We had an especially busy week this year, we had designed a new collection for our on-line catalogue and it was photographed on the 25^th, so watch this space, we will have the new designs available very shortly.  On Friday morning all my helpers packed my car to bulging, I really must get an estate, with all we needed for the trade day and off I set. 

Early bird girls were already arriving in Edinburgh from mid-morning, as they made their way from all corners of the U.K. -   or just along the M8!  We were so heavily subscribed this year, we “spilled out” into several Guest Houses too.  Everyone settled in and prettied themselves up for the Ice Breaker Party at 7.30pm.  One of the first to arrive was the lovely Grace Kelly, aka Tiffany, meticulously accessorised.  By the time Louise started the quiz at about 8pm, the Lounge was very busy, as new friends chatted and old ones caught up on the gossip.  The competition was fierce, but the Trudy table won the tiebreaker and a round of drinks, mostly cokes – good girls!  After the quiz, the disco went into full swing and it didn’t take much for the floor to fill and there was much shaking and wobbling of bodies – dancing?   A delicious hot buffet was served in the restaurant at 9.30pm.     Many girls take every opportunity to give all their outfits an airing at such weekends, a challenge to see if you can tell who “she” is, has she just arrived or is it just “Sandra” in a different outfit/wig/shoes/jewellery.

 Saturday morning was another beautiful sunny day; the Scottish climate can be wonderful – sometimes!  As everyone enjoyed a wonderful breakfast, all the exhibitors were very busy setting up trade stands.

 Hide and Sleek - we had our usual collection of shoes, clothes, corsetry, wigs, magazines and a wonderful selection of jewellery, with the beautiful diamante pieces being very popular.

 V.R.Storey Cosmetics – from Scarborough, brought a huge selection of cosmetics and fragrances, many bargains on brand names.

 Laura Antebi – offered pencil sketch portraits, she was very quick and at £10, it was an unusual memento of the weekend.

 Myra - Nails Unlimited, a local beauty salon, was kept very busy all day.  With her staff, she offered mini treatments, false nails, eyebrow tidy etc.  This was their first time at such an event and they enjoyed themselves so much, they insist on being there next year.  Myra and her partner returned in the evening to join us for the competition, they had a fabulous time.

 Yvonne Hardy - Total Image- joined us again this year.  She provides colour analysis and image advice.  It’s amazing how much better we all look when wearing colours suited to our complexions and styles to suit our shape. 

 P.R.T.Photography -  Paula had photographed our new collection on Thursday and had invaluable advice for girls when posing, what to do with their hands, how to angle shoulders to minimize width and loads of other tips.

Laura and Emma – had lots of bargains on their second hand stand of clothes, jewellery and bags.

 Gary, the Hide and Sleek make-up artist, hosted an informal question and answer session around the coffee table, he could have talked for hours, but had to be excused as he and Ann had a full appointments diary for make-overs for the Evening Ball.

 Pre Dinner drinks were expected to begin about 7.30pm, but lots of girls were so keen they were changed into their finery and made gorgeous long before that.  Dinner was served a little after 8pm, a wonderful menu, which took us to the main event of the weekend.  It is quite clear how much enjoyment entering such competitions has; we had no trouble obtaining 18 contestants! All the girls were ushered away to get changed into their day wear outfits and the first contestants nervously made their way through the audience.  One after the other received such a rapturous round of applause, all nerves were soon forgotten.  After a quick change into evening outfits, all 18 once again made their way to meet Louise for a very short interview, mostly humorous, and then all they had to do was wait.  This year we thought it would be nice for everyone to be involved in the voting procedure, so each guest had one vote.  As all the votes were gathered and counted, it was becoming quite clear who the three main contenders were.  The final  decision was:

Winner -  Alison Kelly from Glasgow

First prize is an outfit to be designed and made to the value of £250

First runner up - Jennifer from the West of Scotland  

Won a £25 voucher  from Hide and Sleek

Second runner up - Gabrielle from Merseyside

Won a £15 voucher from Hide and Sleek

 Last years winner, Melanie from Fife, crowned Alison with the diamond encrusted tiara.  She  returned to hand over her crown, wearing her stunning ice blue gown she designed as her prize.    

 As the three finalists were presented with their awards, the barrage of “photographers” jostling for position looked like a Miss World contest!!!!!!  Alison took photo calls for ages and paraded around in her sash and tiara for hours.

For the rest of the evening Gordon, the DJ, must have got the music just right,  I don’t think the floor was ever empty.  As usual lots of girls changed into more clubby outfits, but the belles of the ball were Tiffany, Karen and Nicky who returned looking like the Andrews sisters, well sort of!

By 1am when the music finished and the bar was taking last orders, no-one wanted to leave, they were keen to party on for ages yet.  Do you think we need a 2am licence next year?

Throughout the Sunday morning everyone Louise and I spoke to said what a wonderful time they had, assuring us they would be back next year, and saying once a year was not enough.  Well, we have already had bookings for next year 25-27th October, and  have pleasure in announcing we are also  hosting a weekend  7-9th June 2002 with a new, different appeal.