auctionjacksonville brings this revolution into a new era.

Crafted in the romantic north of Italy, near one of the fashion capitals of the world, auctionjacksonville's Powerfit® luxury hosiery is knitted using the most advanced technology and from the finest yarns. Our super-stretch hosiery benefits from Advanced Fit Technology® and has been hailed by you, the best customers on the planet, as the best hosiery on the planet!

Available in 50, 20 and 90 denier, a selection of colours and indeed styles, there is plenty to choose from for everyone with each thickness having been tried and tested by 5' and 6' women alike!

The reviews simply speak for themselves...

"I was so thrilled with the comfortable soft fit of the tights that I ordered more a few days later! I'm absolutely delighted!" - Laurel B, 5*

"Fantastic tights! Been searching for the perfect tights for years! Thank you so much. A must have for any lady!" - Rowena F, 5*

"Fab fit. True to size. I only buy tights from here now. Also bought dress. Fit perfect. Quality perfect." - Annette J, 5*

"Fabulous. So soft and comfortable. Certainly will be buying these again." - Anne B, 5*

"Very quick delivery. And the tights are A-Ma-zing!! Love love love them! They were easy to get on and no struggle to get them over my belly. I love the quality" - Natalie D, 5*

Our latest tights, the 1940s Backseam 20 Denier Tights, throws it back to the era in which DuPont's original nylon tights were released.

Available in Black stripe on Nude tights; Nude stripe on Nude tights; Black stripe on Black tights.

Next on the map is fishnet tights and we have lots more exciting product in the pipeline! What would you like to see?

Why not try these miracle tights out for yourself? FREE UK Shipping on an order including Hosiery when you use code FREESHIP at the checkout! This is a one-time use code and your order must include Hosiery.

If you're already wearing and loving our tights comment below and leave a review!

All of our wonderful gemstones are known to hold brilliant healing properties and health benefits.

With so many gorgeous colours and styles, it makes it hard to pick which pieces to go for. I always suggest to consider the well-being benefits, and choose my pieces based on the properties that I would like to channel.

Each gemstone has a place in my heart for those individual moments in which they have aided me. My personal favourite is my lucky pyrite bracelet, which I wear every day to bring success!

You can choose specific healing properties personal to the needs at a certain time. These unique pieces also make a special and personal gift, perfect for your loved ones, and what is better time than Christmas. 

Here are all of our gemstones and their benefits that nature promised:

AGATE

• Enhances mental function
• Improves concentration
• Calms, healing inner anger or tension

AMAZONITE

• Brings luck and prosperity
• Helps one move beyond the fear of judgement

AMETHYST

• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Tunes metabolism
• Clears negative thoughts

CITRINE

• Brings success
• Activates the imagination
• Properties of wealth and abundance

HEMATITE

• Enhances confidence
• Absorbs negative energy
• Calms in times of stress or worry

JADE

• Stone of purity
• Manifests dreams into reality

MALACHITE

• Stone of transformation
• Brings energy to focus on new growth
• Protects and purifies.

ONYX

• Encourages happiness and good fortune
• Helps to develop emotional and physical strength

OPAL

• Encourages freedom and independence
• Inspires originality and boosts creativity

PEARLS

• Gives the wearer a sense of calmness
• Promotes faith, loyalty, truth and purity

PYRITE

• Success stone
• Transforms thought into intelligent action
• Aids open and honest communication

QUARTZ CRYSTAL

• Master healer
• Stimulates the immune system
• Unlocks memory

Which benefits do you fancy most in your life?  

Love Rosie x

The modelling shoot was scheduled for the 23^rd April 2016.  I had a moment of self-doubt, don’t we always?? When I thought, what am I doing, a size 20, late fifties something, who has had one photo shoot, who in her head now thinks she is Dita Von Teese.  It will be full of gorgeous, beautiful, confident, willowy, younger women. So I looked S & J up online to learn about the company  [always do your research!]  and found some pics and biography of the owner, Gifi Fields back in the day.  I was amazed to learn that Gifi was the man behind Coppernob, a brand I loved and used to wear in the 70’s and 80’s.  He was a co-founder of the British Fashion Council. I loved his designs. Gifi was clearly a legend in the fashion industry, my day in was definitely going to be fun and do you know it was!

 When I went into the auctionjacksonville offices and saw all the gorgeous women waiting for make up, wardrobe & hair, already looking amazing before their makeovers, I thought shall I just turn around and go home??  I am so glad I didn’t. The great thing was that there were about 150 real curvy women there on the day.  All different shapes, sizes, heights, ages etc, that in itself made it one of the most exhilarating and empowering things I had experienced in my 58 years.

The day was superb, sometimes pretty mad, but considering there were 150 plus women all waiting for their makeover to take part in the record breaking photo shoot, it was pretty awesome. Much to my surprise I made the final six in the Curvy Tall category. I had gained so much from the experience.  Stepping out of your comfort zone is often a good thing, it gave me the confidence to pursue something that I would never have thought feasible, I came away from the day buzzing, thinking perhaps there is something in this. It gave me the confidence to build up my portfolio and go for castings, in two years I have walked catwalks, done numerous photo shoots, modelled on ITV’s This Morning, appeared in S & J’s Crowd Funding video and in three Bollywood films as an extra, taken part in Miss Voluptuous UK, where I was awarded Miss Photogenic and most recently appeared in J D Williams’  Autumn & Christmas 2018 campaigns including their catalogues and TV commercials. 

Before that eventful day, I had not spent time in the company of such welcoming, generous, empowered, women.  I made so many friends that day.  There is something pretty unique about being part of the auctionjacksonville Club.  Not only do you get sample sales, discounts and invites to events like ANTR, there is a generosity of spirit, care and support to each other and when you add in the magic dust that is scattered by Gifi and his team, you truly are part of something special.

When the Plus Size Awards were ‘cancelled’ in November 2016, with 24 hours notice, the disbelief that this could have happened was felt by pretty much all of the S & J Club members, especially as S & J were up for several awards.  Gifi’s team stepped up to the plate and a 'A Night To Remember ' was conjured up like a phoenix rising from the ashes.  An amazing celebration was held at the Cafe Royal in and it certainly was a night to remember.

So with less than a week away to ANTR3, to anyone who is feeling nervous about going, please don’t be. You will have an amazing day and evening & you will be so well looked after. Surrounded by fabulous, like minded people, you will look and feel beautiful, because you are.  Be brave, be bold, be unique and be you.  Embrace every opportunity that is thrown your way as you never know where it might lead you to next……and on the day, especially if you are feeling shy, please come and say hello.  You won’t miss me I am the tall, curvy red head who will probably be wearing a top hat…..

