Tweed – a modern take on a real classic

Now that autumn is distinctly upon us, our fashion thoughts turn to clothing in different textures and colour palettes to make us feel warm and cosy. One of the most classic weaves is currently having a renaissance, and that is – tweed.

Snazzy tweed

Tweed is defined as a rough, unfinished woollen fabric in a soft, open, flexible texture. It is made in either plain or twill weave, with patterns including check and herringbone. Subdued, interesting colour effects are obtained by twisting together differently coloured woollen strands into a two- or three-ply yarn, says Wikipedia: Tweed.    

Traditional tweeds are made to withstand a harsh climate and are commonly worn for outdoor activities like shooting and hunting, being moisture-resistant and durable. Beloved of the Royal Family, there is no keener a tweed wearer than Prince Charles!  

Today’s fashion tweeds encompass gorgeous autumn hues of berry, green, brown and natural shades. The fabric is now being made into new trends of mini and midi skirts, edgy jackets and warm capes. Worn with polo necks (again in fashion – see Vogue Fashion Trends), crisp white masculine shirts, as well as mismatched patterns, tweed is hitting the right target in women’s clothing stakes again.

And whether it’s a cross-over from Downton Abbey, Sherlock or maybe even Doctor Who, men are sporting tweed blazers and suits again too. Get Waisted’s Toni Pickles has been turning tweed into bespoke clothing for clients who want something just a little bit different. Having trained in Savile Row, Toni is adept at creating a tailored look for men and women, and what better fabric to show off at this time of year than a sophisticated yet surprisingly easy to wear tweed?

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

Enjoy your cruise and strut your stuff on board

Although cruise clothing etiquette goes back to the golden age of sea voyages and includes a clearly defined dress code, things are much more relaxed these days.

Many years ago everyone dressed for dinner every evening. Passengers changed from black to white dinner jackets south of Gibraltar and officers changed their cap colours from black to white, which still happens on a world cruise.

Check out these lovely old cruise posters on Pinterest to get a flavour of the 1920s and 1930s: http://www.pinterest.com/luxurycruiseco/old-cruise-posters/

These days, although it varies depending on the company you’re sailing with, part of the fun of going on a cruise is dressing up!

You’ll have a choice of restaurants on board, some more formal than others, so the choice is yours. But you’re on holiday so it’s all about being comfortable and relaxed, as well as needing to pack outfits for those exciting excursions when the ship docks. 

Don’t forget comfy shoes too for walking and exploring, as well as a few stunning swimsuits or bikinis for ocean dips or poolside posing. Or, of course, if you’re venturing to cooler climes, something warm yet chic. This is when layering comes into its own and makes choosing what to pack slightly less challenging. Pick items from the same colour palette so you can mix and match; and clothes you can dress down for the day and then add fabulous statement piece jewellery for the evening to change the look.

It makes sense to check with the cruise line or travel agent though before you go, so there won’t be any surprises for which you haven’t prepared. We say – if in doubt, over-dress rather than under-dress and take a cocktail dress or maxi and for gentlemen, a dinner jacket, just in case you find yourself at the Captain’s Table.

You’re on holiday so shine, sparkle and have fun!

At Get Waisted, we specialise in making bespoke clothing for men and women especially for cruise season and special occasion wear for Ascot, Goodwood, Henley, Wimbledon and other such wonderful events. The ‘season’ is almost here, so if you’d like something made especially for you, do book your appointment without delay.

We also have a range of delightful vintage items and clothing and accessories you won't see on the high street, so do visit the boutique and atelier in Steyning to choose your outfit soon.

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

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

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

Get Waisted hosts a Fashion Show for Brighton College

Toni Pickles firmly believes in supporting local charities as well as education, so it’s no surprise that for the third year running, Get Waisted helped the girls of Fenwick House, one of the houses at leading independent school, Brighton College, put on a fashion show (www.brightoncollege.org.uk).

Last year the theme was ‘James Bond’, the year before ‘Moulin Rouge’ – so there’s never a shortage of glamour. This year the theme was 1940’s and ‘50’s ‘Hollywood Glamour’ so of course it was just the ticket for Get Waisted.

After music and dance from some extremely talented students, brave members of staff strutted their stuff in front of the student body wearing pieces from a number of local shops including Passport, Lucia’s Workshop and Foxed Up Vintage, for the ‘Teachers Runway’.

