WINTER NEWS 2016
WINTER WOOLLIES Wrapping yourself in cashmere is one of the joys of the winter.
DAYTIME SPARKLE
It’s time to bring some nightime glamour to your daytime wardrobe with this season’s trend ‘Daytime Sparkles’.
Winter 2016
Editor’s letter I am very excited to launch our first ever Winter Magazine, dedicated to those cosy months where you want to curl up on the sofa on a Saturday night watching Strictly and dreaming of being whisked around the floor by Aljaz, Anton or Kevin. The timing of Strictly Come Dancing on our television screens is perfect, as it really does put us in the mood for all things sparkly and, in the run up to Christmas, the more sparkles, the better. Personally I love Christmas, and try as I might to decorate my house with class and subtlety I do have a habit of throwing in a few Blackpool illuminations. Sequins and lurex are one of the season’s trends and if you thought this look was just for the evening – think again. We show you how to glitz up your daywear.
Before we hit Christmas there will undoubtedly be weeks when we have to brave the wind and rain. I know I will, as my weekends are usually spent at the side of a hockey or rugby pitch. Coats to me are like shoes – you can never have too many! Delve into the pages further on to give you a taster of what’s in store. Christmas Party nights in the hotel will be upon us before we know it. If you have booked, then get your dancing feet ready. If not, you can still enjoy some fantastic festive food throughout December.
This Winter I will be: • Wrapped up in my Armani winter down coat • Enjoying Christmas dinner at The George • Putting my feet back into patent boots • Christmas light gazing
It may be a little early but I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a cosy winter and fantastic festive season.
Becky Rebecca Furbank Managing Director
Anne Furbank 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5WZ Telephone: Shop 01480 811333 Office: 01480 811321 www.annefurbank.co.uk The George Hotel and Brasserie High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5XA Telephone: 01480 812300 www.thegeorgebuckden.com
Front cover by Nour of London Editor: Rebecca Furbank
Anne Furbank Director
Richard Furbank Director
Debbie Daniels Sales Director
Design & Print: Right Click Creative Tel: 01767 262858 www.rightclickcreative.co.uk
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Letter from Annie
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n a personal level, it has been a rollercoaster year for me. The loss of my dear mum has been tough.Yes she was a good age, 95, and I am hugely grateful for that but you always expect your mum to be there. I have taken great comfort from messages from everyone that knew her and the support from all my team has been wonderful. They keep surprising me: it was only a few weeks ago that Debbie and Jacky bought me a clematis named Barbara – so kind and thoughtful. The brick in my life, my wonderful husband Richard, has also had a health scare and although he is fighting fit again it does give you a little check to be thankful for all that you have – family, friends and a wonderful business which I treasure passionately.
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My business has been a big part of my life and it was great to be a finalist in the biggest National Independent Retailers Awards in September. At a fabulous celebration in the heart of London I looked around at industry colleagues and felt very proud to be among long established businesses as well as new and exciting ones – although I have to confess the IT terminology that some of them use was slightly over my head! We’ve got some great events coming up in the shop so don’t miss those and the hotel will soon be in full festive mode with the smell of Christmas pudding tempting me every day. Then before we know it I will be back buying for winter 2017!!
“My business has been a big part of my life and it was great to be a finalist in the biggest National Independent Retailers Awards in September”
Winter Woollies Wrapping yourself in cashmere is one of the joys of the winter.
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t is the melted chocolate of the fabric world and has become hugely accessible to every one of us. It is not confined to the classic v-neck sweater, cashmere is as versatile for design as any other wool. Mixing cashmere with other wool has enabled brands to keep the softness, adjust the price accordingly and create some fantastic shapes and styles. Repeat is king of the knitwear and make styles in 100% cashmere, 50/50 wool mix or simply a touch of cashmere.You will not fail to find a colour, style or price that is right for you.
How to care for your cashmere Unless you are getting a specific stain out then do not dry clean your cashmere knitwear, washing is much better. A large sink with cold water or a cold hand wash cycle on your washing machine is all you need. Hot water can shrink cashmere so don’t be tempted.
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Winter 2016
Cashmere facts •
Cashmere comes from goats
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Combing the underside of a goat gives the softest cashmere.
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One goat can produce approx. 4oz of cashmere annually.
