Spring Fashion Week
21st – 25th March
In-house fashion shows every day.
Floral prints are still flourishing but they are more subtle and a little more abstract.
We are here to help you through the journey of choosing your outfit.
Welcome!
I am in my 27th year at Anne Furbank and I can honestly say I am more excited about the collections that are coming in for this spring and summer than ever before.
Every time I come to work it makes me smile. As I walk through the rooms full of colour, fun and newness of style, on both floors it brings me joy and a true sense of how fashion can bring joy into our lives. Every live Facebook fashion show we do at 9am on a Saturday morning I can barely contain my excitement and the adjectives of wonderful, beautiful and stylish don’t seem to do the collections justice.
It is exciting to be excited. It give me a renewed energy and judging by the reaction from those of you that have already come into the shop this year a sense of empowerment and joy.
The magazine is just a taster of what is in store so do come and see for yourself and share in the delight this season’s collections will bring you.
4 Step into Spring
5 Spring Fashion Week
6 Importance of basics
8 Flower Power
10 Wedding Special
12 Understanding your body shape
14 Why we love a pocket
15 Meet the designer
16 Summer shoes
18 Loungewear to relax in
20 Italian by design
22 Tidy wardrobe
Rebecca Furbank Managing DirectorAnne Furbank, 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5WZ Shop: 01480 811333 Office: 01480 811321 annefurbank.co.uk
Candy floss pink and sunset ombres – it’s going to be a colourful, sunny spring - full of fun, creativity, and life. We saw plenty of colour in the autumn and winter and that trend continues this season but with a sprinkling of sunshine.
Harnessing our desire for holidays - blue waters, cocktails and painted houses, the fashion designers have created their own travel package and turned it into a spring wardrobe to love.
Mango oranges, palm leaf greens, cobalt blues and strawberry ice-cream colours are just some of the trend colours for spring 2023. You will be able to open your wardrobe and immediately be whisked off to holiday heaven. They’ve even offered shades of sand that will make you want to feel the beach between your toes.
Shapes are soft and feminine but not sloppy. Everything from delicate chiffon blouses to unstructured suiting, warming us up to the idea of adding a little more structure to our lives.
Trouser shapes are still in transition, or maybe it’s a permanent state of flux, with everything from slim-fitting cotton crops to wide, pull-on, relaxed styles, with colour still dominating these pieces.
While the designers re-invent their collections every year, and that brings us great joy and inspiration, ultimately it is about you choosing pieces that will help you look and feel your best. Spring 2023 gives you that choice to be who you are.
We would love you to join us for our Spring Fashion Week, with the bubbles flowing, a fashion show each day and a gift with purchase, it is the perfect way to really step into spring.
It will be hard to narrow down the choice for our daily 11am shows in store, but with the rest of the shop to look at, and our team of girls on hand, you will not be short of inspiration.
To reserve your seat, please call the shop on 01480 811333 or email shop@annefurbank.co.uk
Throughout our Spring Fashion Week there will be a complimentary gift, with purchase, of the beautifully fragrant Rathbornes Dublin Dawn candle. Rathbornes, established in 1488, are the oldest candle company in the world and they still hand pour their candles today to ensure the fragrance lasts all the way through the burn.
Simply make a purchase during our Spring Fashion Week and the candle is yours to take home.
Complimentary
It may not be glamorous, or particularly exciting, but getting the basics right in your wardrobe is important. Think of it as the walls and foundations of a house, around which you can add the pieces that make it truly personal.
So what are the basics? These really should be things in your wardrobe that you can’t live without. Items that offer versatility and items you will get maximum wear out of, items that are worth investing in. A jacket, a white t-shirt or shirt, a pair of jeans and a dress.
A jacket – it doesn’t have to be a classic blazer to be classed as essential. What you do need to consider is the versatility of a jacket. You need to be able to wear it both casual and smart and it needs to work with the colour palette in your wardrobe. A bright pink jacket can still work with plenty of prime colours while a sandy coloured option works with more earthy tones. Of course, the classic navy blazer will last for years to come.
