Fab Frocks

NEW TERM BEGINS FAB FROCKS

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:37:00 +0000

The beginning of September is such a strange month isn't it. The kids go back to school (shoe shops do a roaring trade at this time of year). We all have to get back into a routine after the summer. It's a bit like the start of a new term here at Fab Frocks.

In store, the sale has all but finished and lots of gorgeous dresses are flooding in for the winter season. We're really delighted with our dressy daywear range this year. In response to ladies wanting a dress that wasn't over the top but still a bit special, we've got some great jersey designs perfect for daytime events or for taking you from work to an evening do. Check out Tina Taylor, Kate Cooper, Michaela Louisa and Frank Lyman on our website or pop in and take a look. You've no excuse now the kids are back at school!

Sadly, at the end of the summer we said goodbye to one of our team who has been with us for over three years now. Sharon has gone to pastures new - she's leaving retail for the care profession and we wish her all the best. Can't wait to see the photos of her on Facebook in her naughty nurse's outfit that we bought her as a leaving pressie!

ALL BOUGHT OUT

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:18:00 +0000

Whilst other businesses go on holiday in August, the fashion world goes buying. Along with my business partner Steve, I've spent the best part of August surrounded by some of the world's most beautiful clothes. Tough job this! Champagne, catwalk shows, chatting with designers.

In fact - it is quite tiring and not always as glamorous as it sounds - lots of walking around the NEC in Birmingham, pounding the pavement in London from one fashion house to another ( avoiding the rioters on the way!) and trying to choose dresses and outfits for our massive customer base. One minute I am trying to get inside the mind of a sixteen year old, size 2 prom girl, the next I am choosing mother of the bride outfits in a size 24. It's certainly varied!

Here at Fab Frocks, we've got some stunning collections for next spring that will start arriving from late November onwards. It's great unpacking beautiful and bright clothes when it is freezing cold outside. Really cheers the spirits. There's lots of new names we will be adding to our label collection too and we've worked hard to bring outfits for mums of the bride and groom that are well under £500. So, as I start to sort out my own winter wardrobe, find my jumpers and coats - I look forward already to spring.

Fashion Italiano style

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:02:00 +0000

Having just come back from Venice, I could have done with a gondola to get me to the shop today. Pouring rain outside. As well as the beautiful sights, the fashions in Venice are a real feast for the eyes. Maybe it's the sunny weather there and the Meditteranean complexion but the Italian women do certainly know how to dress with flair and style. Ultimate fashion accessory out there has to be a miniature dog of some description aka Paris Hilton style. I wasn't going to be beaten! I hadn't packed my chickens to parade with - the only pets I have - but had packed a dress for every day - of course from Fab Frocks - and shoes for every day. Our friend who gave us a lift to the station is still in shock about the size of my suitcase for a week away!
Even when it floods in Venice, as it does most days, the Italian women just strap on some bright green or pink plastic overwellies to protect their Christain Laboutin heels. Very funny to see!
I do applaud them - it was so great to see women in gorgeous colours and in dresses rather than jeans and a T-shirt that is too short as is often the case in the UK.
I am sure that Fab Frocks of Venice would be a real hit out there - but how do I get my ballgowns on a gondola?

THAT'S FASHION FOR ESTHER

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Full marks to that spunky M&S shareholder who stood up for older women and the problems they face finding suitable clothes. Even as a fashion buyer, it's tricky to find dresses with sleeves and that are over the knee. Believe me, if I could find them, I would buy them! The good news is some designers are listening to us. Our Frank Lyman collection of dresses is starting to come in for the autumn and we not only have sleeves, we have colour, we have over the knee and better still, these are dresses that you can wash and don't need ironing.

It was great too that Esther Rantzen picked up the mantle in her Daily Mail feature. She praised one of our labels, John Charles for making her look good. She is right, This label is great for special occasions - not at all frumpy.

There's also good news for the size 16 plus lady. Viviana is our new range of evening wear for the fuller figure and it is receiving a fantastic response. Perhaps this is because it has been designed by a size 16 woman who knows exactly what the fuller figure needs.

Signing off as need to continue my search for more dresses with sleeves.

BENEFIT FROM A GENUINE SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:28:00 +0000

I don't often get a chance to look around the sales but yesterday I did. I obviously haven't been missing anything - as far as the high street is concerned anyway. So many of the shops had filled their rails with stock that was obviously just for sale purposes. Quality was questionable not to mention just how many items were actually 50% off as the posters screamed out. When I took time to look at the sale tags, most meant I would only be saving at the most about 25%. A lot of the items that actually had 50% off were few and far between or in tiny or big sizes.

