Goodbye! It's been a great 3 years

Source: Image Shack

Following the birth of my second son just 18 months after the first, I've decided to take some much needed maternity leave. Saying goodbye to a business that I built was a difficult decision but my family must now come first.

Brittique was launched as an online boutique to support up and coming British designers. Looking back I feel proud to have worked with so many top names including the already well known like Amanda Wakeley and Maria Grachvogel through to the new stars such as Louise Amstrup and Merle O'Grady.

Of course we have stock to clear so we've cut all prices by at least 50% - including the new season collections from Caroline Charles and Peter Jensen.

Thank you for all your support over the past 3 years. It has been fun and now I'm looking forward to spending time being mum for a while.

Merle O'Grady: Find of the month

Merle O'Grady has caused quite a stir in a very short space of time. Her feather weight perspex jewellery was snapped up by Beyonce while on a break from performing in Dublin. Since then customers have been clamouring to buy her unique and striking jewellery. The lightness of the perspex is particularly good for those who love big dangly earrings. You won't even notice these but everyone else will.

Bionda Castana new shoe gods

Grazia have named the design duo behind Bionda Castana the new shoe gods. Not only do Bionda Castana shoes look amazing but they're actually walkable. Good news if you're a size 40 because that's the last pair we have left of the Amber shown here.

A ball gown fit for a bump

Normally an invite to a swanky black tie masquerade ball would be so exciting that I'd barely be able to sleep. But being so heavily pregnant I was dreading it. What to wear with such a big bump? And black tie means to the ground. The lovely Louise Amstrup offered me a beautiful black dress with a beaded bodice. But sadly it didn't fit the belly.

However I did manage to find some silk I'd stashed probably about 10 years ago waiting for the right pattern. So Saturday I did some manic sewing. Thankfully I did manage to get it completely finished and pressed with a couple of hours to spare. It was actually a very simple bump friendly and colourful dress just as I'd envisaged.

The event was a 40th birthday party for the wife of an ex-colleague of my man. I'd actually never met the wife. It's very odd going to a party not knowing the birthday girl. And I didn't even meet her on the night.What a party! Most weddings are not this extravagant. Held at the V&A Museum the surroundings were just beautiful. It had a Venetian theme, hence the masks. I'd bought ours online and hoped that it matched my dress - luckily it did perfectly.

Back to the party. There was a string quartet on gondola in the middle of the lake in the garden. After we moved inside past the sculpture gallery there was a live band. The daughters aged 13 and 10 sang a beautiful song from Hairspray where they had adapted the words for their mother. They were incredible! Such confidence. I had tears in my eyes. Following the band were opera singers. Other entertainment included massages, makeup sessions, an ice cream stand (see picture above!) and a photo booth.

I'd actually managed to slip my feet into these Gil Carvalho 4 inch heels for the occasion. While the shoes were very comfortable for my feet, it was my legs that had the problem. My legs held up quite well until about 11pm. By then I was ready to limp to the car and go home to my lovely soft bed. You can imagine the relief when I took off my shoes and walked on flat ground. Bliss! But beauty means suffering, even when pregnant!

Kate Tailyour features in Metro

I feel really good when I'm wearing a great outfit. I feel even better knowing that it's not only made from ethically sourced, organic fabrics but that it's produced in Britain - actually just down the road from us in lovely Hackney. As featured in Metro today, Kate Tailyour's collection is just that, ethical and local, something that should appeal to eco-enthusiasts and fashionistas alike. This collection is available exclusively from Brittique. Look out for her AW09 collection which will be available for preorder soon.

Our PR gets papped with Kate Bosworth

Source: Just Jared

PRs really do have the active social life don't they? Our wonderful PR Liz was at the recent Rodarte dinner hosted by Kate Bosworth and happened to get snapped in the background. Liz is wearing the fabulous Louise Amstrup stripe panel dress while Kate is looking rather regal in this Rodarte frock.

So excited about these shoes

Of course I love all the shoes I stock but some I love more than others. These Verity by Bionda Castana fall into that category. They are so elegant and, the best bit, they're orange! I do have a thing for orange. Remember my ginormous Chloe Heloise handbag? These shoes are going to look great with that. They'll also look great with the new AW09 collection from Louise Amstrup with the hint of orange in the print.

