The Secrets Out...

 A mini 'What's In My Bag'/ on my head/ face: Phone Case, Fifi Lapin @ Iconemesis; Hat, Topshop; Midi Bag, Baia, Lipstick in Saint, Topshop; Lipbalm, Burts Bees; Purse, Baia. 

My favourite thing about buying stuff made in Britain is that it looks well made. It's not a homogenous item of clothing/acc/jewellery reproduced half heartedly by all the high street stores. No matter how worn I have made it. Or how old I now think it is. I still will be complimented and asked where, what, who.

It could be down to my cracking personal style. Or it could be because there is a noticeable difference between crafted products and mass-produced products. Something not immediately obvious, you can't quite put your finger on it, but it's just better than the ones you've seen elsewhere. 

Today, I am lucky enough to share with you the story of Baia from the owner, designer and maker herself, Susy Brown. One of the most striking things about reading back the answers is how passionate, how much she cares and how much that reflects in what she produces. It's refreshing.

I own a Baia bag, a Baia purse and made the boy buy a Baia card holder. You could say I'm a little Baia obsessed. I see amazing things in the future for this fledgling brand. And although delighted Susy agreed to answer my Spotlight Q's for this post; the secret is well and truly out. At least I can say I was an early adopter, right?

Even though, my Baia looks very well loved, it's become so much a part of me. Waiting at bus stops, with my oversized boyf MIB coat, my skinny ripped jeans poking out and my favourite pointy suede booties, it's unmistakably me. Despite it's loved appearance; it's shape, it's simplicity,  it's quality, still garners attention. And I love that every time I'm asked I can proudly say "Baia" to an unknowing expression. They'll soon become as obsessed as I am. 

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WHAT LED YOU TO START BAIA?
I studied Fashion at Manchester Met, and graduated knowing that I loved design, but with no real idea of what I would do. There wasn't that much relevant work available in the North of England, but I managed to get a 6 month placement with a company based in the Northern Quarter in Manchester (A Few Fine Things, sadly no longer open), who made bespoke bags. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did, but I ended up staying for a year and really learned the trade. Eventually I decided I wanted to do things my own way, and that was that really. Baia was born!

CUSTOMISATION IS A UNIQUE CONCEPT, DOES THIS MAKE BAIA MORE DESIRABLE?

I would hope so! I learnt a lot from working at A Few Fine Things. They really did start from scratch, and it wasn't unusual for a look of fear to descend when a customer realised how many decisions they had to make.
I wanted to harness the idea of choice, and an individual end result, but also not to alienate the customer who was happy with a black bag and an exciting lining colour. I think people are attracted to the idea of an item made just for them, and it continues to surprise me, even at the end of a season, the combinations that people choose. It's really not unusual to make a one off piece. 

ARE YOU PROUD TO MANUFACTURE IN BRITAIN?
There's just no way that we could make to order outside of Britain. And Baia was born from me wanting to create, and use the skills I had to make beautiful things. It's literally a hands on process every single day.
I'm very proud of being a British brand, and everything that means. Our leather comes from British suppliers, metal plates are made in Sheffield, cotton lining from Manchester, and metal work from Cheshire. I made these choices, not because they're British, but because they are the best.
I think there is a real integrity to supporting British manufacturing, big and small. 

HOW DO YOU START THE DESIGN PROCESS? WHAT'S ON YOUR MOODBOARD?
That's a really tough question. For me designing a bag is dual processes - it has to look great, but it also has to be successfully functional. It's as much a construction plan as it is a aesthetic decision. Sometimes it'll be a colour or shape that catches my eye, others a silhouette or texture. Or simply theres a gap in the collection that needs filling. At the moment I'm working on AW15, and my Pinterest board is full of natural textures, art deco architecture, a lot of monochrome and abstract paintings. It sounds really serious, but it isn't. I'm quite pragmatic when it comes to the design process.
I tend to get the design equivalent of a song stuck in my head - some of my best designs have been ideas that won't go away, have niggled at my brain and evolved over a period of time

WHAT'S NEXT?
I've always got plans! Baia was 3 in January, and I'm amazed by how much has happened in that time. Having said that, there's so much I want for Baia. There's a lot in the pipeline for the next year. I'm hoping we can find some wonderful stockists, and plenty more. But if I told you that I'd have to kill you!

