Blog | Carolyn de la Drapiere

Ascot Fashion Sale

Tue, 18th May 2010 Fashion Add Comment »

Ascot Fashion Sale.

Where does one start, in describing what can only be described as a very exhilarating and exhausting weekend selling clothes at the Ascot Fashion Sale?

At the beginning, I guess!

Carolyn de la Drapiere participated in their first fashion sale with a wide selection of stock and samples, plus one off pieces. And what a sale it was. Set in the rather grand surroundings of Ascot racecourse, we met many of our regular customers who came along to pick up a good bargain, plus many new ladies who loved our selection of curvy clothes made especially for luscious curvaceous figures! (I should add that we had many disappointed women who wanted our clothes in tiny sizes – maybe one day!)

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(Lisa doing a last minute check)

At times we were overwhelmed with just too many people jammed into our little space. Had we known we would have booked a space twice the size! Sorry ladies for the squeeze.

Our manikin, which caught the eye of everyone walking past and was literally the talking point up and down the aisle near our stand, was dressed in a bespoke pink and green suit with a matching pink hat courtesy of Lisa Tan, who supplied a range of hats for our stand. It amazed us how many people loved the bright pink florescent look and wanted the suit for weddings and the races. The interest was so great that I am considering making a small number of them, so do keep an eye out.

Lisa-ascot

(Lisa Tan with her fabulous pink hat!)

Just hope they don't all end up at Ascot on the same day!

The weekend ended in many happy customers, three sales assistants with sore feet from standing for so long and myself rather weary from being on the go from dawn till dusk running around keeping everything sorted!

Jenna--ascot

(Jenna, ready for action first thing on Friday morning!)

Thanks to all of you who popped in to see us, I really enjoyed meeting you.

We look forward to seeing you again at our next sale!

Carolyn-Ascot

( Me be very silly, but then it was 7am in the morning, when someone snapped this shot!)

Underwear : the hidden secret!

Sat, 24th Apr 2010 Style Add Comment »

Underwear, the hidden secret!

ARABELLA--bra-and-stocking

(Arabella Bra and Knickers- available from Beautiful Bras)

What we wear underneath the outer layer of our clothes tends to be a secret most of us don't share with the rest of the world…..

Be it a secret passion for hot, saucy bra and knicker sets.

Comfy cotton Marks and Spencer's everyday range.

Mismatched underwear– the “whatever comes out of the drawer first” look.

Or you may be into full corsets, basques, waspies or suspenders…..

The thing is ladies…… that whatever your preference may be, what you wear underneath your clothes, makes a HUGE, GINORMOUS difference to how you look on the outside, to how your clothes hang over your body and indeed to whether they fit properly.

Wear a bra that doesn't fit right and you could be sagging, bagging and hanging out all over the place.

Wear the right bra and you look pert, encased and together !

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(Maia Bra and Knickers – Available from Beautiful Bras)

There is no doubt about that the fact that be you small or large busted… wearing the the right bra is essential to getting a look right, for bosoms have the habit of having a life of their own if they are not encased adequately!

And believe me ladies, I know. One, because I have worn the wrong underwear myself with all sorts of catastrophic results, and secondly, because I fit women regularly for clothes and can see the difference immediately when the wrong size bra is being worn.

Truthfully, a woman looks much better, more elegant and sophisticated with a bra style that is especially chosen for the overall look of an outfit. The styles and types are endless, so choose carefully. These days the construction of a bra has almost become a science so complex are they in structure. It is essential to have a full range on hand for different outfits.A good selection would include styles in the following : – balconette, plunge, padded, push up, half cups, full cups, t-shirt bra, not to mention strapless, non wired, longline and invisible and adhesive styles.

Not everyone of course can wear bras in all these styles. Goodness, if I tried to wear an adhesive bra the results would be more suitable for a bad comedy than a serious case of actually holding things together. So consider carefully and buy wisely!

