nineteen

I celebrated my 19th birthday on Thursday. I found my last couple of birthdays were anti-climatic celebrations which is no reflection on the part of my family; more down to my approach to birthdays changing as I'm gettting older and enjoyment becoming less dependent on the size of present piles. This year however really was wonderful; a chilled lunch and potter with my Mum during the day and then an evening with my friends which I'll remember with really fond memories. We spent the evening playing Beer Pong at mine. Laura and Josh made me an insane cake (sponge with a fresh raspberry filling) which teased everyone's tastebuds. And I was once again bowled over by my friends impeccable present buying skills and generosity. 

From Josh an old Olympus Trip camera. From Laura a Japanese lunchbox. From Emily an old satchel and the lost 1994 Chloe Sevigny issue of Vice. From Ellis a handsome sparkley Ganesh tattoo which I've stuck inside my moleskin.

Afterwards we made our way into town, to our old haunt which is a club on a boat. It was absolutely packed in that typically inbred Bristol where you're able to name half of the club. Friends from college, old work friends, facebook acquaintances, friends of friends home from university. Already merry from the Beer Pong and with the summer officially in full swing there was a lovely sense of homecoming on board and the entire boat seemed to be drunk in the most positive and heartwarming way. Perhaps this is a case of rose tinted birthday-girl specs, either way my amazing friends, flirtations and good dancing made the night pretty perfect.

goldmine bristol

Calling all fellow Bristolians! Our dear city's vintage credibility just went up a notch with pop-up vintage store
Goldmineopening up on Stokes Croft. From the founders of Dutty Girl comes a temporary boutique with the 'come, browse, consume baked goods, drink tea' philosophy that we all love. The launch night is tomorrow and nicely rounds off what's been a busy Bristol weekend (thanks to the Harbourside festival, I've lost count of how many sunburnt bodies I've seen slumped along the Arnolfini.) Make sure you turn up at 7pm to thumb through the clothes (which thankfully are just as pocket money friendly as Dutty Girl) and make the most of the free wine and DJ sets.

Goldmine on Facebook

nominate discotheque confusion for cosmo blog awards

ph by patrice jackson

Cosmopolitan Magazine have launched their first ever Blog Awards, and if you deem Discotheque Confusion a suitable candidate for the Best Fashion Blog category then you can click here

to vote. Pretty, pretty please?

You just need to type Discotheque Confusion and discothequeconfusion.com into the URL box with one little reason why the blog should be nominated. Okay, schpiel over..

hello sandwich

This blog, Hello Sandwich is doing nothing except invigorate my current thirst to visit Tokyo. Go dream and time waste..

Hello Sandwich

tuesday

Just got back from a quick daytrip to London where I..

wore this outfit, freshly bought from Beyond Retro after overheating.

went to have a thoroughly entertaining snoop around the Jacques Pop-Up Townhouse with fellow bloggers.

and spent the last of my pennies on this fetching little 'Mexico' bag.

The Jacques event was so much fun, and as always catching up with fellow bloggers was a laugh. Ella from Coco's Tea Party, Susie Bubble, Bip Ling and my Bristol accomplices Charlie and Alexxsia turned up too. Jacques have taken over a beautiful Grade II listed building in Fitzroy Square and they'll be putting on lots of free events over the next month which I highly recommend you check out with a few girlfriends if you're in town and scrapped for cash. You can pop your name down on the guestlist here. Throw in some fortune tellers, delicious fruity cider served by witty bartenders, cupcakes (I asked Ella if she could ever see this fad dying and she truthfully couldn't) and benefit beauticians into the mix and you have some bloody successful afternoon organised by those clever, clever people at Exposure. Not quite repping it for the bloggers where digital technology is concerned, I bought my Olympus XA2 (still on loan from Josh) so photos are to come once they've been developed.

the chunky black boot

Chunky black boots are a little vice of mine. Sadly I had to leave my favourite pair on my Brooklyn Couchsurfer host's shoe rack after Talking Shoe Syndrome took hold of them (when the shoe and sole come apart and flap or 'talk' as you walk). Eh, shit happens and in all honesty those were by no means the holy grail of Chunky Black Boots. As a result, my search continues despite having two pairs sitting in my wardrobe baffled by their apparent inadequacy. I trawl eBay multiple times a week and charity shops when I have time as they're abundant in 90s shoes that toe that pretty/ugly line. I haven't had a lot of luck this week but the good news for you is that if you also possess a love of all things leather, chunky and booted in the shoe department (and not in the naughty way) these are some of the pairs that weren't quite right for me.