This was followed by collections from Get Waisted, Dig for Victory and Pretty Eccentric, varying from fun outfits through to vintage-inspired day and cocktail dresses, and evening glamour.

With financial contributions from a raffle as well ticket sales for the event, catering and a fun photo booth with accessories for a record of the event from Emmest Photography (www.emmestphotography.co.uk/), the final amount raised for Chestnut Tree House is still being calculated - but with around 200 people there on the night (a full house), the evening was a great success and much enjoyed by everyone.

To see more about Chestnut Tree House, see www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

You can see more about Get Waisted, see 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

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

It's not just about the ladies this Valentine's Day!

We’ve had so many men coming into our Steyning boutique to buy Valentine’s gifts for their ladies over the last week or two, but how about you stylish and fashion focused ladies getting your special man something that’ll warm the cockles of his heart?

There are some interesting general suggestions in this article from Harper’s Bazaar: http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/inside/valentines-day-gift-guide-for-him#slide-1 and a photo of Matthew McConaughey in Esquire sporting a chic charcoal grey suit.

One of the most versatile items in a gentleman’s wardrobe is the grey suit and for Autumn/Winter 2014, it’s making a big return to tailoring in a range of shades – in fact probably more than 50 shades of grey! The colour palette goes from graphite to silver and tone on tone is also so wearable, which you can use through fabrics, textures and cuts.

Tweed is also making a comeback as well as the sophisticated grey suit – check out great British brand Bladen (http://www.bladentailoring.co.uk/home.aspx), Skopes (http://www.skopes.com/retail/) and Purple Label by Benvenuto (http://benvenuto.de/en/anzuege/purple-label/).

A sumptuous grey suit can make a man look stunning for events like a wedding, a day at the races or a night on the red carpet. It can also ooze confidence and elegance if you need to look your best as a professional, but grey suits are nothing if not useful and so are ideal for office wear, with or without a tie (as long as the tone of grey and the shirt colour go well with your skin and eyes), Valentine’s dinners or dressed down with a designer black t-shirt, scarf and cashmere coat.

Our gift to you this Valentine’s – a photo of Brad Pitt in tone on tone grey

Photo: celebritysuits.com

Whatever your style, Toni Pickles at Get Waisted (www.getwaisted.co.uk) is able to make a bespoke tailored suit for every discerning gentleman about town. Toni’s background is in tailoring and she will advise on tone, fabric, design and cut. If you’d like a suit that is made-to-measure and won’t be seen anywhere on the high street, just get in touch with Toni.

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

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

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

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

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

The Fashion Show Steyning has been waiting for!

We don’t think Steyning has seen anything like our recent Fashion Show.

Nearly 100 people came along, either sitting back enjoying the range of women’s dresses and accessories displayed on our beautiful models, or helping behind the scenes.

We had thirteen models altogether – ladies of all shapes and sizes – hair and make up team, lighting and music assistants, those serving drinks and canapés, selling raffle tickets, manning the welcome desk, not to mention the compère and those taking photos and shooting a video. It was a wonderful team effort, designed to make sure everyone had the best time possible.

There was much shimmying and sashaying along the catwalk as we showed the crème de la crème that Get Waisted has to offer in our boutique and on-line. We even auctioned a gorgeous black corset outfit modelled by Caitlin (see below).

The most important thing though (apart from showing that Steyning is clearly the centre of upmarket yet affordable glam and chic) is that we raised £300 for Chestnut Tree House (www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/) children’s hospice care.

This month we also took part in Steyning’s Late Night Christmas Shopping Extravaganza, where we welcomed more Get Waisted friends and customers with a hearty glass of mulled wine and festive mince pies. Once again, good fun was had by all!

We’re delighted we launched our arrival in Steyning with such a bang and we’ve certainly had many new visitors to our boutique in the high street as a result.

We still have plenty of unique women’s fashion clothes and accessories for those upcoming Christmas and New Year parties and we even have some you can hire. There’s just enough time if you need something special made bespoke too (but please don’t leave it too late!).

We’ve been up in London visiting buyers so we can bring you the very latest affordable designer and individually fashioned pieces before Christmas, so there’ll be new and exciting items arriving by the day.

Just give us a call on 01903 812992 or pop in to Get Waisted Boutique and we’ll tell you more.