I went swimsuit shopping in my local high street last week. What a depressing experience!
With an imminent trip to France looming large, I decided to bite the bullet and find a suitable garment to cover and flatter my winter-white flesh.
I started in a well known chain, picking up a few reasonable styles in what I considered to be a reasonable size. Well, either I have a completely distorted and overly optimistic perception of myself, or the designers are having a laugh - and at my expense.
My first choice was a cheeky sailor style one piece. At least that's what it looked like on the hanger. Once on it became a Tarzan leotard, the neck reaching to my midriff and flattening my bust so that I resembled Borat in his Mankini.
The next two piece barely covered my extremities. Struggling in and out of various ill-fitting garments in the full and unflattering glare of fluorescent strips, curtain flapping and sweat rising, is not my idea of a pleasurable time.
Eventually I found a reasonably priced, reasonably shaped one piece in a size larger than I'd like to admit. But it fitted, and what have I advised about buying garments that fit regardless of size? This polka dot swimsuit had moulded cups, a long enough body and made me look more Jessica Rabbit than circus strongman. At last, a result.
The whole experience was endured as a necessary evil, the costume languishing in its carrier bag still. And it got me thinking about the environment we offer at Therapy.
Our aim is to provide comfortable, functional changing facilities. I believe our lighting is pleasant and illuminating and leaves you feeling confident. Louise, Ann and I always aim to be on hand to offer advice and search out possible alternatives if you're having a Tarzan moment.
My unpleasant experience left me reminded of why we started Therapy: To offer a friendly, enjoyable shopping experience - right down to the trying on.
I hope you agree. If you don't then I'd love to hear your suggestions.
Laura x
Monday, 25 April 2011
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Sunshine days
A huge apology to all of you who’ve made the effort to look at our Therapy blog and found nothing new since March!
Those of you who know our business will know that we closed our shoe shop at the end of March. Don’t panic though - we still have out best-selling La Badia ballet pumps from Florence and a fantastic range of espadrilles from Spain which we’re selling from our original and best shop in Golden Square.
It’s been a long winter and a hard road for us from deciding to close to actually clearing out the shop ready for a new tenant. Up until now we’ve always managed to transform areas that haven’t worked into something else. So it was with some sadness that I have been packing away the remains of our lovely shoe shop and saying goodbye to what was.
But Spring is all about new beginnings and Easter is all about transformation, and I for one am now feeling very positive about the future. Now that we are back to one shop, we are able to focus wholly on what we do best and hopefully offer our customers an undiluted Therapy experience.
And how blissful this Spring weather has been! The sun shines and everyone relaxes and blossoms. Throwing off our winter boots for strappy sandals has put me and everyone I’ve met in Therapy into a buoyant mood. Finally we can purchase our new summer clothes knowing we can enjoy them immediately.
And what better way to celebrate Easter and the upcoming Royal Wedding than with something new to wear. I’ve chosen some lovely tops from Oui. I confess this collection has become a firm favourite of mine. I just love the way that every piece is full of embellishment or quirky prints or beautiful yarns - doing all the work and allowing me just to throw them on and forget about what I’m wearing.
I’m going to treat myself to some Toni Pons espadrilles too. For under £70 you can choose from pretty, practical flats to sexy peep-toe heels - and so comfortable!
As usual I say too much. I’ll stop talking and you can all come and visit us instead.
See you soon!
Laura x
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Do you feel like a mad March Hare?
Welcome to March! The month of mad Hares, March winds, daffodils and sunshine. Already we've had more sunshine this month than for the year so far - hooray!
I don't know about you ladies, but my mood has improved dramatically with the brightening days. I can almost picture myself in strappy sandals - I can't wait!
In the meantime, get into Spring by investing in a few "transitional" pieces. Now as long as I've been in fashion, designers have been trying to perfect the right clothes for the right season. As all of us know, though, the fashion seasons seem to have no bearing on real weather. So we find bikinis in January and fur coats in July - crazy.
Imagine what it's like for us trying to sell these! I've tried over the years to buy into transitional ranges - "mid season", "holiday", call them what you will - I've never found them to work very well.
What does work is layering! Yes, that thing that we don't consciously do much down here. Well at this time of year we do it very well. Think about it: It's March, we're sick of our winter wardrobe and it's too cold to wear linen unless we're wintering in Australia or of doubtful sanity. But wait - we can!
We've been selling linen shifts & skirts, leggings, jeans, long sleeve tee shirts, cardigans. Any one of these can be teamed with our existing wardrobes.