A white t-shirt/shirt - while white is a clean option you can choose any neutral colour if your skin complexion demands a warmer tone. The importance in this item is the quality, both of fabric and styling. A flimsy, ill-fitting t-shirt will feel untidy and will do you no favours. The t-shirt/shirt gives you
A pair of jeans - price per wear jeans are worth investing in. There is such a wide choice of styles and fabrics in jeans now that it is possible to find a pair to suit any body shape. We sell jeans for all ages - it is all about the fit. A good quality pair will last in your wardrobe for years.
A dress - you may not necessarily think of a dress as a basic wardrobe item but long gone are the days when you could only wear court shoes with a dress. Fashion has developed to make a dress one of the most essential wardrobe items. You can team it with sneakers or sandals for a casual look, or wear with a court shoe and jacket for a smarter look.
Last season floral prints were big and bold with strong, contrasting colours that stood out on a dark winter’s night. Now spring has sprung, floral prints are still flourishing but they are more subtle and a little more abstract – imagine wildflower meadow rather than tropical garden.
The catwalks were full of floral dresses, from maxi to mini, from all the big name fashion designers. For us, in Buckden, Dea Kudibal is our go-to brand for floral spring and summer dresses. The designs range from their ‘Kamille’ short tunic dress to the ruffled maxi dress of ‘Fernanda’. Worn with boots in early spring and trainers and sandals come the hotter months, these dresses will take you through the seasons.
The look is reminiscent of the ‘70s although a little more chic than shabby. You will find shape and style in the designs rather than an oversize cover-up. Balloon sleeves, frilled hemlines, belted waistbands and ruffle details bring the dresses bang up to date. So while the inspiration may have come from decades ago, it has been given a new lease of life. You can choose from stretch silk or viscose, both of which are fully washable, making them all super practical.
For over 40 years we have been dressing ladies for weddings and recognise that look of trepidation as they step into the shop. We are here to help you through the journey of choosing your outfit and make you feel and look fabulous on the day.
The traditional rules of wedding attire don’t apply in the same way as they used to, with weddings taking place in such different locations, from fields to cathedrals, and the designers understand this so there is plenty of variety out there to suit all sorts of weddings.
Before you visit us get a full understanding of the theme and feel that the couple are trying to create, including colours and venue. You don’t have to have every last detail but a sense of the occasion will help you choose an outfit in which you will feel comfortable and confident on the day.
Below we have answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions and remember we are here to help. Collectively we have over 100 years experience in dressing Mothers of the Bride and Groom.
Being Mother of the Bride or Groom can be a daunting prospect. Let’s face it - you are not ‘Mother of’ every day and choosing an outfit for such a special day might be completely out of your comfort zone.
When should I buy my outfit?
That really depends on you. Usually, we recommend 3-6 months before the event. The longer the time you have the less stressful it will be. We have dressed ladies the week before the wedding and some 18 months before.
I’m going to lose weight, shall I buy a size smaller than I am?
We would always recommend buying an outfit that fits you now. It can be difficult to know where the weight will be lost from and you really don’t want to put that added pressure on yourself.
Can I wear trousers?
If you feel more confident and comfortable in trousers then absolutely but still remember you are a special guest and so you need to make sure the outfit is special too.
I’m Mother of the Bride/Groom but I don’t want a typical Mother of the Bride/Groom outfit. If we had a pound for every time we heard this we would be very rich! The reality is you are Mother of the Bride/Groom and while it might be out of your comfort zone you will feel more uncomfortable on the day wearing a dress you could have worn to work. We are there to listen to you and help you choose an outfit in which you feel special as well as being comfortable.
Should I match the bridesmaids’ colours? The more formal the wedding the more formal the photographs, so it may be better to tone with the wedding party. That doesn’t mean match, so do not get focused on just one colour.
Do my shoes and bag need to match?
The simple answer is no, they do not need to match but it is often easier to buy the two together to ensure one doesn’t clash with the other.
