSET GIVE AWAY to join us on this amazing yacht photo shoot. All you need to do to be in with a chance to win is 'like' our Facebook pageand sign up to our newsletter (via the facebook page). We Cant Wait!!!

Calling All Prom Queens!

Here at Get Waisted we're limbering up for prom season. With all the beautiful young things preparing to party, with months of exam slogging ahead, it's the biggest night of the academic year with every girl wanting to look her best. And we all know that bespoke is the best a girl can get.

Whether inspired by a favourite red carpet creation....

.....or simply creating a wonderfully unique and individual statement, we can make that dress of your dreams.

With each garment taking roughly six weeks to make, from start to finish, preparation is key. Choosing the right fabric, trim, shape and fit are essential and we're here to guide you through every stage up to the big event.

So, strike while the iron's hot and give Toni a call on 01273 779 978, to arrange a free consultation. We guarantee you'll be the belle of the ball!!!

Our Spring Summer Key Trends

Spring Summer '12 sees a wealth of trends for us lucky girls to choose from. With fashion runways in full bloom across London, New York, Paris and Milan, floral's play a big part in what we'll be wearing this season, as shown here on the catwalk at Dolce & Gabbana.

At Get Waisted, we've our own range of floral dress delights, with these knock out red numbers, shown with or without over skirt, giving a day to night transformation using a simple layering effect.

Provocative and ultra sophisticated, flash the flesh looks are big news this season too. Here's (left to right) Alice Temperley, Get Waisted and Valentino, all showing what a sheer delight this trend can be.

The beauty of Get Waisted is that we're able to combine personal style with new season trends to create a look that's both unique and just right for you. Whether for a special occasion, big event, or simply to stand out from the crowd, drop us a line and schedule your free SS12 consultation.

Fabulous Fenwick Fashion Show

This week saw Get Waisted www.getwaisted.co.ukin a flurry of fashion activity, with a collection of our dresses being put through their catwalk paces at Brighton College's Fenwick House Fashion Show. The kids did themselves proud with their fabulous attitude, professional approach and striking good strutts!

Rocking the catwalk aside, this brilliant event raised a fantastic £1500 for charity, with proceeds shared between Chestnut Tree House and B-Eat. So lets get started with a run down of the night...

Short, sweet and embellished, we start with a couple of crackers. A gorgeous little black dress in beautiful silk velvet with sumptuous feather trim to neck and hem, alongside a cross shoulder, silver duchess, silk satin dress, embellished with organza roses.

Next up is this beautiful full length red carpet gown, in red crepe silk, which can be worn strapless or as halter neck as shown, followed by a trio of glammed up girls with three corset based looks. In the centre, a black duchess satin, body con dress, with chiffon inlaid panel to the front. On the right, a one shoulder red corset, embellished with black organza silk trim, and on the left, a stunning black and white corset dress with large bow detail at the back.

Two more short and simple dresses here. First a stunning black duchess satin dress, with bright purple dupion silk sash, and detachable sleeve. Then this striking, electric blue, strapless dress in luxurious dupion silk.

We took a lot of orders the night and would just like to say a huge thanks and congratulations to everyone involved. Can't wait for next years event! Now back to the catwalk........