Annie  xx

Instagram @madamefifipresents

Are you struggling to decide whether to attend “A Night To Remember 3”? If so, you might be finding it's a difficult decision because you don’t know what to expect. There are a few things you might want to know before you buy a ticket, (and sort out transport and pick your accommodation.)

I’ve been to both “A Night To Remember” and “A Night To Remember 2”. Last year, I headed down to alone. I’ve travelled to a couple of times, but travelling alone was daunting. I rechecked my tickets and took screenshots of my tube options and, with trepidation, set off. I managed it, checked into my hotel and I didn’t get lost. My bits of planning and checking google street view really helped. Arriving at Hotel Café Royal, I was completely amazed by the beautiful building and stunning entrance.

Cat 

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As a woman in my 30’s I admit until auctionjacksonville arranged their World Biggest Photo Shoot and A Night to Remember I had never actually travelled afar or went to an event on my own before.  Which in a way is sad that I didn’t trust my own company but also, I suppose probably the same for many ladies at the event.

When I arrived in I was lucky in that auctionjacksonville had arranged for discount rates with local hotels before the event and I booked the Saint Georges Hotel. The room was huge and was within walking distance to Café Royale where A Night To Remember 2 was being held.  Check my view from my room!

When I arrived the makeovers and photoshoots were in full swing (there is a huge amount going on behind the scenes that you don’t see).  What I distinctly remember is that everyone looked so glam and you get to talk to strangers just by saying “Oh you look amazing”, “I love your dress” and then all of a sudden more people join in and you forgot that you were once on your own.

Being around so many women on the night that are confident; strong and beautiful is such an empowering feeling as it kind of rubs off on you too and it is just such a great atmosphere to be in.

Then it was photo time!

Now… In no way, shape or form do I consider myself a model (literally as I am 5ft 4 and Size 16 ).

I do a weird smile thing and have no clue what to do with my hands but auctionjacksonville’s lovely photographer Diana puts you at ease and gives great instruction and makes you feel good about yourself so you kind of embrace the moment and have so much fun doing so.

Then it is through to the ballroom which quite frankly can take your breath away with how stunning it is.  My day to day life is spent walking my dogs in a hoodie and joggies in the rain and muck and working in an office, so to be able to come to a place as extravagant and elegant as Café Royale to an event like A Night To Remember 2 was unbelievably overwhelming and such an honour. 

Now, auctionjacksonville only asked me to write this recap after the event, but had I known I was going to write about the night I may have taken blogger style ‘Look at my Food’ photos but, I like my food and as soon as the food was laid in front of me – I was eating!  At dinner I was seated next to the lovely Emma and learned all about her – she’s a beauty queen you know with a sash and everything and has the best laugh out of anyone I have ever encountered.

The entertainment that was provided was good and I am lucky my husband wasn’t there – that’s all I can say on that one!

The speeches were truly touching.  I must admit I had very rarely thought about the people behind the label on my clothes and upon hearing the love and kind words said from the people who dedicate their lives and time to this brand was endearing and captivating and even a bit emotional. 

Then a few drinks later and the dance floor was full with women from all different walks of life, from all over the country, just dancing away and having a great night with an amazing group of people.

I do feel blessed to have been able to attend A Night to Remember and hope I have given a small glimpse of a what was a fantastic night that I look back on with such fond memories and a huge smile.

Lots of Love and auctionjacksonville Hugs

Bernadette xxx

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My story begins, as it does for many people, as an overweight child. I grew up in a wonderful part of mid-Wales and went to a lovely school where kindness and respect where inherent values held dear by my community. So, I was lucky enough never to be bullied, never to feel ostracised or alienated. I was a huge tomboy, but being ‘big’ never stopped me doing anything. Luckily I also have the type of parents who, when a nutritionist made me cry at the age of 5 by telling me I had to go on a ‘strict diet’, promptly removed me from the room and never came back.

Puberty hit me hard – and it hit me at ten years old. I suddenly felt, for the first time, uncomfortable in my new shape and nothing seemed to fit me because I was now a ‘big girl’, not a ‘big kid’. Luckily it was the 90’s so I spent my adolescence adorned in baggy unisex T-shirts and jeans. I was a pretty happy teen (as teens go!) until it came to clothes. I hated buying and trying on clothes and particularly formal ones.

I went to Uni in the mid-90’s and entered a world of formal dinners, end of year balls, graduations and parties. I had no idea how to dress for such things, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find dresses for such things! And then came the dreaded years of weddings and christenings. There is 10-year period of photos (real ones) of myself which I actually struggle to recognise myself in, wearing terrible, desperation-buy dresses, purchased from any retailer I could find who sold dresses in something resembling the ‘right size’. Which basically meant, covering me up. Baggy, misshapen dresses, with no tailoring and with all the bits in the wrong places. Or separates, which were the lesser of the two evils in my eyes, but which screamed ‘I couldn’t get a dress to fit me’. Again, these were happy enough years, until those wedding invites dropped on the mat.

Then came my thirties and a whopping helping of heartbreak which I guess in all honesty had me feeling at an all-time low in terms of how I felt about my shape. During this time a brilliant friend, who had heard me sing, convinced me to take her place in an acapella group called the Bung Bung Belles. She was leaving the area and her mum and their friend needed someone to take her place. I really wasn’t sure, but I trusted her and so I tried it. The first live gig I did was the scariest thing I think I’ve ever done. My legs shook so much I had to lock my knees and then my buttocks wobbled. These were the days before twerking was ‘a thing’! But, I loved it. I was soaring on the adrenaline for hours afterwards.

This is me at my first ever gig (note the trousers…)

I did some more gigs with ‘The Bungs’ and just loved spending time with Chris and Claire, two fabulous, strong, brave and talented women who I am so lucky to have learned such a lot from. They also wore amazing dresses and outfits and really ‘dressed for the stage’. Their look matched their style of music – mostly 40’s and 50’s tunes. I tried my best to emulate this with clothes that I had that kind of fit me and fitted in, but over time I started to feel like I stuck out a bit. I was holding my own, providing a solid third harmony to our group, but I felt like I was letting them down aesthetically.