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Cashmere fibre is 6 times finer than human hair
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Diary Dates for November Coats and Cashmere Show Saturday 5th November, shop open 9.30am – 5.30pm, show at 11am If there is a chill in the air we will be sure to banish it with our Coat and Cashmere show, bringing you the best of the season fashions to keep you warm. Remember to book your seats on:
01480 811333 or becky@annefurbank.com
Christmas Dressing Fashion Show Saturday 19th November shop open 9.30am – 5.30pm, shows at 10am and 2pm If you are looking for inspiration for the festive season then book your place. From your essential Christmas dress you can cook the turkey in, to something quite glam for a Christmas party – we have it covered. Remember to book your seats on:
01480 811333 or becky@annefurbank.com
Indian night at The George Thursday 24th November
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You might be lucky enough to get the last few seats at the Spanish night on Thursday 27th October but if it’s too short notice don’t miss the Indian inspired evening – the last themed evening of 2016.Two courses and a glass of wine for just £19.
To book call:
01480 812300
Winter 2016
Life sentence for Sue Sue Lindsey enjoyed a glass of fizz, with colleagues and friends, celebrating 25 years of working with Anne Furbank. ‘I can’t believe where those years have gone,’ said Sue. ‘There continues to be plenty of laughter and happiness.’ Sue was a customer at the shop and one day asked if there were any vacancies. Annie offered her the job there and then and on asking when she should start, Annie replied ‘how about tomorrow?’. ‘I remember being slightly scared so spent the morning of my first day hiding in the stock room making tea until Annie told me I needed to get out there and help the customers,’ said Sue. ‘It has been wonderful working with Sue for 25 years, her energy and enthusiasm is never ending,’ said Annie. ‘I can’t believe where those years have gone as well. Sue’s daughters were teenagers when she started work, now they have families of their own.’ Well done Sue and thank you for 25 years of loyal service.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Coats Winter coats are looking seriously good this season, we can’t wait for the temperature to drop.
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uffas with style, long wools and not forgetting fantastic faux furs. Wrapping up in a coat has definitely become a fashion statement as well as a wardrobe essential. Down puffas no longer make you look like Michelin man. Shape comes into it and clever stitching and panelling create figure illusions. The best thing is these puffas will keep you toasty warm without weighing you down. Armani and new label 7 Seasons have some great options.
£119
£300 10
Winter 2016
£409
Timeless classics – Basler make these classic coats so well, they are the ones that you will go to in 20 years’ time and they will look as stylish and good as new as they did on the day you bought it. Simplicity is the key to keeping it timeless and wool is the winning fabric that will still be with us for many years to come.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
ÂŁ475
Fashion and colour – bring joy on those dreary winter days with a touch of colour or an element of fun. Italian brand, Rosso 35, use some fantastically interesting fabrics with brick reds and sea greens making an appearance. Marc Aurel have introduced a touch of military with admiral badges stitched on the sleeve of their cotton bomber jacket.
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Winter 2016
Anne Furbank Fashion
Repeat buying Fabrics have always been a passion for Emma Ankers, having started her working career in Liberty’s, so when she joined the buying team on Repeat she was drawn to the beautiful quality of fabrics used in the collection.
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olour is key when buying, you are drawn into the collection by colour,’ said Emma, ‘but I am a huge fabric person. I love the feel of things and the lovely fabrics and fibres that Repeat use really enthuses my passion for the brand.’ It will be coming up to 10 years since Emma started coming on the Repeat buy after a room was dedicated to the brand. ‘I get hugely excited going to London for the buying. As soon as I walk into the showroom I get a feel for the colours and they do produce some wonderful tones, it is then that I delve into the different shapes, fabrics and details for the season.’ The 2016 winter season is very big for knitwear so Repeat is in its element. ‘The collection is very strong with lots of interesting shapes, beautiful colours and plenty of cashmere.’ From ordering the collection it takes 8 months before it arrives in store. ‘It is only then that we get chance to see the items and how they look on a body. There is huge brand loyalty for Repeat, customers love it and will make a point of going into the Repeat room when coming into the shop. All the girls in the shop love it and I certainly love it.’
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Winter 2016
“I love the feel of things and the lovely fabrics and fibres that Repeat use really enthuses my passion for the brand”
Facts about Founded in 1996 in Geneva, Switzerland • Started with a collection of 24 must have basics • One of the first companies to commercialise cashmere and make it an affordable luxury • The face of Repeat is world famous top model Doutzen Kroes
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Daytime ssparkle parkle by Beth Thomas
It’s time to bring some nightime glamour to your daytime wardrobe with this season’s trend ‘Daytime Sparkles’. Forget the after eight rule, sequins and lurex threads are now appearing in casual wear too.
