When you became a mum you hardly ever get to go and browse the shops anymore, let alone shop with friends and get a second, honest opinion. In fact the odd time I'm in town I tend to have Violet with me and a mad dash into a shop is a fairly stressful event so I have to say it's been all about the online shopping for me these days. I've started to really fall back in love with clothes as I begin to get my body back post having 2 children and really think about investing in some key pieces that will make me feel good about myself.
I met the lovely mama, Lucy Knight, at some Mothers Meeting events as she was starting to build up and launch her new website concept - Born At Dawn. She's left her luxury retail background behind to create Born At Dawn, an offer of focused, effortless style in a personal way. Their collection is centred on wardrobe heroes - beautiful, easy to wear clothes that can take you from day to night. All pieces can be worn multiple times and in different ways giving you endless options. This is such a fab concept, especially as I am a strong believer in investment, versatile pieces - be it a casual lunch out, holiday, an event or a girls night out. My kind of dressing.
When I heard of their 'Night In' experience I knew I just had to give it a go. This is basically a chance for you to book an evening to host a trunk show so that you and your friends can shop in the luxury of your own home. You go onto the website and create a wishlist of what you would like to try and Lucy will bring it along. The best bit is you can shop with your friends and get that opinion on those trousers you may be unsure flatter you or even better - try some new shapes that you wouldn't normally! You can even book a beautician to come and do all your nails if you like and make it a really girly night.
We held a 'Night In' event at my sisters flat a few weeks ago and I cannot recommend it enough! We had prosecco, chatted and tried the most beautiful clothes on. Some of the stylish brands she stocks include Danish fave Mads Norgaard, Maison Scotch, Samsoe & Samsoe and Parisian label Suncoo. There are a variety of price points to pick from but remember these are investment pieces picked to last so be prepared to pay a little bit more from these premium quality brands.
Lucy gave some excellent styling advice and also what I loved is you can make some great outfits or source something for a specific occasion. It was really nice to touch, feel and try before you buy rather than relying on a great website shot to sell it to you. There were so many things I wanted to buy! We all had a lovely girly evening and tried some new things on we would maybe have been hesitant to if we were out shopping by ourselves.
Her basics were also something I would recommend, the Selected Femme tees were a great fit, soft fabric and really reasonable at £15. We also all tried on the Sylvia leather leggings, I've never tried on a pair and these were AMAZING, a little pricey at £300 but an investment piece but you can feel the quality vs. High Street and they made your legs look incredible. I may ask for these as a Birthday or Christmas present!
Lucy bought along a few extra bits that are normally popular and you could also try on other peoples styles if you were eyeing something up! You can pay and take your purchases away with you that night. I would list my favourite pieces but there were too many!!
A friend tries on those amazing leather leggings!
Our wardrobes as mums are ever changing along with our body shapes so trying new things and updating your wardrobe is really important. Lucy is on a mission to help woman fall in love with shopping again - I think she has managed to achieve that! I may have made a few purchases that night...and I have been very very happy with them in my life. Please go and check her website out for a beautiful edit and if you can book a 'night in' as a treat with some friends it really will be fun!
The experience is available for a minimum of at least 5 people and has an introductory price of £69.95 (includes a complimentary glass of prosecco for each person).
The "Night In" experience is currently available in most of North and East London and selected parts of Essex. Other areas may be available on request so please enquire with Lucy if you have any questions.
Main image at top: I'm wearing the Botanical Leaf Kimono Jacket from Born At Dawn