We come in all different shapes and sizes but we can usually be categorised into 1 of 5 groups. Understanding which group you fall into will help you choose a dress that will flatter your figure and give you the confidence to feel fabulous on the day.
Apple, pear, inverted triangle, rectangle and hourglass – with each shape comes a style of dress that would be most flattering. Style is not about wearing the latest trend, it is about highlighting your best features.
An hourglass figure is curvy where the hips and bust are proportionate to each other with a well-defined waist. Dresses that have enhanced waistlines like a fit and flare are perfect. Avoid dresses that are too free-flowing as they may look boxy. Try scoop or v-necklines to accentuate the line to the waist.
The pear is where the hips and bottom are wider than the shoulders and bust. Highlighting the top half of the body helps to balance things out. Ruffles and full sleeves draw attention to the upper part of the body. Wider boat or sweetheart necklines help broaden the shoulders for a more even silhouette.
Inverted triangle shapes tend to need more definition to the waist, again fit and flare dresses are great for this as they also help balance out the hips. Embroidery, feathers, sequins and applique on the bottom half draw the eye down. Definitely avoid shoulder pads!
For rounder apple shapes, with little waist definition, adding structure can help give the illusion of a waist. Apple shapes tend to have good legs, so show those off.
Rectangular shapes benefit from defined waistlines to add curve to the body. Avoid outfits that are too vertical like a straight jacket and trousers.
So why do they excite us so much? Well, we think it gives us a sense of calm to a dressy occasion. It is a comfort blanket when you don’t know what to do with your hands and is a great place to store a tissue should you need it!
So why have pockets suddenly started appearing in dresses and, more surprisingly, in occasionwear, when they have been around for about 500 years! Actually, pockets for women started around the 1600s as a separate garment that was tied on between a skirt and a petticoat. They held everything from pincushions and thimbles to pencils and combs.
In the 1800s that changed as the fashion trend slimmed everything down and so the early handbags were born. Tiny little purses, pinned onto straighter skirts or attached to a belt - more decorative than functional and a status symbol, signalling a life of leisure.
Over the years, handbags have become part and parcel of everyday life, changing in size from tiny clutch bags to oversize shoulder bags you could almost climb into.
Back to the pocket and the relatively recent introduction to dresses and, in particular, occasionwear and that is also down to fashion. As skirts have become fuller there is plenty of space in the design to hide a pocket so we have our own comfort blanket in everything, from a pair of jeans to a mother of the bride outfit.
‘It’s got pockets!’ ...the squeal of delight from the fitting room when you discover the dress you are falling in love with also has pockets!!
The incredible creator behind the stunning designs of Veni Infantino is Veni herself. Here we find out about her journey into fashion design and where she takes her inspiration from.
Why did you decide to become a designer?
When I was at secondary school a teacher spotted my talent and helped me apply to go to the London College of Fashion and University of Arts. There I flourished and fell in love with designing and was lucky enough to secure a job straight away.
What inspires your collections?
Travelling. When I travel I see such a variety of interesting colours, colour schemes and an array of shapes. When I attend designer days, I get to see women and how their figures differ. It inspires me to think outside the box. I listen to what they want and I ask myself how I can make it work, not only for them, but others as well.
Did you always know you wanted to work in fashion?
Yes I did. Always. Ever since I was a child. All I did when I was about 8 or 9 was sew clothes with my grandmother.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
I love Rome and New York. I really look forward to those places when I have to go.
What about your interests outside of work?
I always say to my kids if you find a job you love you never have to do a days’ work in your life. I’ve been very fortunate in my life that I have found that so to be honest, the one thing I love other than my job is spending time with my family.
What’s most important when it comes to designing a new collection?
Probably doing as much research as possible. Making sure I understand my market and who I am designing for. That for me is the key and once I understand that I can go into my sketching mode and literally sketch for days.
We have two new shoe brands to introduce to you this season, one from Spain and one from Italy – two countries that are very well known and respected for producing high quality shoes.