£39
£289
Zip Up
We thought we’d start this off with a super casual outfit, to show you just how easy it is to add a touch of sparkle to your daywear. This Marc Cain sequin zip up gives a little nudge into this trend without going overboard too quickly. The neutral coloured sequins don’t demand too much attention, but still add a hint of pizazz to your outfit to make it feel special. Teamed with a simple top and a good pair of jeans, Debbie T shows how this outfit is perfect for every day.
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Winter 2016
Embossed Trouser £229
Daytime office wear and a little bit of shine need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, these D.Exterior embossed trousers might actually brighten up your working day! For workwear we think it looks great when styles are kept clean cut and anything overly girly is avoided. After all, you still want to look smart. The blue threads add a subtle hint of shine that tones nicely with the charcoal grey. Charcoal tones seem to be huge this season and are a great alternative to black.
Sequin top £229
If you fancy adding a bit of bling to your outfit, but don’t fancy venturing into sparkly clothes, why not opt for an accessory?
When you hear the phrase ‘silver sequins’ you might instantly envision that emblazoned Christmas party dress at the back of your wardrobe. However, it’s time to mix things up a bit and adjust your thinking. As long as you pair your sequined item with low-key basic pieces from your wardrobe, and also keep accessories to a minimum, you can afford to go that extra mile. See how Jacqui pairs this Oui number with a simple bag, jeans and some flat pumps – perfect for lunch with the girls!
£60
£199
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Subtle evening style We all love a bit of sparkle in our Winter wardrobe, the festive season tends to dictate that to us but glitz isn’t always appropriate for the occasion.
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f you want to opt for something a little less illuminating pick one of the labels this season that can offer glamour and style with subtlety. French label, Didier Parakian, encompasses glamour but in a slightly quirky way. Established in 1989 by Didier Parakian, it is known for its quality and unique nature of its products. Didier is a flamboyant character passionate about fabrics and prints. The literature accompanying this season’s collection states ‘Each piece of clothing is like a canvas on which bright colours dash with their power’.
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Winter 2016
Each piece of clothing is like a canvas on which bright colours dash with their power
The above quote sounds a little showy but it really does encompass what the collection is about. Prints are inspired by modern art masters and whether the fabrics used are knitted or woven there is a touch of glamour.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
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Winter 2016
Notes from the coffee bar Following my last article, I have received a few comments of “when is my husband going to be included in your memoirs?”
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ell I will introduce you to some of my lovely husband’s and friend’s that I have made over the years in the coming newsletters. However, this time I am going to include a very lovely customer, Yvonne Pugh and her friend Brenda Hands, who I met during the recent September promotion and fashion week. I had a request for “a coffee and water” please as my friend is fading in your changing room. So off I went to find a lady who was just “having a moment”.
It was explained to me that this was the first real shopping trip following a recent operation and it was a bit overwhelming. An experience I know a number of us have had and yes, your legs do go wobbly on your first trip out after a big hospital experience and you can’t try on clothes as easily as you used to. After a few minutes, all 3 of us went to the George to find a comfy chair for Yvonne to fully recompose herself. This is when a personal experience can help others. As you know I have experienced health difficulties over the last 2 years and the same was happening to the lady I was sitting with. We swapped notes on tablets, side effects, treatment we had undertaken and where we were both going next.
All of a sudden this customer had become another special friend and I was helping her to realise that she was not on her own. Yvonne introduced me to her shopping companion Brenda and they talked of how they had shopped at Annie’s for over 30 years. Whilst their friendship had lasted over 50 years. I told both ladies of a book I had read during one of my hospital trips “One Night on the Orient Express” which gave me some inspiration to look forward and how I went on to book 2 lunch trips and dream of booking the real one night experience, sometime in the future diary. Brenda took the title and promised her friend they would read it and who knows where it would take them on the path to Yvonne’s recovery? Once we had all collected ourselves and had a few happy tears, Yvonne was refreshed enough to treat herself and that she did with a new season Marc Cain jumper and Oui knitted jacket. Who knows if these will be travelling in the Orient Express suitcase but I very much look forward to hearing from the two friends to find out.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Christmas at The George
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ike it or not the festive season is just round the corner, it won’t be long before we are all digging in our lofts for Christmas decorations and praying that when you plug in the lights they come to life. You will be dusting off Delia’s Christmas cook book for dishes that will only be eaten in December – why are mince pies restricted to Christmas time? Of course all of this has been in the planning at The George since the summer and Amina, our pastry chef, is braced for the Christmas pudding marathon session.