I bought a dress online, after much agonising, from a retailer who does a small plus size range quite well. I took it to our next gig and though it felt really scary, I put it on and showed my fellow ‘Bungs’ Though they were lovely and supportive in what they said, I knew it wasn’t right. I’d tried, but it just wasn’t right. Around then I actually thought about giving up the singing. Hard though that was going to be – I felt I was setting myself up for a fall. It made me so happy inside, but on the outside, I felt like I didn’t look right. Standing between two beautiful, accomplished, slim women – easily double their width, I felt like a ‘big girl trying to fit in’.

Then one day, I was looking at the Evans website, where I mostly purchased (and still do) a lot of my clothes and I found an amazing dress that on first glance I thought was too good to be true. It was black with white polka dots, an empire line waist (just under the bust), an underskirt, sweetheart neck and integrated mesh shoulders and sleeves. I ordered it, it arrived, I tried it on and it fitted! Not as in, it covered me up, but it fitted. It fitted me, in all the right places!

I wore it to the next gig - and this gig was the turning point for me. It was a disaster in that I wore the dress with badly fitting tights that kept falling down, but brilliantly it was an International Women’s Day concert and the audience joined in as I ‘oicked’ my tights up between each song. We laughed along together about the pitfalls of hosiery and I was comfortable. Comfortable in a dress! More than that I felt like the dress and me were a great combination. So many people, who know me well, stopped to tell me I looked great. To this day, I’m not always sure how to deal with compliments, but it was great to hear and I felt like I was floating! A lovely lady, who I will forever be grateful to, told me later on that she always chose to wear leggings with dresses, not tights. I immediately bought a great pair of cropped black leggings with polka dots around the ankles and right there was my outfit – my stage outfit.

After this I checked out the label inside my dress and noticed the name auctionjacksonville. I looked online. I couldn’t believe what I found! I read all about the company and its ethos and looked through each and every dress in complete wonder. The customer photos were just great and the fact that the company gave the height and size of each model was just amazing. I read all the customer comments on the Facebook page and was overwhelmed to find this big dress wearing community that I could feel part of and supported by. Not because I needed one, but because I like one, I ordered a second dress. It was a red, wrap front jersey dress with a great oriental pattern and fitted shoulders. I tried it on for my dear friend Annabel, who has been so instrumental in supporting me to wear dresses and said ‘but what will I wear it for?’. She said it didn’t matter and that I had to keep it because it looked good. So I bought a dress, just because it looked good.

Alongside the Bung Bing Belles, I around this time started singing with a local 7-piece party band. It wasn’t a ‘dressy’ type of band and as bands often do, it fizzled out quite quickly. But having experienced the big sound of a big band, and the vocal freedom and scope offered by a less formal style, I really missed it, really quickly. So, I started a new band, myself! I got together 4 brilliant musicians and we started practicing. I had no idea at the time whether I could in fact front a band playing blues/rock’n’roll/funk/pop but I seemingly suddenly had the courage to try. This was one of our first gigs, and the first outing for my red, wrap front auctionjacksonville dress:

Four years on, our band, Tongue ‘n’ Groove continues to go from strength to strength and so have I, both musically and in terms of my performance and how I feel. My fellow musicians, Chris on Sax, Graham on Guitar, Jo on Bass and Jenks on Drums have been such great friends. They’ve supported me, encouraged me and challenged me to sing bigger, better and bolder. Every time I bring out a new dress, they whoop and whistle and tell me I look great. And with each new leap of confidence my dresses and my friends facilitate, there’s been a definite difference in how I hold myself, how I move and how I dress.

This was last week!

This is my lovely new Marylin Spot Midi dress! (and my first ever proper hair-do). I held off buying it for ages as though I’m much more confident in my look, my upper arms are still an Achilles heel for me. But then I discovered a world of ‘mesh undertops’ that can be worn under sleeveless dresses! This one is essentially a mesh crop top/bra with three quarter length sleeves and I love it!

I can’t get over how happy I look in the photo above and how different that is to how I looked at the first ever gig. Yes, I am more confident in my voice, my presence and I’m more experienced. But, I have this memory of my lovely, brilliant Mum, exasperated by a shopping trip for dresses with a grumpy, uncomfortable girl once saying ‘It’s not really the dress, it’s more the face you’re pulling in it that’s the issue!!’. We fell about laughing because it was true! But when I look at this picture, my face says ‘look at my dress!’. Even more than that, it’s saying ‘look at me in this dress’ and that’s incredible to see.

And that’s why I sent my message to auctionjacksonville, to say thank you for the part they’ve played in this. I am now a big singer, in a big band, with a big voice, having big fun and with a big smile that proves it. I love my life and I am at my happiest stood in front of lots of people, in a dress. If I could tell my adolescent self this, she would pass out on the spot. And it’s not just my ‘singer-self’ who now wears dresses – I recently represented the company I work for at Kew Gardens sporting the Lollidot Cowl Neck dress and I rocked it!

I have a wardrobe full of dresses. I need a bigger one. There are dresses from other retailers and other plus size dress makers. These seem to be growing as the fashion world acknowledges or at least recognises financially that there are a huge number of customers and a complete market that they have ignored. But I feel auctionjacksonville led the way in this and still do it best. Beyond this I feel they actually make dresses for curvy ladies which celebrate their best bits, rather than extending their ranges to include them. I scour other ‘vintage look’ websites who claim to have a ‘plus size range’ – this sometimes means they have two dresses in a 24. Or they might extend to 26-28 but you have to check each dress and experience the disappointment as you discover there is one left in a size 16.  When you open up the S&J website – bang, there it is – up to size 32 on everything!

When I put a auctionjacksonville dress on I can instantly feel that it was designed with me in mind, not a smaller person of a completely different shape. And that feeling of inclusion, of someone tailoring for you is so powerful. Clothes not fitting you has such an impact – it’s not just about the clothes fitting you, it’s about how you feel you fit in to society in as a whole.  auctionjacksonville, for me, not only gave me the scope to feel like I fit in, but to truly experience who I really am and enjoy that, celebrate it and have fun with it.

Proof of the quality and craftsmanship of S&J dresses is that my original polka dot dress is still doing the rounds, years and year later!

I’m 42 and I’m the biggest I’ve ever been (5’2” and a size 28). I had my gall bladder removed 3 years ago and my midriff resembles a whiskey barrel. And yet, I think I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and happier than I ever thought I could be. Yes, I know there are health risks in being overweight – I’m not naïve in this. But for a world of women who are overweight and may never combat that, there are also real health risks associated with low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

So thank you S&J. Keep doing what you’re doing. You do it so well and I need you. Our gig list is growing and I can’t run out of dresses!