1. size 4,  2. size 5, 3. size 5, 4. size 5, 5. size 7,  6. size 2.

Do Not Adjust Your Set...

We are experiencing technical difficulties. Do not adjust your set. Blogger.com is messing with my mojo and has plum gone and introduced a new template designer which has wiped some of my layout design. So if you are a link on 'Sartorial Sites' and have noticed er...you've gone missing; I have not wantonly deleted you. Please also note, this hoo haa has extended to bolding, italics, links and general formatting. Major apologies. Will have to sort this out...somehow. Interns? Anyone?

Irish Examiner Millinery Photoshoot

CROWNING GLORY
Bijou garden parties, whimsical weddings, champagne galas or race meets – wherever you go this summer, you need little else but a hat to make an entrance. Make sure yours gets them talking!

Shot 1 – Gatsby Girl
Frieda
Lace and Swarovski crystal hat, Edel Ramberg €POA
Waterfall diamond earrings, Boodles €7,150
Blossom pink gold and diamond long necklace, Boodles €9,900
Gloves, stylist’s own
‘Becca’ shoes, Nina Divito €585

Shot 2 – Tea for Two
Anya
Vintage mink and lace hat, Edel Ramberg €385
Vintage sable stole, stylist’s own
Yellow beryl and diamond earrings, Boodles €7,980
Yellow beryl ring, Boodles €6,400
Fingerless lace gloves, Glovedup.com £45
Inta
Philip Treacy hat, Design Centre €1,239
Raindance long strand earrings, Boodles €19,800
Double row Raindance collar, Boodles €POA
Large Raindance ring, Boodles €35,000
Vintage lace gloves, Jenny Vander €28
Manolo Blahnik shoes, Brown Thomas €495

Shot 3 – Travelling in Style
Anya
Swarovski crystal heart hat, Tootsie Royale €POA
Amethyst and diamond Tonneau earrings, Boodles €3,800
Amethyst and diamond Tonneau pendant, Boodles €2,750
Amethyst and diamond Tonneau ring, Boodles €2,850
Gauntlet gloves, Glovedup.com £75
Miu Miu bejewelled patent peep toe shoes, Covet €80 to borrow for 3 days
Frieda
Leopard print pill box hat. Tootsie Royale €110
Raindance large loop necklace, Boodles €POA
Raindance droplet earrings, Boodles €6,800
Gauntlet gloves, Glovedup.com £75
Mary Francis bag, Alila €195

Shot 4 – Dressage
Frieda
Riding hat, Linda McKay €490
Firefly earrings, Boodles €16,000
Black organza bolero (worn as a neckpiece), Bonzie Crotty €145
Cotton grosgrain ribbon (worn as bow), A. Rubanesque €2.50 per metre
Glitterati stud earrings worn on bow, Boodles €6,600
Gloves, stylist’s own
Manolo Blahnik ‘Napoleana’ boots, Brown Thomas €960

Shot 5 – Vanity Fair
Frieda
Philip Treacy pink floral spray, Design Centre €989
Morganite spaghetti earrings, Boodles €7,370
Kunzite and diamond cocktail ring, Boodles €8,650
Scarf, stylist’s own
Inta
Silver embellished disc detail headpiece by Sarah Mc Gahon, Covet €75 to borrow for 3 days
Glitterati diamond earrings, Boodles €6,600
Blossom white gold and diamond long necklace, Boodles €9,900
Large Roulette diamond bracelet, Boodles €17,000
‘Livi’ shoes, Nina Divito €585

