A Manchester Brunch at Evelyn's with Little Mistress

Hey,

So firstly - wow, I've been gone a long time. There's no particular reason for this other than simply just having come out the other side of an incredibly busy time. I've just moved into a new flat and started a new job too! It's been stressful at times but now I'm through it, I'm incredibly happy and content with things.

This post flashes back to a few weeks ago, when I spent a wonderful morning with clothing brand, Little Mistress who took us out for an incredible brunch at the superb Evelyn's Cafe and then onto their new concession at Debenhams in Manchester city centre.

I was actually yet to try Evelyn's but it wasn't exactly a hard sell; it was set-up by the folks behind Mughli -  my all time, hands down favourite Indian restaurant in Manchester, so I pretty much knew it'd be great!

It was so hard to choose something from their small but perfectly formed menu (everything sounds incredible) but I eventually settled on the buttermilk pancakes with blueberries and honeycomb butter and was not disappointed - they were definitely among some of the best pancakes I've ever had.

The décor in Evelyn's is just as impressive as the food. It's simple but oh so artisan. There's fresh flowers and plants everywhere and hints of copper hardware in the tableware and lighting.

After a great chat with some familiar and new bloggers, as well as the girls representing Little Mistress, we headed to the Debenhams concession for a first-hand look at the new collections, including a high-profile range in collaboration with Chloe Lewis of TOWIE fame.

Little Mistress carries a few different lines under their brand. The new Chloe Lewis collaboration is girly with a a bit of a vintage twist. There's lots of pretty pastels and soft floral prints - it's glam but can be worn every day. 

Then there's the Paper Dolls collection which is more based around occasion dresses and formal styles. If you're looking for a great dress for the races or a wedding, or even as a bridesmaid, they've got some gorgeous yet affordable styles.

Finally there's Girls on Film - which is my favourite range. Still in keeping with Little Mistress' glamorous look, the GoF collection is more casual with a bit of an edge. There's lots of great co-ords and plenty of pieces with bold, unique prints and detail like fringing - perfect for festivals!

Above, I'm wearing the Chloe Lewis White Hippy Top with a lace up front, which I wore to the brunch. I don't often wear white (such a queen of darkness) so this is a nice change for me, especially for summer - I've actually been wearing this loads!

I also took home the Girls on Film Light Grey Tassel Jacket from one of the photos above. It's made from a super soft faux suede and makes for a perfect semi-light cover-up with this unpredictable weather we're having. Hopefully I'll get a post up soon with it styled up!

Have you spotted anything you like from the collections?

Private White V.C. Manchester Launch

Hello!

I don't think I've mentioned my job much on my blog. I started my new job back in June as Ecommerce Manager for a Manchester-based brand called Private White V.C.

It's a really cool brand with a fantastic story behind it. All of the clothing is made at the factory just on the outskirts of the city centre. The factory is an amazing four-floor nineteenth century building, which I get to work in!

The name Private White V.C. comes from the history of the factory. It was once owned by a Victoria Cross awarded World War One veteran. After returning from the war, Private Jack White began an apprenticeship as a trainee pattern cutter at his local factory. Over time, he rose through the ranks and eventually came to be the owner. After he passed away in 1949, the factory changed hands and has had a handful of different owners since. A few years ago, the opportunity came up for Jack White's own family to once again get involved in the factory and it is now owned and run by his great grandchildren- little could he have known! Learn more about the Private White story, here.

It's such a lovely and genuine story. A lot of 'heritage' brands claim to have a grand history but when you look past the marketing, there's not a lot of authenticity to it. Similarly, many of these brands are guilty of proclaiming their English roots but now manufacture abroad; not Private White V.C.

We recently opened a beautiful on-site store at the factory (which officially had the red ribbon cut by none other than Princess Anne- yes, I met her!) and decided to hold a party to celebrate.

Our office pooch and brand mascot, Brutus the Bulldog chilling out before the event (unlike I was)

Me wearing:

Jacket- Private White V.C.