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I recently had the pleasure of meeting Beverly Webb from Beautiful Bras. She has an amazing source of knowledge on all things to do with bras, not only for large busted women, but also smaller bosomed ladies and those who have had mastectomies. To be fitted regularly is of importance as our bodies change shape and styles, makes and sizes of bras differ greatly between each other. You may be a size 36F in one brand but be a 34G in another.

She expertly fitted me for a bra and suggested I wear a back size smaller than the current size I was wearing, for not only is it important to get the cup size right, but also the right back size. They both matter greatly in giving the right support.

Beverly has herself been a bra fitting model and has years of experience fitting women. She will come to you with a full range of bras if you would like to be fitted in the privacy of your own home, or will fit you at her studio.

For a detailed guide on how to contact Beverly and to get the correct fit, check out Beautiful Bras on

www.beautifulbras.uk.com

Caitlyn-pink-bra

(Caitlyn Bra and Knickers – Available from Beautiful Bras)

You will find excellent measuring tips and stunning bras to buy on her website as well.

And whilst we are discussing underwear, we really should discuss Knickers.

An even more touchy topic than bras, but just as important.

There is nothing worse than knickers showing at the top of jeans when you bend over, or visibly seen under a tight pair of trousers. Or worse still, a brightly coloured pair of knickers that are visible through a piece of clothing.

So the whole knicker saga needs to be thought about, along with the bra drama!!

We really can't finish this little spiel without a bit about the wonderful shapewear which is now available. The choices are huge and no longer do we woman need to feel like we are being trapped into an elasticated bandage to get a little shape and control happening.

Personally, I like the shapewear by Gok the most, but spanx have some wonderful shapely knickers and Susanna and Trinny do a great range as well.

Take the time to check it all out, find something that feels comfortable and enhances your shape, for really ladies, it does make all the difference, the hidden secrets that lie beneath your clothes!

arabella_thong_bra

Arabella Bra – Beautiful Bras

The Luxury of Corsets

Sat, 24th Apr 2010 Fashion History Add Comment »

The luxury of Corsets.

Ascot 2

Oh what fun to be laced into a snug, perfectly fitting luxurious silk corset.

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And that is exactly what I did last week, for I met Dee, Lynda and Heather of Twin Cheeks Corsets who specialise in the most glamorous and most truly divine corsets imaginable.

In their lovely studio at Ascot and with an excellent selection of styles to fit different shapes and sizes, one of the ladies will personally fit each customer to ensure the right fit has been achieved.

Feeling very shapely and standing tall I was pulled into a selection of corsets in the most wonderful array of fabrics. Lynda and Heather explained the importance of getting the correct fit, on lacing the back panel of the corset properly and on choosing a design that both suited your height and type of shape. Obviously the size of breasts and bust/waist ratio are important factors in choosing a good design.

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After looking through and trying on a selection of various shapes and styles, I chose a gorgeous black silk fabric covered with deep fuschia coloured roses. – Divine.

So where did corsets come from and why wear one today?

Paintings of women wearing corsets have been found dating back to the Neolithic age. They have also featured in paintings from the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks.

In fact, if you look at the history of women's fashion they have played a major part in women's lives for 100's of years. At times they have been hidden underneath outer garments, or flamboyantly shown off as garments in their own right.

Ascot 7

At one time corsets were made with such restrictive whale boning, and laced so incredibly tightly that the health of the women wearing them was a concern for doctors. The ladies that wore these could hardly breath let alone sit down for too long in them. No wonder they had the vapours and were given to fainting!

Women succumb to these little inconveniences however, to look wonderful, for corsets pull in the waist and give volume to the bust line. The definition and shape of the body is sublime when properly corseted.

I am sure no fainting goes on at Twin Cheeks. Those days have gone and with the current trend for wearing corsets as magnificent pieces of clothing in their own right, you will find a great selection to choose from.

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For Curvaceous Women Corsets are fabulous. They give fanstastic shape to the body, can enhance a superb cleavage and can look equally great worn casually with Jeans or dressed up with a skirt. If the wearer does not feel comfortable with bare arms and neck on display a little shrug or pashmina worn over the top looks great.

Keep an eye out for my next Winter collection 2010 when you will see some stunning corsets worn with the popular Louis the 14th Velvet Jacket.

