Clothes Show Live's 21 years in fashion
Fashion fans were packing a punch in the credit crunch today as the world's biggest fashion and beauty extravaganza opened in the West Midlands.
Clothes Show Live kicked off the Christmas festivities in style as it returned to Birmingham NEC for its 21st year. The six-day event features fashion shows, celebrity appearances and hundreds of beauty brands and stylish boutiques – among which is a Black Country businesswoman with a passion for vintage fashion and jewellery.
Former teacher Sally Stanton left school-life behind to turn her hobby into a full-time career and is showcasing her business, Sally's Jewellery, at the show.
The 35-year-old, from Pelsall, near Walsall, has loved all-things vintage from an early age.
She spent her childhood weekends selling fashion and jewellery at bric-a-brac stalls at markets across the West Midlands.
And despite going off to university and becoming an English teacher at Cannock Chase High School, she still maintained her love for jewellery and would continue attending markets at weekend.
Then when the opportunity arose she decided to take it up full-time, running the business with partner Trevor Haynes, 33.
"I used to mainly focus on jewellery but I've also expanded to include vintage clothes and handbags.
"I like retro, but I do love all eras, from the 30s and 40s to 50s and funky 60s, through to 70s and 80s. High street stores have a lot of 80s-style clothing, while I actually have original 80s clothing," added Sally, who sources her items from antique fairs and markets.
Sally will be displaying a selection of her items, which range from £3 for jewellery and £15 upwards for handbags, in the Vintage Village area at the Clothes Show.
"I'm thrilled to be at the 21st Clothes Show Live. I made my first appearance there last year and had a great reaction, so am delighted to be back again," she added.
The show, which runs from today through to Wednesday, bills itself as the only event in the world where visitors can experience the ultimate girls' day out all under one roof.
The event's famous Fashion Theatre returns to offer an unrivalled mix of fashion, models and dance performances as part of a spectacular 45-minute show.
* Tickets for the show are available from 0844 579 3178 or by visiting the website www.clothesshowlive.com where full details will also be available
