Mermaids and Bows - Modern Summer Hosiery

After the storming success of their first collection (for which they picked up Best Accessories Designer of the Year at the Vogue Scottish Fashion Awards) we are delighted to launch the second collection of hand printed hosiery by designers Chloe Patience and Mhairi McNichol. 

The Spring/Summer collection sees their trademark soft tights and socks illustrated with all manner of playful things from Geisha flowers (elegantly finishing on the ankle), sailors, anchors, love birds to mermaids that swim around the legs.

In our climate it can be tricky to dress for a summer wedding or a spring garden party. I often, optimistically, wear a thin cotton dress only for my poor legs to be shaking with the cold underneath - well no more! I will be donning a pair of the Pearl Geisha Tights (above) to wear with my white tunic and tan gladiator wedges, feeling summery but snug, and perhaps a bit smug (well, I am wearing the the most beautiful tights in the world after all).

 

Or how about these gorgeous and incredibly functional little socks. Wear them peeking out under rolled up trousers or with a dress for a fresh quirky look.

Available from the Summer Hosiery Department  

Prices start from £16.95

Tribal Flower - Summer jewellery collection by St Erasmus

We are really excited to launch a new collection of the most beautiful, ethical jewellery by Pieter Erasmus' label St Erasmus.  Many of you will remember his first collection which made it onto the pages of Vogue last year, well I have to say this collection is even more exciting! Full of the same encrusted jewellery, metallic crocheting, freshwater pearls, but now with the addition of tiny butterflies and chunky flowers. 

Having previously worked for designers such as John Galliano and Erickson Beamon, Pieter now hand makes all his own jewellery in his studio in Delhi, India, where he employs a small group of local women artisans who work meticulously to create these wonderful pieces. 

My personal favourites are the Butterfly Catcher Earrings and Flutter Necklace for everyday wear and the spectacular Waterfall necklace to add instant wow to a plain evening dress

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Prices start from £44.

All the collection is available from The Jewellery Deaprtment, Room 2

The Queen of Leatherwork

Piggy Bank Purse, £23

What is it about Natalie Thakur's handmade leather bags that has got the whole world in a spin? 

We have sold a collection of her work since we opened our virtual doors in 2006 but, after years of hard work and dedication in her small studio in East London, it's only recently that she's beginning to get the recognition she deserves. Natalie's work  is now selling in Japan, Paris, San Francisco, and  has recently been snapped up by the cult department store Takishimaya on New York's Fifth Avenue!

Carrier Bag, £140

We are so pleased for Natalie. She is part of that breed of designers who  dedicate their lives to perfecting their designs and painstakingly research the correct materials right down to the exact width of a zip or the colour of a press stud.  It's no surprise then that the UK's only leather museum in Walsall has purchased a collection of her work for their permanent display.

 

Penny Sweet Clutch Bags - Two sizes, Small £29. Large £72

All of this and you can still purchase a piece of Natalie's work for as little as £23.

Available from the Bag Department

Inspiration for Mother's Day

Because The Shop Floor Project is a mother and daughter run venture I simply have no excuse if I forget Mother's Day. I have already selected some items from the Shop that I know Denise has been eyeing up, obviously I can't reveal what these are (prying eyes everywhere) but I can give a list of items that a group of our discerning customers have already picked out for their mothers this year. Remember it's on the 22nd of March and all our items arrive wrapped in tissue and tied with a bow!

Dark Purple Buckle - Vintage Shoe Clips £16.50 by Erica Weiner

Birdie Teapot Bracelet by Bethan Lloyd Worthington £24

Drop Swift Earrings, by Erica Weiner £22

Japanese Quails Egg, gold lustre necklace  by Stephanie Simek, £95

(arrives in a beautiful silk bag in a bespoke box printed with the designers name)

Horse and Bird ethically woven bag, £49 by Alena Hennessey

All available from The Shop Floor Project