Here at Fab Frocks, it's a different story. Our end of season sale is genuine - we need to make space for new stock coming in. We don't feel the rails with stock specifically for the sale. It is our existing stock that we want to sell to make room for new stock coming in. And the savings are genuine too. There are lots of cocktail, party, evening and day dresses discounted by up to 70% - brilliant savings on designer dresses from all round the world. In our special occasion boutique, mothers of the bride and groom can snap up a bargain too - suits from Paris at half price, hats from top British milliners at half price, suits from Spain with 70% off. That to me is genuine savings. Hurry - bargains like this won't last long.

AVOID ONLINE FROCK FIASCOS

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:59:00 +0000

One of the joys of independent retailing is being able to offer a truly personal service. Helping people find their dream dress for their special day is a really rewarding experience. That's why I find it so upsetting to hear about all these poor prom girls who have been badly let down by purchasing a dress online from a foreign website. We've had more than ever coming into the shop this season, distraught parents in tow who have lost out on money and have an unhappy teenager on their hands.

Those that have actually received their dress - yes some have not seen anything since they parted with their money - are often disappointed that it is not the right size or not good quality or a different colour to what it seemed online. Many dresses that are flagged up as being made by a certain designer are often in fact fakes. Others have discovered that what initially looked like a brilliant bargain has cost them more because they have not taken into account import charges and VAT costs, which on some US and Chinese sites conveniently go unmentioned.

The most common question we get is 'Can you match the price of the US web site?' and there are web sites that will even offer free worldwide shipping to entice you into buying from them. We know from customers' experience that buying from abroad can often not be as good value for money they first thought, especially if there ends up being a problem or it is the wrong size or fit.

The other enticement from websites in China or the US are to mark the invoice as 'Sample' and give a false price so you pay lower import duty and VAT. We found one site that actively promoted this saying:
'And sometimes, we will choose the best shipping method for you according to your event date for you to get fewer taxes. And we will also do something to help you to get fewer taxes or even free taxes, for example, we will put " Sample" , and lower amount (maybe USD 30, USD 50, USD 80) on shipping bill. If you do not want these words appeared on shipping bill, please inform us when ordering. '

As the person who is importing the goods you are legally responsible for this and UK Customs are always on the look out for goods coming into the country who are trying to evade import duty and VAT.

You should also be aware that if you need to send the dress back for some reason, the cost of return is generally at your cost and can be as much as £30. Import Duty and VAT are not refunded when you send a dress back so this will cost you £99!
The US web sites don't often give you details of the additional charges you will incur when your goods come into the UK, the free shipping claims can look very enticing. We hear so many horror stories from customers who were tempted by the apparent savings and it has ended up costing them more than buying from a UK stockist.

Sometimes it saves in the long run to make the effort to go shopping in reality rather than doing it online.

Bet on the right dress for Royal Ascot

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 25 May 2011 10:45:00 +0000

Bet on the right dress for Royal Ascot

Cruise Wear - What to wear on a cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 25 May 2011 10:44:00 +0000

Cruise Wear - What to wear on a cruise

PROM QUEENS ARE SHOPPING IN FORCE

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:20:00 +0000

I've finally emerged from drowning in a sea of sequins and tuille to manage to get to update my blog. The prom season has really kicked off in Fab Frocks and the place is buzzing with teenage girls trying on beautiful ballgowns. Last Saturday was one of our busiest ever. I don't think I have ever seen so many people in the shop at once. The Fab Frocks crew are working really hard to help everyone find their perfect dress.
In this tough economic climate, it is great to see people still wanting to spend money on dressing up and going out and having a good time. Our lower budget dresses are obviously appealing with so many of us watching our pennies and it is so rewarding to help someone look a million dollars without them having to break the bank!

Bit of name dropping can never be resisted - our local hat milliner Vivienne Sheriff is making headpieces for none other than Queen-to-be Miss Kate Middleton! We've also had someone in for an outfit who is going to the royal wedding and another lucky lady who attended Robbie William's wedding wearing one of our frocks. At least the dresses are getting out to have a good time unlike us Cinderellas here back at FF HQ! Well, better go and get the steamer on to press all the dresses - a woman's work and all that.....

PUTTING FEET UP AFTER A FROCKFUL WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:01:00 +0000

My feet finally feel like they belong to me again after two long days standing on a hard floor in high heels at the BIC in Bournemouth
Fab Frocks was at the wedding show - one of the biggest on the south coast - if someone pops the question on Valentine's Day - you should not miss this show next spring.
If you were one of the hundreds of people we met there - it was great to say hello and to see so much enthusiasm and excitement for our new bridal collection - Fab Brides and also for our bridesmaid dresses.
Our collections were featured on the catwalk - this is so rewarding to take part in. Seeing the dresses on a body really come to life. All hell is breaking loose back stage to get everyone dressed in time. I nearly ended up on stage myself by accident. One of my bridal model's dress had come loose and as I rushed to tie her back in - she went on stage! Wouldn't have been good seeing as that point I had swapped my heels for my slippers to give my feet a break. See - this fashion business is not as glamorous as we make out!

