Last Saturday I was invited to join the Hicks & Brown girls and take over their Instagram account for the day. I’ve never been to Burghley Horse Trials before, but I am now hooked.

We woke up at the crack of dawn, made ourselves a coffee and bacon sandwich for the road and set off on the 2 hour journey. I've never spoken on my Instagram stories before, so I spent the first hour of the journey trying to pluck up the courage and find the right words to say. It’s definitely one of those things that isn't actually as hard as it you think it’s going to be. After a few attempts and a few cringe moments I was flying.

We arrived at Burghley just as the sun was starting to peep through the clouds, and oh my days it was a scorcher! I had chosen to wear my new Hicks & Brown Melford Cashmere Jacket, but by 10am I had to admit defeat and swiftly remove it whilst we were walking the XC course, trying to find a spot to watch the action. We had no idea which area to settle ourselves in, so it was an absolute fluke that we found ourselves at the exit point of no.23 The Land Rover Trout Hatchery. We got so close, we could feel the water flying off of the horses tails as they went speeding by. After chilling in the sun for a while (thank god for my Aldeburgh Fedora) we headed back towards to hustle and bustle of the shops in search of food.

After a hog roast and glass of Pimms we headed back towards the Lifestyle Pavilion to check in with Hicks & Brown Founders, Rosie and Alice. I won't say too much, but I can tell you there are some exciting new products coming.

I'm sure some of you have seen the new Luxe Newmarket Jacket (yet to be released online). The girls launched this upgrade from the previous Newmarket Jacket last weekend, and it was such a huge hit. It's been designed exclusively by Hicks & Brown and I can tell you now, as soon as you pull it on you will be in love. It's a flattering neat fit, a cosy winter jacket without the bulk and because of the Clo-i Insulation it's unlikely that you will need to layer up underneath.

The perfect mix of practical but fashionable, every last detail has been considered in the design of this jacket, including the leather zip pull, the brass look embossed Hicks & Brown name plate on the arm, and the sumptuous fur trimmed hood. Definitely a jacket that can be work in town and country, something which I try to look for in all my clothes.

I also love the fact that this jacket is so proudly made in the UK, not just the UK, but East Anglia where I was brought up. Hats off to Hicks & Brown for creating yet another timeless classic! Such a steal at £279, because I know I'll be wearing this for years to come.

Now hurry up winter, I want to wear my new jacket!

Thanks so much for having me Hicks & Brown!

Pip

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