Photo Credits:

© Giles Bennett

© Mikal Janik

© Mansel Davies

© Cliff Chapman

© Dewi Alun Jones

It can be tricky to find beautiful occasion dresses that really have the wow factor, while also being comfortable, fit beautifully and feel cool in the heat.

The Gold Wrap Pleated Maxi Dress is made for the red carpet and you will look like a Grecian Goddess wearing it, just like the fabulous Fatuma (size 18 and 5’8”/173 cm tall)

We think the Blueberry Wrap Lounge Jumpsuit is the perfect modern alternative to a dress, with Advanced Fit Technology^TM (or magic as some people insist it is!) – we can’t wait to see who is wearing us on the red carpet tonight! Watch this space.

(Sharron is a size 28 and 5'10"/178 cm tall, Bernadette is a size 14 and 5'4"/163 cm tall)

When it comes to weddings we know that the impact should be on the bride (we make some beautiful curvy wedding dresses for blushing brides as well!) but with all day long celebrations, it’s important that you be comfortable and elegant too.

Our Embellished Shoulder Wrap Gown is perfect for summer weddings. Leaving you remembered as the beautiful stranger by people you don’t know at such events... Polly (size 22 and 5'7"/171 cm tall) and Emma (size 12 and 5'7"/171 cm tall) wore this stunning Dress as Bridesmaids!

Prom and formal dresses can be tricky to get just right, which is why we have the Tuxedo range, whether you want something more form fitting like the Boucle Tuxedo Dress - worn here by the spectacular Sharran (size 32 and 6’/183 cm tall)

Or the aptly named Olivia Satin Tuxedo Prom Dress, a beautiful twist on a formal ballgown skirt and designed to frame your face. Here we have the radiant Cat (size 16 and 5'10"/177 cm tall)

We've plenty of Event Ready Dresses, available here!

May is the start of “the season” and it kicks off this weekend with Eurovision, endlessly cheesy and perhaps more political than it should be, it’s a fabulous way to start off your Summer with a bang.

Why not have a Eurovision themed party, and if you are looking for a dress to wear, why not try our Tuxedo Peplum Dress? Worn here by the exquisite Anna (size 22 and 5’6”/168 cm tall)

Glyndebourne starts on Saturday 19th May and creates a dreamy vision of England, with people in gorgeous formal dress strolling through the gardens pre-performance, thinking of Elgar, Holst, or perhaps whether the egg mayonnaise in their picnic has curdled.

If you are at this quintessentially English event, you might bump into the angelic Annie (size 20 and 5’10”/178 cm tall) wearing our Sweetheart Mesh Neck & Sleeve Lurex Maxi Bodycon Dress!

Just perfect for a night listening to opera and frolicking at one of the gorgeous stately homes England has to offer.

But this is not all that’s happening on that Saturday! It is the day of the hotly anticipated Royal Wedding and our ever-indecisive Lady Phillipa cannot decide on which dress to wear! Should she go for the Juliette ‘In Sandringham’ Hanky Hem Dress worn here by the fantastic Catherine (size 14 and 5’6”/168 cm tall) or our Baby Lollidot Angel Dress? Modelled here by the brilliant Beth (size 28 and 5’8”/173 cm tall)

What says England more than a good old-fashioned street party? The star at Bethnal green celebrates its 10^th Birthday this year with an awesome street party. Celebrate and keep cool in the gorgeous Hollywood Starlet 2-in-1 Dress modelled here by the classical beauty Alexandra (size 16 and 5’4”/163 cm tall), perfect for an afternoon and evening of summertime fun!

Either way, these beautiful Spring/Summer dresses are sure to get you noticed at any wedding you attend this year, what will you be wearing? Why not wear one of our signature Nancy Marilyn Chiffon Maxi Dresses, worn here by the fabulous Kayleigh (size 18 and 5’5”/165 cm tall) and Kemisha (size 16 and 5’9”/175 cm tall)

wine week ends on the 20^th – celebrate by quaffing delicious Rioja or crisp chardonnays and relaxing at various venues around and the home counties. The stylish and modern Wrap Lounge Jumpsuit would be a perfect outfit to wear to such a chic occasion as modelled here by the marvellous Christie (size 22 5’6”/168 cm tall) for her prom!

The RHS Chelsea flower show starts on the 22^nd bringing to mind heady scents of beautiful blooms and images of magical floral arrangements, be as incomparable as a rose in the Marylin Spot Midi Dress while sauntering through the displays as modelled here by the amazing Amy (size 22 and 5’9”/175 cm tall)

Effigies of Wickedness is on during the end of May, Covent Garden opera singers and Dalston Queer Cabaret stars resurrect the daring and subversive 20’s and 30^th songs the Nazis banned in the gleefully transgressive look at the world of the Weimar cabaret scene. Be seen in the Lurex Bodycon Dress which has a 30’s inspired elegance that is hard to find! Modelled here by the divine Amy (size 24 and 5’9”/175 cm tall)

With so many events on at this time of year, what will you wear?

Click here to shop our Event Ready Favourites and feel like a million dollars!

Today Jenny and Doulla are working on a new and exciting design project that has never been attempted by S&J before.

Playsuits!

Each one is made by hand in the auctionjacksonville offices and they are hard at work, ready for the launch of a limited number for a lucky few.

Adam caught up with them today to gain more of an insight into their role here.

Jenny and Doulla have been working as Seamstresses for over 30 years and working together for around 18.

"I love getting a new sample and seeing the product develop" confides Jenny, "and when I see a lady on the street wearing designs I’ve helped create, I get such a buzz, it's exciting to know that you have been part of something so special."

"I left school at 16 and went to Carnegie models which is where I trained, they gave us sheets of paper to sew on to train us on Machines", says Doulla. "I was at home with a baby later and I worked mainly on hand finishing and embroidery.

We later met at another fashion and clothing house and have been working together ever since."

Jenny especially appreciates the fashions at Scarlett & Jo, "Being a curvy woman myself, I am so inspired by seeing the ladies who wear our designs and our models, things I'd never consider wearing a year ago I wear now after seeing so many fantastic women wearing them."

Doulla adds, "The playsuits we are making this week are lovely, the fabric has a little give, which makes it slightly harder to work with rather than cotton or other natural fabrics, but the designs we make have the advanced fit technology which involves precision tailoring and interlocking stitching. This design has about 3 hours of stitching involved!"

Our limited edition Playsuits land on Thursday at 18:00 pm, and are a limited edition. Get them before they sell out! (PHOTOS COMING SOON)

Firstly, it’s important to note that our silhouettes are often imitated but they don’t pay attention to the engineering of the designs, often imitated, never equalled.

