I've been lucky enough over the last week or so to be invited to two jewellery-themed events here in Radelaide. Be still, my sparkly beating heart!

The first was the #PopFizzandSparkle event at Tomich Cellar Door in Unley for the launch of Annette Coleman's Gate Uniques jewellery. A lovely setting for some delicious sparkling in both the drinkable and wearable varieties. I took Jen along and we had a good time admiring bubbles and baubles. This was also my first official invited-as-an-actual-blogger event so I was mildly excited.  

The following week was the first closed-door VIP event at Mimco Marion, and this time it was me attending as Jen's guest. As I've mentioned before, I do fancy a bit of Mimco as a special luxe treat outside of my usual thrifty shopping habits, even if I don't always get to splurge as much as I'd like to! 

After a long drive from the city, with Google Maps and roadworks consipiring to make us crazy, we arrived at Marion Shopping Centre bang on time and followed two ladies with Mimco handbags to the store, where we waited in line for about 15-20 minutes before we were able to be let in.

There was 20% off full priced items (except the Mimco Loves range, OF COURSE, that shiz is never on sale), and glasses of bubbly and some canapes on offer.

Otherwise, we kind of slowly squeezed around the store, trying to look at things and getting jostled by more aggressive patrons. At least I have come to terms with the fact that although I love the look of the rose gold turnlock wallet AND the large tote, neither are really practical for me and my daily life. The mini tote, however . . . maybe. If it were on Gumtree. Half price or less.

We were also given a take-home "treasure box" illustrated by the talented Kerrie Hess with four hand-selected chocolates.

Eventually, we each decided on a bracelet item to avail ourselves of the special VIP night exclusive 20% off deal . . . only to come home to an email announcing 20% off in stores and online for all members until Mothers Day. Grrr.

Jen wears the Chronicle Wrist in Peacock Green - RRP $49.95

Bracelets duly purchased, we felt we should exit quickly to allow others who were still lined up outside to come in. 

I added another Memoir Beaded Wrist to my collection in Rose Gold Black - RRP $39.95

I'm not sure I would head all the way down to Marion again for such an event unless there was a more significant percentage off or a change in format. It didn't really feel like a VIP event as such, as there was no in-store chilling, more like an opportunity to shop in a really crowded store at night with a glass of bubbles in hand and I can do that online! 

However, it was their first event of this kind and the staff had been surprised with the unplanned volume of turnout so maybe they can build on the experience for next time. An external "pop-up" style event in a larger space? An event that runs over two nights? A tighter cap on invitee numbers? 

If anyone at Mimco or associated agencies is reading, I'm more than happy to come on board as a consultant for the next one. Will work for baubles and bags!