Dalmation Drawstring, What Olivia Did Midi, Rucksack, Bucket, Leopard Mini, all Baia.

WHAT'S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF RUNNING BAIA?
The summer of 2014 was huge for Baia. We were featured in the Times Magazine, which was a bit of a pinch me moment. The response was incredible, and we moved in to our studio a couple of months later. Baia was started in the spare room, so to have a real light airy workspace felt like a real mile stone. 

WHO IS THE BAIA CUSTOMER?
Another tough question! I don't think there is a specific profile customer for Baia. The made to order nature of the what we do, means that we have customers that span a huge age range. We have made bags that are used for school books, bags for business women, and my grandma has several Baia items (though I think she's a little biased!). I think a handbag in general is an accessible item. I like that inclusive approach. 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY?
I have a real soft spot for the Mini, and the Drawstring. They're the ones that I use on a regular basis. Ironically my family and friends have more of the current styles and colours than I do, typically I'm the last in line!
I loved the pony skin from AW14, because it had such a luxurious feel, and similarly the croc. And I'm really looking forward to our first printed leather in our new SS15 collection, which was illustrated by the wonderful Ella Masters. I'm really proud of it. 

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I'm looking forward to not needing to wear a thermal vest, two pairs of socks, and several jumpers! I adore a good jumper, but I've had enough of the cold this year. Baia HQ is in an old mill and it's been pretty bloody nippy the last few months. I'm dreaming of blue skies and summer dresses. Though having said that I will miss a polo neck! 

INSERT SOMETHING INSPIRATIONAL THAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
I love a good inspirational quote! I post at least one a week on instagram. I particularly like 'Opportunity is missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.' - Thomas Eddison. Working your guts out is pretty much the key to everything!
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Thanks Susy!

Keep your eyes peeled for Baia's next collection for SS15 launching very soon.

(that printed leather tho...)

Follow Baia on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for tempting sneak peeks and bag inspo galore!

Until then, snap up the last of the current AW14 line here: http://baiabags.co.uk/

Andrea xx

Emma Cornes

As my blog reaches new corners of the internet, I am regularly introduced to new British made goods. And I love discovering all the great and the good that our little country creates and makes. One such corner I reached was that of Emma Cornes, a bag manufacturer who not only makes bags in Britain but also using fabrics and materials that are made here too. 

Emma Cornes, bags are practical and stylish. Using beautiful tweeds milled in Scotland for added authenticity. 

I asked Emma to answer a few questions to get to know a little more about her burgeoning brand.

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HOW AND WHEN DID EMMA CORNES START? 

Emma Cornes started almost two years ago today at our dining room table. I could never find the bag I wanted and I loved the cloths woven in the Scottish valley I grew up in. I thought I’d have a go at combining these two things. First I had to teach myself to sew.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO MANUFACTURE IN THE UK?

It was never really a decision to make – I’d never considered having my bags made anywhere else. That’s not just for sentimental reason. I genuinely believe Britain is the best place to get my bags made from a quality and speed of manufacture point of view.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Having to do everything. At least I no longer have to make all the bags myself – I was starting to go grey very quickly. But at the same time it’s the variety that I love.

WHAT GOES INTO YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?

We’re only small so we can be pretty flexible – if I have an idea I draw it, then try to make it. 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM YOUR COLLECTION?

I’m currently using a Special Edition Dashing Tweeds Hopper. I like cross-body bags. And this one’s small enough that I don’t accumulate too much rubbish inside it.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE EMMA CORNES?

