I guess I should start at… well, the start. There are two factors that led to the creation of Finishing School:

1. I know a lot of girls in London. Some from work, some from uni, some via my boyfriend and housemates and some from all manner of other places; but I don’t know many of them very well.  A few other people have mentioned they are in a similar position, a phone full of acquaintances but not many friends with whom they could enjoy afternoon tea or a bottle of wine. Conclusion: Making friends in London can be hard.

2. I am also hopeless at crafts. I recently took up sewing and in the 6 months since buying a sewing machine have managed one and a half skirts. “Hopeless, but enamored” might be an even better description. I can spend hours and hours browsing Etsy and marveling at the things others create and I’d much rather spend my money paying them for unique things that no-one else is wearing, than I would for the overpriced, over-worn ware that Topshop has to offer. But I can’t help wondering if it be even better if I had the skills to do some of the simple things myself… Oh, to be able to crochet a vintage-look collar, or make my own feather fascinator!

Combine these two things, add the skills of housemate and super-friend Becky, and Finishing School is born.  Who doesn’t like a glass of wine after work on a Tuesday, a bit of a gossip and the chance to learn something new? I mean, really!?