The Great Shoe Trade Off- raising money for Oxfam!

April 25th, 2012

Do you love shoes? Have you got a lovely pair lurking at the bottom of the wardrobe which you no longer wear, but feel guilty every time you look at them? Well feel guilty no longer..

Next weekend we’re hosting our first Great Shoe Trade Off with Oxfam Unwrapped at our sparkling new showroom in Birmingham. Simply bring along a pair of shoes you no longer want, and exchange them for a discount on a brand new pair of Rachel Simpson shoes. It’s win/ win- you get a brand new shoes at a discounted price, and Oxfam get a lovely pair of shoes to re-sell to a new home and make money for a hugely worthwhile cause= everybody’s happy! :)

A lovely 25% of all sales made over the weekend will be going straight to Oxfam, as well as all donated shoes of course. To ensure we raise as much as possible, we’ll also be donating 25% of all sales made on our website too, so if you don’t live nearby you can still get involved in raising money for this fantastic cause.

We’ll be showcasing the fabulous new collection- even before it’s official launch at next month’s White Gallery (for trade only), so it’s an exclusive chance to see the new styles before anyone else (we think you’re going to like it ;) ).

And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re opening our OUTLET Shoe Corner- an amazing selection of discontinued styles, factory seconds and exclusive one off samples which never went into production! With shoes from only £20 it’s a fab opportunity to grab yourself a bargain. Not everything is bridal, so do bring friends along too (don’t keep it all to yourself!).

Doors open at 11am on Saturday 5th May until 4pm, and 11am- 3pm on Sunday 6th. Shoes are sold on a first come first served basis so come early for the best selection! We’ll have the bubbles in the fridge and the kettle on- look forward to seeing you there! xx
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Stunning new photoshoot

February 28th, 2012

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A couple of weeks ago we were lucky enough to spend the day with our photoshoot dream team, to create some stunning new images. Although the new collection will be out very soon, we realised we’d never actually done a photoshoot using all our old favourites before!

And so, early on a Monday morning, coffee & croissants at the ready, we met at the gorgeous Highbury Hall- Emma Case with her technical cameras ‘n’ stuff, Jodie Hazlewood & fab assistant for the day Beth Lacey ready with hair-grips, lashes & lippy, and our ever gorgeous models, Verity & Lana. This is the second shoot we’ve done with this team & all I can say is what an absolute pleasure it is to work with such talented individuals- not to mention the fact that they’re all great fun & we spend much of the day giggling (tricky when trying to master a dreamy 1920s type look..

The shoes lend themselves to a 1920s/30s theme, enhanced perfectly with dresses from Timeless Couture, Fur Coat No Knickers, Caroline Atelier & The Wedding Club. Beautiful accessories from Laurel Lime & Sharper Millinery finished off the look to a tee.

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And so these images were created. We couldn’t put them all up but here’s a rather delicious selection. Hope you like them, we’re thrilled. They sum up what we do- understated, elegant, vintage style. Keep an eye out for these appearing over the next few months online, in magazines & on our website.

Thanks to Highbury Hall & everyone involved. Already looking forward to the next one..xx
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Come & see us at The National Wedding Show!

February 16th, 2012

Hey hey shoe lovers :) It’s almost the weekend, and we’re in full swing getting ready for an even bigger one next week, when we hot-foot it down to London for The National Wedding Show!

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Join us at London’s Olympia from Friday 24th until Sunday 26th February for a chance to view the full collection, as well as pick up some of our amazing sale bargains! We’re making way for the fabulous new collection, so it’s a great time to pay as a visit ;) And if that wasn’t enough, this year we have an offer you can’t refuse.. Buy your shoes at the show, and we’ll refund the price of your ticket! Now you can’t say fairer than that- a fantastic day out for free and a pair of beautiful new shoes!

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And we’re not the only reason to pop along- with over 250 exhibitors offering thousands of inspirational ideas for your big day, whatever you’re looking for the National Wedding Show has it covered. From wedding gowns to wedding cars, venues to menus, gifts to grooms wear, you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for whatever your budget and style! The beauty of it is that you can see, touch, taste and try on before you buy making the planning of your big day simple.

So book your tickets now and come and say hi! We’re in between the catwalk and the exciting new Vintage area- we’ll be the ones with big mugs of coffee, sneaking a cupcake or three..;)

See you there! xx

Mirror Mirror on the wall..

February 6th, 2012

Mirror Mirror Logo

Last year we were delighted to welcome Mirror Mirror as a stockist- a gorgeous boutique in Islington, London. They had just opened their new dedicated accessories boutique- a haven of gorgeous headpieces, jewellery and shoes. They also have a fantastic selection of our shoes, so we’d definitely recommend a visit!
Mirror Mirror Shopfront

This week Mirror Mirror are hosting a Valentine’s Bridal Accessory Event- it’s on Wednesday 5pm- 8.30pm, featuring a Halo & Co trunk show no less! And with an exclusive 10% discount on the night it’s an event not to be missed! Do make sure you book however, as it’s going to be busy!

advert to be sent to Jane

Lovely little shoe boots..

