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Morning ladies - so how's everyone doing today? Are you having a good day or is it one of those days where you just feel like you're not coping?
This current time is such a surreal moment that it's difficult to know what to think & emotions are no doubt all over the place, as well as trying to juggle work, family, home & all the longterm worries of job security, family & loved ones.
It goes without saying that due to the situation of the majority of us being under lockdown & non-essential businesses having to close their doors there are a lot of worried business owners out there. Desperately trying to keep their business/dream alive as well as pay & support staff. So today I thought I'd share 10 of my top independent brands, that I've either had the pleasure to work with or whom I've purchased directly from & ones I desperately hope can survive these worrying times.
So first up a brand I've worked with & also bought from. Initially London have to be one of my personal favourite independents who do the most gorgeous straw baskets & raffia monogrammed bags, which can be personalised to your specific taste, Together with various personalised yoga mats, wash bags, bath linens, napkin & table linens, pyjamas & much, much more. All items are beautifully made, packaged & machine embroidered & they can even offer bespoke services so definitely a brand to take a look at. You'll have seen my monogrammed shopping basket, raffia clutch & camouflage totes on many an outfit post over the last few years.
The second brand is The Sea Tree Company who make beautiful handmade mindful gemstone, sea glass & sterling silver jewellery & I'm sure their above Calming Amazonite bracelet will do most of us the world of good during these troubling times.
Ashiana are a brand I have both bought from & have had the pleasure to work with. In the early days when I used to shop with them they used to specialise in unique bracelets that were perfect for stacking & now over the past couple of years have branched out into more accessories including stunning summer kaftans & beach cover ups as well as a whole array of jewellery & clutches that are just perfect for sunnier times.
Regular readers will know I'm a massive preloved fan & NAM London is a fantastic online store that sells high quality pieces at reasonable prices so one to certainly keep on your radar. I happened to stumble upon them on eBay & now make sure to check in on their online store to see what's new in on a regular basis.
Over the past few months another brand to make it onto my radar is Riviera & you may have spotted in my outfit posts that I treated myself to the above bag at the beginning of the year. It's been so useful that I'm very tempted to get a brighter coloured one for the summer - hubby has been warned ;-) & if you also like statement jewellery then they have some great pieces that would be ideal for jazzing up the simplest of looks.
Given the currently climate & being home for the foreseeable I'm guessing most of us have renewed our love of loungewear & a brand I've been lucky enough to work with is Eddi Clothing. The softness & quality of the set I was sent really impressed me. So if you're on the lookout for stylish pieces that are comfy but still feel like you're making an effort then take a peek as they have the best range of any brand I've seen.
In the past I've also been lucky enough to work with & have also personally shopped at LL Loves. A company who make the most beautiful personalised sterling silver jewellery - perfect if you need a little treat or have to shop a birthday present during confinement.
You'll probably know by now I love a maxi skirt for 'swishing in' & last summer I bought two stunning wrap rah rah skirts from Forage Somerset. They have the perfect 'swish factor', are lovely & lightweight to wear & because they're made from 100% vintage sari silk no two are a like.
If you're keeping up with your exercise routine or using this time at home to start new habits & work on your bikini body then a brand that makes great quality & stylish sportswear is ILU Fitwear. I just love the above outfit which would be perfect for home sessions as much as it would when attending the gym/classes after lockdown.
Finally a brand I've bought many a bracelet from is MeMe London. If you love stacking bracelets & charms then look no further. Lots of colours, charms & designs to co-ordinate with any outfit the only thing you need to be warned about is that they can become addictive!
Needless to say there are countless more independent brands that I hope will survive the current climate. So if you're looking to purchase a gift online, fancy a little treat or just want to show a brand you love then take a peek at their websites & give them a following on social media as every little helps & it could just make someone's day.
Back to today & it's all about a preloved buy that had me at the gold buttons!
Cardigan - Tibi
Jeans - J Crew
Trainers - Golden Goose
Shop My Style
Cardigan - Jigsaw
Jeans - J Crew
Trainers - Kin
Can't believe we're half way through another week, although depending on your feelings on lockdown you may feel totally different & feel like the days are dragging!
Try to keep smiling regardless & as always I'll see you in the morning.