I thought I would put together a quick little edit of local independent companies that I would go to for the more unique and individual gifts and I guess a more personal service. I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for a long time so I have seen businesses come and go. The following edit is made up of local people mosly that I know personally who have developed their businesses into great successes. With all the Black Friday madness I wanted to try something different and I guess more personal to me…
Bella Jane Jewellery
http://www.bellajanejewellery.co.uk/
Bella Jane Jewellery was launched in 2012 by Annabel Davies. Annabel is a busy mum of three lively football playing young boys. I first met Annabel when we were about 15. We worked at Dolcis Shoes as Saturday sales assistants. I think we probably bought more shoes than we sold!! Annabel’s aim was always to offer luxurious beautiful made and packaged jewellery for an affordable price. All pieces are designed to be worn together or mixed up to create your own unique stack. My mum is doing exactly this and will be receiving another addition for Christmas! Bella Jane jewellery is a special gift to give and if you want to leave the choice to the recipient then gift vouchers are available too. Ranges include: Earrings, necklaces , bracelets and rings. Available in sterling silver, rose gold or gold
Annabel is offering a unique discount code to my readers until November 30th. Add lulu10 at checkout
Prude Candles
https://prudecandles.co.uk/products/walter-candle
I discovered Prude Candles recently at the fabulous Pantiles Market where local traders can sell their products. Prude produce candles, room sprays, diffusers and wax melts that are all hand poured in the UK. They develop deep, bold and outstanding scented products that bring a sense of luxury to your home. All scents are on their website: the eight Prude scents: Walter, Beatrix, Tabitha, Elizabeth, Francis, Dorothy, Evelyn and Cordelia. They also have two new scents for Christmas – George and Esmeralda! I love candles and do actually buy quite a few. I absolutely love to receive a candle as a gift and have been very pleased with both the strength of fragrance and burning time of my Walter candle!
All candles are available to purchase online
Styling Matters
http://stylingmatters.co.uk/gift-vouchers/
Styling Matters was set up by Lynne Meek to offer Wardrobe editing, wardrobe styling and personal shopping services. She works successfully across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London and is very well known and respected locally. What a great present for a special person in your life than a voucher for a personal shopping trip or a wardrobe consultation? I have friends (both men and women) that have used Lynne’s services and enjoy her friendly, natural and non judgemental approach.
You can purchase a gift voucher in part or full payment for a session. All details again are on Lynne’s website
Ollie and Roo
Ollie & Roo was created in 2013 by Zoe Chapman. I first met Zoe whilst on holiday in Crete when I noticed her wearing a lovely stack of Bella Jane Jewellery bracelets! It really is a small world! Zoe works from a gorgeous studio at home and has built the business to work around the school run and her two boys. Her range of products include: Make up bags, children’s wash bags, pencil cases, lampshades, nappy and changing mats and amazing unique clutch bags. All handmade by Zoe and great gift ideas.
The Ollie and Roo shop on Etsy is linked through the above website
bod and ted
bod & ted is a family owned and run business with a boutique in Tunbridge Wells. They specialise in providing a personal shopping experience and mixing well-established brands with up-and-coming designers, resulting in a brand mix that is unique and exciting and that caters for all ages with sizes from 8-16. The selection of labels available at bod & ted is constantly evolving, ensuring customers get a fresh shopping experience each week. Some of my favourite brands above: Miss Pom Pom, Katie Loxton, Rixo London and Lollys Laundry
They offer clothing, footwear, accessories and lifestyle products mostly all available online.
Hermosa London
You may have read my previous blog post on Hermosa London or seen me rocking my red and khaki bags! Set up in 2017 by two sisters looking to develop a range of lightweight, durable and on trend bags Hermosa is going from strength to strength. I love the brand so had to include their new products as they really would make fab gifts. The new Hermosa range includes: Blue Velvet Textured All Rounder tote, Coated All Rounder in Black with Red Interior, Technology Cover in Coated Black Neoprene and the Neoprene Coated Washbag/Clutch
All available online
Kitch
https://www.kitchclothing.co.uk/
Charlotte opened Kitch 14 years ago this month. She has recently celebrated in style with a VIP party at the boutique with styling tips from Donna Ida. With a successful background with the Arcadia Group and in fashion wholesale Charlotte has developed the business into one of the most popular places in Tunbridge Wells for women’s fashion and gifts. Kitch offers a really personal and honest service with a great selection of brands for all styles. Brands include: Onjenu, Donna Ida, Melissa Odabash, Jumper 1234, Wildfox, Tom Ford and many more of my favourites! If you have a chance to visit the boutique you really must but there is a great selection online as well as gift vouchers
I hope this small selection of my favourites offers you a few ideas.
Happy shopping!
Jane
x