The effect – Superb!

Check out the Twin Cheeks website go to:

www.twincheeks.biz

Happy Easter

Mon, 5th Apr 2010 Fashion Add Comment »

Happy Easter !

Is it ever, ever going to get warm? We seem to be knee high in mud and the rain keeps coming, but the daffodils are out! And when they show their bright happy faces the warm weather must be on its way surely.

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But then again, maybe not.

Maybe it is not time yet to put away all your winter woolies and get out all those light summer clothes you have been longing to wear.

However, with Easter here and a good long 4 day weekend, we have tonnes to smile about.

Easter Saturday and I meet up with friends Andrew and Ally and my gorgeous little Goddaughter, Ella, at the Barnes annual duck race where a very large number of rubber ducks are raced down Beverly Brook. Talk about great excitement. In aid of charity the ducks are dumped by the bag full into the brook and rapidly disappear under the bridge down the stream to the finishing line. The crowds cheer on the little yellow ducks with great gusto. Who needs the Oxford to Cambridge Boat race when you have rubber duckies racing for first position?

Andrew-and-Ally-2-lower-pixels

(Ally, Andrew and Ella)

O.k….so it wasn't that exciting. The crowds soon dispersed and made their way down to the river for the big boat race. Would it be Oxford or Cambridge? Would someone plunge into the Thames for a bit of a swim and get hauled out by the local police? Ah what excitement for the afternoon! The anticipation kills! Finally the boats go past and within seconds it is over.

Cambridge Win.

(Personally I am more interested in the truly sublime striped blazers worn by the Oxford and Cambridge supporters in the accompanying boats. How smart they look and how I would love one!)

Another charity event in the evening, this time at the Royal Albert Hall, in aid of the 100's of orphans in Haiti. How sad it makes me feel when children suffer. Suffering from hunger, illness, poverty, loneliness, lack of families, or indeed love and affection is difficult for anyone at any time in life, but for children, who should have the future ahead of them and be surrounded by people who care, life can be extremely difficult.

A wonderful charity named 'SOS Children's Villages" is a large organisation that looks after orphans the world over. Their aim is to place all abandoned or orphaned children into family based care, rather than into large impersonal establishments. Stepping into Haiti after the terrible earthquake earlier this year, SOS have housed 600 orphaned children in two villages that lost their parents as a result of the earthquake. Their work is immense and just so beneficial.

It was therefore wonderful to support the concert organised at the Albert Hall to help raise necessary funds. Not that it was a chore in any regard as the Albert Hall happens to be my favourite music venue in London and the concert was superb!

For More info on SOS children's villages please check out their website on

http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/

daffs-4

Easter Sunday and Monday….Time to do some serious fashion research!

My good friend Lydia and I head for Paris, No. New York, No. Maybe Milan…. No…

I am having you guess here….

We go to Hastings!

SHop-window-1

Where better than to check out a bit of Trendy, Arty, Hippie Chic fashion all mixed into one! We had a great time, as the old part of Hastings has a fabulous Arty feel to it and really has some wonderful shops, pubs, cafes and in general superb people watching.

(Lydia lurking behind a floral arrangement in Butlers Emporium.)

cabinet-of-drawers

If you go to Hastings, the old town, you will find an an eclectic mix of small independantly owned shops all fascinating in their own way. Make sure you check out Butler's Emporium, a wonderful rustic shop that was previously an old fashioned hardware store. Keeping all the original fittings the new owner has created an atmosphere of vintage style nostalgia mixing new items displayed in the very unique display cabinets that may have been made over 100yrs ago. A real joy to visit.

Were we inspired in Hastings? Yes, definitely. It's always fabulous to find new places where creativity and originality abound and Hastings had plenty of each.

The Easter holiday was therefore both inspirational, relaxing and a time of reflection. Nothing better than good friends, lots of fun, mixed in with a little exploring.

I hope you all had a fab Easter as well .

London Vintage Textile Fair

Mon, 22nd Feb 2010 Fashion Add Comment »

A Treasure Trove of Vintage Clothes…….