Anya
Bejewelled combed headpiece by Brett O' Mahony, Covet €80 to borrow for 3 days
Ribbon, stylist’s own
Lace ribbon (worn as bra), A. Rubanesque €28 per metre
Cuff, Bonzie Crotty €67

Shot 6 – Brideshead Revisited
Frieda
Lace ribbon (worn as headband), A Rubanesque €28 per metre
Pearl necklace, stylist’s own

Shot 7 – Portrait of a Lady
Anya
Vintage lace pillbox hat, Linda McKay €390
Diamond Lagoon earrings, Boodles €17,600
Red silk wrap (worn as neckpiece), Bonzie Crotty €48

Credits
Stylist and Shoot Producer: Annmarie O'Connor @ iblogfashion@gmail.com; 087 976 4920
Stylist’s Assistant: Catherine Glasheen
Hair: Susan Corcoran @ John Geaney for Hair - www.johngeaney.ie; 021 450 3788
Make-up: Kate O’Reilly using MAC Make-up- info@kateoreillymakeup.com;
Models: Anya, Frieda and Inta @ 1st Option www.1stoption.ie; 01 670 5233
Photography: Miki Barlok - www.barlokphoto.com; 086 223 7081
Location: The Westbury Hotel – www.doylecollection.com; 01 679 1122


Special thanks to The Westbury:
The Westbury Hotel, part of the Doyle Collection www.doylecollection.com.

swapping swallows for cherries

just a heads up to those of you still in the depths of a miu miu shoe whirlwind romance.. river island's embellished platforms can be your fall back option. they're decorated with cherries instead of swallows or kittys but will still whisper sweet nothings into your ear for the delectable price of £55.

cinema style: the big chill

Last night I watched The Big Chill (surprising that it's taken this long when there has been a copy on our shelves for the last 15 years) and was left feeling not only a desire for a replica group of friends (this is no reflection on my own, you'll share my thoughts if you've seen the film) but also for the men's wardrobes. Jeff Goldblum's glasses, William Hurt's gold wristwatch, an array of shirts in moleskin and soft cotton, beige windbreakers, toffee coloured chinos and the creme de la creme; the matching running trainers the 8 characters wear in the middle of the film.

The gospel according to Kevin Kline, Tom Berringer, William Hurt and Jeff Goldblum sadly implies these get ups look better worn with broad shoulders, clean shaves and hairy arms, so male readers should especially take note. Don't mistake this as statement as a promotion of gender specific clothes; those of us without adam's apples should absorb these details too and while at work I've noticed hoards of brown tapered trousers which perfectly emulate Big Chill bottoms.

You can watch the trailer below but I'd recommend you save yourself as it's one of those annoying types that gives away the best lines and moments before you've even watched it. There are cheap copies over at Amazon (click here if you live in the UK) (or here for US) if like me you're living a frugal lifestyle..

juergen teller

  

Juergen teller, easily one of my favourite photographers. This series which sees two of his muses, Racquel Zimmerman and Charlotte Rampling stark naked, breezing around the Louvre also holds a special place in my heart. I tore the second picture from weekend newspaper supplement over a Saturday breakfast sometime last year and it's been stuck above my bed ever since. I love that (in the fourth photograph specifically) there is really very little difference between Raquel and Charlotte's bodies. As far as Louvre rendez-vous go, I think these portraits safely beat Theo, Isabelle and Matthew's racing through the gallery in 9 minutes and 27 seconds.

Naturino Los Gatos Semi-Annual Sale on Kids Clothing & Shoes

Naturino Los Gatos' semi-annual sale has begun!

All your favorite European clothing designers are on sale including Jottum, Catimini, Kenzo, Cakewalk, Mim-Pi, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, David Charles and Floriane.

Don't miss 50-70% CLOSEOUTS on Beetlejuice, Lipstik, Marese, Oopsy Daisy, Pampolina, Repetto, Sophie Catalou, Sonia Rykiel and Verde Mela.