Because It’s all about the engineering of the design and our advanced fit technology, and the fabrics we use, along with the all-important silhouette.

In some designs, of course, it would be impossible to fit for all heights. Maxi dresses are a case in point which is why we have Petite and Tall ranges for certain styles.

But some of the midi length dresses can work well with a lady who is over 6' and a lady who is under 5' – our hanky hems are a great example of this.

We use common sense in design, and engineering the fit, we look at arm and torso length but also at the needs and requirements of each design.

Midi dresses are a forgiving length on the average height person, but on a shorter woman they drop to below the lower calf and we have been told by you that this is sometimes an area that ladies under 5’5" want to hide.

Taller ladies have it to just below the knee, to show off their fabulous assets.

Our Tunic tops are incredibly popular with both taller and shorter ladies, for the taller woman, the tops are long enough to cover things that most designers don’t consider, and on the shorter ladies they usually style them slightly differently with our velvet or cotton leggings and wear them as shorter tunic dresses

It’s about designing for you and then you can style how you wish.

The marvel of advanced fit technology is in our latest design, the Wrap Lounge Jumpsuit.

Let’s look here at Bernadette and Sharon:

Sharon is 5’10"

Bernadette is 5’4"

And don’t they both look stunning? Read Bernadette's review here!

There is a substantial height difference between the two of them, but it still fits them both beautifully. This is what Advanced Fit Technology does, works with your shape and height to create a look to suit you. 

It's not magic it just feels that way!

We had a competition to find the ladies involved. The competition had to close it after only two days of overwhelming response responses!

The ladies from all over Europe attend and were from every walk of life, aged 17-50+ with sizes 14-32 and heights from 4’10-6’3!

Truly a diverse mix of ladies!

But how did it all begin? Well, the incomparable Chelle of 'Positively Perfect' (PP) tells us here!

"I was having lunch with Gifi and said the problem is that plus size people don’t see their sizes on others so always compare themselves unfavourably to models. We needed to see a photo of 10 women, all a size 18/24/32 so that we can see that one size comes in various shapes. Actually, we don’t look bad for our size at all, we just don’t look like the person next to us.

Originally a 10 person photo shoot. Well, that turned into a 100 person shoot.

And from that, I met the rest of the girls who went on to create PP!

On the day we had a team of makeup artists and hairstylists to make us look as magnificent as we all are then we all trooped down to the base of the iconic Bridge to have this beautiful photo taken."

Adam says:

"It takes real courage and bravery to get in front of a camera and model, especially when you have never done anything like that before. For that, we bow down to our ladies. All of you truly made the day feel special.

It was a day full of laughs and a few happy tears but most importantly it was a day to have fun and socialise. I know many of you have found long lasting friendships from the day.

All the ladies should be so proud of yourselves for such an accomplishment, not many can pull off what you did."

I get so many questions about fit and sizing, that I thought it’s high time I explained more about Advanced Fit Technology™, the fit and design and how they differ.

To put it simply, Advanced Fit Technology™ is engineering. The women we design for and the fabrics are our passion and inspiration. 

When we first started Scarlett and Jo, we found that while the mannequin or model display sizes were a 10, the average size of a woman in the UK is a size 16.

At S&J we have recognisable silhouettes, a signature look.  Such as the miracle top, the fit and flare tunic, magic bands and the powerfit® bodycon.  They are the engineering part of our designs, the unique parts that help to create a silhouette that makes you feel confident while maintaining comfort.

As designers, we are mostly taught about fit on a standard size 10 or 12. When we started having fit sessions for S&J we quickly realised that body shapes were the same but not the same. All bodies have lumps and bumps, its just the way bodies are. To some extent, high street fashion follows the catwalk principles of “fit”. This doesn’t always work well when dealing with the average body going up in size or a different shape other than the standard hourglass figure. In fact, the high street does a representation of trend or clothes walking up a runway on a size 0 hanger.

The approach we had at the beginning of scaling up (meaning making clothing by just increasing the size), as most fashion lines tend to do, just didn’t have the right aspect shape or look that we wanted. We want gorgeous clothing that makes every woman feel like a million dollars. In other words, garments that showcase YOU.

So we did something completely revolutionary.

We talked to you, women who were our potential customers.

We learned.

We changed our total outlook and mindset from talking with you.

So we went back to the beginning and thought about the things we had learned from you that were important.

Which came down to...

Comfort/confidence:

We all have that item of clothing that makes us feel amazing, and we found that because you’re comfortable and you look amazing, you feel confident, and stand taller. Everything stems from comfort.

So by using our Advanced Fit Technology™, and incorporating that into the design, our clothing is engineered to bring you comfort and make you feel fabulous and feel more confident.

Fit/Design:

We researched and spoke to many curvy women and we were told that clothing bought in plus sizes often didn’t fit and if they did, they didn’t flatter. They didn’t feel right or make you feel good. So we work with fabric that works with your body, the lengths, and the design, we built in tolerance for when you are sitting, standing or bending so the fit isn’t restrictive. Consistently we are told our products are true to size if a tad generous. We rather you size down.

Wearable:

We make clothing for every occasion;

• Smart work clothing
• Party and evening dresses 
• Separates for casual and smart occasions
• Clothing that's easy to wear. Dressed up or as is

Next week, I’ll be talking more about our designs and how we work with different shapes and heights... Keep an eye out!

Jake, 31

Role- Customer Accounts Coordinator

Favourite quote-

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who strives valiantly; who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat"

My Top 3 podcasts/books-

World Football Phone In

5 Live Boxing with Costello and Bunce

The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

What did you do today-

I got to work at 7am with a bottle coke in my hand.

At 9am I went to our production meeting and looked at new designs and styles due to be announced soon.

Afterwards, I started answering queries and questions from our loyal customers.

One of the questions we asked a lot is about sizing so Adam will be writing a blog on how we size very soon.

For lunch I ventured outside the office to enjoy the sunshine; it's always lovely to see the shard in sunlight and really set me up for the afternoon.

The afternoon was spent liaising with Debenhams and finalising the details of our amazing 30% discount summer sizzle extravaganza.

Favourite cake flavour-

Does coconut cheesecake count?

Favourite S&J dress-

Juliette "In Sandringham" Hanky Hem Dress -  the colours are stunning.

Meme to describe you-

We know we have the most loyal customers on the planet, we know there is a reason for that beyond making you feel amazing, we like to go above and beyond for our people.

