Fab Frocks

Spring, Spring, Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:29:00 +0000

Well it's been a month since we last posted on our blog, Christmas has come and gone and we have had what seems to be the usual post Christmas snow on the ground. It never really lasts that long in Bournemouth and today is bright and sunny, seeing off the last few stubborn bits of white stuff.

January has seen deliveries of Mother of the Bride outfits and prom dresses streaming in after everyone got back from their festive breaks. As usual Condici mother of the bride was first to delivery and that collection is now all in stock and getting a great response from the early mothers of the bride out shopping.

Zeila and Cabotine mother of the bride outfits along with Presen, Mireia and Carina have been arriving every few weeks and we now have a good selection of new spring outfits for mothers who want to start shopping for their wedding this year. We will be posting more detailed blogs on these suppliers in the coming weeks so subscribe to our page to make sure you get the updates.

Of course as well as Spring/Summer weddings it is also prom time and for those that haven't been down to our boutique in Bournemouth we basically cater for most events. In fact nearly all of our customers are going to an event of some sort or other, whether that be a cruise or holiday, a wedding or a prom or ball.We have even had customers who have been lucky enough to be invited to a royal garden party or are to collect an award at the palace.

We work hard to make sure that we offer something different and the mix of outfits we have is quite unique in Dorset and when you combine that with the personal service you just won't get in any High Street store it really does show the benefit of shopping in independent boutiques and clothes shops.

Looking ahead we have the BIC Wedding Show in Bournemouth the weekend after next. It's always a big event for us with a stand and two scenes in the fashion show throughout Saturday and Sunday. Of course we also start opening on Sundays during March, April and May to try and make it easier for customers to get together to choose outfits and dresses. Add in the buying of the Autumn/Winter collections in February and we sure are going to be busy.

Take a look at our ever growing online shop with a selection of our mother of the bride, prom dresses and much more. Customers from the UK and abroad are certainly liking it and more and more styles will be added as we progress through the year. Of course you can see lots more in our Bournemouth boutique so make a trip and perhaps spend a night to enjoy what Bournemouth has to offer.

Prom Star 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Wow, where has the time gone since our last post?

We've been busy working on next year and now is the time to launch one of the things we have been working hard to make happen, our best ever prom promotion.

Entries are now open for Prom Star 2013, the new competion from Fab Frocks for the 2013 prom season that offers a whole host of prizes for the winner.

Dress of your choice worth up to £300 from the Scarlett Evenings prom dress collection at Fab Frocks.
http://www.fabfrocks.co.uk/scarlettevenings.html
Pair of Iron Fist high heels worth up to £90 from shoe specialist 2Die4.
http://www.2d4.co.uk/
Hair and make-up session for the photo shoot by celebrity beauty stylist MWAH worth £200 (includes Shellac pedicure and manicure, wash, cut and blow dry, full make up services)
http://www.mwahbournemouth.co.uk/
Photo shoot directed by leading photographer Leslie Budzynski worth £200 plus a photograph of your choice to keep forever
http://www.bh13photography.co.uk/
£200 for your school from Fab Frocks towards the cost of organising your school prom.
http://www.fabfrocks.co.uk/promdresses.html

It's so easy to enter this amazing competition just complete the simple entry form and upload two pictures of yourself.

A recent full length photograph of yourself. You don’t need to be in a dress – just wear what you’re most comfortable in.
A close-up photograph of your head and shoulders without any photo editing.

You can enter any time between now and the end of January at our Prom Dress Facebook Page

Fab Frocks has an amazing selection of Prom Dresses arriving for 2013. Whilst ballgowns remain a firm favourite the trend has moved slightly to more slinkier dresses and we have got the biggest selection we have ever had. Don't forget that a lot of the styles we only have one of and once they are gone that is it. We do also keep a prom dress log and record every dress we sell to each school and aim not to sell the same dress in the same colour to the same school.

You won't find a better selection of dresses in one place across the whole of Dorset and remember that if you can't get to us then you can purchase by mail order through our online boutique knowing that you can try the dress on in the comfort of your own home.

Prom Dresses 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:59:00 +0000

Our first post having returned from a four day buying trip for the 2013 collections.

We though we would focus on the Prom Dresses in this posting as that sector is undergoing a transformation as the prom phenomenon has now been active in the UK for quite a few years. The trend for 2012 has seen a slight shift to long floaty and slinky dresses in favour of ballgowns. Prom ballgowns still represent a large majority of the prom dresses we sell and they will always have a place at a school prom, however the collections for 2013 have less ballgowns in them as the market moves to a more balanced split of style types.

