Championing British Brands

We love a bit of chic French fashion, Scandinavian understatement and Italian pazzazz but we're also keen to get good, traditional British brands in store.

Alicia Waite in The Telegraph yesterday did a great piece on British labels that are setting the heritage trend. Of course we've got Burberry and Pringle who do the whole tweedy, waxed jacket, Aran jumper thing brilliantly, but it was great to see her focus on the smaller family companies and also the new up and coming brands.

With the demise of the Luella label, there's been a gap in the womenswear market for a label that does the traditional British thing with a twist. Alicia listed several British labels that are now getting the recognition they deserve.

We are particularly pleased that Heritage Research got a mention. Not only is HR a British label, it's a Brighton label to boot. And we're so excited to be stocking it!

HR have been designing cool menswear for years but have brought out a fabulous womenswear collection for AW11 which is also handmade in Britain. This first collection has cited female aviator Amelia Earhart's groundbreaking androgynous style as the design inspiration. Though Earhart was American, her grit and determination are at one with the ethos of the brand, which offers a no-frills collection of brilliantly designed cropped riding jackets, breeks, Liberty print blouses and more.

We'll let you know as soon as it comes in! You're gonna love it.

Rx

S/S12 - Chinti & Parker buying trip

Last Monday I popped up to London to see the girls at Chiltern Street Studios. One of my absolute fave agencies. The space at Chiltern Street is so beautiful, all rustic bare brick walls and wooden floors. They have some great collections and on Monday I went to see Chinti & Parker. CP are a London based duo specialising in luxurious, ethically made basics, from cottons to cashmere. They are getting some great press at the moment and we've been keeping our eye on it for a couple of seasons. We think it'll fit in with nola's current collection perfectly. We've kept it tight, going for a couple of cotton vests, some great basic tees and a couple of cute, wearable skirts. We know you'll love them.

Rxx

The Times 20 July 2011

Just had the lovely @lisamacario tweet me this little recommendation of our Brighton boutique from today's Times newspaper. Do you think by "relaxed" they mean "drunk"?

THANKS THE TIMES!

Rx

Nola Christmas Shindig - Thursday 2 December 2010

Well, it's that time of the year again. Nola's pre-Christmas drink up! Ignore the Arctic conditions out there and come and get warm with a Winter Pimms at nola (seriously lovely spicy drink to make you glow all over). Scoff mini mince pies and grab yourself a bargain with 25% off everything in store on the night. We're also offering complimentary eyebrow threading by The Brow Studio. From 5.30pm to 8.30pm, 42 Gardner Street Brighton. Ding, dong merrily on high. xx

by Malene Birger Winter Cape Coat

Brrr. It's coat time. And this by Malene Birger number is a corker. Shaped in a feminine, military cape style, it's a good compromise between the coat and cape. Great for wearing chunky jumpers underneath when it's really nippy but ideal for lighter knitwear when we get a bit warmer (Spring?). It's one of Malene's "Darlings" - one of a select few pieces that she chooses as her favourite of the season. It's been really popular in store, priced at £245.

Stick a big chunky scarf on top of it and go for long contemplative Winter walks.

http://www.nolaboutique.co.uk/_shop/product.php?productid=652&cat=8&page=1

Handknitted Tam O' Shanter anyone?

It's getting a bit nippy down here in Brighton - when the wind whips up from the sea, it can freeze all kinds of extremities. We've been selling these lovely Tam hats by Eribe really well over the last couple of days. Made from 100% Scottish lambswool, Eribe Tam hats are based on traditional Scottish designs with a contemporary twist. They are all hand knitted. At £65 we think they're a bargain. And they keep our ears warm too.

http://www.nolaboutique.co.uk/_shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=63

Orla Kiely Olive and Orange now in at nola!

Oh be still my beating heart, we've just received our first delivery of Olive and Orange, the new line from Orla Kiely. It's full of Orla's signature colours, orange, pistachio, navy and we've got some beautiful cardigans and jersey dresses and tees. It'll be on our website in the next couple of days but this piccie will give you a sneak preview.

XOXO

New Bloch lace up boots and shoes in store!

So, there I was, doing my paperwork like a good girl when Mr Delivery Man pops through the door with two curious boxes. " What can this be?" I ask myself, (expecting a boring paper bag delivery). I sign for the boxes with a flourish when I see the "Bloch" packing tape and push Mr Delivery Man out of the door. As much as I love the Bloch ballet flats that we stock, the lace up boots and black and white heeled shoes are a joy to behold. The boots are leather and patent and lace up the front, but, they fasten at the side with a zip. They are priced at a really reasonable £185. The shoes are made from the softest of leather and have patent leather toe cap, priced at £160. Both look absolutely stunning with leggings and big chunky cardigans, or as Grazia is saying, "coatigan". Now it's the difficult decision on which to buy for me........Rx

Beautiful Berman Bags make me go Bananas

Just had the Sara Berman bags delivered and oh, wow they are top banana! I don't know why I'm talking about bananas - perhaps it's cos I'm on a diet and I'm starving. Anyhoo, we've got the big old slouchy Marlow shoulder tote - with room for your lap top, the Isabella shoulder bag and the brilliantly huge Tamy giant clutches. They come in amazing soft leather with big hefty hardwear and signature leopard print fabric lining. I'm rocking the Marlow but am eyeing up the Tamy. You should too because these are THE bag of the season. God, I'm in love.

Rx

Malene Birger Lopez jacket. Going.........going....

Hiya,

We're getting new stock in thick and fast now and it's flying out. We've got some beautiful Malene Birger pieces in, the most popular is the truly stunning Lopez jacket. All drapey at the front and cut high at the back, it is an ultra feminine version of the military coats that do the rounds every Autumn/Winter. We are wearing ours with super skinny jeans and fierce ankle boots. Priced at £230 it's a good investment for winter. Rxx

New Bloch Ballet shoes now in store!

There's gonna be a stampede! Yep, the cappuccino Bloch luxury ballet flats have landed. Oh they are too good to be true. Our last batch of shoes sold out within days and we've only got a limited stock of these babies so get 'em whilst you can - £95. We've also got some amazing (faux) snakeskin pointy flats in from Bloch - they have the usual suede inner and have a beautiful patent leather trim. They are adorning my feets as we speak. £195. Hurry on down - they won't be here for long.

Oh, and the sale will be drawing to a close very soon - loads of bargains to be had so pop into our Gardner St store when you are next in Brighton.

See you soon. Rxxx

Paul and Joe Beaute - now in store at nola

Oh oh oh. Be still my beating heart. The Paul and Joe make up and fragrances have arrived. We've got a wide range of nail varnishes, lip glosses, cosmetic bags and bronzers in store. I ended up looking like Aunt Sally yesterday after I tried eveything on...........And the packaging, oh the packaging is to die for. Excellent for self gifting..............I've spend all my lunch money on it. x