Searching the high street for a client’s wardrobes and those classic capsule items to build upon, I often find myself in Guildford’s Hobbs store. For my latest article for Vantage Point magazine, I interviewed Jay Syedan, manager for Hobbs with his cheerful, ‘can do’ attitude.
Guildford’s Hobbs team hugs; manager Jay, right
Jay joined the company in 2011, working his way to Store Manager in Guildford last September, with a role of overseeing other stores in the south too. Introducing the new deputy manager, Charlotte, who has moved over from the concession at House of Fraser, team leader Amy and in-house stylist Ana-Maria, who are just a few members of the busy team.
The Hobbs story started in 1981 when Marilyn Anselm opened a shoe store in Hampstead, West London. Expanding into fashion a few years later, accessories are still a huge part of the design brief, with shoes made in their own factory in Porto San Giorgio on the Adriatic Coast of Italy, from classic patent to on-trend metallic brogues.
Predominantly known for dressier outfits you can also find simple holiday dresses, long skirts, t-shirts and shirts with a high percentage of natural fabrics for cool wafting. They have even introduced a swimwear range in block colours or a fun flamingo print. I love this little tea dress with a vintage vibe, perfect with white trainers and denim jacket or strappy heels if required.
But for classic genius, the tailored jackets are a must in your wardrobe, in fact, one of my favourite all time jackets is a Hobbs three quarter length black Crombie style number (worn as a coat for Autumn layers) and very similar to their Camellia Coat, below.
Or add a colour-of-the-moment bag, if you can’t wear it as clothing, with their cross over bag in sunny yellow.
As the Guildford team are well versed in setting up events they welcome any company or group of friends to use their customer friendly changing spaces, (i.e. room to swing a cat!) So with that in mind, I have some dates in June where I will be hosting Workshops for small groups to come and experiment with new styles and colour. We will all try scarf tying ideas and most importantly find your capsule wardrobe staples. I would also like you to bring along an item you love but find tricky to match into an outfit..I am hoping to fix that too.
STYLE WORKSHOPS (small groups so booking is essential)
Tuesday 19th June, Wednesday 20th June, Friday 22nd June, Saturday 23rd June
HOBBS, 141 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AD
Tickets, £30, including refreshments, a few surprises and 20% off full priced items.
For details or booking, please email me, kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com or contact the store on 01481 579646.
Look forward to seeing you there.
K x
