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!).

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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 Floral Design

The Boutique Baking Company

Annabel from Love My Dress

Dottie Creations giving wise advice

Lovely story books from Illustries

Stunning dresses from The Wedding Club

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

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

Delicious looking soaps from Soapy Jones and childrenswear from The Den

And the amazing yurts..wow!

xx

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

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!

Couple of lovely events to tell you about today, a bit late as last week I actually had a holiday! I know, apparently people do it all the time..!

Last Thursday week we popped along to the chic Piccolino restaurant in Birmingham’s Brindley Place, for their annual Ladies Day event. With champagne, big screen and delicious three course meal, quite frankly we wished we were visiting not working, but fun was had all the same. And the best bit was that £2,250 was raised for Birmingham Crisis Centre, which makes it all thoroughly worthwhile. You can read about the event here. Thanks to the gorgeous ladies from Molton Brown, Mobu Online and Sharper Millinery, for their lovely company.

Last Sunday we popped down to London, to Chiswick’s completely gorgeous Town Hall. Thoroughly in keeping, it offered the perfect host for such a delicious selection of vintage and vintage inspired suppliers. Bunting, cupcakes and beautiful gowns ruled the day, but what topped it off for me was the fab car I fell in love with. What do you reckon- does it match my new red Marilyns?

This Sunday we’re off to Stratford, for the fab vintage fair in Cox’s Yard. For more info pop over and have a peek at their Facebook page- we’d love to see you there!