January 30th, 2012

I love a winter wedding. This year was a bit of a crazy festive period actually, and I went to two weddings of close friends on consecutive days in between Christmas & New Year no less (details coming soon). The style of both was very different, but both had that gorgeous, cosy, sumptuous feeling that only a winter wedding can do. Think mulled wine, twinkly lights, fur wraps and a little bit of sparkle!

Opening this month’s issue of Your West Midlands Wedding magazine at my desk this morning, looks like we’re not the only ones- check out page 53 for our lovely Olivia shoe boots making an appearance. These round toed beauties are one of my favourites actually, as they kind of some our brand up with their unadulterated vintage loveliness. I think it’s the heart shaped broguing which really does it ;)

YWMW Feb-Mar '12

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A Little Bit of FrouFrou..

January 26th, 2012

One very lovely part of this business is the fabulous stockists we work with, and let’s be honest, going to visit their beautiful boutiques up and down the country. Each one I go in I come away with grand designs on my own home, they’re all just so well designed and thought out.

Adding a bit of fun factor to gorgeous design is the newly opened FrouFrou Bridal Boutique in Tunbridge Wells. Opened in October 2011, the owners Nicole and Helena have backgrounds in graphic design & fashion photography (as well as fashion styling, hair and make-up), and this certainly shows!

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The aim of FrouFrou is to bring a little bit of London to Tunbridge Wells. A Bridal Boutique with a vintage twist, they offer something that little bit different. Steering well away from the usual bridal fluffiness, their ethos is to create an experience brides won’t forget.

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The collection includes a stunning range of vintage inspired gowns from four of the UK’s leading designers, including Matthew Williamson, Stewart Parvin, David Fielden and Lyn Ashworth. They are also the exclusive stockist in the UK to US designers Sarah Seven and Ivy & Aster’s bridal ranges.

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And as if that wasn’t enough if you prefer an original vintage gown FrouFrou carry a small but sensational collection in store, and can source items if you have something specific in mind- wow!

Alongside the exquisite collection of hand picked gowns there is a beautiful selection of bridal accessories including veils, jewellery, shoes and lingerie. Add to this the wonderful surroundings furnished with an eclectic mix of antique cabinets, stunning paintings, and adorned with chandeliers this is the perfect boudoir for every bride.
Upon entering Froufrou you will breath a sigh of relief. Relax, stretch out, and unwind. If you have a love for beautiful things you will not be disappointed.

Shopfront.

So bring your family and friends and get ready to be spoilt. Enjoy a glass of champagne or a pot of delicious organic tea. Inhale the scent of fresh coffee and locally baked delicious cupcakes. The ultimate in dress-up, Nicole & Helena offer a personal and exclusive experience that you will never forget. xx

Photography by David Burke.

Our First Award- WOOOOOOOOOOO!

January 17th, 2012

For weeks now I have been determined to get on track with this blog writing malarkey. Each week I think ‘that would make a great blog’, about several events & topics, but somewhere between thinking that & it becoming blog form the time runs away. However, with such exciting news it seems the perfect time to pull my finger out and re-start this blog of mine, so here goes..

Woooooooooooooooooooo HOO! On Friday we went down to London to The Wedding Ideas Wards 2012, and we only went and WON Best Bridal Shoes! (It must be official, we have a shiny new winner’s logo to prove it!). WIth such a short list of nominees we really were amazed (and very honoured!) when we were announced as the winning company. The award was presented by Jayne Bramsby from Elegant Steps- look out for a pic in next month’s Wedding Ideas (me probably looking somewhat shell shocked, but happy!).
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You can see the full list of winners on the Wedding Ideas blog, but I’d like to say a personal well done and pat on the back to my two lovely & mega talented friends Emma Case & Lucy Ledger. Emma won Best Photographer and Lucy Best Stationery. I’m lucky enough to have worked with both of these lovely ladies and can’t thank them enough for being such an inspiration.
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Further congrats to Ellie Sanderson for winning Best BRidal Retailer- no great surprise as the shop is stunning and her team lovely. Massive well done to all the winners :)

On our table were more award winners- Alfred Angelo who were thrilled to win Best Dress Collection (thanks to the lovely Richard for wishing me luck- something obviously worked!). Also joining us were fellow Brummies from Wedding Music Videos, who offer a highly original idea for your wedding video (credit for the above piccie too!); and Jade from Wedding Ideas, who was as lovely as ever, even if she did insist on buying me sambuca later!

Jade & me

On a serious note it really does mean a lot to win It’s our first award and feels extra special because readers voted us to the short list, and a panel of industry experts chose the final winner so it’s recognition from both our customers and peers which is truly amazing.

