Supporting Small British Brands

One thing I have been very conscious of over the last few months are the small brands trying to make ends meet since Covid-19.

I wanted to write a blog post on some of the brands I buy from and some I’ve discovered lately from my hours of scrolling. Most are British, but one of the joys of summer is the ‘pop-up’ on the high street where you discover brands you might not have heard of. This is where Instagram has certainly made a difference to get yourself out there with a presence.

Shopping small at the moment is one of the best things we can do to help these small brands. In some cases you can pay it forward. If there is a cafe or restaurant you always frequent, buy a voucher. That cashflow is helping them enormously and it is keeping London Together.

Each brand listed is linked to their websites. A brief description will tell you what they sell, but please have a look. Sign up to their newsletters, or follow them on Instagram, you never know where it may lead you to.

Clothing brands I love

1. Papouelli | Shoes for children. However, their sizing goes up to a 42. So even if you don’t have children check out the gorgeous trainers and summer sandals. I have both and wear them year in year out.
2. Rae Feather | Stylish bags, beautiful summer dresses, accessories and I was rather excited to see that she has just launched Le Hat. A fold away hat that doesn’t crumple in a suitcase – genius idea. Rae is also doing initialled face masks, donating 20% of sales to the NHS.
3. Alexis Amor | Introduced to me by Rae Feather, I now own two pairs of this stylish brand’s sunglasses. A little optometrist in Richmond that sells frankly the most stylish sunnies and regular glasses.
4. Seraphina | Cotton cool summer dresses & or easy linen chambray tops for city living, as well as any holiday. The versatility of her collection is perfect for your staycation.
5. Anya Hindmarch |I own more of Anya’s bags than any other brand. Enough said… They are practical, fun, stylish and Anya’s campaigns make so much noise you cannot fail to notice and support. If you need reminding of what Anya has done for the NHS during lockdown click here
6. Sian Esther |Luxury sleepwear that supports disadvantaged women fulfil their dreams. Nightie, shorties, or simply pyjamas – all beautifully made and a portion of every sale goes towards her partnered charities.

Jewellery brands I love

1. LuLu B | Fun easy jewellery that wont break the bank. From a cute smiley face necklace, to lift your spirits to her delicate little earrings, I love everything I have ever purchased from her.
2. Kaaren Buchanan |We love her necklaces and have built quite a collection in our house. They mix and match beautifully with each other.
3. Cassandra Goad | Cassandra is the storyteller of fine jewellery. Each collections takes her to a new part of the world. Her collection is then designed around her inspiration from that place. She will also re-design & mount any old pieces of jewellery you may have… An old heirloom perhaps?
4. Initially London | You name it, they’ll do it. They initial anything you want – within reason! We recently purchased a beautiful necklace for my daughter’s 21st. It was to replace one she’d got for her 16th and she loved it so much she wanted another one. Scroll their website for thoughtful personalised gifts – great ideas for Father’s Day.

Beauty brands I love

1. Perfumer H | I have known Lyn for the best part of 30 years and her style and talent for creating scents is extraordinary. Her candles come in stunning hand blown glass that you can re-fill. Her seasonal collection of scents will have you coming back for more and more – just like me. Lyn’s little boutique on Crawford St may still be closed, but if you want to smell special, she is your girl.
2. Oskia | I have been using their products for at least 8 years. I have given them as gifts as well as being a loyal customer. My favourite product is the exfoliating balm. It works wonders.
3. Aromatherapy Associates | I have used this brand for over 30 years, when they first opened in a tiny Fulham cul-de-sac.. Their bath oils keep me sane.
4. Miller Harris |At the beginning of this lockdown, I did a big shop here for hand wash, hand cream and soap. I figured if we were in this for the long haul, then we were washing our hands with something beautifully scented. I can safely say I haven’t regretted it. I love their Rose Silence, and recently I have enjoyed the new Scherzo body balm.
5. This Works | A brand that delivers 100% natural products. I couldn’t live without their Sleep Collection. I’m not a good sleeper at the best of times, but during lockdown their Sleep Collection has been very comforting. A friend gave me the perfect legs scrub after my operation, and it is divine… Another winner is the In Transit moisturiser.

Something different…

The Little Surprises Company | Don’t know what to give someone, give them a surprise. I discovered this company during lockdown and I love the idea of offering someone a virtual surprise.. it could be an art lesson, a cooking lesson. Take a look you could be surprised.

Ibbi Interiors | Now that we can see at least 6 people outside, have you got some pretty dishes? This company have the prettiest little dishes.. I am building my collection.

Annie Singer Collection | Masks are here to stay. If you want a mask with a cheeky statement, these caught my eye. Launched in collaboration with Tomasz Starzeweski they will have you standing out from the crowd in the finest cotton.

Nina Campbell | Having revamped my desk space, I looked at the new accessories to hide away paperwork. Then I got distracted by pretty tumblers for lockdown drinks.. Take a look and be inspired.

If you didn’t know some of these brands, please take a look… They are all brands I shop at, and have done for a long time. Let’s hope they can all come through this, and we will see them back on our high streets soon or in a pop-up or two.