Preorder Verity now to avoid disappointment.

Emma Cook speaks out about rumours

We can all breathe a sigh of relief that rumours circulating last week that Emma Cook was closing were just that, rumours. Emma Cook spoke with Grazia this week dismissing the rumours and confirming that her label was continuing but with a focus on a lower priced diffusion range as well as her collaboration with Topshop. What good news!

Shop Emma Cook here at Brittique.com.

Giant shoe sale: 40-90% off all shoes

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Daily Mail's best boutiques

Daily Mail featured Brittique as one of it's best boutiques.

"The latest fashion news, latest designs and preorder of collections to come are some of the options at Brittique, a beautifully designed online boutique with a fabulous selection of covetable contemporary clothes and accessories including dresses, bags, heels and jewels."

Thanks Patricia from Thesiteguide.com and Daily Mail!

Metro's favorite new accessories

Metro picked the infamous Amber by Bionda Castana as their top new accessories for the summer. These shoes became a must have item after Agyness Dean wore them for British Vogue. You're in luck if you're a size 40/41 as that's the only size we have left. Remember they do come up about 1/2 a size bigger but can be laced in.

Source: RihannaDaily.com

Rihanna seems to favour emerging British designers. Last year she stepped out in Emma Cook's fantastic jumpsuit - I can't wear mine enough in summer! Recently the American based singer was spotted in this Hannah Marshall short sleeve jacket. She really is super stylish and it is great to see a celeb who doesn't have to be dressed in big name designers all the time. It would be wonderful if more celebs would embrace up and coming designers from across the globe.

My lost top found after 2 years of searching!

Attending the Madonna concert in Madison Square Gardens last year wearing the too small Louise Amstrup Bow Top, Amiee McWilliams leather trousers and a clutch by Ignes


Over 2 years ago I had a press request for the Louise Amstrup bow top. The press sample was already out at Elle Magazine so I reluctantly sent off my personal top. Sadly it vanished. Elle claimed it had been returned, my warehouse claimed they hadn't received it back and my PR didn't have it either. Luckily we did get press from it and very quickly sold out of all tops.

I was so upset. It really was my favorite top. I loved wearing it with white jeans and silver shoes as well as the leather trousers shown above. I even begged Louise Amstrup to make me a new one but she didn't have anymore fabric. But she did send me a size 8. It was OK, but it wasn't really long enough for me to wear comfortably with my skinny jeans. I preferred the drapy feel of the size 12.

We have just moved warehouses in the last couple of weeks and I have been personally overseeing the stocktake and packing of all my beautiful Brittique.com clothes. There was an odd box leftover that seemed to have damaged clothes and just stationary items so I just left it - until today. What a surprise I got when I unpacked it and right at the bottom was my beloved top neatly folded in the magazine's bag. I'm thrilled! But now I'll have to wait a few months post baby to get back into it.

The future's orange

As soon as I saw these Bionda Castana Verity shoes I thought of the Louise Amstrup AW09 collection. I just love orange and can't wait to pair these Verity's with the Louise print pinup dress and matching slim wrap belt in orange. The shoes and dress are available to preorder now with delivery in August.

Brittique shoptalk at Dream Sequins

When I first started to Twitter I didn't really understand it's power. In the past month of twittering I have discovered some incredible bloggers and reached a more international customer base. Who would have thought?

One of the incredible bloggers I've "meet" is Dream Sequins. Based in my old city of New York, she writes about emerging fashion designers and independent boutiques. Sometimes just various tidbits about food and travel. You can follow her on Twitter.

I recently "chatted" with Dream Sequins and the result of this up on her website now. It's a little snapshot of Brittique from a fashionista's perspective.

PS. Check in with Dream Sequins for a fantastic giveaway bonanza that will be announced soon.