Shop now for Semi-Annual Savings on sandals and shoes from Naturino, Bocorocco, Moschino, Kenzo, Catimini & Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.

Servane Barrau Designs Bonus In Store Girls Clothing

This is a great time to discover the In Wonderland Collection at Servane Barrau Designs and your time to receive a great free gift filled with a new garment, or a classic favorite from the past collection or an exclusive item only available during Servane Barrau Designs Bonus and also some fantastic goodies for your Lil'One.

Each gift has a minimum value of $50.

This gift is yours when you place a minimum purchase of $350 (before shipping)*.

During your checkout, use the voucher : SBDBONUS.

Zulily Daily Deals - Up to 70% off on Baby & Kids Clothing

Zulily is a fabulous new online store offering daily sales on top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids.

Members can enjoy savings of up to 70% off retail prices—not to mention discover some exciting new brands and products. Membership is FREE - sign up today!

Free shipping on orders $50+ code: FREESHIPWK.

venetia scott

kate moss by venetia scott.

Bubble London June 2010 Kids Trade Show News

Bubble London June 2010 Kids Trade Show News. Footfall up 21% at Bubble London Spring/Summer Collection Show

Bubble London took place on June 20-21, 2010 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, UK. Buyers arrived at the show on Sunday and Monday to see a line up of almost 200 brands from 19 countries. The show's increasing international appeal was underlined by international visitor figures up 45% on the June 2009 show.

Almost 100 brands showed exclusively at the show, with 60 brands making their debuts, including CWF brands Timberland, Elle, MFG and DKNY, Helen Gordon, Lässig, Little Loui, Mae, Minti, Nicki Macfarlane, Pint Size, Rockabye-Baby, Small Paul by Paul Frank, Steiff Kids Collection, Troizenfants and Zoocchini.

On Sunday afternoon shrieks of delight could be heard from the Rockefella stand, after the Swedish brand was named winner of the Standout Award for the best-dressed stand at the show with its pirate-themed creation.

Bubble London event director Lindsay Hoyes says, "I'm delighted with the positivity that was evident throughout the show. Brands and buyers really appreciate the Bubble concept. Brands have reported strong sales to quality international and domestic buyers, and as the first show of the season we've got the Spring/Summer 2011 buying season off to a flying start."

The next edition of Bubble London will take place on January 30-31, 2011.

shkirting

I had a brain wave this morning while browsing through Anywho.dk. This photograph jumped off of the page; an overdue solution to my wardrobe predicament of having too few skirts and too many shirts. Of course the fashioning of a skirt from a shirt look is not new ground; anyone who has read fashion blogs for at least two or three years will have seen many a shkirt experiment but this is the first version that has really made an impression on me. Likely due to it's resemblance to a nice little camel button up- the sort of skirt that to me in this moment in time would equate to the Holy Grail.

Full credit to the faceless woman photographed, for today I have acted as a complete copycat. Also note that her entire outfit would be perfect for a little do-it-yourself dissection. White shirt as jacket, ho hum ho hum..

rainbow hair

looking back to coachella, it was the middle of the day with the sun at it's highest and most merciless and Joanna and I were taking refuge in the shade of the Gobi tent. crowds were a pleasing size before the 5pm swathes that arrived with the cooler afternoon air. while we lay on the grass completely motionless bar the occasional flapping hand to shoo a fly, I spotted this girl standing a couple of metres away and spent a while staring at her head, completely mesmerised by her hair. with it's rainbow colours it reminded me of a handful of pick and mix sweets (it was just as appealing.) I didn't want such an incredible hairstyle to get away undocumented so thank you to the girl (whose name I never found out) for being so obliging (in a quietly baffled sort of way) when I asked to take her photograph.

Poppy & Ned at Bubble London

Poppy & Ned pride themselves on their original collections that enable children to be stylish, comfortable and most importantly, to let them look like children.

Poppy & Ned clothes are made in both Nepal & India. Not only are their ethical standards very high, but their quality is impeccable creating the luxury garments they require. Poppy & Ned pays fair & honest prices and manufacturers are fair & honest in return.