The prom dress collections for 2013 feature pastel shades with vintage nude, beige and dusty pink continuing through from their success in 2012. New for next year are soft shades of coral, pink and blue in floaty chiffon fabric and styles with low backs and flowing skirts. The Mori Lee Prom collection continues to be the ultimate ballgown for any school prom and can't be beaten on quality and style. The price on the Mori Lee ballgowns has seen a return to the £350 range after an increase in 2012. Whilst this is at the upper end of the prom spend the dresses are really worth the price when you consider the styling, bead work and volume of fabric which makes up a Mori Lee dress.

As with all clothing over the last two years there has and continues to be increases in pricing due to the changing landscape of manufacturing in China and the evolving consumer society in that country which means higher wages are being asked for by factory workers. Recent employment legislation has meant that more workers are staying in rural areas and not returning to factories as used to be the case, this puts the factories under pressure through lack of resource and means higher wages are having to be paid to attract back the skilled machinists.

Scarlett Evenings Prom Dresses and Dynasty Yasmin Prom Dresses both have strong collections and both companies continue to listen to retailer feedback on the trends and needs of the prom girls to ensure that the collections evolve each year. We are excited about both these collections and will certainly have many styles and colours to show you when they arrive at the end of this year.

As a word of warning to prom girls for 2013, there are more and more pop-up websites offering dresses at amazing prices, some saying the styles are from particular collections and some illegally using the images. The majority of these sites are based in China and can either be manufacturing poor quality copies of dresses or just taking your money and not sending you anything. Beware sites that say your dress is made to order and cannot be returned, we have seen some of the examples of dresses that have arrived and they are just appalling. The temptation to save a few pounds can end up being a very expensive option when you shop on some of these sites. To protect yourself always make sure that the site you are dealing with is an authorised stockist of the collection and that you pay by credit card.

Finally, make sure the company you are dealing with is in the UK and if in any doubt then contact the company who makes the dresses and check they are an authorised stockist.

Final Sale Reductions

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 +0000

With the Fab Frocks Summer Sale finishing on the 18th of August we have decided to further reduce some of the sale items. All summer day wear is now 50% off and we have a new clearance rail with amazing give-away prices on dresses and separates.

Of course there is still up to 70% off on evening and cocktail dresses, and mother of the bride and groom outfits.

We are just about to update our online shop with the new reductions so visit www.fabfrocks.com to buy sale bargains online

The Autumn season deliveries continue to arrive every week with the majority of mother of the bride and groom now in. Evening and cocktail and dressy day will be arriving throughout August with everything in stock by the beginning of September. You can find more details of the autumn stock on our website over the next few weeks as we update it for the new season.

Summer dresses - Further Reductions

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:27:00 +0000

Well the sun has finally arrived and this week the summer dresses have been flying out. Maxi dresses still seem to be a great choice for holidays as they can take you from the beach to the bar or restaurant and you can even wear them over your swimming costume. Of course for cruising, excursions or just some sightseeing we have some great summer print shift dresses or floatier options for keeping cool. Again these can be work casually or dressed up for an evening out on the town or to dinner.

The summer sale at Fab Frocks is still in full swing and with further reductions next week across our day wear collections before the autumn stock arrives there has never been a better time to get your holiday clothes.

Our new online boutique is up and running and we are adding new items all the time. Although this doesn't show all the stock we have in the shop you can be sure there will be a good selection to purchase whether you are in the UK, Europe or further afield. Take a look at www.fabfrocks.com and make sure you bookmark the site in your browser. If you are accessing it from your mobile phone then we have a special mobile version to make it easier to browse.

Mother of the Bride Sale and more

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:31:00 +0000

The Fab Frocks Sale starts today with savings of up to 70% across our boutique.

We have been working hard over the last few days to bring you mother of the bride and groom outfits for just a few hundred pounds, greatly reduced from their original price. There are lots of great bargains to be had at Fab Frocks from today as we clear the way for the Autumn collections.

As well as Mother of the Bride & Groom outfits we also have reductions in all our other departments. In day wear we have summer dresses and maxi dresses at 25% and 50% off making it an ideal time to buy those clothes for your holiday or cruise. Adding one of our co-ordinating boleros can help make these dresses also ideal for a wedding guest or for a special occasion.

Not forgetting the frocks we also have evening and cocktail dresses at up to 70% off. Our Tony Bowls collection of stunning evening wear is now all 50% off meaning a great saving on these beautiful dresses that are ideal for summer balls, dinners and of course formal nights on a cruise.

Our Autumn collection is starting to arrive for those of you thinking ahead, but in the meantime make sure you come in or check out our website to see what amazing savings you can make on special occasion clothes by shopping in the Fab Frocks sale.

NEW TERM BEGINS FAB FROCKS

noreply@blogger.com (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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 (Tracie Beardsley) — 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!