We make simple, classic bags from heritage fabrics, but we like to keep it fun.

WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER?

I guess they’re like me – a bit of a grown-up tomboy. Someone who has loads of interests, but never has time to shop for the perfect bag. They value nice things, but like me they’d much rather be out exploring a hill than the high street.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO FOR AUTUMN?

I can’t wait to get started with designing my Spring/Summer 2015 collection. As the nights draw in I get to think about snowdrops and daffodils.

WHAT'S YOUR STANDOUT HIGHLIGHT?

There’s been a few, but a few stand out:

• Launching this year’s collection at the County Living Spring Fair. I only finalised the collection a month before the event then we had to make all our stock in a month. We did it (only just). We were so pleased when they sold so well – people loved them.
• Winning the My County Business Awards in the Fashion and Beauty category – we’ve won mentoring from Helen Barbour, Vice Chairman of Barbour. We can’t wait to get started with her.
• Finding a great workshop in the Midlands who can help us make out bags. When I collected the first batch of bags the sewed for me I was just so pleased – I’m the only one who can tell the difference between the ones they’ve made and I made.

INSERT SOMETHING INSPIRATIONAL...

I don’t normally go in for motivational quotes, but I do try to stick to the mantra of ‘do one thing well’. That’s why we stick with bags and bags only.

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Thank you so much Emma for taking the time to answer my questions. If like Emma, you would like to be featured on The Mibber then please do get in touch.

You can shop Emma Cornes Bags online at: www.emmacornes.co.uk. Don't forget to follow on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest ECB news!

Andrea x

Stella & Alf

Top, Stella & Alf.

Way back when, when I first started Mibbing, when 'The Mibber' didn't exist in it's current form but that of  'What She Saw'. I discovered Stella & Alf. It was in the olden days, I like to think back to the early days and remind myself of how hard it used to be to discover the good MIB, the REALLY good MIB (ok, so it was probably just over a year ago - I may be exageratttttting). 

And that it was. I was instantly smitten with their aesthetic. The kind of effortless simplicity which is often reserved for super hip tumblr posts. Timeless and stylish. And since, the introduction of The Twenty, has added another string to their bow. If they couldn't get any better they have an ethos that makes guilt-free shopping possible. 

I asked Co-Founder, Paris, to answer a few question to help us to get to know Stella & Alf a little more. And tease us about upcoming pieces!

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WHAT LED YOU TO START STELLA & ALF?

Well both my parents are architects, I think just made it seem really natural for me to design, and has definitely influenced the type of brand I wanted to create. I studied Fashion Design at The University of Westminster, and throughout my studies and various internships, I found that I was always happiest in the design studio creating simple pieces, always with a focus on longevity and provenance.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MANUFACTURE IN BRITAIN?

 I was always drawn to brands who were very open about the creative process, and who gave a clear insight into how they operated. We are a teenie-tiny brand and whilst this meant it was a natural way to start up (to start very small, close to home, and do everything in-house) I very quickly became really interested in supporting British made products, and this has become integral to what Stella+Alf does.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?

 I find this question really tricky, I think as a designer, much of what you create is the result of a culmination of so many experiences and influences. Having said that, much of what I design is based on feedback from our customers, and I absolutely LOVE Pinterest for keeping inspiring images all in one place.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

 Launching The Twenty, I get a buzz every time we launch a new piece, the reaction is always fresh and inspiring.

YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS HONEST DESIGNS, TELL ME A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR ETHOS AND SUSTAINABLE CREDENTIALS?

 I mulled over the word "honest" for a long time. For me it communicates not only the simplicity in terms of the design of our pieces, but also indicates how transparently our products are made- like I said, pretty much every process is carried out in our little studio in Lincolnshire, and that is so crucial to what I feel S+A should be. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE STELLA & ALF?

Our three key principles say it all- Honest Design, Beautiful Fabrics, Made in Britain.

