On Wednesday I headed to The Soho Hotel in London for an exclusive preview of Next's new Summer collection, coming this May! Before making my way to the event I met up with two of my favourite blogger pals, Kylie of Memoir Mode and Stephanie of FAIIINT. I was excited to see the new ins, grab some afternoon tea and get pampered!
Obligatory blogger bath tub pose.
When we walked in I was instantly drawn to the pretty pastel pieces, I love the fluffy knits and all the lace/crochet! There were some beautiful lace dresses and a cute Summer sequin dress, perfect for wearing on an evening... Sequins are for life, not just for Christmas! I did get teased a bit for looking like I belonged in the first rail of clothes but I didn't mind. I'm now officially a pale pink convert.
There were also lots of bold statement prints and some adorable satchels on display. How sweet is this mini brown bag!? I noticed several pairs of espadrilles, including a super cool metallic pair which I need to take on holiday. While we browsed the Summer range, we were treated to some tasty treats and drinks.
I almost went into a food coma after *accidentally* eating 4 cakes...Whoops! London-based Blow Ltd were offering complimentary 'blows' so the Kylie, Stephanie and I decided to get braids. I opted for the Blow n' Braid, I've always wanted to try a halo braid and stylist Tanya is an absolute gem. Not only is she a hair genius, she's bubbly and really nice too!
Photo taken by Stephanie of FAIIINT.

This would normally cost £25 and it's something I'm definitely going to get done again in their salon. It took less than 30 minutes (probably more like 20) and I was over the moon with the results. Blow Ltd asked if they could take a photo at each different stage of the braid for their Instagram page so if you're curious, it's here. There is a tutorial video on their website but I just don't have the skills needed to do it myself.
Photo credit: Stephanie of FAIIINT.
I also had my nails painted by Bianca's Nail Secrets which I adore! I chose 'Mermaid Tears' by OPI with lilac/white flowers, to match Next's floral Summer pieces. I always spend forever painting my nails but the girls were such professionals and I was all done in under 10 minutes. Amazing! Here is a better Instagram snap of my finished nails.
Kylie, me and Stephanie.
What are you looking forward to wearing this Summer? Are you a fan of hair braids?
T - Yearning for warmer weather.
Aaw, you all look so cute and pretty! I love the braids they did for each of you too (I don't think I'd be able to recreate them either!). I still haven't got the hang of waterfall braids. Aside from the braiding fun, the new collection looks really pretty too :) I adore pastels lately! xxx
ReplyDeleteLooks like an amazing event, and the clothes all look lovely! Your hair looks gorgeous like that Tara, those snaps of the afternoon tea are making me very hungry too! x
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lovely pictures!!!
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I am dying from jealously!!! I wanted to come join you so badly. The collection looks marvelous, all these pastel colours are so yummy!
ReplyDeleteAlso having your hair and nails done, that was over the top!
Love your braids they suit you perfectly :)
xx
i love hair braids, and hopefully when my hair is longer i can braid it all day, all night - yours looks gorgeous all plaited up ! the collection colours and textures look lovely, what a fun event :)
ReplyDeleteLauren x
Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography - www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk
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I love that hair style! The braid looks super chic and can be dressed up or down. I love the cardi you are wearing as well, it looks so comfy!
ReplyDeleteThat event look like so much fun! Your hair ended up amazing--love it!
ReplyDeleteXxMO
madame-ostrich.com
You Kylie and Stephanie all looked fabulous after your having your hair done, but then again you always look fabulous. The fashions on the rails at Next's Summer 2014 Collection preview look beautiful. I love the pinks, yellows, crochet and lace. That sheer lacy pink blouse on the rack in the third photo looks beautiful. I think the yellow crochet top in the fourth photo would look wonderful styled with the pleated pink skirt in the second photo. I love the obligatory bathtub photo. The event looks like it was extremely enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteP.S.: Thank you so much for your comments and weekend wishes on my blog at http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter!!!
A very happy weekend to you too!
Very cute! I love the hair braided, I wore this style to a friend's end of summer early autumn wedding. You all look so lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
/Madison
Your photography is so amazing! I love the braided hairstyles so much :) x
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I love the pinks & pastels, they just look so pretty. You are so spring ready with the hair & nails! Love it
ReplyDeleteYasmeen x
http://themirroraffects.blogspot.co.uk
Love that last picture of the three of you - sorry we didnt get to chat more xxxxx
ReplyDeleteOMG this is so cool! You're so lucky ;) you deserve it! I love the pastel colours and your hairstyle! So nice. The 1st pic is awesome :)
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Love that first snap with you all in the bathtub.. too cute!
ReplyDeleteP.s. First time to your blog.. big fan!
x Shardette
SHARDETTE BLOG
Oh wow, does that look like fun! You hair looks absolutely amazing like that! And what a pretty color for your nails, too.
ReplyDeleteall of the pics look amazing and they're really good quality! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your braid! All those pastels in the first two pics make me feeel so ready for spring!
ReplyDeleteI really wish I could have came! Would have been so lovely to finally meet you.
ReplyDeleteMegan xxx
Thumbelina Lillie | UK Fashion Blog
Looks like a gorgeous collection and a great event! <3
ReplyDeletexoxo Saranda
Sarandipity, Fashion & Lifestyle blog