Our Charity Dress Event

Our Barking Mad Charity Dress Sale was a huge success. We were so touched how many people offered to help, as well as those who donated clothes and prizes

With such a hectic diary I was concerned about the last minute logistics, but my friend and co-organiser Sarah Milne and her team and family did a fantastic job at Braceborough HQ

Days before the event it was a race against time washing and ironing clothes at all hours, rallying around finding rails, mannequins and jewellery displays

Carefully folding clothes and collecting furniture, props, a cash till, carrier bags and the last minute things

We wanted to make the shopping event a pre-loved boutique experience, that everyone could enjoy even on the tightest budget

We enlisted the help of dress agencies and retailers, deciding to price everything at a good price in the hope everything would sell. (We were delighted that this tactic worked a treat)

On the day home-made cakes and cloudy lemonade were brought in, as well as handmade chocolates and lollipops in paw print designs. These were all a huge hit and everyone enjoyed afternoon tea

Jugs of spring flowers and vibrant tissue paper pom-poms graced the hall ensuring a spring appearance and fragrance to welcome our guests

TV presenter Catherine Gee (from Escape to the Country) cut the ribbon and officially opened the sale.  We presented her with a bouquet of Spring Tulips after she cut the ribbon

Crowds flocked in and were mesmerised by the quality designer bargains on rails.  The first purchase included Vivienne Westwood, LK Bennett and Escada clothing costing £27 instead of £500!

Queues soon gathered and each item was gift wrapped in tissue and placed in a brown carrier bag tied with ribbon. Everyone loved the small touches and effort that we put in on the day, especially the ones that went on baby girl dresses.

People were delighted with their armfuls of bargains, with many designer pieces including Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe, LK Bennett, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, Dior, Joules, Per Una and Jasper Conran.

There are so many people to thank including our sponsors and helpers, Country Living Magazine, Elena Alice china hire, LMRT web design, Three Counties Dog Rescue, Jayne Hitchen, the residents and friends of Braceborough, local press and many others.

Thanks also to those who donated fantastic raffle prizes including Entsorga, Leonard Interiors of Bourne, Sly Dress Agency, Glender Launders, Catherine Kaye, Wil Fry, Stamford Curves, Tricia Balson, Hester Creswell, Dawn Robinson and Lisa Hinks

The event went so quickly that we were drawing the raffle before we knew it… the afternoon was now evening and cups of tea had been replaced by glasses of Prosecco.

Our event raised £1263 and the remainder of the clothes and accessories will be sold in Stamford and Peterborough so we hope to raise £1500.

Three Counties Rescue do a superb job and work endlessly to help animals, their volunteers came along and even some of the dogs popped in to join the party (and fell asleep with all of the excitement)

It was such a sucess that we are already organising the next one in February 2014. If you would like to get involved please let us know!