WHO IS THE S+A CUSTOMER?

When I design a product, I imagine how my Mum, Grandma and little sisters would wear the same piece respectively, if it's relevant to them all, that's how I know a garment embodies what I'm trying to achieve.

WHERE DO YOU SEE S+A IN FIVE YEARS?

Hopefully doing more of the same- promoting British-made,small scale, handmade products, and meeting some great people on the way.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM? PAST OR PRESENT.

Can I say future? I'm so excited for our new stripes to be released, and we have some gorgeous snuggly knits for winter.

I LOVE HOW YOUR "The Twenty" COLLECTION HAS MADE STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE MIB FASHION ACCESSIBLE, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE IT?
ANY SNEAK PEEKS AT THE NEXT ITEM?

The Twenty is really about making British-made fashion accessible, whilst also maintaining the luxury- gorgeous fabrics, and only twenty of each piece made. Next up - lots of stripes, some gorgeous textures for winter, and some branching out into new territory (ominous I know, but top secret!)

INSERT SOMETHING INSPIRING:

It's always the S+A story, the reason behind the name-

Alf was a trawler man from Lincolnshire. Stella lived on his street.

They married on the 1st November 1958.

They had children. Nieces, nephews, grandchildren.

A ginormous dog. 

They worked hard, laughed harder.

Held hands, hugged big, shared sweets, smiled lots.

They were part of a generation who didn’t just wear clothes once, for one season, simply because they were in fashion.

Their clothes were selected and saved for.

Worn, repaired and recycled. Grafted in, worked in.

Cherished, loved, laughed in, lived in.

Paid for in units of time well spent.

They kept their feet on the ground and their imaginations in the clouds.

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Shop Stella & Alf online at: http://www.stellaandalf.com/ and be sure to follow them on Twitter to find out when the next The Twenty is released!

Andrea x

#WorkoutWeek: Fashion

Lexie Sport is not even a year old yet, but they have had a spectacular first year. Already picked up by House of Fraser to feature in their Pop-up , and mentioned by all the top fitness and fashion magazines including Vogue, ELLE and Women's Health. Clearly, creator Lily Rice, identified something missing in our fitness wear: fashion-forward and functional wear. It's meteoric rise is helped by the vast increase in the fitness fanatic women since London 2012. "Fit not thin" and "strong is the new skinny" are motivators to many women keen to create a sustainable and realistic figure. And the beautifully designed fitness wear is designed with that in mind: Women.

 Amazingly Lexie Sport manufactures in the UK. I doubt it's just me, but when you invest in new fitness clothes, I'm super eager to try it out. Whether it be a sports bra or a new top, which is great encouragement to get out there and get moving. I interviewed Lily, to find out a little more about this new and exciting brand and what her fitness much haves and weaknesses are. 

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Lexie Sport

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HOW DID LEXIE SPORT START

Lexie is just coming up for it's first birthday, something we are really excited about and was basically born in the summer of sport in 2012. We launched August 13 and it was really the gap in the market for something appealing to wear while doing sport that began the brand. I was fed up of women's sportswear designed by men for 'girls'. Yuck!

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO MANUFACTURE IN BRITAIN

Our first collection was made abroad but Lexie isn't just about fashion. As a brand we have a set of ethics and beliefs that we feel strongly about so it was important to us that what we put into the world was something we were proud of. Reshoring the manufacturing of the pieces means that from an ethical perspective we are doing the right thing. We know the working conditions are product is produce in, we create jobs in the uk and environmentally our impact is reduced. From a design perspective we can make changes quicker, we can get more involved in the production and ultimately create a better garment. It's win win and we are very proud and excited by it!

WHATS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE AS A BUSINESS OWNER

Lexie is growing at a phenomenal rate so at the moment the challenge is to keep all the plates spinning and not get to excited when so much exciting stuff is happening!

WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PROCESS

I'm a bit of a lycra magpie and I'm always pulling pages out of magazines or collecting fabrics ect so I really start with referring to my mood books. I take ideas and feelings to create the direction of the season which informs each collection. Rather than just looking at it commercially I like to have a conceptual theme to each season and tell a story through the garments. Once each piece is sketched up, we create a toile which we test an amend as we feel it needs to be. Our factory will then make our first sample, this again is tested. At this point we either get super excited or go straight back to the drawing board! But if it passes the 'must have' test them we get it into production as quickly as possible so everyone can see it!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM YOUR CURRENT OR NEW COLLECTION?

Our newest collection is currently under wraps but I'm already head over heels in love with it! My favourite piece of our current collection is the Diana shorts! So great with my topshop boots as well as my running sneak!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LEXIE SPORT

Lexie is the hottest women's sportswear brand, designed by women for women and made in Britain.

WHO IS LEXIE SPORTS DREAM CUSTOMER

Our customers are already the dream! We love to get pics from them and meet them at our pop ups and they are seriously awesome! 

WHAT IS LEXIE SPORTS PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT

 We've already won a few awards but I'm always most proud to see the kit on our customers and to hear about the awesome time they had in it!

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER

Getting out of the office and trying new things! We will be hitting up a few Frame classes and we're forever at Psycle so you'll spot us there!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO WORKOUT

I'm a big bootcamp fan and you can't beat a run to clear your head!

ARE YOU STRICT IN WHAT YOU EAT OR IS THERE ALWAYS ROOM FOR THE ODD INDULGENCE

I don't worry too much, I'm vegetarian and try to eat healthily (although you will always find my with a packet of veggie percy pigs and I'm a sucker for Reese peanut butter cups!) but you need a lot of energy in this industry! 

WHAT THE MOST EXCITING THING IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT

I'm pretty late to the show but Kale chips? Hell yes! And spinning? Love it! Plus Voga (voguing yoga!) is AMAZING! 

GIVE ME AN INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED

Done is better than perfect.

Vest, Shorts and Leggings from the Blonde Collection all Lexie Sport.

Thanks so much to Lily for answering all my questions. I think it's safe to say, we all walk away from this wanting to try VOGA (and a sneaky craving for peanut butter cups)! You can shop all of the Blonde Collection and Icon Collection Online: Lexie Sport.

Andrea x

Thoroughly British

There aren't very many bloggers spreading the #madeinbritain love. But that's not to say that demand isn't there. And this is precisely the thought of Thoroughly British founder, Linn Gustavsson. Luckily for me, in the midst of the launch of Thoroughly British, Linn was kind enough to have a chat about the new shopping experience and everything provenance!

Thoroughly British is an exclusive market place for higher end MIB brands. The designers work on a drop-ship arrangement so when an order is placed through the website it is instantly passed on to them and they are responsible for sending it to the customer. Each label has been selected by Thoroughly British based on their designs, feel, price point and obviously provenance. 

To be stocked on Thoroughly British, garments need have at least 50% of all the work and/or components that go into making of the product to be from or carried out in Britain. The site has come up with a ranking system to help customers easily identify how 'British' each product is. Look out for the badges on each item from a 10p piece indicating the item is 50% British to a £1 badge showing the item is at least 90% 'Thoroughly British'.

I first came across Linn and Thoroughly British back at the start of 2013, I'm pleased to see her blog has grown to an e-commerce platform for up and coming British made brands. Linn completed a Master's degree focussing on Sustainable Consumption. Following this she worked in quality management within manufacturing outsourcing. Having spent time in mainly, Chinese factories and understanding how they work, their legislation on pollution and chemical, or lack thereof, she began to feel demotivated and wanted to move away from this sector. With first hand experience her knowledge of the importance of provenance can not be faulted. And this is exactly what excites me about her new venture. 

How did Thoroughly British start?

