Hats off to Ascot

It’s Ascot again this week! We thought we’d remind you of the official dress code according to the Ascot website: www.ascot.co.uk:

One of Toni's creations, ideal for a day at the races

Premier Admission

Flat Season (April to October)

Ladies should dress as for a smart occasion.

Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket with a collared shirt and tie. Trainers are not allowed.

Children aged 17 and under should adhere to the Premier Admission dress code, however this does not apply to very young children.

Please note that fancy dress, novelty and branded or promotional clothing is not permitted within Premier Admission.

Grandstand Admission

While they encourage racegoers to wear smart clothing, no formal dress code applies in the Grandstand Admission area during either the Flat or Jumps season. Bare chests are not permitted at any time.

Ascot Racecourse reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone deemed to be dressed inappropriately.

So what constitutes “dressing for a smart occasion” these days? Surely anything from a gorgeous tea dress to smart jumpsuit, including everything from a pair of flowing wide trousers and a blazer to a smart maxi dress! And ladies, don’t forget a matching hat or fascinator.

Another lovely outfit from Toni at Get Waisted

Gentlemen, choose a smart suit in quality linen or lightweight wool or trousers with a blazer, shirt and tie.

We hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the racing, Champagne, strawberries and cream!

You can see more about Get Waisted on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact Toni on: 

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk 

Steyning boutique, 98a High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD 

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

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

We’re tigers on the catwalk

Fashion shows are a great way in which we showcase Toni’s bespoke fashion designs to a wider audience and normally raise money for charity at the same time.

When you see models for the larger brands on the catwalk, they often show clothing which isn’t intended to be purchased or worn by consumers. Designers choose fairly radical examples of their ideas to show the breadth of their creativity and then the garments are toned down so they are wearable and desirable for everyday customers.

It’s a bit like automotive brands displaying fantastic concept cars at motor shows. There’s never an intention to produce these models but they’re indicating a direction their designers might take over the coming years, and what they’re capable of making.

We’ve held some very well-attended fashion shows over the last year, culminating in the recent Most Spectacular Fashion Show, in Worthing. Even the Mayor of Worthing was in the front row! You can see some of our range of designer dresses, clothing, jewellery and accessories in this video: http://vimeo.com/96154823

Get Waisted will be featured at two more forthcoming events:

We’re helping to organise a charity event in wake of floods in the Balkans https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charity-Event-for-the-floods-in-Balkans/275352385978752

Date: 26 June, 7pm at the V and H Cafe, Holland Road, Hove BN3 1BA http://www.vhhollandroad.co.uk/

Vintage Tea Party and dress sale at the wonderful Sedgwick Park, Horsham, West Sussex http://www.sedgwickpark.com/index.php

This event will feature marvellous vintage designer dresses in a terrific setting. Put the date in your diary: June 28 from 3.30–7.30pm.

And finally, Toni’s planning a Get Waisted fashion show later in the year. Watch this space for more details. 

Most Spectacular Fashion Show, Worthing

If you’re inspired by any of the garments in the fashion show video, get in touch with Toni Pickles at Get Waisted for a consultation so you can have your own bespoke items made to measure.

You can also see more on www.getwaisted.co.uk

We make real clothes for real people!

We are really pleased to see some of the big fashion brands and high street stores embracing models of real sizes on the catwalks and in-store mannequins instead of the waif/twig variety held in such high esteem for so many years. This means there’s been a shift in their approach to better reflect our ‘diverse society’ of consumers. This was highlighted in comments made by Jo Swinson last autumn, who was at the time Under Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (http://www.libdemvoice.org/jo-swinson-launches-size-16-mannequins-37093.html).

Some men and women feel pressured into having to conform to model sizes shown in glossy fashion and lifestyle magazines, and wrongly believe life will be a bed of roses if they do. Sadly we know that for some, this can lead to eating disorders, psychological issues and worse.

Sizes also vary, as we all know only too well, from store to store and brand to brand. Where we are, say, a size 16 with one retailer, we could be an 18 or 20 elsewhere. Before the invention of clothing sizes in the early 1800s, all garments were made to fit individuals by either tailors or makers of clothing in homes. The standard clothing templates are not adhered to and of course vary with the drape of the cloth as well as by manufacturer. Sometimes this can even differ within the same size at the same store!

We say ‘hats off’ to Debenhams for using ‘plus size’ models in their stores, but even using the term ‘plus size’ has its own connotation that being larger than, say, a size 14-16 means you need to be in a special category. Retailers like Mango, H&M, ASOS, Net-a-Porter and many more now have plus size ranges, but Mango defined ‘plus’ as over a size 12. How does that make the average British size 16 woman feel?!

Why not ditch the vaguely insulting terminology and celebrate our bodies for what they are – individual and just as lovely?

Here at the Get Waisted boutique in Steyning, that’s exactly what we do. We make quality bespoke made to measure pieces that enhance your shape, no matter what it is, give you confidence and make you feel special. We’ll give you advice on shape, fabric, texture, drape, length and fit, as well as accessories. And this applies to men as well as women.

We’re not all made the same shape or size so why should we be expected to conform? After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

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

Moving on out, moving on up

Never ones to let the grass grow under our feet, Get Waisted fashion boutique is moving to bigger premises on Tuesday 4^th March. But we’re not going far, just three doors up in fact, above Vintage and Home at 94 High Street, Steyning. It’s bigger, with a separate studio, ‘consulting room’ and retail areas.

