Indie Christmas Gift Guide - Why I'm Shopping Small This Christmas!
Christmas is a time for giving, and giving back - especially to small businesses. With the past year being one of the worst for the economy and so much more, so now's the time to show your support, and what better way is there to help these small businesses than buying your Christmas presents from independent shops? So, to help you on your festive (and independent) present buying journey, I have put together a list of brands and shops I love to inspire you! Some of these brands I have had the pleasure of working with in some form, so it's my time to give back to them:
I have been so lucky to have got the chance to work with Anna from ALOL a few times now, and one of my favourite ever necklaces is from there. It's personalised believe it or not. Anyway, Anna Lou of London creates amazing jewellery with a fun and playful British quirkiness we all need in our lives. The picture below is from a shoot I styled at the beginning of the year with the lovely Georgia Jones - this collection is amazing as you can just keep layering. Do check them out and get your loved ones something personalised this year. https://www.annalouoflondon.com/
Jess & Lou is a lovely brand selling beautiful accessories you can wear everyday and love forever. This is another brand I have been lucky to work with recently. They very kindly sent me some socks - pictured below - a scarf and some lovely pieces of jewellery, which I love so much! They have a great selection of scarves too which are all super cosy and nicely made. Do check them out, especially if you have an accessory loving friend. https://www.jessandlou.com/
Live Unlimited are a lovely brand that specialise in beautifully made clothing for mid-plus-sized women. They contacted me earlier on in the year and I was so pleased to be introduced to such a lovely label. They have some fab loungewear pieces too. I got this khaki shacket from them which I used as a cover-up in the summer and I can't wait until it's warm enough to wear it again. I also got a pair of cotton joggers which are perfect for those inbetween weather days as they're not too hot on the leg. Do check them out! https://liveunlimitedlondon.com/
Zaazee is a brand I have just discovered recently as I loaned some pieces for a shoot, and they are absolutely wonderful! They are the only activewear brand I could find that actually do work out tops in a variety of different colours. As someone that usually gets their work out gear from ASOS, I was pleasantly surprised, they were a dream to work with. You can find them in selected John Lewis stores too - so keep a look out. https://zaazee.co.uk/
If you love your animals AND your fashion, then Tors and Co is the destination for you. I have seen them on Instagram for a while and love how they infuse the brand's love for animals with its apparel, you should see their 'PUPPIES' T-shirts - so cute! So, if you have a friend or family member who might like to showcase their love for their pets and wear a cute top at the same time, do give Tors and Co a little looksie! https://torsandco.com/
I've recently discovered the brand Cheek London on Instagram when I was looking to loan a few pieces for a shoot. They are so fab! They specialise in two-piece activewear sets and personalised resistance bands. Just look at the leopard. This is a great independent brand that a fitness loving pal would love - why not get them one of the label's bands as a Christmas gift and support a small business whilst you're at it? https://www.cheeklondon.co.uk/
I couldn't not help myself, I just HAVE to shamelessly promote my own small business. If you're looking for an experience rather than a product than one of my style analysis packs might be just the ticket. Prices start from £25 and I offer gift vouchers - sent with a nice card designed by an independent card designer. Visit here for more information!