Poppy & Ned's creative director Jessica has worked in the fashion industry for many years but creating Poppy & Ned is by far the most fulfilling for her. As a small child she would spend hours in my Grandmother's 'Secret Garden' playing dress up in her own little world. These are the memories that inspire Poppy & Ned's collections, of being wrapped up in a magical simple world, free to enjoy the innocence of childhood.

Deux Par Deux Fall/Winter 2010/11 Collection at Bubble London

deuxpardeux has an exciting new collection for Fall/Winter 2010/11 with a wide variety of lines to choose from!

TEDDY BEAR CHIC
Cuddly animals of plush fabric, soft as down or fur, in a wide range of sizes from key-chain fob to life size, continue to inspire childhood adventures. These magical creatures have earned a very special place in the hearts of children of every age. Today, deuxpardeux shows you its whiskers, soft coat and nasty claws.

NO GIRLS ALLOWED
In this futuristic setting, boys can fly to the moon. With a playful spirit, free of rigid structure, everything becomes a playground, a make-believe world for budding astronauts. A strange new planet, an extra-terrestrial experience...

THE ICE QUEEN
The rumors have been rampant for quite some time, yet they are shrouded in mystery, although the eyes speak volumes. Emotions speak for themselves, no words needed, the look says it all. Ultimately, a brief moment in a winter wonderland, a small window into the enchanted world of deuxpardeux.


CUTE AS BUTTON
Who, who, who are you? Who, who, who, eyes of blue? Just poked up his head to see what’s new. Slept the whole day through! Now comes the night, the moon shining bright. Scouting the forest, all creatures at rest, asleep in their nest. Asleep in their nest.

STARS IN THEIR EYES
This melancholy little character springs to life under a child’s gaze. The tale of a dreamer...Scribbles a few words and sighs to the stars. The stuff of pure imagination, fabulous fable and tantalizing tunes. deuxpardeux sang along by the light of the silvery moon.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
A tad shy, the princess of the peaks tidies up all the stray bits of cloud. Prancing, primping, goofy giggles, little girls captivated by fantasy. An original collection of polar daydreams in rosy-cheeked hues. Cheerful moments and secrets galore.

WILD MUSHROOMS
Life is wonderful in the enchanted forest. Here the imagination runs free, creativity flourishes. Everything among the trees is living, moving, changing. The boys have tamed this leafy bower with a carpet of mushrooms. A little outing into the countryside.

POPPY FIELD
Pull on your boots and come run with us through the poppy fields. deuxpardeux has rolled out the red carpet to play hide and seek in the meadows. This new collection, a luscious treat for the eyes, is strong on knits and cherry red. Poppy fields with a soupçon of dayglo, a look that strikes just the right mix of color and style!


THE NUTCRACKER
Dainty steps, tutus, feathers and little opera rats for this ballet performance. A magical story in which our nutcracker comes to life. A brief moment in a make-believe world beyond time and reality. A chic, cool collection with sparkling accents and a festive look.

Denmark's Pure Kids at Bubble London

Pure Kids is all about adventure, discovery and the mysteries of the universe reflected in trendy, outstanding and functional products.

Pure Kids is based on Nordic nature landscapes with its light characteristics and looks that encourage play, adventure and discovery.

Pure Kids's brand Phister & Philina is all about Phuntastic adventures.

In the deep forest, down the twisting path you will find the “magic house”. Here you can meet Phister & Philina – playing with their friends and pets.

They all go on an adventure – they love to go to the farm where they find loads of interesting things and fill their pockets with stones, sticks and leaves – all sorts of treasure. Making your own adventures, going exploring and using your imagination…

la garconne

The La Garconne Autumn/Winter lookbook epitomises all that you could (in my eyes) possibly desire to wear in the upcoming season. Something I really love about this lookbook is the fact that it is kept so simple; a simplicity that has me kicking myself for overlooking such a formula and failing to apply it to my own wardrobe. If Maths is what keeps the universe turning then we can be certain that it's also the key to a perfectly styled outfit.

