A Taste Of Lancashire: Wrapor

I am so happy to be featuring this lady as part of my A Taste of Lancashire feature.  Not only is the idea behind them great but having seen the pieces on a photoshoot, I can vouch for them being absolutely stunning!

Here is Kay, of Wrapor, to tell us a bit about herself and her unique designs.

My name is Kay McEllin, I am 43 and married with two boys aged 13 and 5. My business is Wrapor, it’s a small family business, we make unique bespoke wrap/shrugs and boleros and have been trading online for 4 years

Where did the name Wrapor come from?

Well, this is always a big decision when anyone starts a business. I was half way through a business course and was racking my brains for a suitable name. I wanted to use the word wrap in the name, and because the design is a cross between a wrap and a shrug, I combined the phrase “wrap or shrug” and then I registered Wraporshrug.co.uk as the domain name. I liked the word Wrapor too as I wanted it to suggest excellent customer services and the “rapport” I try my best to build with my customers.

 

How did you get into making your beautiful pieces?

I have over 20 year experience in the bridal retail business, I made my own wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses (20 years ago next year… eek!!) I also worked in several bridal shops, carrying out fittings and alterations on ready made wedding dresses. I loved playing a huge part in making bride’s look and feel their very best. However, I found that although most of the dresses came with a wrap, the customers would often look awkward trying to keep them in place and they would end up tying them in a huge knot at the back to keep them on!

Several years later in 2007 a friend asked me to make her something to cover a small tattoo on her shoulder on her wedding day, a wrap was out of the question as it would just fall down. After a few attempts the Wrapor shrug was born. Kelly loved how the creation stayed in place without covering any detail on her dress, she wore it all day and into the evening and she looked and felt fabulous! I had a business idea! I was lucky to attend a short business course NES at MMU and afterwards started trading online as Wrapor.

 

What styles and fabrics do the shrugs come in?

Oooh… any fabric you like! The range on the website includes satin, silk, chiffon, organza, faux fur, taffeta and tulle with or without sheer overlays, in a extensive range of colours and shades of white and ivory. Fabric can also be ordered in especially for each customer if our range of stock fabrics is unsuitable. We provide a fabric sample service so you can match the fabric up with your dress before your place your order. It is also helpful if you can send a fabric sample for us to match up with fabrics from our supplier.
 

 Why wear Wrapor a shrug or bolero on your wedding day?

The designs are ideal to keep the chill off in the cooler months. The faux fur shrug looks fabulous with any dress fabric and they are popular with brides and bridesmaids. We can also use a fleece lining inside the other fabrics for extra warmth.

Many of my customers feel a little exposed in a sleeveless dress, they may want to cover up for a religious ceremony or to cover imperfections due to weight loss etc. Others just like to add a little something to complete their outfit. Standard bolero jackets don’t suit everyone and can sometimes look rather shapeless, or frumpy, customers tell me that the simple elegant styling of the Wrapor is just what they have been looking for.

What has been the most popular design?

The organza and chiffon fabrics are very popular in the summer as they offer semi sheer coverage and will compliment most dress fabrics. The faux fur is very popular for Christmas and winter weddings.

www.joanne-spencer.co.uk

www.joanne-spencer.co.uk

Where can our readers meet you? And do you have a website?

Please visit the website: www.wraporshrug.co.uk to see the range available.

Email: kay@wraporshrug.co.uk, or ring 0161 432 1907 for a chat about our designs, or to request fabric samples.

I am hoping to be able to offer appointments to our clients from Jan 2012 onwards.

Lancashire Bride says: The fur shrugs are the reason why I would want a Winter Wedding, they're stunning and chic but practical at the same time. Wrapor are definitely one to watch.

"Curiosity May Have Killed The Cat...

,
... But lack of curiosity would have killed thousands." James Morrow


A few months ago my curiosity got the better of me and I was sooned signed up for a new project called The Curiosity Project, an idea thought up by wedding planner Tiffany Riley-Grant. The thoughts behind the idea was that we all love receiving exciting gifts and letters in the post and even better when not knowing when they will come or what they will be! So an extensive network of very willing participants was formed.  I was given an anonymous address with strict instructions not to spend more than £20 and I set off seeking exciting finds.

Now I can't show you the box I created as I don't want to give the game away but what I can say is that is is filled bright colours and fun objects to hopefully make my partner smile when they open it.  I only posted mine on Friday and coincidentally my box came the next day! 

 All the goodies came in a very useful photo storage box.

And each gift had a label attached to it with a note on it, including this wholesome quote that in my opinion sums the whole project up!

How fitting is this box of curiosities? Filled with lots of little wonders that I can't wait to put to good use!

Well this is one Curiosity Project participant that would definitely take part in the project again!

Slaidburn Wedding Fayre

11th March 2012

12pm-4pm

EXHIBITORS WANTED!

Having worked very closely with Slaidburn Village Hall I am pleased to announce that they have since asked me to arrange a wedding fayre for them next year.  For my business, wedding fayres are crucial to get my name out there and show off my products and services. This is why I am keen to keep costs down for everyone involved. To exhibit a stall will cost only £40 and this is purely to cover costs.

A bit about the venue...