Imagine - a pretty cornflower blue linen shift, over a white long sleeve tee, on top of skinny jeans and worn-in boots.
Or how about a linen skirt teamed with a cashmere jumper and knee high boots?
Perhaps a pintucked and embroidered cotton top in the prettiest pale pink worn over a grey turtle neck with jeans and ballet pumps?
I'm delighted to see our customers embracing the new Spring collections. So don't wait for the temperature to rise, treat yourselves to something new and wear it now!
Laura x
I don't know about you ladies, but my mood has improved dramatically with the brightening days. I can almost picture myself in strappy sandals - I can't wait!
In the meantime, get into Spring by investing in a few "transitional" pieces. Now as long as I've been in fashion, designers have been trying to perfect the right clothes for the right season. As all of us know, though, the fashion seasons seem to have no bearing on real weather. So we find bikinis in January and fur coats in July - crazy.
Imagine what it's like for us trying to sell these! I've tried over the years to buy into transitional ranges - "mid season", "holiday", call them what you will - I've never found them to work very well.
What does work is layering! Yes, that thing that we don't consciously do much down here. Well at this time of year we do it very well. Think about it: It's March, we're sick of our winter wardrobe and it's too cold to wear linen unless we're wintering in Australia or of doubtful sanity. But wait - we can!
We've been selling linen shifts & skirts, leggings, jeans, long sleeve tee shirts, cardigans. Any one of these can be teamed with our existing wardrobes.
Imagine - a pretty cornflower blue linen shift, over a white long sleeve tee, on top of skinny jeans and worn-in boots.
Or how about a linen skirt teamed with a cashmere jumper and knee high boots?
Perhaps a pintucked and embroidered cotton top in the prettiest pale pink worn over a grey turtle neck with jeans and ballet pumps?
I'm delighted to see our customers embracing the new Spring collections. So don't wait for the temperature to rise, treat yourselves to something new and wear it now!
Laura x
Sunday, 27 February 2011
The Seventies
I asked you all if you were concerned about Seventies' fashion making a come back. But I didn't tell you what I think.
I like it! Think Charlie's Angels, think Julie Andrews in 10, think Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, think Bianca Jagger.
Forget David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust and Abba singing Waterloo!
We have some great 70's inspired skirts this season - A line, mid calf, with great detailing. Wear these with a great plaited leather belt and tan strappy wedges with just a simple jersey top and a big slouchy bag to look thoroughly up to the minute.
And what about the trouser shapes? Summer is the perfect time to pick up a pair of wide legged, 70's inspired linen trousers. Substitute the trousers for the skirt and sling a pretty cardigan around your shoulders. Voila, you're transformed into Grace Kelly in "High Society", perfect!
I love the 70's influence on footwear. Our Toni Pons Espadrilles are just right. Peep toe suede wedges, denim strappy sandals, simple linen espadrilles - not only are they comfortable but they're bang on trend.
You can pick up the trend just by adding a slim slippery scarf from Echo, or how about a long string of pretty glass beads from Simply Delightful? Even a fun felt corsage from Avoca will give your outfit a 70's flavour without frightening you or costing a fortune.
Spring is the time to experiment so don't be afraid to try a new look or update an old one. Our staff are always happy to help you and we've worked hard in our selection to bring you flattering fashions to suit your lifestyle.
Have a bit of fun!
Laura x
I like it! Think Charlie's Angels, think Julie Andrews in 10, think Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, think Bianca Jagger.
Forget David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust and Abba singing Waterloo!
We have some great 70's inspired skirts this season - A line, mid calf, with great detailing. Wear these with a great plaited leather belt and tan strappy wedges with just a simple jersey top and a big slouchy bag to look thoroughly up to the minute.
And what about the trouser shapes? Summer is the perfect time to pick up a pair of wide legged, 70's inspired linen trousers. Substitute the trousers for the skirt and sling a pretty cardigan around your shoulders. Voila, you're transformed into Grace Kelly in "High Society", perfect!
I love the 70's influence on footwear. Our Toni Pons Espadrilles are just right. Peep toe suede wedges, denim strappy sandals, simple linen espadrilles - not only are they comfortable but they're bang on trend.
You can pick up the trend just by adding a slim slippery scarf from Echo, or how about a long string of pretty glass beads from Simply Delightful? Even a fun felt corsage from Avoca will give your outfit a 70's flavour without frightening you or costing a fortune.
Spring is the time to experiment so don't be afraid to try a new look or update an old one. Our staff are always happy to help you and we've worked hard in our selection to bring you flattering fashions to suit your lifestyle.
Have a bit of fun!
