From Lagos with Love

A box of the most stunning bags arrived today from London via Lagos!

Designer Dolapo James was born in Nigeria and now divides her time between Lagos and London, where she also works as an architect and independent accessories designer under the label Urban Knit. Over the past five years Dolapo has built up a loyal fan base, who have fallen for her use of African fabrics which she applies in a very English way - think bold geometrics with Miss Marple style bags.

This new collection of six super size clutch bags features designs from a selection of Dolapo’s favourite African fabrics such as Ankara or batik which she sources directly from makers in Lagos and Ghana. Passionate about the skilled crafts in her native country Dolapo is on a mission: “I use traditional and locally produced material to support indigenous production and African creativity. In my own small way, I’d like to promote the universal appeal and exportability of what we have here in Africa”. With these beauties I think she fulfilled her goal!

Each bag is handmade and fully lined, £59 in the Bag Room

Grazia opens their little black book - and guess who's in it!

We are thrilled that Grazia Magazine has selected The Shop Floor Project as one of their favourite secret shops in this week's issue.

And it was the fabulous Fly Earrings that were chosen to illustrate the feature - to buy them click here...

Pick of the Week - The Summer Headdress

We think these headband scarves by Hilary Laing are amazing value at only £9.00! They transform your look in an instance and great for keeping your hair in check during long hot summer days of dancing and frolicking.

They have a weighted flower - shaped section that is a brilliant design feature that keeps the scarf from slipping off - simply tie it around your head for instant glamour!

Available in an array of soft pastel colours - hurry before they dance of the shelves!

Pick of the Week - The Beauty of Flowers

My pick of the week is inspired by the abundance of flowers that have appeared in the garden over the weekend due to the warm, wet weather. My hostas, roses, lilies and even my chives have bloomed into happy nodding pop poms. I know this happens each year but it never fails to amaze!

So Rachel Goth's Prairie Flower Necklace was an obvious choice to celebrate this time of year (it's also inspired our new window display).

These clever necklaces make a real impact but are so light (being made from organic cotton) and easy to wear. Great for holidays as they can be ironed flat and arrive in their own packing wallet.

With a plain summer dress and sandals or jeans and T-shirt these necklaces look stunning!

Available from Jewellery Room 2 (Scroll along to cabinet No. 3)