This outfit showcases four lovely independent brands; M Hulot (the leather tote bag), Wallace & Sewell (the scarf), Justine Tabak (the cardigan) and Roake (the earrings). All four of these businesses are female founded and based in the UK. The rest of the outfit is made from two stalwarts of the high street, Massimo Dutti and Arket. I think that we can all agree that the outfit is made by the individuality of the pieces created by the aforementioned brands. It may be that you have to spend a bit more but I can guarantee that you will be buying clothes made with love and made to a higher standard than anything that you will find on the high street. You will own things that are different and that add personality to your wardrobe. If at all possible, it would be wonderful to support at least one small business this Christmas. It’s an extremely tough climate for them at the moment and the shopping environment would be a much drearier place in their absence.

This black leather tote bag would last a lifetime and only get better with age. The strength of Anna’s (the founder) designs lies in their simplicty and quality of craftsmanship. We love the Tote (which has a zip pocket and a strap which closes the top) but I also have my eye on the Wilb Mini Tote which is so cool. I met Anna at a fair a few weeks ago and fell in love with the bag. The cardigan is by Justine Tabak (the founder) who also works with her daughter! They are based in a studio in Hackney, East London and make everything here in the UK. We adore this cardigan made from butter soft lambswool in the palest of yellows. I’m always looking for things that strike me as different and it was the particular hue of this cardigan that stood out for me. It’s quite hard to find pieces that are made from this pleasingly soft yellow - perfect for winter and summer.

This neck scarf is an absolute gem. Based in Clerkenwell, just by Exmouth market, Wallace & Sewell create woven designs in incredible colour combinations ranging from tippets (neck scarves) to bedspreads. Ooff, as you can imagine, I adore their use of colour and these ‘Tippets’ would work so well as a piece to tie together many an outfit. Lastly, and by no means least, Roake Studio, based on the Isle of Wight, have been friends of Graham St for a while now. These earrings are heaven as an everyday pair to effortlessly add a little je ne sais quoi to all looks. The perfect present for Christmas too…. wink wink.

Now for the independent brands that I am wearing. First up, another favourite of Graham St, Charl knitwear. Alex and I have been photographing and styling Frankie’s collections for a while now so we know the designs well. I have to say, the collections get stronger and stronger with every season that passes. Frankie (the founder) has a long history in knitwear, most notably as a designer at Burberry. Her designs have the hallmark of great knitwear- classic and versatile but with a nod to the modern. Looked after properly, a jumper from Charl will last a lifetime.

The delicate pearl necklace that I am wearing is from the ethical platform The Collaborative Store. Elena, its founder, curates a beautiful selection of clothes, accessories and homeware all with excellent sustainable credentials. This particular necklace is made from a fresh water stick pearl and small potato pearls on each end of extra strong double pleated nylon string. All the details (tubes and beads) are 14k gold filled and do not tarnish. It’s beauty definitely lies in its simplicty, I absolutely love how delicate it is. Perfect worn on its own just catching the light at the neckline of a blouse or layered with other necklaces.

The blouse is from Má + Lin meaning ‘Linen’ in both Chinese and French. Linen is the world’s most ancient and sustainable fabric. The brand’s founder, Yue, was born in China but spent 10 years working in the fashion industry both in Paris and London. She found the waste that she witnessed staggering and heartbreaking so in 2019, during the pandemic, Sue started Má + Lin with the aim of doing things better. Ethically crafted in Portugal using 100% certified European linen, every piece that she designs is made to last.

And the bonus? All their linen beauties are made in limited edition so each one of them is a special treat!

And that concludes my introduction (if you didn’t already know them) to seven amazing brands doing fantastic things that would really appreciate your support this Christmas - and all year round!

Thanks Guys. xx

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

SUE WEARS…

Cardigan, £190, Justine Tabak

Gingham shirt, £55, Massimo Dutti

Jeans, £87, Arket

Shoes, £99.95, Massimo Dutti

Scarf, £80, Wallace & Sewell

Earrings, £30, Roake

Brooch, £89, Plumo

Tote bag, £275, M Hulot

HANNAH WEARS…

Blouse, £165, Ma + Lin

Knitted vest, £225, Charl Knitwear

Cords, old Toast

Jacket, £159, Arket

Trainers, old

Pearl necklace, £95, The Collaborative Store

Scarf, £57, Arket

-STYLE EDIT-