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Nicky Hambleton-Jones, TV presenter, author, entrepreneur and perennial style maven is in Dorking. Dressed in a killer combo of hot pink and electric blue topped off with her trademark Dior specs, Nicky famous for Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger has been helping women to look and feel great forever.
She is, quite simply, style gold dust.
Surrey Frills invited Nicky to Dorking to chat about her Personal Styling Academy and visit some of our unique boutiques. Surrey Frills has the full support of Hello Dorking, Dorking’s BID and we are lucky to be working with their fantastic team today.
Celebrity, camera and notebook ready, we make our way onto the High Street.
Tucked inside Old King's Head Court is Michelle's Dress Agency. This pre-loved designer paradise offers luxury pieces at affordable prices. Owner Michelle greets us with her welcoming smile and with salutations over, curiosity gets the better of us as we start unearthing the retro gems. Nicky is eyeing up a Mulberry Bayswater bag –buttery soft in classic caramel - its practical size and good looks make it a timeless addition to anyone’s collection. SOLD!
Nicky loved the fully immersive experience at Victoria’s Little Bra Shop; silk, satin and lace, opulent colours and the fragrance of red roses- love was truly in the air. Owners mum and daughter duo, Vanessa and Victoria, shared their vision to provide a relaxed shopping experience -giving the women of Surrey a lingerie sanctuary – “somewhere they can escape from the world”. Nicky was impressed with the intimate upstairs boudoir where customers can take advantage of the bespoke bra fitting service.
Next stop, Westdaw Menswear where Nicky got straight to the point about her frustrations with tricky trousers. It turns out; Nicky’s husband has rather large lower leg muscles, which has led to quite a few scrapes with too-tight calves. “No problem” replied owner Ian. With more than thirty years’ experience in premium retail Ian was able to come up a variety of solutions and suggested she return with her husband to be “sorted”.
Continuing along West Street we visit Martha Russell. Owner, Carolyn chats about her bespoke label, explaining that the collection is ‘designed to build on or minimise what the customer chooses to wear on a day-to-day basis.” Nicky loves the rich hues and soft fabrics- “these pieces allow for easy styling and comfort.” What more can you ask for?
We stop at the Pump House for more photographs. Cameras, lights, action....the traffic slows as Nicky strikes a pose and Fiona snaps away.
Rustar is the new kid on the block, offering luxe sportswear, specialist trainers and quality casualwear, RuStar brings something different to the town. Nicky tells us her son will love this shop and when Ruben says you can pick up super-rare deadstock trainers: typically, barely worn, mint-condition trainers at a fraction of the RRP, Nicky’s sneaker-head son is in for a treat.
"Move over Jimmy Choo" she says!
With her son in mind, Nicky tells us that she needs to head back home in time for the school run. Her whistle-stop tour of the boutiques has been a real joy; she tells us,
“I wish I could have met with them all”.
"I am so impressed with the quality and variety of the shops on Dorking High Street. The entrepreneurial spirit and success these boutique retailers have achieved despite challenging trading times across the UK is amazing.”
On the way to the station, Nicky opens the little gift we have given her – a cornflower blue tea towel featuring the Dorking cockerel- what else? She loves it.
A few days later Nicky posts a photo of herself in Rustar on Instagram – the text reads
“.....So next time you’re looking for something a bit different for your wardrobe; unique, take a day trip to Dorking and have a browse”
We couldn't agree more.... start shopping Dorking's boutiques here.