Playing Dress Up!

Arcadia's A/W 09 showcase last night was SO. MUCH. FUN. I know that's exactly what they'd like me to say, but it's true. The point was obviously to get bloggers to name-drop all their collections -- is that too cynical of me? Cynical but true, I think! -- but the amount of fun I had makes it totally worth it.

The showroom was set up so you could grab a glass of wine, look at the collections and then go into the 'photo booth' to have your photo taken. There were lots of beautiful bloggers running around, swapping pieces and cramming into the tiny little changing room to pull stuff on. Afterwards, I got my very own USB stick with lots of photos on, so I can show you all today...

 

Topshop ladies! Zoe, right, who does Inside Out, Topshop's blog

 

 

Susie Bubble in the leopard print wedges we all squealed over

 

 

Lexxi, Tom from Topshop (what a legend!) and Charlie from Girl A La Mode

 

 

And my photos? Eek - I'm a really bad poser. I know everyone says this, but it's true! The only times I can pose is when I'm entirely alone (bedroom mirror style, oh yes) and even then I feel a bit silly. But the all -hite props helped that awkward I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-my-arms thing. When we started the photographer Alistair Guy was so charming and the press girls (and Tom!) were so sweet that I started laughing and relaxed a bit. Ok, I admit that the two large glasses of white wine did contribute to the relaxing...

 

Getting fanned to achieve that wind in hair look!

 

 

The photographer offered me a teacup, but I said I was definitely more of a Diet Coke girl!

I'm wearing my two favourite pieces of the night - an Antony Price for Topman cobalt blue blazer and Topshop caged houndstooth skirt. Everything else is mine - the shoes are the bow are both Topshop too, actually!

 

There were loads of amazing pieces, including a fabulous green velvet romper which Susie of Style Bubble  wore and an insane black dress with giant pearls over it that looked gorgeous on both Charlie and Scarlett Rose. It wasn't just the Topshop stuff though - there was a gorgeous Wallis maxi-dress and the Evans stuff was great, too! Still too many tunic shapes -- embrace the curves, Evans! -- but plenty of sequins and some fab beading. (Do wish I'd dragged Lauren along with me, though.)

 

 

Group shot! (I'm hiding behind the fan)

 

Thanks to all the press lovelies who pressed wine on me, cheered me on when I was nervous and fanned me to get that amazing wind-swept look! And also to the lovely Corinne of The Times Online, who I dressed up and who cheered me on from the sidelines. Wish I'd grabbed a photo of you, Corinne - you looked lovely!

P.S. I made it onto Style Bubble, too. Does this make me internet famous?

 

 

Comments

[dreamsequins]

You look absolutely amazing! :) Love that group shot at the end, too. So sweet.

[Maggie Bob]

You look utterly fabulous! Seriously. Remembering why I had a mini-crush on you in college.

Looks like it was a fun night.

[Lauren]

If only I'd known! It sounds like the greatest thing ever, a party for dressing up in soangly clothes that aren't out yet. You look awesome though, I do love a bit of cage skirt :D xx

[Winnie]

Love that end shot...I definitely had a shock when I read Susie's post on the event and saw my own face! This was so much fun!

[Charliealamode]

I had such a great time! Seriously though, that Kate Moss ball dress did NOT suit me. It looked incredible on Scarlett rose.
Love your pictures! The first one is so adorable! xxxxx

[R]

oh. my. god. you look sensational! love your favorite pieces, you need to own that caged skirt. AMY 4 PREZ! xx

[R]

oh, p.s. yes, being on stylebuble does make you internet famous. ;)

[colin]

you look SO good! brilliant skirt

[Amy]

Thanks everyone!

Maggie: Awww, blush.
Charlie: Hush, you looked amazing!
Winnie: You looked fantastic. :)
Colin: That skirt has to be mine, no question about it.