The idea for Thoroughly British started quite a while back. I'm originally from Sweden I have always thought of the UK (and London in particular) as one of the great fashion countries in the world. As a teenager, to pop over for a weekend's shopping in London was always super exciting!

When I eventually moved here and one day started looking for a new handbag I really wanted one made in Britain. As I knew a bit about the leather industry etc. I thought there would be tonnes of companies out there who made gorgeous MIB handbags but when I started Googling I couldn't find that many. Today, I know that there are quite a few around, they are just really hard to find! Anyway, I ended up buying a lovely handbag from The Cambridge Satchel Company (they were still a small startup back then) and I still love it to bits!

The second thing that gave me the idea for Thoroughly British was Mary Portas' Kinky Knickers. That show was a bit of an eye opener for me, I obviously knew a bit about the British textile industry and had kind of assumed that it was still there and I really had no idea that so many factories had closed down in favour of cheap and cheerful clothes from the Far East.

Putting these things together - the great British textile heritage that was rapidly being lost, how sick I was of unsustainable, throwaway fashion and how much time it took me to actually find MIB things that were not super frumpy and boring made me think that 'wouldn't it be nice if someone collected a whole bunch of great MIB brands in one place so one didn't need to spend hours trawling the internet just to find a British made shirt?

After days and weeks spent on Google and emailing designers, I came up with quite a long list of really really nice MIB labels. I started up the blog just to have somewhere to tell people about all these great things I was finding and the response was really positive. After just 3 months we had over 500 unique visitors every month.

I also started to realise that the interest in MIB is huge in other countries. I already knew that the Swedes and Japanese really like MIB but there are so many other markets where the interest in high-end MIB products is growing rapidly and I started to see that this could also be a market. But if I was finding it hard to source MIB, how hard must it be for someone from Japan for example?

So about a year ago I started to seriously look into the idea of Thoroughly British, I researched what was currently out there, people's shopping habits, what people look for when they shop, brands that might be suitable etc., etc. And here we are!

Who will you stock?

We have a whole range of different designers that will be on the site from launch including Antithesis, Claire Gaudion, Etrala, Evocha, Katie Darlington, Kitty Ferreira, Mairi McDonald, MYIA, Rosita Bonita, Stella + Alf, Syo Kai, Yull and z-mode and we will add more labels as we go. However, a big part of Thoroughly British is to promote all of our designers and make sure that they are noticed on the website so we have therefore capped the number of designers that will be selling with us at one time.

Why do you think people are looking to buy British made goods?
Generally I think people are getting sick of mass consumption and the whole throw-away attitude in the fashion industry. People are looking for something more genuine and perhaps different from what everyone else has and this is really where MIB brands come in. Also the idea of buying quality that will last through seasons I think is very appealing when money is a bit tight.

I think what Mary Portas highlighted through her Kinky Knickers, is that buying British actually makes a real difference to real people in terms of providing employment has made some people choose MIB over made in China - especially when prices are fairly similar.

Internationally the Made in Britain 'brand' seems to be getting increasingly popular and I definitely think that things like the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee has definitely increased the interest in MIB and perhaps improved people's views on Britain generally.

Sites like yours will make it increasingly easier to make an informed choice about purchasing - particularly in regards to provenance -  why do you think so many online retailers shy away from stating information that is readily available on the clothing label?
Hmm.. I'm not sure really, perhaps they think that the customer is not interested (which I think is underestimating the customer) or they might think it detracts from the item that they are trying to sell. With the fairly recent factory collapse in Bangladesh it might also be that labels prefer not to tell where your shirt was made, they prefer you to pay your money without thinking too much.

At the same time there have been a few cases where retailers have put Made in Britain labels in clothing and the item itself is made in China but the MIB label is made in Britain - so retailers must think that MIB matters! Kate from Make it British calls it Fake it British and has a few really interesting and quite shocking articles on her site..