Preparations for the move are going well, as you can see here:

We know where everything is - really!

 Although no-one likes the packing and unpacking associated with moving, it’s highlighted the variety of items of clothing, jewellery, handbags, accessories, shoes and boots we have for sale – something for everyone.

We’ll be focusing more on made-to-measure for women and men, as well as alterations, and we’ll still be selling our usual ranges from our new boutique in Steyning.

Toni can ensure you get more wear from your favourite clothes by letting them out (if possible) or taking them in, or in the case of trousers or skirt hems, taking them up. Toni can also let you know if she is able to restyle an item of clothing if it needs updating and you just can’t bear to part with it!

In our new Steyning fashion emporium, we’ll also be featuring vintage and vintage-style items, like this:

Fashionable vintage

And for those of you who find this time of year difficult to dress for (and who doesn’t, is it still winter or is it spring yet?!), come in and see us so we can recommend the best styles and designs for you.

Get Waisted at this fashion show!

Coming up soon – our fashion show for Fenwick House girls’ boarding at Brighton College. This will be the third year we’ve been involved and you can see last year’s Bond-themed show, complete with Aston Martin here: http://vimeo.com/65000079. Watch this space for more details soon.

Whatever the occasion, Toni Pickles at Get Waisted (www.getwaisted.co.uk) is able to make a bespoke item of clothing for you. Toni’s background is in tailoring and she will advise on tone, fabric, design and cut. Whether it’s a made-to-measure suit, a sparkling prom dress or an outfit or two for a cruise, you can rest assured it won’t be seen anywhere on the high street as it’s been made especially for you!

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 (from 4^th March)

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

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

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

Get Waisted for 15% less!

At the risk of you throwing things at your laptop/phone/tablet or even PC, I am going to refer to the 'C' word. With less than 12 weeks to Christmas (sorry, won't do it again) now is the right time to think about 'that outfit'. Whether you are looking to wow them at the office party, put a distant relative in his or her place or just make hubby look twice; you could do no better than to get into a dress that is made to satisfy your every whim. It costs much less than you might think and, until November 1st, Get Waisted is offering 15% off all commissions.

So, what to use for inspiration? Well, I have been glued to the 'fashion season' and checking out the New York, Paris, London and Milan Fashion Weeks in particular I have been struck by the number of designers going for a neat, classic look featuring a belted or 'nipped in waist' for both trousers/jacket combos and dresses.

YSL & Dior at New York 2012

The looks presented this year by Saint Laurent and Dior are a good example of how you can take something classic and bring it right up to date for 2012. What's more they are pretty and wearable too.

It is no secret that here at Get Waisted we are big fans of the 1950's look and how it flatters.  These tailored designs make the most of your shape (whatever it is) and are guaranteed to turn heads too!

So email me now on toni@getwaisted.co.uk with your ideas and requirements - and don't forget to ask for your discount!

Toni.

Leather & Lace - femininity with an edge

Givenchy Fall/Winter 2012/2013

It seems like many of the major fashion houses have returned to leather this season. But you don't have to run shy - or be afraid of coming over all 'Hell's Angel'. Just take a look at Givenchy Fall/Winter 2012 2013

Of course, if you do subscribe to the 'if I'm going to do it I'm going the whole 'Hog' (see what I did there Harley fans?) then go no further than Belstaff - and you will be sticking up for Britain, looking stylish and 'hanging tough' all at the same time!

 Items from the Belstaff collection 2012

Still using lots of leather but with a softer take you could try the looks (right) presented by Givenchy and Hermes at Paris Fashion Week - 2012 (if the purse stretches that is).







As for here chez Get Waisted we are happy to take commissions - in leather, lace or a combination. Perhaps test the water with a waist cinch or corset belt or try and hang on to summer with the full lacy number.

Whatever you predilection - Get Waisted can help.

Love,

Toni.

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.

Save Savile Row !

A placard wielding gaggle of besuited ladies and gents descended on London's Savile Row this week to protest against the proposed arrival of high street brand Abercrombie & Fitch. Organised by satirical magazine, The Chap.

The best dressed protest ever witnessed on the streets of the city marched it's peaceful message from no.3 Savile Row, around the corner to A&F's Burlington Gardens flagship store. Waving home made banners and chanting 'Give Three Piece a Chance' (adapted from John Lennon's classic) the dapper chaps and chapesses were demonstrating against what they see as the potential demise of a street synonymous with traditional bespoke tailoring. 

The Row has a bespoke tailoring history dating back over two centuries. Yesterday's Guardian reported 'It was here that tailors made the uniform worn by Horatio Nelson when he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar; it was here that Edward VII invented the dinner jacket. Savile Row is where the 20th century's most iconic fashion moments were dreamt up: production on Hollywood movies would be halted while actors from Rudolph Valentino to Frank Sinatra were flown over to the Row to have a waistcoat cut properly'. Clearly, the reputation of the row knows no equal.

Abercrombie & Fitch are an American chain store selling casual wear the world over. The Row is a unique street, selling a traditional bespoke service, recognised the world over. Currently it's THE place to go once you can afford life's little luxuries, but if Westminster Council grants the A&F application all that is set to drastically change.


By allowing a high street brand to trade on the Row, is it only a matter of time before it becomes just another shopping street, losing the exclusivity and reputation for excellence that it's many esteemed clients value so highly? Here at Get Waisted, as practitioners of the bespoke craft, we definitely think so and hope the council sees sense in preserving it for generations to come.