I’m going to keep it brief, as I’m sure that you all have things to be getting on with other than thinking about clothes! But if the hectic-ness is getting a bit much and you need a moment to yourself, let’s make a cuppa and, well, talk about clothes. Alex Mill strikes again! This time with this gorgeous fair isle cardigan, perfect for this time of year of course but don’t be fooled into thinking that it is just for Christmas… this would be perfect for anytime of year, even in the summer over a simple white cotton dress. Also, a tip - I’m going to be looking out for Alex Mill in the sales as I think that there might be some bargains to be had (currently stocked in the UK on Net a Porter and The Outnet BTW).

I don’t know if I have ever said this before but when you layer a few pieces together, try and pull out the different fabrics at your cuff - it looks pretty and chic. Particularly, if your cuffs are as pretty as the ones on this shirt By Soren. This blouse was handmade and embroidered in the UK. I’ve also noticed, amongst lots of lovely things, that they sell hand embroidered buttons which is such a gorgeous way of updating a garment that you have had for a while (good stocking filler too).

I adore this jacket by one of our favourite independent designers, Nadinoo. What a perfect colour combination! Little jackets that are made up of lots of different colours are incredibly versatile. This particular one would tie together so many different colour combinations and liven up the plainest of outfits.

The shoes are by a new brand called Obras de Arte which means ‘work of art’ in Spanish. Adelaide, the brand’s founder, started Obras having travelled to Mexico and bought herself a pair of the traditional Mexican shoe, huaraches. The loafers come from Michoacán and are typically made by women in their home so that they can work and look after their children. Having worn hers for a long time, and coming to realise how incredibly comfortable and aesthetically pleasing huaraches are, Adelaide decided to work with a British product designer to share these wonderful shoes with a British market. Drawings in hand, she went back to Mexico to work with their traditional artisans to produce her own take on huaraches and Obras de Arte was born - their mission, to support 'back-to-slow' fashion, help preserve this heritage craft and enhance the lives of the people who make these beautiful shoes.

Lastly, but by no mens least, I need to talk to you about my wool jumper by the lovely Oubas Knitwear. They are based on the edge of the English Lake District in a small market town called Ulverston. I love the shape. It has the hallmarks of a man’s jumper but the neck is more open which provides a feminine feel and the fit is relaxed without being ‘oversized’. It is the perfect shape to be worn with a more voluminous trouser or a dress. FYI, I have sized up.

Anyway, my intention was to keep this post brief but it appears that I have failed. Hey ho, I’ve hopefully introduced you to some lovely small brands that you may not have already known….but now you do!