From Italy we have Nero Giardini which is a lovely, privately owned, footwear brand with it’s heart in Italy and a pride to maintain that heritage. It commits to using only the best leathers from Italian tanneries and supporting the craftsmen and women who continue to make their shoes. It is a brand where you will find everything from sneakers to great wedge sandals and even some glamorous court shoes.
Kanna espadrilles from Spain will be your go to pair for the summer, providing comfort and style. Each pair is crafted by hand using natural fabrics throughout. Jute is the foundation of the espadrilles which is stitched by hand onto soles of either flatforms or wedges. Linens, cottons and leathers on the upper part of the sandal hold the foot in place and with the additional elastane stretch at strategic points allowing for movement and comfort when you are striding out. We are delighted to have them in store.
Both brands will sit alongside our trusty Kennel & Schmenger label which continues to deliver outstanding footwear.
Loungewear, or leisure wear, has become part and parcel of our wardrobe. You don’t need to be a regular gym goer, or a lady of leisure, with people looking after your every whim, in order to add loungewear to your wardrobe.
It is designed to be worn around the house but smart enough that you don’t feel scruffy if you need to pop to the shops. It is casual wear that is super comfortable and has also become a perfect travelling companion.
The best thing about today’s loungewear is that it will blend seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. You can wear your loungewear top to toe for a sporty look or team pieces with jeans or add a blazer to take it up a level.
Sticking to one colour top and bottom can keep the look feeling polished. Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is to invest in quality pieces. You should never compromise on pieces that give you most wear.
This desire to present your best self is what drives Italian fashion to be a leader in the global fashion market. Three of our brands are Italian, D’Exterior, Rosso 35 and Sarah Pacini, very different from each other but equally excelling in the art of design, class and quality. Each one designing clothes for women to help empower them and make the most of the beautiful female form.
We like to think of Rosso 35 as a moment of calm in a chaotic life of fashion. It is clean and natural and has an elegance that will not fade over time. Each piece is simple quality and the spring and summer collection focuses on the use of cool linens and cottons.
D’Exterior
D’Exterior started life in the 1950s, when swimsuits were knitted! That was a long time ago but the craftsmanship of knitwear is still key to the brand. Highly qualified Italian manufacturers continue to make knitted dresses, tops, skirts and jackets, all sculpted to follow the female body. The spring collection still brings that luxurious feel and stands out as a work of art.
Sarah Pacini has a much more architectural approach, bringing art, design and fashion together. Harnessing true Italian qualities and bringing the very best of the best into their designs. Each piece is designed with a forever look, ensuring your investment in them is rewarded by years of joy that each garment brings.
Putting order into your wardrobe will help you enjoy your clothes so much more. If you open your wardrobe and despair at the chaos, grabbing for the first thing you can put your hand on, now is the time for a wardrobe cleanse! It’s spring after all so time for a wardrobe spring clean.
If you pack away your clothes to match the seasons, make sure you take a good look at each piece and ask yourself, how many times you have worn it in the last year. If the answer is zero, it’s time to recycle it. If you are not sure if your white shirt is truly white anymore or if the seat of your trousers is wearing a bit thin, it is time to recycle them. If there are items in your wardrobe that don’t fit anymore, it is time to recycle them. If your lifestyle has changed and you have gone from a suited office job to retirement, those suits, however good, will not get worn, it’s time to recycle them.
Once you have been ruthless then it’s time to put things in order. Match up all your hangers, you won’t believe the transformation. Having the same style of hanger throughout your wardrobe instantly puts order into your clothes. Finally, put your clothes in an order that works for you, whether that is all trousers together or outfits together, or colours together. We all have different ways we organise things so do what works for you.
March
Saturday 11th In store Marc Cain fashion show
Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th Spring launch – show every day at 11am
April
Saturday 8th (Easter Saturday) In-store Repeat fashion show
May
Saturday 13th In-store Summer Wardrobe Fashion Show
June
Saturday 10th In-store Holiday/Joseph Ribkoff Fashion Show
Our online shows continue throughout the year (nearly) every Saturday at 9am on our Facebook page.
Debbie Daniels Sales Director
Clare JewersDebbie Tomlin