Just time to catch our breath and get a pedicure foot pamper in before we attend the Wilthsire Wedding Show on Sunday March 13. This is a smaller show but equally as good with lots of interesting exhibitors and a fashion show.

WARMIN G UP TO NEXT YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:38:00 +0000

I'm keeping myself warm, not only by wearing my Fab Frocks fleece - not particularly glam but it does the trick in these freezing temperatures, but also by preparing now for what looks set to be a hectic start to 2011 for me and the Fab Frocks team.

First up is my few days in London in mid Jan to attend the Mary Portas masterclass, she of 'Mary Queen of Shops' fame. I'm so excited - especially as I get put up in a lovely hotel in London too. It will be a great way to beat the January blues and have time to focus for the year ahead. I'v ealso heard I get to meet the Queen of retail herself at some point. I'm practising my curtsey!

Back from that and I am straight in to the build up for the BIC wedding show (weekend of 4-6 Feb) where we have an exciting launch of a stunning new collection. Can't say anymore than that at the moment but watch this blog!
We've also got some great ideas for the fashion show - it is so good to see the clothes "in action" on real bodies and we have great fun with the team of models from Base models. It all seem so calm for the audience watching but backstage all hell is breaking loose - girls whipping off wedding dresses and diving in to another sea of tuille, hairdressers chasing models - can of hairspray and pins at the ready. We have on average just a couple of minutes to get each model done up, hat on, hair sorted and out on the catwalk smiling serenly while we are all gasping for breath backstage.

It's then a rollercoaster ride here throughout February. Back to back buying appointments in London - we have to buy as early as next Feb for next winter. It's very confusing on the brain - you are just lookign ahead to spring/summer and you have to think about winter again!

I'm exhausted already and I'm only in February....

Cinderella gets the fab factor

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:37:00 +0000

The first of December and to celebrate, we've unveiled our stunning Christmas window. It's all based around the story of Cinderella with lots of dreamy ballgowns and party dresses to recreate the ball scene. There's even a glass slipper on a cushion ( well - a Swarovski covered pink shoe courtesy of Nicky Rox shoe designs - our Cinderella is a modern gal after all!) Our mother of the bride boutique continues the story with a winter wedding scene featuring a stunning wedding dress and mother of the bride outfits....and they all lived happily ever after. Aah! We've entered for the Bournemouth Window Display competition so let's hope the Fairy Godmother of retail is on our side.

A bit like Cinderella, I don't get out much (aah again) so it was wonderful to have the chance to get my glad rags on ( Fab Frock of course) and attend the Bournemouth Tourism Awards. We scooped Highly Commended in the Best Shopping Experience category so have another certificate to put on our mantlepiece.

Next on the calendar is the Westbourne Christmas Fayre on Saturday 4 December - unlike many other retailers we believe that Christmas should start in December not before Halloween! Santa is coming to town and we'll have the mince pies and sherry ready for customers this Saturday.

Fab Frocks gets a Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:12:00 +0000

It's the season for coughs and sneezes but here at Fab Frocks we've caught a Fever - and we're pleased about it! Fever is a really funky, retro-inspired label from London - sassy little party frocks and dresses perfect for the Chrimbo season and a great price too. Only £59.99 for a LBD. Treat yourself or ask Santa for one.

Tracie trains by Queen of Shops

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:13:00 +0000

Have just found out that I have won a national scholarship to attend Mary Portas (Mary Queen of Shops fame) retail Masterclasses in London. One of only four to win the scholarship so very proud and excited.
Training takes place next January in London.
Not sure if I will get to meet the Queen herself - Mary I mean - not Liz - let's hope I do!

MUMS CAN MAKE A SAVING

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:06:00 +0000

For the month of November, mothers-of-the-bride and groom can enjoy a fabulous 25% discount on occasionwear at Fab Frocks of Westbourne. The offer also extends to hats and fascinators so if you've got a wedding coming up - don't delay. Get the fab factor and save money!

Early bird prom queens

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:50:00 +0000

Next summer may seem a long way off now the winter nights are closing in but we've already got prom girls searching for their dream dresses.
With that in mind - there's an early bird promotion - save 25% off Cinderella ballgowns - while stocks last.
There's a rainbow of colours to choose from and a range of sizes but we are selling out fast.
The promotion will only run while stocks last.