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Winter 2016
If you have booked your Christmas party night, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve at the George we look forward to seeing you. If not there are a few places left so if you want to sit back and relax this Christmas let us do it all for you. Our Christmas menu will be served throughout December so even if your plans are elsewhere on the big days you won’t miss out on some heartwarming festive fayre. Visit www.thegeorgebuckden.com to download the Christmas brochure.
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Mince pie with a twist Add even more Christmas decadence with a frangipane top to your mince pies.
Mincemeat mixture
Mix the mincemeat, salt, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon. Keep in the bowl covered in cling film until ready to use. Method •
Dice the butter and rub it into flour using your fingertips until resembles fine breadcrumbs.
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Add the sugar, ground almonds and stir through the flour and butter mixture. Mould into a dough using a little water or milk. Wrap the dough in cling film and rest in the fridge.
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Flour the work surface and roll out the pastry as thinly as possible.
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Cut out approximately 12 rounds with pastry cutter and place them in base of patty tin(s).
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Fill each case with about 3 teaspoons of mincemeat mixture. Bake in the oven for approx. 15 minutes until golden brown.
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For the topping whisk the egg whites and sugar together until stiff, stir in the flour, ground almond, melted butter and vanilla extract. Place a dollop on top of each mince pie and cook again in the oven for approx. 5 minutes until golden and firm to touch.
Ingredients For the pastry
100g Demerara sugar 75g unsalted butter 100g plain flour 100g ground almonds For the mincemeat filling
540 g mincemeat Pinch of Maldon salt 75 ml water 1 whole orange 24
75g caster sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Financier (almond cake) topping
150g egg white 100g caster sugar 50g flour 50g ground almond 70g melted butter Few drops of vanilla extract
Winter 2016
Winter warmer cocktails Winter does tend to give us the excuse to raise a glass or two and it is true a shot of alcohol does make you feel warmer.
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o we don’t have to think of cocktails as a summer delight. Sipping on a warming winter cocktail gives the sensation of woolly socks being worn on the inside. We have some perfect winter cocktails for you to try from bourbon based to vodka based so whatever your tipple add a winter twist and take refuge by the fire at The George.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Winter 2016
Anne Furbank SPOTTED... Thank you to everyone that sent us their thoughts and photos via email, Instagram, facebook or twitter. As promised we have picked our favourite, well two favourites as we couldn’t decide, and a £50 Anne Furbank voucher will be winging its way to them. Winner 2
Winner 1
Pamela visited the shop with a friend as a bit of an excuse for a get together and chance to have some lunch.
Hi, I bought my dress from you for my daughter’s wedding! I thought you might like to see some photos from the day... Thank you for all your help finding the perfect dress!!!
‘When I got home I paraded the contents of my shopping bag for my husband, I felt 10 feet tall.’ ‘Whether it was other shoppers or any of the staff, everyone was really friendly and chatty. Thank you for extending your family business to embrace us as part of your family of shoppers.’
Michele Reeks
Pamela Vernon 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, PE19 5WZ @annefurbank
becky@annefurbank.com
Facebook.com/annefurbank
Perfect pick-ups
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e are delighted to introduce to shop the most beautiful home and beauty product, Connock of London. Having a passion for fragrance and nature came at an early age for Amanda Connock who’s father worked in the fragrance industry and travelled all over the world, bringing home oils and stories of how they were used in their own country. ‘I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, his passion is in me,’ said Amanda. Connock of London is a beautiful range of body products, candles and room fragrances. All using a blend of exotic flowers and the Hawaiian Kukui oil. Perfect if you want to indulge yourself and perfect as a gift. Prices start at £15.
The winner is...
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he winner of the Golden Ticket draw was Mrs Bishop whose card was pulled out of the box at 5.30pm on the last day of our Golden Ticket week. She was absolutely thrilled when we called her and will look forward to spending her £500 Anne Furbank voucher.
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