Striped Jersey + Suede shorts= Monday
Mohair Jumper + Tight Jeans= Tuesday
(Leather Skirt + Riding Boots) x (Rain Mac + Satchel) = Wednesday

etc, etc..

amber

nice rollneck, amber valletta.

peachy keen

ah, summer time.

peach that I ate and the cheeseplant on on my desk.

style notes for the guys

shinjuku alley, tokyo by tomoji, timex watch, TC40 buzzsaw marine shoes by f-troupe, ryan gosling in half nelson, ocean park 116 by richard deibenkorn, lindsay anderson's 'if',collie, toffee trousers from topman

fishing hats

1. dudley (royal tenenbaums)

2. alexa chung for madewell

3. jak and jil

4. rachel comey SS10

I give you the fishing hat (or bucket hat) as my choice headwear for the summer; perfectly hardy and fuss-free. I've always felt the hat market has been saturated with hats that are too fussy for me. That's not to say I haven't seen a well-worn beret in my time but in truth I've never had the desire to wear one, and well, if I did I'd look a bit of a pillock. Instead a neat little canvas Bucket hat (with a couple of eyelets, no less) in a navy is much more appealing. Both UK and US Amazon sell incredibly cheap bucket hats that fit the bill (see here). To be worn on the beach with a simple high waisted bikini (like american apparel's) or during the day a la Rachel Comey with long hair and legs on show.

canvas bucket hat from amazon, cream crochet playsuit by miss selfridge, capri shoes by vagabond,  brooklyn by colm toibin, moroccan beach bag

MINI A TURE Spring/Summer 2011 - A Trip to the Summer House

The inspiration for MINI A TURE's Spring / Summer 2011 collection is ‘a trip to the summer house’.

MINI A TURE children are looking forward to a fun-filled holiday. They are taking a trip to their summer house where they will spend much of their time growing their own vegetables in their allotment by the sea and playing all kinds of outdoor games.

After the long drive, the children can’t wait to get to their allotment. They change into their casual shorts, t-shirts and skirts and run as fast as they can, basking in the sunlight and balmy weather. The girls waste no time attending to their vegetables whilst the boys opt for some sports instead and start kicking a football around and bowling cricket balls to each other. They also come across and an old swing and take turns seeing who can swing the highest.

After several hours outside, the children get ready for dinner. They change into dresses, long sleeved t-shirts, comfortable trousers and cool jeans and are ready for their barbecue. They reminisce about all the fun they’ve had today and share stories. They have a light weight jacket nearby as it can get a little chilly at night....

This season’s Designer Choice program is a new dip dye program in crispy cotton. The cotton has been dip dyed using three colors for a bohemian look.

Anne Katrine Lemvigh Montag is the Design Manager at MINI A TURE. Her Spring /Summer 2011 collection captures all of MINI A TURE’s brand values, namely: high quality, functionality, attention to detail, signature color combination and contemporary design.

Danish childrenswear label, MINI A TURE, has experienced continuous growth ever since it launched in 2001 and can be found in high-end retailers throughout Europe and other selected markets.

Jakabel UV50+ Wear and Wetsuits at Bubble London

Jakabel specializes in UV50+ wear, wetsuits, pool toys and accessories.

Jakabel’s Surfit for kids ® ranges are from 0-3 months old babies, 2-5yrs toddlers and kids up to 11 years old with a full range of exciting and colorful products all designed to give kids maximum protection from the harmful rays of the sun.

Jakabel is the exclusive distributor of the Swimsafe Floatsuit - the only one which doesn’t tip over in the water and which also gives UVP 50+ to keep kids safe in the sun.

With a huge range of Surfit branded sun protection wear and wetsuits in high quality fabrics and exciting pool toys to sit-on, throw or dive for, Jakabel promises its usual uncompromisingly good service and speedy delivery either from the UK or direct from Asia.