London-Vintage-fair1-small

Shut your eyes for one moment and imagine you are in a room full of wonderful treasures from days gone by.

* A black satin evening bag, lined in a gorgeous pink silk, intact with mirror and compact, that once graced the arm of a young lady off to her first ball in 1920.*

* A pair of 1940's brogues that belonged to an energetic wren going about her war work.*

(A look at the heels tells the story of much walking)

* And a pair of dainty blue satin shoes that she kept for nights out dancing.*

(The toes are worn – I wonder why?)

* A tea dress in floral silk, so finely sewn by hand that one can hardly see the tiny stitches. The waist is minute and the pleating faultless. All made by someone sitting patiently for hours stitching one miniscule stitch after the other.*

The room buzzes….. people rummage all looking for that little something that is different, quirky and completely unique.

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A dress with an amazing design and pattern.

A hat with an original take on millinery.

A bag with a style of its own.

A brooch that oozes charm.

These days, when everything seems to be mass produced more and more people are wanting that original one off piece that sets them apart from everyone else, just to be different and little less like a clone.

Personally, I love the vintage textile fair that takes place once a month in Hammersmith. Some of the stands make me sneeze I have to say, but on the whole it is awfully inspiring to look at clothes , jewellery, hats, gloves, bags, shoes that were made up to 150 years ago. The artistry and skill that is evident is inspirational.

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And if you are into checking out people and what they are wearing it is a great place to hang out, for there are always fabulous outfits on stunning women to be seen. Everything from the 1920's – 1980's … the complete works – from silk stockings to frivolous hats, full circled skirts to paisley shirts, you will see it all in full splendour!

For me, I always come away with a little piece of inspiration, that new idea that may well just make it into the very next dress you decide to buy!

Time away….

Tue, 16th Feb 2010 Fashion Add Comment »

A week to plot and plan!

Oh what joy to escape London for a short working holiday by the seaside. Needing some fresh sea air and some inspiration I packed my two dogs up and a case full of sketch books, magazines, fabric swatches not to mention samples of buttons, lace and ribbons and disappeared to a favourite little cottage on the Isle of Wight for a week of peace and quiet.

There is nothing like a change of scenery to get ones creative thoughts flowing, and so with a good many meandering walks along the beach, with the dogs chasing seagulls and tennis balls and me dreaming into the cold sea air of evening gowns, cocktail dresses and party pieces an amazing amount of original work was done.

You really wouldn't believe what can be achieved when you take a break from everyday life in the studio, when all those rolls of fabric, patterns, trims, and just general stuff feel like they are going to cave in on you. Just to escape the lot, with only a small handful for that little piece of stimulus is heavenly.

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(My dog – Buttons, helping with some work!)

So what new, wonderful dresses will be coming your way in the spring?

Well how about some of the following:

* Full flowing, truly magnificent red carpet dresses to make your mouth water.

* Sexy little cocktail dresses that are just so shapely and elegant.

* Spring dresses that will make you want to dance straight into the warm weather that is going to come soon…. ( we hope)

* Special dresses for that extra special event – weddings, parties, the races or even a night out with your favourite man!

So if you indulge in one of these gorgeous pieces, just think, they may well have been come to mind during a stroll on a cold wintry beach….where the body was wrapped against the elements but the mind was a million miles away ……dreaming of a hot summer to come and all the fun it will bring with it!

A sneaky peak….

Tue, 2nd Feb 2010 Tags: Photography
Fashion Add Comment »

A sneak preview…..

Talk about complete madness…….. in the midst of freezing cold temperatures and snow we braved the outside elements to do a Summer photoshoot.

Yes, you did read that correctly!

Summer photos in the midst of winter are not easy….

Especially when it snows.

There was much sweeping and salt used to get rid of the obvious telltale signs of winter. Plus a number of blowheaters aimed at Becca, our model. How she managed to look warm was beyond the rest of us who were completely decked out in full winter regalia.

So here's a little sneak preview…… of what is to come in our summer range..

becca in skirt and top

(Becca our size 14 model in a white silk chiffon top with lace inserts and grey silk linen skirt with button and cross stitch trim.)

