Be Prepared - military inspired jewellery just in

The military trend is never far away and this season its back on the catwalks in all its glory. An interesting and subtle way to reference the trend this autumn is with these little gems by New York designer, Erica Weiner. Based on old military and scout badges and buttons these new necklaces look great worn with a plain navy school-style jumper and boyfriend jeans.

I for one love this military look and have always been drawn to anything that resembles it from embossed brass buttons to brocaded epaulettes and high leather boots! I am engrossed in a new book about naval uniforms which may not sound that thrilling but I assure you it is well worth a read on a stormy Sunday afternoon:

To be found in Jewellery Room 1

The New Winter Scarf Shape

It's that time of year when the leaves are falling, conkers are on the ground, farmers markets display their best pumpkins and we add an extra layer - and what better way to add that layer then with these beauties?

The popularity of Jo Boxall's hand knitted Triangle Scarves last year was no surprise to us here at The Shop Floor Project. It's amazing how different it is to wear a large triangular scarf rather than a long rectangle - if you try one of these you might just become a triangle devotee!

In beautiful colour ways inspired by the interiors of decaying Georgian houses - these scarves have a very historical and military vibe about them.

With a simple tie at the back they frame the face beautifully and Jo's use of wool and micro fibre blended yarn means these gems keep you so snug you won't want to take it off!

Available in Cabinet No3 situated in the Scarf Department

The Golden Egg - Rare Necklace Spotted

This limited edition, gold-lined, quails egg necklace by cult American designer, Stephanie Simek is back in stock after we had several requests for it from our stylish customers.

Lined with 23c gold leaf, this speckled quail egg necklace casts a warm glow from within and hangs from a delicate 18 inch 14c gold chain. Made from actual Japanese Quail eggs, they vary slightly in colour and size – approximately 1 inch. The entire shell has been coated for strength. Arrives in a lovely silk pouch which is nestled within a clear perspex box.

It's such a special piece and it's strength belies it's fragile appearance.

Available from Jewellery Room 3

It's not just us that love bugs!

The METRO newspaper loves them too!

Stinging Insect Earrings, £22 - found in Jewellery Room 1 - Cabinet No1

The Love of Bugs

Insect jewellery is a huge trend for Autumn/Winter 2010 but here at The Shop Floor Project we've known the power of bugs for quite a while now. Since we launched Erica Weiner’s collection in 2007, which is inspired by antique entomology cabinets, we have sold out again and again. It seems you just can’t get enough of these little creatures.

Courtney Blackman, the chairman of the Fashion Business Club is a huge fan of the collection, in particular the Cicada Beetle earrings, “knowing I have giant, golden cicadas dangling from my ears makes me smile, and I can’t tell you how many people stop me and squeal, ‘Where did you get those? I want some!’”.

Visit Erica's cabinet in Jewellery Room 1

The Secret Arcade - new site launch

As well as getting all the wonderful autumn collections ready for The Shop Floor Project we have been busy creating a new site, which we are excited to announce has launched today!

The Secret Arcade - so called as it is a treasure trove of wonderful designer shops under one magnificent roof that you will not find on any run of the mill high street.

Our motivation for the site (which we began designing in 2009) springs from the desire to recreate the atmosphere and excitement of wandering through one of those wonderful Victorian shopping arcades where you find a whole array of intriguing shops giving a whole new experience for online shoppers.

We have hunted high and low to find designers that we find inspiring and have brought together an amazing collection of people who have all created their own fantastic e-shops that will satisfy the most adventurous of customers. You will find a labyrinth of shops arranged in specialised 'passages' from unique objects for children and women to contemporary art and ironmongery to designer wallpaper!

We hope you enjoy our new site as much as The Shop Floor Project. Make sure you sign up to The Secret Arcade blog as it will be bring you news about individual designers and their products each week as well as a programme of 'events' that will be introduced throughout the year .... so keep reading!