Designer Hannah Marshall Spills on Fashion

Hannah Marshall is one of the most talked about new designers. There is a good reason for this. Her style has sharpened since she first launched at London Fashion Week in 2007. Her collections are now entirely in black and feature strong silhouettes, broad shoulders with a sharp, tailored feel. For someone like me who doesn't tend to wear too much black it can be daunting to sift through. But when you need a LBD you can't go wrong with her collection.

Read Hannah Marshall's views on fashion with Elle Magazine.

Book review: Lowboy by John Wray

Source: Amazon

Normally if I read a book review I don't read the book. They tend to spoil the plot for me. I prefer to start a book with only a vague idea of what the book is about. Lowboy was different. I read the review in the New Yorker and was intrigued.

The after reading the NYMag's review I knew I had to read it.I can't really add much to the fabulous reviews out there but to say that there is a subtle twist towards the end that it brilliant. The book is simply written and gripping. Apparently Wray wrote the whole book on the subway!

I was a touch confused about the ending and had to reread the last couple of pages a few times but after reading this review I now understand. Highly recommend it for your next book club - it's an easy page turner!

Spring bank holiday sale - extra 30% off everything

Psst... We're on sale to get an extra 30% off everything just enter SPRING09 upon checkout.

Any questions? Just email help@brittique.com.

New Arrivals: Amber shoe and Kate Tailyour

The long awaited Amber from Bionda Castana have arrived. And guess what? They're even better in real life than in all the press. I love them and of course had to take a pair for myself. Limited sizes left.

Also new in store is the ethical designer Kate Tailyour. Her draped silhouettes are easy to wear and all made from ethically sourced and produced fabrics. What's even better is that they're made right here in the UK, in London actually.

Fashion fuels death threats

Vogue recently reported that Peter Jensen is at the centre of a fashion feud over his interpretation of Greenland's national costume. Following the presentation of Peter Jensen's AW09 collection the designer received a series of complaints including a death threat.

Of particular concern to the native Greenlanders is Peter Jensen's interpretation of the kamic boots. Peter Jensen told Vogue "The collection and the boots were made out of pure love and meant as a celebration from the trip which we went on in November. That I am now getting death threats is really taking this thing out of proportion."

I love the boots and was disappointed to learn that they're only available from a certain high street retailer... We have however placed our AW09 order for the clothing. I can't wait for the beaded sweater dress and the digital print Citizens of the World blazer. This blazer is just so versatile and can be interpreted in so many ways from preppy to layered and geek chic. Preorders are now open with delivery in September.

InStyle wedding guest dress picks

InStyle's wedding special featured two Kirribilla dresses as their top wedding guest dress picks. As I said before, I'm loving the brilliant blue Helen with Amber from Bionda Castana. Image it with a colourful fascinator? Almost makes me wish I had a wedding to go to this summer!

Vogue on Vogue

Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman. Source: FBC

On Thursday I went along to the Fashion Business Club meeting “Vogue on Vogue”. Online editor Dolly Jones was interviewing Vogue magazine editor Alexandra Shulman. While I’m not a magazine junky and prefer online to magazines, I was interested in what Alexandra had to say about supporting young British designers and her perceived or obligation of role of Vogue. One interesting fact for me is that we both have the same favorite magazine, The New Yorker.

Alexandra spoke openly and candidly about her experience and was actually quite witty. Upon taking the job she had no idea or even interest in fashion. She didn’t realize that fashion was in seasons and still claims to have a more pedestrian view of fashion while her fashion staff talk about referencing great artists and events.

Dolly (not her real name by the way) asked if Alexandra felt that she fitted the fashion mold. The crowded room laughed when Alexandra said that one comment she hears continuously is that she doesn’t look like the editor of Vogue magazine. She always replies that she’s been the editor for 17 years now so this is what the editor of Vogue looks like.

She believes that fashion has become the whipping post for the celeb culture, eating disorders and other woes of the world. She said it’s just wrong and she actually enjoys the debate. Vogue was recently heavily criticized for putting Cheryl Cole on the cover. Alexandra said she enjoyed having Cheryl and believes she is a face of fashion. Besides, it was incredible for sales.

