Last weekend, on the most gloriously sunny Sunday we have had this year (unlike today) I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to the rather swanky Royal Crescent Hotel, for a preview of this year’s Bath in Fashion extravaganza, which will be taking place in the city in May.

The city was looking particularly picturesque in the sunshine, and I have to admit I felt a bit celebrity-like as I strutted on past the tourists and straight into the glorious gardens of the Royal Crescent Hotel. It seemed to go on forever, and there was an amazing looking brass chair thing swinging from a tree, which I could have happily sat in and basked in the sunshine all day. Sadly though (!) it was time for our tea and biscuits, and a preview of what is to come from Bath in Fashion this year.

Bath in Fashion is a pretty serious affair. I feel rather ashamed of myself for not partaking in more events in Bath, particularly as it’s only a short distance from Bris, and I work just down the road! Considering the stellar line up of talks and events happening this year, it would be silly not to – as well as workshops, vintage fairs and film events, there are a number of talks hosted throughout the city, with big names such as Meadham Kirchhoff, BIBA creator Barbara Hulanicki, and MD of Topshop, Mary Homer. There was even mention of hundreds of crocheted roses adorning roman columns throughout the week of the festival; now that’s surely something worth seeing! I’m quite sad I was too late to get involved.

The next part of our action-packed day was a scavenger hunt across the city, to find this year’s trends (including pastels, florals and metallics) and to assemble outfits and upload them to using the hashtag #bathinfashion. Our team, the ‘Fashion Vultures’ included myself, Amie, Sophie, Jess and Hayley. We spent the best part of an hour and a half scouring the city’s best boutiques (and maybe a small stop at Pret a Manger) and hastily arranging and displaying outfits, and guess what? WE ONLY WON! I got to take home a lovely little green beauty box from Souk Souk (post to follow!).

After our tiring hunt it was back to the Fashion Museum, downstairs in the absolutely stunning Assembly Rooms. I snuck off to pretend I was a Georgian (ie, twirling about in an empty chandeliered room) and take some photos of the building.

It was then time for a look around the museum, which is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to Georgian Fashion, and its influences on modern couture. The dress in the middle is Vivienne Westwood, which I couldn’t stop gawping at (I wish I got a proper picture!). The piece de resistance, however, was the stunning Christopher Kane dress, chosen as the Dress of the Year for 2013. It’s nice to see how the tastes and styles have changed over the years, as a collection of the past dresses are on display next to this one.

The whole day was almost trumped completely, however, when I GOT TO DRESS UP AS A VICTORIAN. Words cannot express how excited I am about this (seriously, all I want to go is type sjsoijsopfnjuwemkoldfplspjiowqnklal) so caps will have to do. As previously expressed on this blog, anything Industrial Revolution-based makes me extremely happy, and only added to this giddy wonderment of dressing up was people telling me I actually suited being a Victorian – I am very close to just quitting my day job and living my whole life in a bonnet. The two lovely ladies in the top photo are Jo and BFF Ellie. I think we all look rather spiffing.

After our dress-up fun-time there was just enough time for a swift glass of champers then it was back on a train to Bristol. I had the most fantastic day, and would like to thank for organising, plus The Royal Crescent Hotel, the Fashion Museum, Bath BID and Visit Bath. I can’t wait to check out all the fab things at Bath in Fashion this year, from 3rd-10th May!