Take Me To Funky Town

Those of you who have seen me in the past few days may have noticed me whistling the Lipps Inc classic and strutting along a little more wiggle than normal. I haven't suddenly become a massive Shrek fan (in fact I've never seen the film.. how bad is that?!). It is because I was whisked away to a Funky Town - or rather, Bottega's glamorous Seventies-themed summer fashion show.




The crowd were not only glossy-haired, well-heeled (literally - see McQueen, Louboutin, & Marant above!) and gorgeous, but were also very generous. The event was in support of Claire House Children's Hospice and at first count raffle tickets and donations added up to £700 but this was before the real shopping began. With 10% of each purchase made from the Bottega and friends collections available, it was the perfect excuse to shop - and yes, I may have made a purchase. But I had to do it. For charity, darling..!

The Grade II listed building Bolesworth Castle was the evening's venue, which just so happened to be shoe designer Cleo B's family home (read more about Cleo B at Newsic Moos very soon). Bottega have recently started stocking Cleo's collection and the evening proved to be a fantastic showcase for the pieces - in fact the first two looks were dedicated to Cleo's Rockbox and Jam Master Jay espadrilles and Sucker MCs casette heels.

 







All models wearing Des Petits Hauts Gold Katarina midi skirts and Sucker MCs shoes.

The Jam Master Jay is a classic with a twist - a raffia sole and heel, plus cool metallic and suede straps. Me likey.

'I'm in Miami Girl' was surely just gratuituous, giving us a chance to gawp at the babe-licious models. So full of attitude and sass, and each one different to the next - perfect casting! I think I'll leave this look to that sexy lot, though I'm sure I could find an inventive way to style the printed We Are Handsome swimsuit.

 





To me 'Le Freak C'Est Chic' was the most wearable and on-trend look of them all. Bottega stocks a fantastic edit of the Olsen's Elizabeth and James label, and each model was attired in at least one piece from the brand. My mum's favourite (did I mention my mum came along? She loved it) was the floral pyjama pants, and I was rather partial to the floral midi-maxi dress - it had a great movement and fluidity.

 





The 1970s references were coming thick and fast as we reached look 5, 'Saturday Night Fever'. A tight-fitting, one-shouldered top tucked into high-waisted flares. A floaty kaftan top, a tassled obi belt. On paper these may sound costume-like but the modern accessories (namely Cleo B) and neon accents kept the looks modern.

 




I really wish I could dress like 'Last Night A DJ Saved My Life' every day, though trailing hemlines in wet Manchester may not be the most practical. This look mixed vintage and modern pieces, though you would be hard-pressed to spot the difference. Can you see the Blank cross body necklace in the first look? Genius idea!

Awesome looks, beautiful venue and an atmosphere abuzz with lively chatter - the perfect platform for Bottega's wares and Cleo B's goodies.

 


The name tags were a lovely touch!
I like to think I dressed appropriately to the theme - this French Connection velvet jumpsuit doesn't photograph so well but it fits like it was made for me. I adore it. Accessorised with Terry De Havilland wedges and hair styled by the rain (thanks for that) I felt like a 1970s diva. And how on-trend is my mum?! Sporty tailoring, coral, and a scarf-print blouse. I reckon she's secretly been looking at the Philip Lim 3.1 spring/summer show on style.com without telling me...

 




You'll find Bottega in Tarporley village centre. I recommend you take a day trip; eat at Bottega's Birdcage café, then visit all of Tarporley's other treasures - numerous castles, top tea rooms, and more striking scenery than you can shake an SLR at.

Dotty's Diary: April-May 2012

Synchronise your diaries, fashionistas of Manchester! Over the next month there are plenty of opportunities to clear space in your wardrobe, add to it for bargain prices, do your bit for charity, and satisfy your arty urges.. all whilst looking fabulous, and more than likely supping on a goblet of champagne.


Do good and look good with TK Maxx's Fashion Exchange evening at the Birdcage, Manchester. I'm sure you all have plenty of clothes lurking in your wardrobes you no longer wear (not me.. not any more!) so Give Up Clothes For Good in aid of Cancer Research UK. A £5 ticket gets you access to the fashion show, stylist advice, "Pimp My Purchase" lessons, and of course the clothes swap - free to those bringing three items of clothing or more to swap, £2 an item to those without. The more tickets to this event are sold, the more items of clothing Pearl pledges to swap. Seriously, girls.. have you seen this lady's wardrobe?!

If you fancy heading into disco territory on the 26th then take yourself to Funky Town - or rather the heart of Cheshire, where independent boutique Bottega are holding a 1970s-inspired glamorous fashion show. Designers featured will be London-based cordwainer Cleo B, swimwear designer Melissa Odabash, and cool girls' go-to We Are Handsome. The fashion show begins at 7.30pm at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, and is in support of Claire House Children's Hospice. 

I'm a big fan of indies and this is actually only ten minutes from my parents' house, so I am doubly excited about this one. Cleo B will also be holding their spring/summer shopping event in the Castle on the 27th & 28th.  

Another independent doing their bit for charity (take note, multinationals!) is Wilmslow wonders Black White Denim. BWD add a dash of pink by collaborating wth the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention appeal by holding a two day sale at The Nightingale Centre & Genesis Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, offering upto 60% off brands such as Acne, Carven, and rag & bone; only all of my favourites, then. With catwalks at 11am and 1pm on both days (featuring professional models and cancer conquerers) and 10% of each sale going to the Genesis Appeal, this is sure to be a day of feel-good fashion fun. I also heard a rumour of a celebrity appearance or two.. but you didn't hear that from me!

 

Racing season is well and truly upon us, next up being Chester Races. Chester-based boutique The éditeur are holding a pre-races fashion show on the 3rd, showcasing picks from the very best of races style. After browsing through their website I found a refreshing mix of designers (such as Michael Kors, Tibi, Halston Heritage, Sam Edelman and Rebecca Minkoff) and I look forward to seeing them styled up on the runway. The éditeur's niche is beautiful underwear, and they believe your undergarments should be the first consideration when dressing. Despite mainly owning faded Marks & Sparks unmentionables I agree; nothing spoils a perfectly put-together outfit like a visible panty line, or even a visible bra line. 

Enjoy a three-course meal plus fashion show at Chester Racecourse's 1539 Restaurant & Bar, priced at £25, booked through restaurant1539.co.uk.

 

 After a successful foray into musical endeavours, Spinningfield's Emporio Armani store are dipping their toes into photography exhibition. From the 4th-7th May 'Icons from Woodstock' will exhibit an exclusive selection of portraits by American photographer and artist, Elliott Landy. Ever heard of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, or Eric Clapton? ("yeah, duh", I hear you say) Well, these guys were merely rising stars when photographed by Landy. In 1969 he was official photographer for Woodstock Festival, where he created portraits using a special procedure invented by the CIA - infrared - with a strong contrast of bright colours. Eat your heart out Instagram. 

I am so excited for the next month in Manchester, and I hope that you are now, too. This is to become a monthly feature on Fashion Dotty so if you would like me to include your event for May-June, please drop me a line!