Working at Leeds Festival!

So last Tuesday I packed up all my camping gear and headed down to Leeds festival where I was doing some volunteering to gain free entry to the festival. We had to pay a deposit and complete 24 hours of work to earn our entry, and our job was wristbanding, which is exchanging peoples tickets for wristbands when they arrive.

The area of work.

Over 18s and guest area crew wristbands

We got there on Tuesday afternoon and after setting up all our gear we went to get our shifts. 

Me and my sister both got given to work Wednesday Thursday and Friday 4pm -12am which we were over the moon with because we pretty much had the weekend.

The campsite was through the arena right next to the main stage so we were in a great place, and all us 'wristbanders' were together in our own section. Because we work for festival republic who own the whole festival only us workers that were doing wristbanding got given a guest area crew wristband which meant we gained access to the guest area/camping which was almost like a club in Leeds festival.

On the Wednesday we got up did our thing and went to work, the job was very lively and constantly chatting to people, the smile of peoples faces when you put their wristband on, knowing that they are finally there is very uplifting. We ended up getting to finish at half 8 this night which we were made up about. We got up and did the same on Thursday and Friday but doing it in a storm which was not very pleasant, luckily we were under shelter but it was still pretty grim. 

On the Friday we finished are shift at 12 ready to party the rest of the weekend away. We met the most weirdest, wonderful people who we worked with and just spent our whole time on the campsite, guest area or arena and only went into the main campsite once.

We were surrounded by some amazing people and such a free loving atmosphere, I was complteley in my element and have definitely met some friends for life.

Mine and my sisters favourite shop!

We got to see most of the acts we wanted to including Foals DJ set, Eminem (once in a lifetime - unreal) Bondax, Major lazer, Skrillex, Subfocus, A-trak and King prawn. I was impressed with them all but have to big up A-trak as I diddn't really know them and they were amazing! Eminem was also unreal and knowing that I will probably never get to see him again so it truly was a privilege.

Working at a festival is a great experince for me as it gives me a look behind the scenes and I have learnt alot about the events side of things. How it all comes together and how much work actually goes on behind the scenes.

Great group of friends!

Attempting to use a bbq, even if it did take a hour and a half to cook some bacon.

Everyday meals

There was many advantages of working at a festival : getting in for free, meeting and hanging out with so many different ages and types of people, having a nice clean campsite, access to guest area, getting to go behind the stages and through production and the best one being able to take our own alcohol in to the arena, which isn't actually allowed if you're there as a customer. 

I much preferred working at Leeds festival then just buying a ticket and can't even imagine not working there again. Festival republic do a range of festivals and I am now hooked and wont stop doing them for years I'm sure!

I recommend doing it to anyone espicially if you love festivals or are interested in events management, I had such a fantastic weekend and the experience I gained was amazing.

The festival blues have already begun.

One Love

Emma

xx

Our First Warehouse Event!

At the beginning of August we decided to open our warehouse up to the public for the first time!

It took a lot of hard work, time, energy & chocolate biscuits but thanks to an amazing team we got our usual health & safety nightmare of a warehouse into an acceptable customer friendly environment.

Customers took advantage of up to 90% off branded sportswear & fashion including adidas, Nike, Reebok, Vans, Converse, Fat Face, Vero Moda, Asics & many more!

We had lots of feedback at the event as well as feedback via social media since, here are a few pics of customers bargains! 

Thanks to Frances for sharing the pics of her amazing Vero Moda dipped hem skirt & Vans she picked up at the sale 

Thanks to Klair for sharing her hi-top converse pic

"Love my bargains, so glad I popped in! Be back again soon! x"

 - Karen

"Got some nice bargains thanks to the @Room31fashion warehouse sale! #thankyou" - Amy

Thankyou to my usual R31 team - Gareth, Adam, Liz, Spencer, Mark & Kev as well as our additional helpers Emma, Becky, Olivia, Jacob, Alex & Klair  

Also a special thankyou to Taylor Business park office & security staff who were (as usual) amazing

We are already planning our next one which will most likely be the end of November - in time for Christmas shopping bargains! 

Thanks to everyone who came & supported us! See you again soon!

Ruth x x 

The Lovely Wedding Of My Lovely Friend Love Umbrellas!

So last weekend I had the privilege of attending my lovely friend Klair's wedding from Love Umbrellas and I can't wait to share some photos from the special day that I'm sure you will love too! 

The happy couple Mr & Mrs W

The venue was Abbey House Hotel in the lake district - such a gorgeous setting for the lovely couple's happy day.

The theme was the film 'Up' - such a bright & cheerful colour scheme

This has to be THE most amazing cake ever!! How talented is Marie? She has even done a tutorial on how to make this yourself! Check our her Facebook page here  

Klair models the gorgeous flower pot, ultimate sparkle Love Umbrella

It was lovely to meet Klair's friend Julie (always working!) the owner of Novak Bridal shop in Lancashire 

Have you ever seen such an amazingly gorgeous bouquet? The lovely  Lesa from I Heart Buttons Bouquets is another amazingly talented lady! Can you spot the hand print charm included in the bouquet? What a lovely touch! You can get yours here from Tasmia Trinkets & charms

Happy days! 

This is at the end of the night after several bottles of champagne & wine! #happydays

And finally the legend that is Charlie!

I now totally have wedding envy & have already pinned my whole day!

Happy days

Ruth x 

Autumn/Winter 2013 Trends

We've been taking a look at the upcoming Autumn/Winter trends for 2013 and we have to say we are not dissapointed! Time to put away those summer dresses and straw hats and dig out those old winter favorites. This winter we'll be strutting around in oversized coats, fur and masculine fabrics, with a bit of anarchy thrown in for good measure.

