One of the real joys of blogging is when you hear that you've got mail noise as an exciting invite lands in your inbox. I'm an absolute sucker for a store event at the best of times and since starting Cagney and Lace I find my diary constantly filling up with travel worthy events from brands that float my boat so when an invite from Hobbs arrived at Cagney and Lace HQ I must admit I was a little surprised. Hobbs isn't a shop I usually venture into as I've always perceived it to be a little twee and dare I say it, old fashioned but hey, if it's good enough for Kate Middleton and my hair crush Kim Sears I'm game... 

Tartan & Leather Coat: Zara & Paisley Print Dress: ASOS

Team Hobbs rather kindly invited my mum along too so after a few giggles on the train shiz got real as we arrived in York and I realised I'd left my memory card at home, what a blogger fail! Thankfully my mum happened to have a camera on her (what that lady keeps in her bag never ceases to amaze me) so she quickly took the role of official photographer, thanks mum. 

 A 9am store preview meant we were ready for sustenance as soon as we stepped foot in store but amazingly the Hobbs ladies had the fodder under control - I may have enjoyed a mini smoothie, fruit cocktail and pastry, well they were mini! Wandering around the newly refurbished York store I soon realised Hobbs have turned a new fashion corner, not only did the store feel incredibly open and easy-to-shop in but they're bringing it with the beautifully made trend led pieces - I'm looking at you NW3 collection, whilst still keeping the more traditional Hobbs customer happy and don't get me started on the shoes, oh my days. The Hobbs shoe designers deserve a fashion reward, the collection is that good.
I adore this Chaffinch Shirt from the NW3 collection
My mum adored the Arianna Slingback, so chic
I nearly splurged on this Oria dress which looks like something from Mollie Kings wardrobe, non?
How Autumnal is this ensemble? Head to toe NW3, yes please.
This painterly co-ord reminds me of something you'd find in Whistles

Hobbs rather kindly gave me a £50 gift card to spend on the day so after a serious trying on sesh I decided on this quilted skirt - quilting is going to be huge for Autumn Winter, not only does it look stylish but it also keeps you super toasty. I've actually been admiring leather quilted skirts for quite a while but after spotting this one, which actually reminds me of a Barbour coat, in Hobbs leather went right to the back of my mind. Expect to see this beauty in an outfit of the day post on my little corner of the Internet very soon.

At 11 o'clock Hobbs officially opened, not only was there ribbon cutting and general whooping but there was also the Cinderella cab. The Cinderella cab was a genius idea - not only did it look pretty, decked out in a lovely Hobbs pattern but it also housed thirty shoe boxes which were given to the first thirty customers to enter the new look store at 11 o'clock. Prior to hammer shoe time ladies began to queue...


Rather amazingly both my mum and I were two of the first thirty customers to enter the store and were each given a shoe box to exchange for any pair of shoes we fancied, how generous? My mum plumped for a pair of knee high black suede flatties while I chose these bad boys below - never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come home with a complimentary pair of boots and I must say I feel incredibly thankful. I can't wear to wear these Otto boots this Autumn Winter season, not only are they super comfy but they'll go with practically everything, what a winner. 



One thing that really made the morning were the staff at Hobbs, it's a while since I've encountered such friendly, helpful and attentive ladies and I must say they really are a credit to the York store so thank you Kayleigh-Anne for inviting me. Since buying our own abode I've been trying to shop less but better, this usually results in me spending more money but buying fewer more quality pieces which I'll wear time and time again. If this is your fashion mantra then I'd definitely pop into your local Hobbs next time you're shopping...I know I will be.

Have you ever shopped in Hobbs? Are you tempted to peruse your local store?