Bonnie Baby Presents First Full Collection at Bubble London

Bonnie Baby is growing up! – It’s time to fall in love all over again. Luxury British babywear label, Bonnie Baby, has made a major expansion of their fashion range for Spring Summer 2011. The company, who has garnered a fantastic reputation and many celebrity fans, for their ultra stylish knitwear, will be increasing their collection to encompass a much broader product range for Spring Summer 2011.

The new collection will include a cute range of ultra-soft lightweight denims, gorgeous funky printed jerseys and sweet embroidered cottons that are really feminine and fresh. In addition there will be a range of jersey baby basics that come packaged in a very cool milk carton - the perfect starter kit for any stylish baby - plus a wonderful 1930’s inspired Bonnie Baby knitted collection.

The new Bonnie Baby collection has captured a real sense of innocence and fun, where babies can be babies. The collection has a vintage feel, given a contemporary twist through use of fabric and color. As you would expect from Bonnie Baby, it combines cool, contemporary styling and great attention to detail with fantastic quality and practicality.

The Bonnie Baby delicious apple motif is a really strong theme for Spring Summer 2011. The motif runs throughout the collection – either knitted, crossed stitched, embroidered or printed - and gives the whole range a very clear unity.

Another key concept for Spring Summer 2011 is co-ordination. Each piece from the collection has been designed to mix and match perfectly - so you can team a broderie anglaise puff sleeve dress with a soft denim military style jacket or a striped cardigan, and know that the look is really pulled together - essential for little fashionistas!

Tracey Samuel, founder of Bonnie Baby, explains, “Our new collection is going to really surprise people. I have had such fun designing it, particularly all the little details and special finishing ideas that make it Bonnie Baby. It is great to be expanding the brand into new areas and we are really proud of the results."

Dijjie New Babywear on The Block at Bubble London

The Dijjie brand, created by Anita & Jason Pritchard, is very much the new kid on the babywear block with their initial range of garments launch in February this year.

The first sparks of inspiration for the initial range of playsuits came in the whirlwind months following the birth of their beautiful boy,  Dylan.

With an eye on the edgy London fashion scene Anita & Jason commissioned illustrations based on current urban styles which they then shrank down and blended onto their brand, quality playsuits with the view of retaining the hand drawn quality of the original artwork.

Dijjie's aims is to create high quality baby clothing that is fun, cool and totally original in design. The launch range of garments are based around all-in-one baby rompers but designed to appear as separate jeans and t-shirts/shirts, the concept being to blend the practical with the cool.

Powell Craft Handmade Traditional Children's Clothing at Bubble London

Powell Craft is a family company that has dealt in handmade traditional nursery and textiles for over 40 years covering a wide range of nightdresses, bedding and traditional nursery accessories.

Powell Craft has always practiced fair trade and it has enjoyed fruitful and established relationships with long term family-run suppliers, many of whom have worked with the company for over 25 years now. Powell Craft also supports various children’s charities both at home and abroad, notably the children’s hospice in Cornwall and the mobile crèches of northern India.

"A huge thank you to all customers past and present and to our long-suffering and loyal staff, all of whom are the reason that we are able to look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2012," Toby Powell.

Free Fashionable Choons!

Everyone like a bit of freeness...especially on a Friday. Why don't you download this new tune from THEM:YOUTH - some sharply dressed indie rockers from London town. G'wan - it's free, innit?

Fever Rising (Muffin Remix):

Huckleberry Lane Children's Sleepwear at Bubble London

When sisters Eliza and Carley gave up their roles in the corporate life, the transition to designing beautiful children's sleepwear was surprisingly natural. Having young children in their family has inspired and lent creativity to their new adventure, Huckleberry Lane.

Huckleberry Lane is a family owned business which creates beautifully designed sleepwear for children which is timeless, classic and comfortable.

“Using 100% cotton and manufacturing in Melbourne, we have been able to ensure the highest of quality in each and every step of making our garments."

The Huckleberry Lane range includes pyjamas, nighties, rompers, underwear, singlets, babywraps and bloomers from ages 0-8 years. In addition, the collection comes in an individual box to make the perfect gift.