Random Wednesday #31 - A Wallis Day & Giveaway

 GET THE LOOK HERE:

Blazer: c/o Wallis (exact) // Top: c/o Wallis (option) (option) // Pants: Forever 21 (option) (option) // Shoes: Target (exact) (option) // Bag: c/o Wallis (exact) // Necklace: c/o Wallis (exact) // Glasses: Forever 21 (option)

I am not even sure how to begin this post. I guess I will start by saying that it was a jammed packed, non-stop, make you feel like a you're in a dream kind of day.

Ross and I took a cab to the Wallis store in the Marble Arch area to meet Sally for a morning of shopping. Told you...like a dream. I had Ross reach over and pinch me to be positive that I wasn't sleeping. 

We first took a tour through the store. The entire staff was so friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. What I noticed immediately is that they all seemed happy to be there and that they truly enjoyed working for Wallis.

Let the shopping begin! I seriously felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. You know the part when Richard Gere takes her into a shop and he says their about to spend an obscene amount of money. It wasn't obscene (I don't really like that word), but let's just say Wallis was extremely generous to me.

I tried on at least twenty-five pieces; dresses, tops, jackets, jewelry and shoes. Ross took a few shots (I apologize for the quality and lighting). It was so hard to choose, but ended up with a few of the looks below and a handful of other treasures. My favorites are definitely the mint blazer and floral dress.

Next on the agenda was Wallis's Autumn/Winter 2013 press day.  We cabbed it to a free standing, castle-like building in the middle of London. It was extremely private and you would not have known a big event was going on that day because there weren't any indicators; not one sign, balloons, lights, red carpet or people standing outside...just a one man standing stoically at the front door. 

Wallis is part of Arcadia Group Ltd. which is the U.K.'s largest fashion retailer. So, this event was dedicated to showcase all of the group's brands upcoming lines. 

In a nutshell, press day is a day that the press/media come to preview the upcoming lines. Seems pretty self explanatory, but I really wasn't sure what it all meat until I experienced it. Think magazines, newspapers, online media, PR firms, buyers....the whole gamut. It was an all day affair, but very relaxed with a come and go style.

Wallis displayed four different collections...think modern, edgy, glitz with touches of texture, sparkle, studs, sequins, animal print, monochrome/neutral palettes as well has some drool worthy leather.

I never thought I would say this, but I can't wait until September/October when all the pieces hit both online and in stores.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jo, Wallis's Design Director (in black dress below) and Sital, Senior Designer (gentleman in glasses). They are both brilliant designers and to actually shake hands with two of the minds behind the scenes that create these fashion masterpieces was an honor.

After we finished up at press day we all headed to lunch. It was casually intimate and an opportunity to get even more acquainted with the Wallis team. The stories that they told....from working for other fashion brands, to their travel adventures, to the culture and of course more about Wallis and it's foundation. We sat, chatted and laughed for almost two hours. Like I said yesterday, I honestly feel like they are new friends, not just a company I am working with to promote and engage consumers. I believe in them, their brand and products.

This is the part where I am just SICK and MAD at myself. Ross and I were invited to tour the Wallis headquarters and I did not get one single solitary photo. I am going to blame it on being overwhelmed and a case of sensory overload. You guys, this place was just like I had imagined it to be...racks of clothes everywhere, an open style work area with not many offices and zero cubicles, fashion magazine editorials hung on the wall, fabrics galore, important meetings taking place behind closed doors, people cutting patterns, some sewing sample pieces, phones ringing and did I mention the racks of clothes? The energy, focus and dynamic was insane. Maybe it's my love for all things fashion related, but what a dream to work for the largest fashion retailer in the U.K.

This day was beyond anything I expected. It was surreal, but so real. A day I will never forget. I am so thankful, appreciative, honored and blessed to have been able to encounter every ounce of this small moment in time. What's even more grand? I had Ross by my side for the entire ride. I am one lucky girl and will never take for granted this chance of a lifetime journey. 

I cannot thank Wallis and each one of you enough for reading and being a companion on this ride that I don't want to hop off of.

I will be back tomorrow for some full blown tourist action. You won't believe how much we saw and did in less than 48 hours.

In related news....Wallis has put on their gracious hats, yet again, and is offering one friend a $50 credit to their online store.

Just enter with the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Linking up with The Pleated Poppy