Press pass? Yes please!

As you may already be aware, Danni and I went to the Clothes Show in Birmingham on Wednesday and it was our first event where we had press passes and our excitement was palpable. We managed to navigate our way to the press lounge (!) and helped ourselves to the complimentary tea and biscuits... This was a bit of a change from last year's event when we both went...on separate days and ended up buying the same nail varnish... I get great minds think alike?! :P


After refuelling and grabbing our press passes, we were escorted to the 'press pit' with our cameras- shamefully, mine was only a teeny tiny Panasonic one and I felt very inferior next to the pros. Nevertheless, we were super excited for the show to begin. Most of the photos are Danni's as mine came out absolutely rubbish...time to invest in a better camera?




Exciting times! The theme for this years dance show was 'A night at the movies' and they didn't disappoint with male and female models dazzling in a variety of (themed) outfits.

AMAZING
My favourite part of the event though was the gorgeous George Lamb- SWOON. Does anyone else find him totally attractive? I don't know whether it's the height and/or his dapper sense of style but man he is YUM ;) 

Swoon
I must admit, I was completely in awe of the models and dancers, especially considering their gruelling schedule. I think they perform up to 10 times a day! They also had the art of walking in heels mastered... something I desperately need to practice! Anyone who has ever seen me in heels will readily acknowledge that I am like Bambi on ice... I think I will be sticking to my block heels and sparkly flats over Christmas :) 





I especially loved their take on fairytale glamour and the dress on the left in the last picture is very Alexander McQueen non? I love the muted colours and the unexpected burst of colour with the shoes- my love of purple is well documented so this comes as no real surprise! I found all of the themes inspiring though and I will definitely be trying to shake up my wardrobe a little and avoid getting stuck into a rut... 




When they announced that there was a high school theme, I literally squealed (yes, I'm that cool) and proceeded to swoon at the hunky basketball players, cute nerds and the long swishy legs hair of the female models. 






The show was indeed fabulous. I seriously can't fathom how those dancers do that five or six times A DAY. It's ridiculous. I mean, look at them!


It was weird to be in the press pit. I kind of felt like a bit of a cheat, I mean we're by no means a big blog, and we're certainly not journalists, but the opportunity was absolutely amazing and I'm so grateful they gave us passes - I wasn't expecting it at all.

We saw cowboys,



Rocky,


and double-oh-seven,


I couldn't believe how moody the model on the left was- if I had legs up to my armpits, I'd be grinning from ear to ear!  

oh, and some antler adorned Deer-man. Naturally.


The show, as always was incredible. But I've gotta say that I think the novelty of the exhibition itself has worn off a little for me [SACRILEGE!]. I know I know, fashion bloggers should love a room the size of a small country filled to the brim with clothes, but honestly the only part I was interested in was the vintage section. And sadly I was a bit too poor to buy anything [and even if I'd had the money I would've definitely left poor as it was all incredible stuff].



The rest of the clothes stalls were a bit...meh. Although they did have an adorable new section devoted to all things knitted, sewn and crafted so it's awesome that they're mixing it up a little bit.

The make-up area is definitely the place to head if you ever plan on going. There's bargain after bargain after bargain, and Wednesday is the best day for deals as they're all trying to get rid of stock! 
So basically, some top tips if you're going to brave The Clothes Show next year...
  1. Go with money
  2. Don't spend said money on something you wouldn't ordinarily buy
  3. Expect a lot of stalls to sell the same stuff
  4. Don't go on a make-up haul the week beforehand; you'll find some fab deals there
  5. Go on the last day if you can!
I think one thing we can both agree on though, is the fact that this blog has taken us to some brilliant places and we have met some amazing people through it.... yes I am getting super soppy, but it's Christmas! :P If there is anything you particularly like or dislike about Frills 'n' Spills or you have any ideas for things you would like us to feature (more outfit posts for instance) then let us know :) 

Did you go to the Clothes Show? What is inspiring you this Christmas?

 & 

P.S. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year from both of us! X X 

15 comments

daisychain said...

Oh so very jealous! I am yet to venture to the clothes show, every year I say I will, and every year I forget!

Abbie said...

Great photos! Looks like you had a fab time!

Maria Fallon said...

Laura- you should totally come with us next time! We will try and organise something :)

Abbie- that is thanks to Danni's photography skills! We did have a fab time though :)

Maria xxx

Winnie said...

I haven't been back there in years. I used to go all the time when I was back in school so it's sort of lost the appeal for me now. The fashion show is the best part I think! I like the vintage there too but it's way too overpriced! Great coverage though!

Maria Fallon said...

Winnie- I feel the same! Definitely more exciting the first time you go. Although the show itself is always amazing.

Danni
xxx

Unknown said...

Great photos! I always assume models look really grumpy becasue they're trying really hard not to giggle!

I have never been to the clothes show, but I've done London Fashion Weekend a few times now and I'm starting to be a bit over that too. It's always so busy and the stalls are the same and I'm terrible and rummaging, and in the heat of the moment I'm likely to think something's a bargain when it really isn't!

Maria Fallon said...

Harriet - haha! I like your model theory; you're probs right in all honesty. I can't think of any other reason they'd be so sad...they're getting paid to look gorgeous for god's sake!

I know what you mean about buying things in the heat of the moment. Any purchase I've rushed into is always one I end up regretting!

Danni
xxx

Anonymous said...

Sounds like so much fun I'm so jealous!


http://voguishblog.blogspot.com/
x

Chloe said...

Ah looks like you had a brill time. I went a few times, and fancied it this year but finals were beckoning.

So pleased to see I'm not the only one to lack the ability to walk in heels. I have 2 low pairs I can wear but I always seem so attracted to the tall (impractical/unwearable) ones!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Y'all looked too cute! And it looks like it was a fabulous show!

Yu said...

I'm glad you kept your promise of pics of male models lol! Looks like you guys had a brill time <3 :) See you 2 in the new year!

Ellie said...

OH George Lamb. What a hottie he is. I love a bit of grey hair on a man. It looks like you had a fab time :) Very jealous! x

Maria Fallon said...

Ire- It was Amazing! I am always so impressed by the dancers :)

Fashion Junkie- you are FAR from alone, I am getting better but I just love snazzy (aka impractical shoes!)

Kristin- Aww thank you!

Yu- You know I would ;) And have and amazing Xmas/New year :D

Eleanor- YUM. I can't evenm talk, just YUM ;)

Maria xxx

helen turnbull said...

awh isn't it amazing!!
I dressed a model in the fashion theatre at this year's London version. Turns out the stylist of the show is a mutual friend! The models were such a giggle too. arr I miss it so so good.

Helen, x
http://areyoudressingupordressingdown.blogspot.com/

Maria Fallon said...

Helen- it was so much fun and it was lovely to just hang out with Danni too :) And wow at dressing a model- sounds fab :D

Maria xxx