When a mix up last week in the warehouse meant that the dress Gemma ordered for a girls night out was sent in the wrong colour, she called us for help.

When we checked we actually had no more of the sweetheart 2in1 dresses in stock in Gemma’s size, so our in-house team of seamstresses set to work making a 28 into a 26… except we missed the deadline for the last post!

Our lovely Jessica stepped in to deliver to Margate on time as we promised to do.

Gemma Wore it on her night out- and doesn’t she look bewitching!

Gemma Said:

"This beautiful dress was hand delivered to Margate for me as the wrong dress was sent by mistake. I cannot thank S&J more for their exceptional customer service and I will continue to recommend you to all my curvy friends and family. The dress is stunning! So flattering, colourful and I had so many compliments on it. I love it and all my other amazing S&J dresses! I’d highly recommend you get the VIP membership as well girls, I’ve already got my monies back in savings on my purchases, it’s well worth it. Thanks again S&J I love you! X"

based lingerie brand Ella Vine helped women across the world with a genius invention that makes their lives easier  – poppy suspender belts and poppy stockings. The fastening in the poppy suspenders, a simple popper, replaces the traditional fastening and makes it easier and quicker to attach stockings to it. Now, you can just clip and go – no fuss, no sweat, no torn nylon and no late dates. It is a must have for a modern woman.

Now we offer them online!

Ella explains how she has created the brand and the innovative products: ‘’I have to wear compression hosiery for medical reasons and invented poppy suspenders simply because the traditional fastening was too difficult and it took too long to attach stockings to a suspender belt. I wanted to help not only myself, but also other women. Now I can also attach hold ups to a suspender belt, which gives it extra comfort and staying power. It took me two years and many prototypes of different fastenings until I arrived at the simplest solution – poppers. The simple is often the best. That’s how Ella Vine brand was born. Now we ship our products worldwide. When our customers try our poppy prop ducts on they love it and they do not want to go back to the old way of attaching stockings to a suspender belt’’.

Since poppy suspenders were invented last year they were featured in Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Star and are being made mainstream, being stocked in more and more stores. The future is poppy!

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS:

Jack Levene, former Head of Lingerie at Marks & Spencer UK: ''The fastening on this suspender belt is a great boon to both the user and to their partners. This is the first innovation in years, it speeds up production and makes it far easier for the user when attaching or removing from stockings.''

Geeta von Tease, one of UK’s top 20 burlesque performers: ‘’I’m very happy to support your extremely clever and entrepreneurial idea and especially like the fact that your suspender belt could be worn by women who would usually struggle to wear stockings and suspenders because of a disability like arthritis of the hands. I think you have tremendous business acumen and I think you should put yourself forward for the 'Business Woman of the Year Award’’.

Helen Kitajewski, Finalist of Miss British Curve 2016 and Miss Pembrokeshire Curve 2016:‘’This product is unique and innovative! This new suspender belt also looks fabulous, in a range of sexy colours’’.

Khandie Khisses, one of UK’s top 20 burlesque performers:‘’In burlesque you are always looking for new and novel ways to help with the tease of your performance, this marvel from Ella Vine lingerie has provided an ingenious way to help us. In our day to day stocking wearing, who doesn’t love a garment that makes it easier to be a sassy hosiery wearer?!’’

Ladyluck Namurach, Miss Cardiff 2015 and Finalist Miss British Beauty Curve 2016: ‘’Sounds like a fantastic idea to me as I would loop with to be able to wear a pair of stockings with confidence!! A belt with easily attachable clips would be a godsend to a lot of larger women especially those that are unable to bend for long periods to try and attach the clips."

Lady Blue Phoenix, burlesque teacher and dancer: ‘’I and my colleagues think that this will change the burlesque world. It will open up a door to wear different stockings and we will know they are more secure and will stay in place’’.

Jilly Frillies, lingerie blogger: ‘’Poppy suspenders are the future. They are wonderful, elegant, sexy and so effortless that you will run bestockinged, crying with relief and thanking Ella forever."

Paris fashion is less progressive than and what is on offer for plus size women in France is rather as things were in the UK 4 years ago. As is S & J style we wanted to project authenticity so we asked 4 of our favourite customers Ella; Kemisha; Kiteh and Cat to help us. Thank you guys you were and are fantastic. We asked Kiteh to share her experience.

Kiteh's Story

As a 43-year-old Fleet Distribution Administrator, it's not every day someone messages me to ask if I am up for a weekend of Modelling in Paris but that’s exactly what happened to me. Thanks, auctionjacksonville!

Needless to say, I accepted this mission and what follows is my account of the weekend.

For the first time ever I flew on my own. All the time telling myself that this was a normal thing and some people often do this.

The flight was a little delayed and so I arrived at the Charles De Gaulles airport a little late. I was meeting my fellow Model and roommate Cat there.

After a hilarious Kiteh and Cat Treasure Hunt Anneka Rice style episode, we eventually found each other (Stop the clock Bob I’ve found the clue) and off we went in search of the Hotel and the Show venue.

We had to get the Metro and a tram to Port de Versailles where the Who’s Next trade show was being held and then find the hotel which we knew was only a short walk away.

Hotel found, we made our way to the show where the S & J team were already setting up.

Who’s Next is the leading international fashion trade show for womenswear in Europe. Since 1994, twice a year, buyers, brands, journalists and trendsetters create the trends for next season over 4 days of business, networking, retail solutions, conferences and celebrations. The Who’s Next trade show unites French and international ready-to-wear collections across 5 different areas: Fame, Private, Trendy, Urban, Studio.

S & J were in the trendy section in hall 4 stand E54. The show was massive and so colourful with all different kinds of stands showcasing all different kinds of fashions.

There was a limited collection of Plus size clothing though and certainly none as stylish and eye-catching as S&J.

There were no other plus size models there, just us S&J girls and I was the biggest at a size 24. Overall we were received really well but there were obviously a few raised eyebrows as Paris is usually about the smaller girls.

I was in my element trying on and showcasing gorgeous dress after gorgeous dress and explaining to customers the range on offer and directing them to the S&J team.

My favourites were the Nancy Marilyn Polka dot dress, The Pussy Bow striped dress and the not yet released Fairytale Sparkle dress. Ok, who am I kidding I love them all!

I explained to everyone and anyone who would listen that the beauty of S&J clothes is they feel as good on as they look. They are made for women with curves not just sized up from a size 8 not taking into account the lines of a curvier figure.

We had an impromptu photo shoot at the Eiffel tower where we certainly got a lot of attention and even got our photos taken by tourists. I suppose it's not a common sight to see 3 curvy girls dressed in evening wear at the bottom of the Eiffel tower!