Fab Frocks is flying high with window tropy

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:42:00 +0000

We're thinking of getting a mantlepiece in the shop to put all our awards on! Last night, Charlie, our fashion degree student picked up a gorgeous runner-up tropy for her brilliant window display for the Bournemouth Air Festival window competition.
Charlie created an eye-catching dress in patriotic red, white and blue as a centrepiece for the window.
She was helped with the overall look by our other visual merchandising expert Gill whose training at Oxford Street stores in London came to the fore.
So this tropy takes pride of place with our awards for Bournemouth Tourism Best Shopping Experience and Women in Business Small Business Award. Better get a duster out too!

September is the season

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:21:00 +0000

Back to school, back to work, back to Fab Frocks for me. I had a few weeks off, we had a phenomenal summer sale and now our gorgeous winter collection is arriving. And don't despair - it's not dreary and black. We've got some stunning dresses in jewel colours in our evening and dressy daywear range. Of course there are some amazing little black numbers too - the party season wouldn't be the same without it!

September looks to be a really busy month. Aside from the fact it's my birthday(!), Fab Frocks takes to the road as we appear at the Pavilion Wedding Show in Bournemouth on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September ( Stand B20). It's a great event - really buzzy and you can pick up loads of ideas if you're planning to get married. Our collections will be on the catwalk too - it's much easier to see how dresses and outfits look when they're on a real women rather than a mannequin isn't it.

On the evening of Friday 17 September we're appearing in Dorchester at charity event 'Evolve'. In conjunction with award-winning hairdressers, New Reflections, Fab Frocks will be helping raise money for local school children who will be visiting Kenya to help less fortunate children. Some of our beautiful evening dresses will be modelled by local ladies. Come along - it should be a great night out and it's for a great cause.

We also take to the air this month as we fly up to Harrogate for the British Bridal Exhibition.In between delicious cakes from the world-famous Betty's Tea Room, we'll be choosing our beautiful wedding collections for next year.

To make life easier for busy brides and bridemaids this year, we're introducing a Designer Day on Sunday 3 October. It's by appointment only and the shop is open exclusively for brides and their bridesmaids to browse our range of stunning wedding and bridesmaid dresses from American designer Jasmine.Just call Fab Frocks to make an appointment. Tel: 01202 765352 - but hurry as we're getting booked up fast!

Final Reductions - Huge Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Just a quick posting before we whizz off for 3 days of buying for next spring/summer.

The final reductions have started in our sale today and wow have we got some amazing prices for you. We want to clear the remainder of our summer collections as the new collections are starting to be delivered so make sure you call in as soon as possible. The sale ends on Saturday 21st August so there is two weeks to take advantage of these huge savings but the stock probably won't last that long. We have evening and casual dresses from just £10, Jackets from £20 and tops, skirts and cardigans from just £15.

Can you afford to miss it? Tell your friends!

Strictly fab evening

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:50:00 +0000

Where else could I wear my new Swarovski crystal covered killer heels and sparkly short frock than at Strictly Come Dancing last night! Did you go? What a fantastic evening! The BIC in Bournemouth was packed with Strictly fans and the professional dancers put on an amazing show.

The dance routines were stunning and the costumes had the real wow factor. Especially loved the GI scene and the Pasadoble - Matthew Cutler in little more than a leather waistcoat and tight trousers whirling a cape around! You get the picture? My eagle-eyed friend Barbara who I went with spotted Matt before the show - only about 15 minutes before curtain up still in jeans and a T-shirt wondering around Bournemouth. Very laid back.

My favourite was the Argentinian tango danced so erotically by Vincent and Flavia. Determined to enrol in dancing classes now. Shame Ian couldn't dance much - his partner Natalie is injured. I've had the treat of having a lesson with him at a fashion party I went to. Great wiggle that man has got!

Finished off the evening with cocktails at 1812 where the barman was doing some amazing choreography of his own - throwing tequilla bottles up in the air and catching them on his wrists.As Len would say: "7"!

Summer sale now on

noreply@blogger.com (Fab Frocks) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:32:00 +0000

This week we've started our sale and its our biggest ever! We need to make room for all our winter season stock so we're clearing the decks with savings of up to 70%. I can't believe it but we've actually got some fabulous dresses reduced down to as little as £10.

Word has definitely spread and it's been really busy today - Westbourne is awash with pink Fab Frocks boutique bags and lots of happy shoppers.

Virtually everything is in sale - mother-of-the-bride outfits from as little as £50, hats and fascinators half price, even our slimwear has up to 70% off. Prom dresses, ballgowns, evening wear and cocktail dresses are selling fast at knock-down prices as well as jewellery and handbags.

Organised customers have even been stocking up on scarves and pashminas reduced from over £20 to £5 for perfect - dare I mention the C-word in July? - Christmas presents.

Top tip: Visit us soon and visit us early - we open at 10am.