Laura x
Friday, 25 February 2011
P.S. I forgot to tell you...
I forgot to tell you how safe I felt in my layers! My Part two gilet hid a multitude of sins and allowed me to wear tops that would otherwise have been a bit clingy for comfort.
x
x
Layering
Hello Ladies,
Today I'm going to talk about layering. I've just completed my buying for AW11, and it's all about layering.
You know what I mean, putting a vest under a shirt under a knit, with a belt - that sort of thing.
We're not great at it in Petworth. I've spent 7 years buying Danish collections - Part Two being our best known one. The Danes love layering! They do it effortlessly, it's in their DNA.
I used to work with a Danish Company and spent time in Copenhagen. The Danish women as a rule appear to be tall and attractive and dress with style.
I think Danish fashion suits us in the UK. The fit and spec of their clothing is most suitable to our shape and size - compared to the French or Italians, who make everything tiny. And their pretty, casual styling is ideal for our busy country lives.
Here in Petworth we like to live and live well - just like the Danes. And like them we suit layering.
Now my most successful layering takes place every morning - PJ bottoms, fleece boots, a vest, an old jumper consigned now to bed-wear, an old cashmere cardi and a Dr Who type scarf.
I didn't say it was pretty! As the central heating warms the house through I shed layers, until I stand washed & made up & dressed - ready for the day.
This winter I tried a bit harder. I can hardly encourage you dear customers if I don't do it myself. And I'll tell you something - it feels good. I feel good!
One of my favourite outfits this winter was a Oui printed top, a Part Two wool gilet, a pair of Jackpot needlecord jeggings tucked into fab knee high olive suede boots. I really felt the business! It was smart and warm and different enough to make me feel confident - but as comfortable as my favourite PJs - perfect.
Now this is the perfect time of year for layering. It's tough just now, coping with the endless grey skies and motivating ourselves to come out of hibernation. What we need is some pretty Spring colours and print cottons to give us a boost.
So wear a new Spring top with a long sleeved tee shirt underneath and an Autumn gilet over the top. Or try a pretty jersey printed skirt with a plain dark knit and boots - like me today.
I saw one of our customers mix a long sleeve tee with a floral cotton tea dress and a pair of jeans. It looked fantastic and gave her a fresh look while still practical.
We have loads of pretty tops and tunics, little cardis and different shapes in jeans. So if you're needing a little retail therapy and don't know what to buy, think layering!
Happy dressing!
Laura x
Today I'm going to talk about layering. I've just completed my buying for AW11, and it's all about layering.
You know what I mean, putting a vest under a shirt under a knit, with a belt - that sort of thing.
We're not great at it in Petworth. I've spent 7 years buying Danish collections - Part Two being our best known one. The Danes love layering! They do it effortlessly, it's in their DNA.
I used to work with a Danish Company and spent time in Copenhagen. The Danish women as a rule appear to be tall and attractive and dress with style.
I think Danish fashion suits us in the UK. The fit and spec of their clothing is most suitable to our shape and size - compared to the French or Italians, who make everything tiny. And their pretty, casual styling is ideal for our busy country lives.
Here in Petworth we like to live and live well - just like the Danes. And like them we suit layering.
Now my most successful layering takes place every morning - PJ bottoms, fleece boots, a vest, an old jumper consigned now to bed-wear, an old cashmere cardi and a Dr Who type scarf.
I didn't say it was pretty! As the central heating warms the house through I shed layers, until I stand washed & made up & dressed - ready for the day.
This winter I tried a bit harder. I can hardly encourage you dear customers if I don't do it myself. And I'll tell you something - it feels good. I feel good!
One of my favourite outfits this winter was a Oui printed top, a Part Two wool gilet, a pair of Jackpot needlecord jeggings tucked into fab knee high olive suede boots. I really felt the business! It was smart and warm and different enough to make me feel confident - but as comfortable as my favourite PJs - perfect.
Now this is the perfect time of year for layering. It's tough just now, coping with the endless grey skies and motivating ourselves to come out of hibernation. What we need is some pretty Spring colours and print cottons to give us a boost.
So wear a new Spring top with a long sleeved tee shirt underneath and an Autumn gilet over the top. Or try a pretty jersey printed skirt with a plain dark knit and boots - like me today.
I saw one of our customers mix a long sleeve tee with a floral cotton tea dress and a pair of jeans. It looked fantastic and gave her a fresh look while still practical.
We have loads of pretty tops and tunics, little cardis and different shapes in jeans. So if you're needing a little retail therapy and don't know what to buy, think layering!
Happy dressing!