Have you had a sneak peek at what is going to be stocked? Any stand out favourites items we should keep our eyes peeled for?
That is a tricky one (I obviously like them all) however there are a few items that do stand out like Mairi McDonald's Mosshart dress - the design is stunning and everything including the intricate lace is handmade in Scotland. I also really like this season's z-mode dresses - again handmade lace and prints are just so lovely together.

What trends are you most looking forward to for spring/summer?

I'm really looking forward to warmer weather, sheer fabrics, and graphic and floral prints. At Scoop International there was a lot of really nice prints and I can't wait for them to 'hit the stores'.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Thoroughly British in 2014?

Firstly I'm hoping that everything goes well for the launch and that we will get the response that we are hoping for! Then we are hoping to get more great British labels onboard (there are already a few waiting to join). We will also be expanding into menswear which will be really exciting.

Then there are plans for some press events and exhibitions so all in all I think it will be a very busy and exiting year!

And finally a cheesy one, insert something inspirational..

Haha! I like the thing that people say, that if you are really passionate about something and prepared to work hard you will succeed. I think this is very true but it is also important to do your research before you jump into something - we sure did, which meant it took longer to get to this point but I think what we have created is going to be really great!

Thank you so much Linn for your time, I wish you all the best with the launch and hope it's goes a smoothly as possible!

Thoroughly British launched yesterday, here are a few of my favourite items available now; shop here.

Suit Jacket, Katie Darlington at Thoroughly British; Dress, Mari McDonald at Thoroughly British; Shirt, Etrala at Thoroughly British; Necklace, Daniella Draper at Thoroughly British; Necklace, Rosita Bonita at Thoroughly British; Scarf, Claire Gaudion at Thoroughly British; Shoes, Yull at Thoroughly British.

Andrea x

Beautiful Soul

It's been a pretty depressing winter so far. No snow, not cold enough to properly wrap up in winter warmers and rain. So much rain that I'm dreaming about Spring/Summer already. And just like magic the lovely Nicola at Beautiful Soul drops me an e-mail. The contents of which has had me swooning ever since.

Beautiful Soul London was founded in 2011 after a career change for founder Nicola Woods. The brand is quintessentially British and proud to manufacture in the UK. They have a sustainable and ethical approach to their fabric selection too and have been praised for such efforts with a nomination for The 2012 Sustainable City Awards. As well as sourcing British lace and wool. Equally and more impressively perhaps, they demand zero-wastage, remnant used as covered buttons and so on.

Such attention to ethics and sustainability can all to often see design overlooked. But not in Beautiful Souls case. The enchanting prints make for pieces that can stand their own. Feminine but not girly, these are designed for women. And clearly many women agree with the likes of eco-ladies Livia Firth and Lily Cole rocking the brand.

Bee 4 Blossom is the Notting Hill based brands Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Inspired by blossom and bumblebees the intricate print sit beautifully on dresses and playsuits and this season will adorn separates too. This seasons must have pink will be the backdrop to this print as well as aqua and navy.

Beautiful Soul is available to buy online and boutiques nationally.

What do you think of their new collection?

Andrea x

New Balance

Help. I'm getting trainer obsessed. Partly because my Vans have officially died and the thought of repurchase upsets my MIB ways.

Of course, there are still some trainer manufactures in the UK, but mainly pointed at men. Still, theres always New Balance. A school fave, my fitness trainer of choice (MIB of course) and now my next casual fashion trainer? I hope so.

The American brand opened their first British based factory on August 23rd 1982. 31 and a bit years later they're still going strong. Ok, so their not a British brand per say, but the fact they support the British shoe manufacturing industry - even throughout the 90's when everyone jumped shipped - is very honourable! Plus the company was founded by a British emigrant!

Today their factory based in Flimby, Cumbria still produces an amazing 28,000 shoes per week!

For me, late to the game as always, I have been swooning over their recent Tea Pack collection. Peppermint and Earl Grey, not only my favourite teas.. but also footwear. Yum. There is also a builders tea version, of course, a brown-y copper-y affair. 