The 3 days went by in a whirl of pretty dresses, Champagne and lots of laughs with the S & J crew. They were long days but the time flew as we were having so much fun. Who says curvy girls cant have fun?

We certainly showed Paris that curvy girls have more fun and laughs. I arrived home Sunday night exhausted but exhilarated from a fantastic weekend!

Same again next year S&J?

Love

Kiteh xx

On the day at Chandos House as at the event in April 2016 the last thing anyone is aware of is that there is an on-going modelling competition. It seems to be something forgotten about as there are so many interesting women that one can relate to, and so many things of interest like the clothes; the hair and make-up; the venue. I am always nervous before the event as we want to make sure it runs smoothly; on time; there is enough food drink; space. Everyone participating after all is a guest. Many of you are so passionate about the brand that carrying the responsibility of delivering and meeting or preferably exceeding expectations is a daunting challenge. But that is what entrepreneurs want.

So we do try to arrive at perfection in everything we do. And a lot of things we do have never been done before – so it’s fun & fearless.

 Judging a modelling competition like any judgement can be subjective. Many of the comments of support for the 3 finalists are illustrative. Last April we picked Jessica Nicholas (size 32 and 5 foot 9/1.76m) as the Face of the brand and she features on our Facebook profile. Previous to that Georgina Grogan (size 22 5 foot 3) was the Face of the Brand. People often talked to me about George #fffb. George; Becky; Callie; Hanna; Caroline Curvy Wordy inspired us from the beginning followed by Nancy; Pretty big Butterflies; and  - these are all fun & fearless ladies.

Back to the event: to be absolutely honest we love Cat; we love both the 2 Gemmas and Fatuma; Nicole; Jade, Sophie, Melinda and Katie. How Kerrie didn’t make the final 12 like quite a  few others, too many to mention, I know not. Some could have actually won it.

In my book all the participants are winners.

The simple fact is that we cannot separate any of the final 3 Angeline, Charlie; or Liz  as they are such natural S & J brand ambassadors that appeal strongly to different S & J customers.

Therefore, we are announcing a 3 way tie. It’s going to cost us more in clothes and awards. But Hey Charlie is Charlie - a fantastic person, a brave fearless fun girl defining one facet of S & J. But then Liz is an English Rose, a girl next door with a cheeky fun demeanour; fearless too and defines another facet of S& J and Angeline is vivacious, sultry; and sassy defining another facet of S & J.

S & J is committed to positivity in everything we do; we are committed to diversity; we are committed to having fun; of being fearless. And these 3 ladies all represent that.

Many Thanks,

Gifi Fields

After careful consideration, and very, very tough deliberations, we have decided on 3 finalists. 

We would like to thank all the beautiful ladies that were involved, again, it takes a lot of courage and bravery to get in front of a camera and model, especially when you have never done anything like that before. 

All the Ladies involved were Fun, Fearless and most importantly Empowered! Thank you for truly representing the auctionjacksonville spirit. 

Without further ado, here are the 3 finalists. We are going to find it even more difficult to choose the winner and you are most welcomed to have your say!

Liz is a size 18 and 5’5”/165 cm tall

Angeline is a size 18 and 5’6”/168 cm tall

Charlene is a size 26 and 5’7”/171 cm tall

As many of you know we held the event of the Summer on June 17^th at the beautiful Chandos House, with over 100 women in attendance for a Model Shoot during the day and a star studded Midsummer Ball in the evening.

There was however a competition element to the Model Shoot, with the winner walking away with 10 free products over the next year!

It has been no easy task choosing these lovely ladies, we originally only wanted to choose 5, then it was 10 until we finally settled on 12! Everyone looked their absolute best on the day making the already arduous task even harder!

We feel that there is something for everybody, so without further ado here are the 2017 Model Shoot Competition Finalists:

Rocking it for our petite girls is the lovely Jade Burgham and Sophie Brown!

Jade is a size 16 and 5’2”/157 cm tall

Sophie is a size 16 and 5’2”/157 cm tall

The blondes having fun are Melinda Whiting, Liz Trowbridge and Katie Greenwood!

Melinda is a size 14 and 5’5”/165 cm tall

Liz is a size 18 and 5’5”/165 cm tall

Katie is a size 18 and 5’8”/173 cm tall

Gemma Federico and Cat Mercer were finalists last year but just missed out on the top spot! Here they are a year on still killing it!

Gemma is a size 16 and 5’10”/178 cm tall

Cat is a size 16 and 5’10”/178 cm tall

It was hard to separate Fatuma Mohamed and Angeline Anderson! They both look like Goddesses in our Gold Wrap Pleated Maxi Dress!

Fatuma is a size 16 and 5’8”/177 cm tall

Angeline is a size 18 and 5’6”/168 cm tall

And last but not least are these three fun and fearless women: Nicolle Hill, Gemma Challis and Charlene Shattock!

Nicolle is a size 22 and 5’8”/173 cm tall

Gemma is a size 18 and 5’8”/173 cm tall

Charlene is a size 26 and 5’7”/171 cm tall

Congratulations to our 12 Finalists!

Before anyone asks. We have not  got to the judging of the models yet! So shortlist will be published next week.  The only question is: is it going to be open to the public vote?

 After much toing and froing we settled on the iconic Grade 1 listed Chandos House for a location. This year’s event like last year’s World record shoot was held in conjunction with Miss Curvaceous UK. MCUK played a greater role.

 At Chandos House we had various parts of the House like the Garden; Terrace Room and Drawing Rooms which presented themselves for wonderful backdrops for S & J clothes to be featured and our members and customers to look at their best.

Organising an event like this featuring well over 100 women required at least 20 hair and make-up artists; 3 camera crews; a platoon of MCUK personnel ensuring their best that we kept on schedule and assisting all and every requirement. Gifi screwed up on the day by not having an event cameraman, as his wont, he likes the shots that those who were there took. However, not enough has surfaced this time. So next time there will be an events photographer. Apologies.

Feeding over 150 people and crew went very smoothly with a rolling lunch that was available from 11.30 to 4 pm.

The other big test is the fit test. You have over 100 ladies from size 12 size 32 and all different heights. We have to say our clothes are indeed true to size tad generous and consistent. It was incredible how everything fitted. Personally I think those who took part can tell the story of a very hot day better than we can. It was exhausting for all who took part. We did make it easy by having 6 groups of up to 30 appear from 8.30 through to 1.30 with the plan of 3 and half hours for wardrobe; hair and make up; 3 different shoots. Amazingly it worked fairly well like that.