I don’t want to bore you with an Oscar style list of thank yous, but there are a few people who I have to mention. Thanks to the RS team, who work hard to keep things running smoothly, dispatching shoes to our lovely brides and generally keeping the office organised. Thanks of course to our brides & everyone who voted for us- we’re just happy you love what we do. Thanks to our stockists for bearing with us through our teething problems & liking our shoes enough to sell them in their gorgeous boutiques up and down the country.

Thanks to my inspirational and ever patient friends and family for their support, giggles and general fantastic loveliness. (Thanks to The Wedding Club for my priddy dress ;) ) xx

Now 2012, are you ready? ‘Cos we can’t wait! xx

Oxfam Bridal

October 31st, 2011

It’s all very exciting over here at Rachel Simpson HQ- we’re knee deep in boxes in preparation for moving to our brand new premises- all will be revealed soon!

In all our packing we came across lots of our old favourites, and much like a big old wardrobe sort, we can’t take everything with us. That’s where the amazing Oxfam Bridal shops come in! We met the lovely Gaby from Oxfam at The National Wedding Show and got to chatting about their gorgeous bridal shops, where you can pick up a bargain whilst also helping out a great cause.

As Taz from the charity tells us, “Oxfam has eleven bridal departments across the UK and a range online. All of which offer a warm welcome, specialist advice and a wide selection of bridal wear and accessories. Many dresses are donated by designers, so you can buy the wedding dress of your dreams for much less that you would expect”.

So last week we waved a happy goodbye to boxes of our lovely shoes, which will soon be on sale in an Oxfam near you! These are no longer available on our Outlet site, but keep an eye out at your local Oxfam, alternatively you may be able to pick up a bargain online at www.oxfam.org.uk/bridal.

Shoe shopping + donating to a fantastic charity = happy Mondays :) xx
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DVB Returns to Birmingham

October 13th, 2011

Not sure where this week’s got to, but I’m finally coming back down to earth after an amazing show last weekend. The Designer Vintage Bridal Show returned to Birmingham for it’s second time round and I think we can safely say it’s was a fantastic success! With more exhibitors than our debut show visitors had even more to drool over and be inspired by.

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And what a selection of exhibitors it was. I feel extremely lucky that I get to work with so many creative and inspiring people who love what they do. The effort each one put into their display was amazing, and made the whole show come to life. From the lovely Audrey, Alfie & Martina and Poppy displayed outside, through to the quirky full size traditional sweet shop as you came through the doors, visitors knew they were in for a treat as soon as they arrived!
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To be honest, there are too many to list but I got snap happy with the camera so the best thing for me to do is say it with pictures! I hasten to add they’re nowhere near as good as the official ones from the super talented Emma Case will be (coming soon), but they’ll give you the idea!
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Visitors were also treated to a fab variety of fashion shows, each one showcasing a different era- 20s & 30s, 40s & 50s and 60s & 70s, with workshops to follow showing how to achieve the look, courtesy of the lovely Emily Jayne. The only difficulty was deciding which was my favourite!

We had a ball on our own stand and it was lovely to meet so many lovely people. Thanks to the gorgeous Natalie & Karina for working so hard, and to The Moneypennies for keeping them entertained!

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And no show would be complete without an exhibitors after party! Thanks to Lizzie & Jim of the Wedding Yurts, for their unique ‘Love Potion’ cocktails, followed by amazing food by The Soul Food Project and far too many drinks at The Hare & Hounds (you know who you are, me possibly included ;) ).

Thank you everyone for an amazing weekend. See you next year :) xxxx
Blush
Blush Floral Design

Boutique
The Boutique Baking Company

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Annabel from Love My Dress

Dottie
Dottie Creations giving wise advice

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Lovely story books from Illustries

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Stunning dresses from The Wedding Club

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Ava Event Styling, Kat from Rock ‘n’ Roll Bride with Charlotte Casadejus

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The lovely Lynne from Maria Lynne Photography, Nick Ray’s stand and Leckie & Jack from Pocket Typewriter

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Delicious looking soaps from Soapy Jones and childrenswear from The Den

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And the amazing yurts..wow!

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There’s no business like shoe business..

September 23rd, 2011

After starting with the British Bridal Exhibiton, shoe show season (try saying that after a sweet sherry or two:)) is now in full swing!

This Sunday why not pop down to the beautifully chilled Hotel du Vin in Birmingham, for their designer wedding fair. We’ll be there showcasing the collection, along with beautiful dresses from The Wedding Club there’ll be photography by James Crockford, jewellery by Terry Terry and many more lovely products to browse. Entry is free and the gorgeous Hotel du Vin are also popping the bubbles for you to enjoy whilst you watch the stylish fashion shows.

What better way to spend a Sunday? I love my job..xx

HdV pic

Next week we’ll be all systems go as we pack up and head down to Earls Court for The National Wedding Show. REALLY excited with new styles, special offers and an exclusive competition- don’t miss it!