Slaidburn, situated in the middle of the Hodder Valley, is one of the most picturesque of Lancashire's villages, and is the reason many brides choose to have their wedding reception at Slaidburn Village Hall. The new village hall is built on the edge of the Village Green with breathtaking views over and across the Green and the River Hodder. Slaidburn Village Hall is not your average village hall but a a multi purpose building finished to a far higher standard than normally associated with village halls. Many brides see the hall as a blank canvas that allows them to organise every single aspect of their big day including food, venue décor and entertainment.

If you are interested in exhibiting please email me at joanne@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk and request an exhibitor pack.

Madeline Gardner Designer Event

Join Glamour Bridal and Prom on Saturday 12th November for this exclusive event.

Madeline Gardner is an internationally recognised bridal designer from New York.  Inspired by era's of classic New York, the gowns portray glamorous sophistication, billowy skirts, predominant bead work, a splash of colour and the fabulous skyline gives this collection a breath of fresh air. And a large collection of these breathtaking dresses will be available at Glamour for one day only.

All brides to be will get 10% off their Madeline Gardner dresses and they'll also be entitled to 10% off their Bridesmaids dresses or buy 2 Bridesmaids dresses and get the third half price!

As always appointments are limited so call Debbie on 01204 388390 to confirm your place.

Glamour Presents...

Their First Accessories Evening

Glamour Bridal and Prom are looking forward to welcoming brides and their family and friends to Glamour, for their fantastic Accessories Evening taking place on Thursday 27th October 2011.  The evening features mini make-overs by the Supplier Showcase artist Louise Stewart and hairstyles by the fabulous Karen from Noggi's Hairdressing, Bolton.  Treat yourself to mini cupcakes and pink champagne and the opportunity to try all their hair accessories, veils and shoes with 10% off everything purchased on the night.  Ladies places are filling fast so book now by emailing enquiries@glamourbolton.com.

A Taste of Lancashire: Budz By Helen Jane

I am very pleased to introduce to one of Simply Bows and Chair Covers recommended suppliers, Budz by Helen Jane.

Budz by Helen Jane officially opened with a fundraiser for The Witches of Adlington on Wednesday 5th October by the Deputy Mayor of Chorley, June Molyneux.

Helen inherited her floristy skills from her late mother. And after a long break from the industry and after being asked to do the flowers for her friends daughters wedding, Helen found she had a renewed interest in floristy and saw possibilities of using what she is good at to set up a business. After attending courses with Ian Lloyd (formerly of Britain's Got Talent fame) Helen and husband Andy jumped at the chance to revamp what was formerly known as Budz. 

Budz by Helen Jane is now open and is situated on Church Street in Adlington. 

Simply Bows and Chair Covers are pleased to work alongside Budz by Helen Jane and they have provided us with many a centerpiece and table display for our wedding fayres.

For more information please contact Helen on 01257 475100.

Pippa inspired frock goes on sale at 'rear'ly great price



'Lady-in-Waiting List' Created to Meet Demand.

It’s the bridesmaid’s dress that had the world talking and now department store Debenhams has announced that it will be selling a limited edition version in stores later this year after being inundated by demands from customers.  So great is the anticipated demand that the retailer has taken the unusual step of creating a ‘lady-in-waiting list’ to allow customers to reserve the departments store’s homage to Pippa Middleton’s iconic figure-hugging bridesmaid gown, which reportedly cost £20,000.

The great news is that the high street version will be a right royal bargain at just £170.  And for fans of Pippa’s style the retailer will also be selling a version of the emerald green evening gown that Kate’s sister wore to the evening ‘do’.  In addition a black lace sweetheart frock and a flower girl dress, all inspired by Kate Middleton and her breathtaking bridal party will go into stores later this year as well.  Russell Fish, Head of Occcassionwear Design at Debenhams commented: “Like everyone we were glued to our tellies for the wedding and have been huge Kate and Pippa fans ever since.  “We taken the best of the dresses and added our designer twist. Now you can get the Middletons’ look at High Street prices.”



Our slender ivory gown is a slinky, cowl neck number. With its button-back detail and elegant cap sleeves, it is the epitome of chic.   An ivory flower girl dress will also launch in store to sit alongside the sleek adult gown. Featuring a delicate lace trim, puff sleeves and a pale gold sash tied in a sumptuous bow at the back, the fairytale flower girl dress retails at just £48 to £52 depending on age.

An emerald green evening gown, with embellished neck detail and a full, floor length skirt perfect for dancing is the final gown which will hit Debenhams stores this autumn for £99.  Debenhams is also launching a black mid-length evening gown, inspired by the dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day. Featuring intricate lace detail and trim, the full-skirted prom dress is a classic take on this timeless style women everywhere want to emulate since the royal wedding. Alain Mehada, Chief Personal Shopper, Debenhams Oxford Street added: “Both men and women everywhere were instantly talking about Pippa, so naturally brides-to-be will want to emulate her classic look – both for themselves or their bridesmaids.

“We have been inundated by customers asking if we have anything similar to the dresses worn by Kate, Pippa and the flower girls, but the ivory dress worn by Pippa is the most requested by far.”

Sales boffins at the retailer predict that these dresses will follow in the footsteps of a Star by Julien Macdonald dress that sold out before even reaching stores after fashionistas heralded the design as the look of the season a couple of years ago.

To find out as soon as the dresses are available; customers can send their details through to ladyinwaitinglist@debenhams.com.

Press release from http://presscentre.debenhams.com/Press-Releases/Pippa-inspired-frock-goes-on-sale-at-rear-ly-great-price-143.aspx