We have lots of glorious florals and bright patterns made into dresses, skirts and tops, but you will have to be a little more patient to see them…will give you a sneak preview when the editors have finished reworking the photos.

I have to show you a photo of our brilliant photographer Nikki Williams. Obviously she is used to being on the other side of the camera so it took some persuasion to let me take this one of her. I think she looks fab – especially in that cute hat!!!

nikki

Nikki, our photographer, in her full winter gear!

Check out Nikki's website at: www.nikkiwilliamsimages.com

This spring I have designed a shapely version of the "must have" classic white cotton shirt. The details are fabulous – full cuffs and collars to look like a man's work shirt plus some subtle darting in at the waist to give great shape and line.

The shirt is long and can be worn with just leggings, or great with jeans or a skirt….

Here's a preview of it.

becca in white shirt

Keep an eye out for more previews of our summer range….we have all sorts of exciting pieces coming out soon – VERY EXCITING !

Diane Ellis – Style Coach

Mon, 25th Jan 2010 Image Consultant Add Comment »

The Diet and Fitness show….. with Diane Ellis.

diane_ellis_presentation

On Saturday morning myself and two gorgeous models, Jenny and Yoka joined forces with Diane Ellis at the Diet and Fitness show.

Diane, an incredibly vibrant and enthusiastic Style Coach, gave a presentation at the show entitled “Low Calorie Dressing”

The talk was fabulous and very inspirational. It focused on dressing well to suit your body type, making the most of your clothes and choosing styles and colours to contribute to a more confident you!

Jenny-in-cream-blouse

(Jenny in Colonel Pickering, cream blouse and Loius the 14th Red velvet jacket)

Diane also spoke about choosing clothes that are cut well and have essential elements to enhance the figure and to make the wearer look trim and elegant.

Yoka-in-Pink-Dress

(Yoka in Dangerous Liaisons)

This is of course where “Carolyn de la Drapiere” clothes excel, for it is always at the top of my mind when designing clothes to make shapely, figure enhancing pieces that show a woman's body off to advantage. As you know, I do not make clothes to hide in!

Carolyn-in-Jacket

(Carolyn in Louis the 14th vintage fabric)

The models therefore, and myself, showed off a small selection of clothes that illustrated the different body types and how to enhance the curves.

Jenny-in-Purple

(Jenny in Purple Suede Jacket and short black skirt – from next Autumn's collection')

I have to say the girls looked fantastic in the outfits, displaying their wonderful shape and curves rather spectacularly.

Have you ever wondered when watching models strutting there stuff and looking so ultra glamorous, fabulous and well put together what goes on behind the scenes?

Well, I can't resist giving you a small insight into today's events…. it was rather hilarious.

And great fun I must say……

With much laughter we changed outfits behind a rather short/flimsy curtain that was more or less in the public domain and could be seen by anyone who happened to be walking past the presentation area. This happened to be an awful lot of people!

Carolyn-and-Diane-dressing-Jenny

( Dressing Jenny!)

With the help of the very efficient Constance we all somehow managed to pull on and off trousers, skirts, dresses and tights in the space of what can only be described as a very small wardrobe. It was virtually impossible to bend down to do up shoes and what a sight the public must have had – for they could view us changing from the knees down. All sorts of items of clothing coming off and all sorts of other items going on. I think I noticed a couple of spectators at one point – especially when the tights were going on!

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(Still dressing Jenny)

How we managed to actually emerge looking half decent is remarkable. There were no mirrors anywhere remotely in the vicinity, so we had to rely on each other to ensure all was in order before heading out.

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(….and finally Jenny is dressed – well not quite!)

So there you have it- not the glamour you thought it would be, but such fun!

yoka-in-purple-shirt

(Yoka relieved that it's all over! And looking great in the purple high flyer)

If you were at the presentation, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, and a very big Thank- you to Diane for inviting us to join her.

For more information on Diane and how you can benefit from her style coaching please check out her website on

http://www.dianeellis.co.uk/

Shoes, Shoes and more Shoes….By Nicolina

Wed, 20th Jan 2010 Style Add Comment »

Shoes glorious shoes……..