Laura x
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
I love Mimi Spencer
Welcome ladies to the Therapy Blog.
This one's for you! Having established my own personal blog, one of you lovely customers suggested I might add to that with info on our shop. Louise, our manager took it a stage further and suggested a separate Therapy Blog.
So what do you want to know?
This season we will see the return of the Seventies. Does that scare you?!
I love Mimi Spencer. She writes a fashion column in The Mail On Sunday's You Magazine. Have you read her book: "101 Things To Do Before You Diet"? Brilliant!
Mimi is a diehard Fashionista, unashamedly in thrall to beautiful clothes and the latest trend. But she's one of us - a mother and a middle aged woman who can't get away with hotpants or the colour nude any more. She manages to suggest a middle ground for the likes of us - combining the season's trends (come on, we're not dead yet) with styles that will flatter rather than mock. Good for you Mimi!
This is where I start as well. My aim has always been to combine my customer's desires and needs with what's out there in the world of fashion. I don't know how many times I've searched for a particular skirt length, the perfect knitted coat or navy when every designer's promoting black.
I do this for you dear customers. Fashion is about feeling and looking good in a way appropriate to the context within which we live. Now I personally subscribe to a Hippy Chick/Vintage Vibe/Secretary look. I feel like a free spirit but that is balanced by my urge to be neat and tidy.
It seems to me that many of you are the same. We want comfortable, well designed clothes that flatter our lifestyle and are easy to care for. Shouldn't be a tall order, and I do think that things are improving.
Finally bigger retailers and modern designers are cottoning on to the fact that we're the ones with the money. It's about time too. As I said (did I?) in my first blog, my customers buy according to their figure and their lifestyle. Age has nothing to do with it and I'm delighted that this is the case.
I don't know about you but I feel Primark and the likes are for the young. Yes I shop there occasionally but if I want to look good then I spend a bit more on something special. I do this for several reasons: I can afford it nowadays, I need a better fit and better quality fabric to make me look good, I don't buy unless I love it and it flatters me so I want it to last, I buy it because it makes me feel good.
And what's wrong with that? We do have to work harder as we get older. And we have earned the right to look good, to spend a bit of time and money on ourselves. Haven't we?
Please let me know what you want to read about. If you have any fashion queries please share them. If we don't have the answer then I'm sure one of you out there will!
Thank you for reading.
Laura x
This one's for you! Having established my own personal blog, one of you lovely customers suggested I might add to that with info on our shop. Louise, our manager took it a stage further and suggested a separate Therapy Blog.
So what do you want to know?
This season we will see the return of the Seventies. Does that scare you?!
I love Mimi Spencer. She writes a fashion column in The Mail On Sunday's You Magazine. Have you read her book: "101 Things To Do Before You Diet"? Brilliant!
Mimi is a diehard Fashionista, unashamedly in thrall to beautiful clothes and the latest trend. But she's one of us - a mother and a middle aged woman who can't get away with hotpants or the colour nude any more. She manages to suggest a middle ground for the likes of us - combining the season's trends (come on, we're not dead yet) with styles that will flatter rather than mock. Good for you Mimi!
This is where I start as well. My aim has always been to combine my customer's desires and needs with what's out there in the world of fashion. I don't know how many times I've searched for a particular skirt length, the perfect knitted coat or navy when every designer's promoting black.
I do this for you dear customers. Fashion is about feeling and looking good in a way appropriate to the context within which we live. Now I personally subscribe to a Hippy Chick/Vintage Vibe/Secretary look. I feel like a free spirit but that is balanced by my urge to be neat and tidy.
It seems to me that many of you are the same. We want comfortable, well designed clothes that flatter our lifestyle and are easy to care for. Shouldn't be a tall order, and I do think that things are improving.
Finally bigger retailers and modern designers are cottoning on to the fact that we're the ones with the money. It's about time too. As I said (did I?) in my first blog, my customers buy according to their figure and their lifestyle. Age has nothing to do with it and I'm delighted that this is the case.
I don't know about you but I feel Primark and the likes are for the young. Yes I shop there occasionally but if I want to look good then I spend a bit more on something special. I do this for several reasons: I can afford it nowadays, I need a better fit and better quality fabric to make me look good, I don't buy unless I love it and it flatters me so I want it to last, I buy it because it makes me feel good.
And what's wrong with that? We do have to work harder as we get older. And we have earned the right to look good, to spend a bit of time and money on ourselves. Haven't we?
Please let me know what you want to read about. If you have any fashion queries please share them. If we don't have the answer then I'm sure one of you out there will!
Thank you for reading.
Laura x
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