It's time to channel your inner Vivienne Westwood and walk the streets clad in plaid, chains and studs, but don't be scared, these can all be subtly phased into your wardrobe.

Versace, Saint Lauren and Junya Watanabe all shown their take on the trend at their shows. You can easily have a little piece of this just throw on a plaid shirt, mix up the textures with some leather - fake can work just as well -not forgetting some chunky boots and you're good to go! A perfect excuse to keep your hair loose and messy (Thank god for punk) 

Next on our shopping lists is definetly oversized coats and blazers. The runways have been rife with boxy, masculine outerwear  and as it's such an easy trend to wear, you can't really go wrong.

Celine, Emilio Pucci and Mulberry doubled up the trend with another for pastel colours, this may be odd but it's a perfect way to crossover your Summer wardrobe to your Autumn. If you're into more form-fitting clothing then fear not, fifties silhouettes are also making a comeback so you can nip your waist in with a little belt over your coat, and pretend your in Greece with no guilt at all.

As if this winter couldn't get any better, you now have an excuse as to why you keep stealing your boyfriends clothing, make a beeline for anything Tweed/Herringbone/pinstripe covered, heavy weaved fabrics are going to be flooding the shops soon, so you might as well start having a look around to get a head start!

A head-to-toe heavy look was consistent in the Lanvin, Tommy Hilfiger and Rag & Bone shows, but just one structured tweed blazer will do and with it being such a versitle item, it'll go with most trousers or jeans to ward of those chilly days everybody's dreading!

Last but not least the word we're all terrified of -Fur. And this year it's all about going big or going home. No modest trims this time it's all about the loudest, biggest fur you can find. Make a statement with these pieces...if you dare!

Fendi, Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli certainly know how to catch a wandering eye, and that's exactly what you'll be doing in one of these. Wear it with muted tones that mirror the fur to calm it down a bit and keep you feeling human when you're popping to the shops. Not sure this last one is for me though, definetly one for the crazy confident! 

Well now you know what to keep an eye out for, and personally, I can't wait for Winter to arrive. People look so cute in scarves and gloves so roll on the mad fur coats too!

Stay Quirky

Nicole 

x

SUMMER SHOOT - BEHIND THE SCENES

Last Wednesday we packed up the car and went for a day out to do a summer fashion shoot.

We thought we would share with you a behind the scenes, giving you a sneak peak of what's to come! 

We went to two different locations throughout the day, the first one being a lovely big house in Hale with a fantastic pool in the garden and the other being Trafford watersports centre. We got lucky with the weather being so hot in the morning and just about got to the watersports centre missing the rain, although the sun had gone in!

This the pool in Hale - amazing!

Here are some images of are beautiful models Louise and Becky getting there hair and make-up done by Melanie Doyle  and her assistants Dee and Sarah, who i have to say did an amazing job.

Here are both the girls in action aswell as Liz, Room31 photographer. We used props such as disco balls and blow up animals to make the pictures all the more interesting and fun. 

Finally a sneak peak of one of the photos being edited.

The pictures have turned out amazing and we cant wait for you to see them!

All the stock will be online very shortly aswell as the pictures.

We would like to very much thank everyone involved!

Mel, Dee, Sarah, Louise, Becky and Anne who let use her house/pool!

One love 

Emma

xx

Groovy Baby!

Marc Jacobs, PPQ, Louis Vuitton and Moschino were just a few of the designers parading their take on the forever re-invented Sixties trend at the Spring/Summer 13 Fashion Weeks. 

Louis Vuitton went for classic checkerboard prints with matching kitten heels and beehive hair, tied with bows. 

PPQ went for clashing paisley prints with flowing fabrics, platform shoes and slick ponytails with rounded sunglasses. 

Moschino went all out girly with pretty shift dresses and patent shoes and bags.

Marc Jacobs went for a grown up, sleek look with monochrome leather, box bags and thigh high splits with pointed kitten heels.

Here's our take on the 60's trend:

Key points:

Monochrome Prints
Girly Accessories
Shift Dresses
Retro Sunnies
Big eyes & pale lips

Have fun with this swingin' summer trend! Make subtle hints with printed accessories or feminine statment jewellery or go all out retro mad with high hemlines and even higher hair styles!

Peace & Love!

Emily

xx

THE SUN IS SHINNING

In the words of Bob Marley

'The sun is shining the weather is sweet' 

Finally summer looks like its here, so lets go all out with are legs out and get the summer shop rolling!

Taking legend Bob Marley himself as inspiration and with the festival season already here, time to go all out with the hippie and psychedelic prints colours and shapes!

Here is my summer lookbook, full of the best festively outfits.

Wearing head pieces such as this one gives any outfit the boho look

Mixing boho prints with a bit of grunge works a treat.

I love heavy prints and the contrast in colours with these two together . 

Keeping it simple with a printed dress and brown accessories.

This is one of my favourites, bringing a hippie silhouette with a greek goddess touch.

Some key pieces to give yourself the boho look...

Fringing is massive at festivals and with the bohemian look. I love the outfit above!
Both items available here at ASOS

The shapes of both these dresses gives the hippie floaty look.
Both available at ASOS

Crochet is the perfect way for that instant boho look.
Buy this gorgeous swimming costume at Nastygal

This is a lovely heavy head piece, may be a bit to much for some people, but its right my street!
available at ASOS

And there it is, the guide to going all out with the bohemian festival style!

One Love

Emma
xx