O.k….. here comes a confession!

I love shoes.

Am mad about them in fact.

Shoes of all colours, shapes and styles, but particularly shoes that are quirky, individual and have an air of originality about them.

There is nothing I love more than discovering a new shoe shop somewhere in the world, walking in with great anticipation of what may be held within its walls and having ones eyes alighting upon a glorious pair of heels like none other.

For there sitting on a shelf awaiting your arrival is a pair of stunning shoes so completely different to anything you have ever seen before that the heart almost skips a beat!

You know you simply have to have them.

The best places for such 'shoe' pleasures have usually been in the obvious countries like France, Italy and Spain. You know, those little shops you happen upon down a tiny alley in Paris or Barcelona where a new shoe designer has set up shop and an array of beribboned works of art (being the shoes) line some dainty shelves.

You don't have to go overseas though for there are a few other secret locations to explore right here, maybe under your very nose, if you also love finding something completely different.

Check out:-

Vintage Fairs – Fabulous shoes from 1800's to present time

(maybe rather threadbare- but heavenly)

Ebay -I recently found a beautiful pair of Chanel brogues

(never been worn – divine!)

Village fêtes – You would be surprised what turns up.

(My Pink sparkly 1920's dancing shoes – no label but soooooo cute.)

Charity shops – Gasp – But wonders never cease!

(Vintage Dior – Only to be looked at and drooled over!)

Yes, some of the shoes I've succumbed to from the above list are more museum pieces than every day wearing…. the courage to actually go out in a pair of bright apple green high heels for example, from the 1950's surpasses even myself, who is on the whole quite game!

So why the topic of shoes today?

Well…..

I have recently had the pleasure of meeting the very effervescent Nicolina from Nicolina shoes.

Working as a team Nicolina and her husband Jeremy Angelis design and create beautiful shoes for women who love luxury footwear.

boot

Made from the finest materials and manufactured in Italy the shoes are beautiful.

I was very impressed with the fact that whilst the shoes are very glamorous and elegant, they are also incredibly wearable with a wonderful heel height…. Meaning high, but not too high.

How many of us buy that gorgeous pair of shoes that feel great in the shop only to discover that they are in actual fact too high and uncomfortable to walk in. They sit languishing sadly in the back of the wardrobe hoping to get out and be shown off but never do as the pain factor is just too intense.

So there is nothing like shoes that look great and can be worn comfortably. And imagine finding a new shoe designer right here in London.

I was thrilled. Gorgeous,elegant,trendy wearable shoes!

To check out Nicolina's website go to

nicolina shop

www.nicolinacouture.com

Wimbledon Village.

London

SW19

The sequin Party…..

Sat, 16th Jan 2010 Style Add Comment »

LOTS OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR……..

Ooh la la…the sequins shimmied and shone last night at a party I attended in Knightsbridge. I have never seen so many sexy little outfits glittering around a bar as were worn by the girls on Friday night.

Let me tell you all about them.

Gold and Silver sequins were a hit .

Lots of cute little metallic coloured sequin sleeveless tops with plunging necklines worn with sleek black trousers and metallic shoes. The look was superb.

Black sequins – EVERYWHERE.

In boleros, camisole style tops and would you believe sequin skirts! They looked so slinky. And I also noticed black trousers with sequin strips down each leg…really sexy.

Coloured sequins.

One gorgeous woman had a wonderful 1920's style top made from blue sequins. The colour at the top was a sublime aqua and subtly changed to a dark navy blue at the hem line. Talk about gorgeous.

So why were all the sequins out?

Well ladies…my thoughts on the matter are that the weather is so dreary at the moment that literally everyone thought they were going to fight the winter blues with a whole lot of sparkle.

The effect was DIVINE……

And I must add that the sequins had a ball for they swirled their way through some fairly raunchy dance moves and made the most of the down lights for they twinkled their way into the hearts of many an admirer!

Good on you girls….keep the glamour up all winter.

Carolyn's Blog