Can you imagine Chandos House was transformed in an hour and half for the Ball so many not just S & J wonderful outfits were adorned.

The food was great.

The booze was flowing.

The actual ball room dance floor received less of a working than was planned. I guessed we were also tired, full of food and laid back content. I would very much appreciate your own memories of really quite the extraordinary day. 

Next Major Event 3^rd Saturday in November, though there is much talk of a roadshow coming to a place near you before then

The first dress she picked was a real treat as it isn’t even out yet! Janey fell in love with the flowly, Grecian design and thought that the Hot Paprika Red colour complimented her lovely blonde hair. We couldn’t agree more! Keep your eye out for this dress’ release.

Janey also told us that she had a wedding to attend in May, and it just so happened that the next dress she chose would be perfect for the occasion! Again it was the flowy Grecian design of our Juliette Hanky Hem Dress that caught Janey’s eye, and the gorgeous floral print just topped it off for her!

To finish off Janey tried two of our Sweetheart Starlet 2-in-1 Dresses which we thought suited her amazingly well! What do you think?

After this we had a sit down with Janey and she showed us some modelling she had done for a friend and what was she wearing? Some of our gorgeous dresses!

We had great fun with Janey today, and we hope she did too!

Amanda told us of her one simple mission: to show younger women you don’t have to be a size 0 to look and feel beautiful. We couldn’t agree more!

After trying on the Tuxedo Maxi Dress, she came out with a beaming smile on her face as it fit perfectly and was incredibly comfortable.

Next Amanda told us that her daughter attends Ramsey 1940’s Events, but that she had never been able to go because she didn’t have the right style dress. We then pulled out a couple of our classic 1940’s dresses for Amanda to try on. After discovering that the 40’s Wrap Midi Dress wasn’t the style for her, she tried on our High Collar V Neck Dress and adored it!

Still searching for the dress that she would wear at her charity pageant, Amanda also tried on our Lurex Maxi Bodycon Dress and Nancy Marilyn Chiffon Maxi Dress. Immediately she fell in love with the soft, metallised fabric of the Lurex Maxi Bodycon and the elegant, Grecian appearance of the Nancy Marilyn Maxi Dress.

Amanda was then faced with a tough decision, which dress would she choose?

Which of our dresses would you choose to wear to a pageant?

Now to most this might sound like a very hard task, but almost straight away Zoe found a heap of dresses she liked. With arms full of dresses, she excitedly went to the changing room and tried them on.

She first tried our Georgina Velvet Maxi Dress and fell in love with the design. After that she tried on a Teal Twist Skirt Bodycon and was surprised to learn that she would need two sizes smaller!

Our 40’s Angel Sleeve Lurex Dress was next, and despite having some reservations let me tell you she looked amazing! She then ventured out of her comfort zone and wore a Red Rose Bodycon, something she told us she had never done.

One dress she told us that she had seen before and liked the look of was our Tuxedo Peplum Dress, and after searching for one in the office she tried it on and we think she looks great, don’t you agree?

After trying on all of these dresses that she absolutely loved, we helped her set up an account on our website and off she went to celebrate the rest of her birthday.

We do love having members come and see us, and find great pleasure in helping them find the perfect dress.

If you ever want to come and see us, see where the magic happens and meet the team, or need any help, just email [email protected] and we will have the kettle boiled ready for your arrival.

At 17.23 on Friday the 18^th of November we received an email from the organisers of the British Plus Size Awards informing us of cancellation of the event scheduled for 6.00 the following evening. We had 100 guests who had either paid or been invited to be at the event. Members and their friends and our friends from all over the country, and some from Europe. .No reason had been given for the cancellation, and no plea for any help to save the event had gone out  A lot of people to inform and re-organise.

Various companies like Curvy Kate looked for alternatives and they opened up “Indulge”  organised by the wonderful Miranda  at the Windsor as alternative. But you couldn’t open the Windsor up to the over 400 people going to the Awards let alone the 100 guests we had in our party – not big enough. So where to get a venue big enough and good enough, security,  serving  staff, kitchen staff; food; licenses; entertainment etc - an appropriate setting for our wonderful clothes and the fun and fearless ladies who wear -  at  less than 24 hours’ notice. After much searching through Friday night into the wee hours of Saturday morning, we finally agreed with the Café Royal Hotel in Regent Street that they had the ability to hold the event.

And what a great job they did in every respect and in the most Spectacular settings. So many thanks go to Marina and her team at the Café Royal – flawless.

Well like most of us at this time of year, the shops all seem very similar and we just can’t find that perfect dress. Shopping is losing its sparkle, the changing rooms sweating and the lights needing a brighter bulb.

Sick of the high street Denise reached out to us on Facebook to plea to see our dresses in store. Well, what better way to see the catalogue of dresses we have than invite her to see where the magic happens and help her to find ‘the one’.

At 11am we welcomed a shivering Denise and her son Luke to our office, and immediately lost her to the auctionjacksonville wardrobe. First she tried the Cross Front 40’s Dress and was sold. Why is it the first dress is always the one we love the most, and have to go back for? After getting to try on our new in’s, and even our not yet seen items, Denise walked away with a larger wardrobe and a lighter purse, smiling all the way. Just before 1pm we waved them both goodbye and sat back down to our desk work. Isn’t quite the same as getting to show off our dresses.

Well 40 seconds after the lift had closed, a lady named Denize entered our building for her appointment to see our dresses. Scratching my head a bit I went to greet her. Hadn’t we just seen her? Did she forget something? But wait a minute, this is a different lady! Tentatively shaking her hand I wondered if we had an impostor. But no. This lady was in desperate need of the perfect dress for her upcoming 60^th Birthday. She deserved the perfect dress, and we were there to help.  After trying on many dresses from the Nancy Marilyn Chiffon dress, or a special made one of a kind couture, she found the perfect dress in the 40’s Angel Sleeve Lurex in purple. It was a definite winner. It ticked all the boxes.

After sitting down to a cup of coffee and a good chat with Denize, we realised our mistake. Two Denise’s had asked to  see our dresses, and Gifi had had a senior moment and didn’t realise it was two different women and invited them both – thankfully at different times. Although, no chance of forgetting their name!

We do love having members come and see us, and find great pleasure in helping them find the perfect dress.

If you ever want to come and see us, see where the magic happens and meet the team, or need any help, just email [email protected] and we will have the kettle boiled ready for your arrival.