I was about to ask about Vogue’s role and obligation in the support of young designers. Alexandra said she feels a duty to support them despite the fact that they don’t give a single penny of advertising revenue. She believes that during the last recession some of the greatest trends emerged and this time is no different. She saw signs of that at the recent LFW. In reply to Dolly’s questions about how Vogue are dealing with the recession and changes in spending habits Alexandra said that Vogue has always been about an aspirational lifestyle and it will continue to present that lifestyle in a way that is not offensive.

There were a lot of questions from the audience, most just wanting to draw Alexandra’s attention to their brand. Something I should really do but it’s not my style. I do hope that Vogue can continue to support young British designers, especially in these times.
On the way home from the meeting I did pick up the latest copy of Vogue. I haven’t read it yet though. Had a delivery of New Yorkers instead!

Brittique launches on Twitter - 20% off your next order

We've succumbed to the power of Twitter. Follow us to receive 20% off your next purchase. Stay a step ahead with tweets of the newest arrivals and sales previews.

Perfectly pretty new arrivals from Kirribilla

Kirribilla's dress only collection is always a delightfully sweet collection of perfectly pretty dresses. As the design trio say, "you're too pretty to wear pants". These super sweet dresses are now available on Britique.com. I think the brilliant blue Helen dress will look incredible with the new Amber shoes from Bionda Castana.

My new mama blog

Any mothers out there check out the new blog TightKnitMamas I've started with a few of my mama friends in New York. While we're now spread out over oceans and the US, we're blogging about parenting, knitting and other random things that means a lot to us mums.

Sometimes beauty does not mean suffering

As a mad snowboarder the death of anyone while skiing or boarding really shakes me. But the death of Natasha Richardson is especially shocking. It's not just because she's a young mother but because these types of injuries can be avoided by wearing a helmet.

In 2000 when I was learning to snowboard I took an especially nasty fall. It really shook me and I could see stars for days and had a sore spot on the back of my head for months after. After the initial panic attack wore off I went to the nearest ski store and bought a helmet.

At that time in our little ski resort of Fieberbrunn I was the only adult wearing a helmet. I did not care how silly I looked, I just knew that I needed protection.

Now more and more adults are wearing helmets. In January I noticed that in Fieberbrunn more people were wearing helmets than not and Snowbird was the same.

In the same way that the terminal illness of Jade Goody has increased the number of women seeking pap tests, I hope that the tragic death of Natasha Richardson will encourage you all to forsake beauty and wear a helmet on the slopes.

Fly the Co-op

Relative new comers Cooperative Designs have created a stir since their launch four seasons ago. The launch of their SS09 collection in stores today generated press on both Vogue and Zoo.

Since Brittique started stocking Cooperative Designs in AW08, the styles have moved away from the ultra quirky handknits to a more streamlined and wearable feel. Customers really responded at London Fashion Weekend and most of their summer 08 collection was snapped up.

The summer 09 collection went live on Brittique this past weekend. Think citrus stripes in bodcon styles with cutout shoulders. My favorite has to be the little steffi beach suit. With it net lining, bobble zip and cute boy style shorts it really is a holiday necessity. If I wasn't going to spend all summer pregnant I'd imagine throwing a frisbee around Victoria Park wearing my little play suit and bare feet, hair back in a messy pony. Alas, it's bare feet and empire dresses for me!

The latest in London youth trends

London Fashion Weekend is over. After a gruelling 5 days I slept most of Monday and wouldn't mind a little kip now too!

After moving back to London from New York a mere 3 weeks ago, LFW'end was the first time I've been immersed in London Fashion. And what an eye opener. The girls in the East Village are tame compared to London girls.

LFW'end really was an eye opener as far as trends. There were so many young girls in attendance - we're talking 16-22 - and they're just so fashion forward. I'd like to say imaginative too but while it was, they mostly all stuck my rules.

The first thing I noticed is that skirts are short. And I mean SHORT!! Bum skimming. This fact didn't escape the security guards at the show either. They really thought they were in heaven. Many girls weren't even wearing skirts or dresses, just tops that barely covered their bum and semi opaque tights. Even girls who didn't have the legs have embraced this trend. I saw a couple bend over and yes, I saw everything! Should we blame Sienna Miller for this?