Alas, they were made for men and I am *just* out of their smallest size.. both styles available from End.

So I search on... 

Turns out - according to NB online only 576 are available in women's sizes. So I'll guess I'll have to settle for these..

Funnily though, I can't find a retailer willing to state their womens 576 are MIB so these along with the burgundy are all available from End also. Men are so lucky when it comes to provenance shopping. 

And something else to break my heart, the echos of a new 'pack' being released pour homme of course. The NB Seaside pack will be available from this spring. And, yes you guessed it, I'm still at 6.5... might have to chance a Men's 7. It'll be worth it.

Andrea x

Dr Martens

The very first pair of Dr Martens rolled of the production line on this day in history exactly 53 years ago, in Northampton. Sadly, the vast majority of Dr Martens are manufactured in Indonesia or Thailand these days. But that does not mean the whole range of this iconic British brand is being imported. The very same factory in Cobbs Lane, Northampton is still manufacturing small runs of their classic and more extravagant styles. 

The Griggs family had been manufacturing shoes since the turn of the 20th century. It was in the 1950's when their fortunes changed after coming across two German business partners, Dr Maertens and Dr Funck, who were looking for international partners to take their innovative air-cushioned rubber soled boots to mass market. The Griggs family bought the patent and added a unique characteristics of the boots we know today, yellow stitching, new heel and added the trademarked AirWair to the air cushioned heel as well as 'anglicising' the name. The family started manufacturing the boots in their Northampton based factory.

The boots became the trademark to the subcultures of the time keen to rebel against their parents. In an era where style was everything and meticulous attention to detail was of prime importance. Dr Martens popularity amongst youth culture grew and grew with its popularity continuing to grunge era of the 1990's. 

From an impressive and solid rise to popularity came the dark era of the brand. Popularity began to plummet at the start of this century. With the company even coming close to bankruptcy in 2003. It was at this point the brand made the difficult decision to move manufacture to Asia with a loss of over 1000 UK based jobs. But just a year later in 2004, the brand started manufacture in Cobbs Lane once again changing the direction of it's manufacture to iconic and unique styles.

Today the brand is going from strength to strength with the resurgence of the grunge trend in recent years and the ever evolving supernova of street style. Although the brand no longer solely manufactures here, you can still pick up some of their most classic and out there styles, of course, Made in Britain.

The Edit: Five of the Best Dr Martens

Dr Martens Vintage 1460 Boot, £190; Dr Martens Ailee Boot, £275; Dr Martens Vintage 1461 Shoe, £165; Dr Martens 1461 Shoe, £220; Dr Martens Mie 1461 Shoe, £100.

Shop the rest of the Made in England range. xo

The Cambridge Satchel Company

I don't actually own a Cambridge Satchel. Not yet anyway. If it wasn't for me saving every penny of my minimum wage salary to put toward a new home then I'd buy ten without hesitation. They are beautiful.

Founded in 2008 by Julie Deane and initially aimed at school children the satchel gathered a cult following. Since, the brand has collaborated with designers and created their own fashion lead lines. Every satchel is manufactured in the UK, as the founders were keen to keep British manufacturing alive. They opened their Leicester based factory in 2011. 

You can buy the quintessential British bag online and they are also stocked in boutique and high end department stores across the world. But more notably, The Cambridge Satchel Company launched their first stand alone store this year. Based in Covent Garden you can see the entire mesmerising range as well as getting your bag embossed on site! Bonza. 

The Edit: Five of the Best Cambridge Satchels.

Music Bag, £105, The Cambridge Satchel Company; Backpack, £450, Christopher Shannon X The Cambridge Satchel Co; Bright Blue, £100, The Cambridge Satchel Company Exclusively at ASOS; Sweet Pea, £115, The Cambridge Satchel Company; Fluro Yellow, £115, The Cambridge Satchel.

Andrea xo