Silk shirt- Banana Republic*

I was largely involved in the organising of the event so I'm really pleased that it was such a success. We had a great turn out, including some lovely bloggers, and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening.

We decided to hold the event partially in the shop and also on the first floor of the factory which worked out really well. In the store we served cocktails and canapés by Artisan and had a brilliant acoustic singer, Josh Goddard.

Upstairs on the factory sewing floor, local DJ Pasta Paul played vintage vinyl whilst some of our skilled machinists stayed behind after hours so that our guests could see garments being made before their eyes. There were also handmade pocket squares and scarves for guests which we were personally monogramming with people's initials.

We even had a vintage bus on hand to take our guests back into town. We also managed to get a few celebrities down including Bipolar Sunshine and Darren Jeffries, probably best known for playing O.B. in Hollyoaks a few years ago (I was a bit too excited about that!!!).

The brand has just launched a small range of womenswear which we'll be expanding on next season. The prices are in line with designer brands but the clothing really will last a lifetime and well worth a look if you're serious about buying British.

If you are local to Manchester, you should definitely come and visit the factory and store. It's amazing to see something like this still in operation in the UK.

Love,

Well Frock Me!

Hello!

Today I just wanted to show some love for a really great independent vintage company.

Frock On Vintage is based in Birmingham and is owned and managed by the lovely Pam Cheema whom I've had the great pleasure of meeting.

Pam loaned me some clothes while I was creating my third year project, a fashion magazine, which really helped me get a great mark- thanks Pam!

Pam has done so well with Frock On and deservedly so. Since I moved away from Birmingham, the Bullring Topshop has instated a Frock On concession- something I've yet to see!

Frock On now has a brand-spanking new website which I was very pleased about because I can shop the collection from the comfort of my sofa in Manchester.

It didn't take me long to snap something up.

I CANNOT resist something as garish and 80s as this.

I'm loving all the bright floral SS12 prints that are around at the moment and this bag definitely channels the vibe.

SS12 Garish Floral by katieafox featuring a floral print dress

(First proper go at Polyvore here- really love it!)

Can't wait to use it when the weather cheers up!

Here are some more items on my wishlist from Frock On:

Gorgeous, affordable vintage. Would definitely recommend checking it out.

Have you found any great clothing sites recently? I'm always on the hunt for new ones!

Love,

Foxy

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Wicked and I'm lazy...

I know, I know, I promised to blog more now that I've finished uni! Truth be told, I've generally been revelling in  having very little responsibility while it lasts. In all honesty, for the most part I've been either drunk, hungover or working (in the bar) since handing all my uni stuff in.

Here's a little update anyway. I'm dying to get into doing some more DIYs now I have more time on my hands, it's just getting around to it...

Here's a really easy thing to do:

Men's Tshirt, £2, Charity Shop

I hacked the sleeves off a men's tee then simply cut thin strips (about 1-2cm wide) into the bottom. Looks really effective and great for summer (if we're going to get one!) of course.

And excuse me having NO makeup on here, think I'd just got out the shower after the gym!

This one isn't really a DIY, but I thought I'd show you my new bargain playsuit.

Belt, 50p, Charity Shop

I don't usually pop into COW vintage (Digbeth one, Bham) because I find it a bit overpriced but on passing I thought I'd have a little browse.

I spotted a rack of playsuits marked half price. This one was originally £8 so I got it for just £4!

It was a little longer, which annoyed me in the end so I took my scissors to it (more often than not the case with all my clothes!)- and voila!

And yes it DOES look like a dress, but looky here:

Definite playsuit from the back!

So yeah, I definitely want to do some more challenging customisations soon! On my list is...

This T Shirt which I have been dying to make ever since I saw it on the Di$count blog.

And I really really want a body harness!

I thought I could probably have a go at making a chain one like this:

£15, ASOS

But I really want a leather one like these BEAUTIFUL ones by Zana Bayne (thoroughly out of my budget unfortunately!).

I'm thinking I could re-work a cheap bondage version from eBay?!?! 

Haha what do you think?

Foxy

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