Source: Stylebakery

The second thing I noticed was the hair styles. This is one area that there was not much of a deviation from the trend. That trend seems to be an evolution of the bed head and side party which is now lightly teased with an exaggerated side part that is swept right across the forehead.

Source: Stylescout

While I appreciate the power of a trend, many of these young girls should really take a look in the mirror and decide if these bum skimming tops/skirts and forehead covering styles really suit them. Perhaps they could modify the trend and wear what actually suits them.

That said, I've unplugged my GHDs, teased up the roots of my hair and will test drive the full side part today. It's not a far cry from my usual and it will be interesting to see the looks I get - although I am pushing a pram, hardly a style accessory of the 16-22s!

We're at London Fashion Weekend

Exhausted is an understatement after the opening night at London Fashion Weekend. The organisers have had record ticket sales with Saturday and Sunday completely sold out - unless you want the mad rush from 3-5pm on Sunday.

Last night was crawling with shoppers all out for a bargain. And there are definitely bargains to be had and much haggling over prices. I do feel that store owners are more willing to negotiate on prices this season which is great for the shopper.

So come down and visit us and see the amazing spring/summer collections we have available plus hundreds and hundreds of items most discounted by between 50-90%. We're at stand LA11 which is on the bottom floor (phew, no stairs this time!) right near the VIP lounge.

Back to London

Source: Vogue

After a brief nearly 2 year stint in New York, I'm now back in London. While I'll miss the many beautiful friends I've made there, it's great to be back in London where Brittique is based and really get back into things.

I arrived back in the Ol' Blightly just in time for London Fashion Week. With the great coverage you get online these days, there's hardly a point to waiting out the incredible delays, sore feet and elbowing to get to shows. But one show I couldn't miss was Louise Amstrup's. I'm such a huge fan of her textured, high quality tailoring. And I've written here ad nauseam about the incredible fit - it really should be tried.

Louise Amstrup's AW09 collection did not disappoint and Vogue liked it too. It had a slightly harder feel with a more structured shape to the jackets and lots of leather details. Her print for the season is a black and white swirl with vibrant hints of fluro yellow and orange - perfect for accessorising with bright shoes and bags. As usual my only disappointment is that I can't wear the collection now!

No misstep for Agyness Dean

Agyness Dean is one of those people who always looks amazing - even with an eye patch following an incident with a mascara wand! In the March 2009 issue of British Vogue she looks breathtaking in this vivid silky gown and statement bangle. But I agree with ShinyStyle, what really makes this outfit is the shoes.

When Natalia at Bionda Castana first showed me these shoes I wanted them. They are just stunning and will liven any outfit from a plain dress to jeans. They are available in limited quantities at Brittique, the only place you can buy them in Europe. Pre-purchase yours now and you'll be wearing them in March.

Coming soon: sell your preloved Brittique purchases

I love this Basso & Brooke gown. I've worn it to every wedding I've been to since it came out in February 2007. It never fails to make me feel spectacular. But after so many weddings and special events it's done the circuit. People are going to start whispering that I own a boutique and yet wear the same dress over and over and over.

Inspired by the need to declutter, we are about to launch Brittique preloved. What better way to bulk up your bank balance and clear out your closet of unworn items than resell them? Just email us details of the items you wish to sell along with your price. Once it has sold you send out the item. When the customer is happy we'll send you the money. We don't charge you a commission, we'll add a little something on top of your price to cover our costs.

So start sorting those closets and email us.

Lily Allen wears Cooperative Designs

While there has been some speculation about Lily Allen's hair/hair extensions, there's no denying where she shops - Brittique of course. Lily shows her indie style here wearing the Aztec inspired Box Jumper from Cooperative Designs. Available now at Brittique.com.

Evie Belle on sale for just 24 hours

We won't be stocking Evie Belle anymore so we're giving you one last chance to purchase any item from the collection for 30% off. Purchase by Friday and enter EVIEBELLE at checkout to receive your discount.

Choose from tailored trousers and wonderfully soft jersey separates. These classics will be a fundamental addition to your recession proof wardrobe.