Indies in Lockdown - Sophie Filomena

As we enter more unpredictable times with another lockdown looming, I hope that the Indies in Lockdown interview series may be able to offer some form of comfort and inspiration to other creatives during the pandemic and perhaps offer hope for the future. 

Please know you are not alone AND if you are an indie business and would like to share your story, where ever you are based and what ever your situation, please do get in touch. 

Sophie Filomena

Contemporary jewellery designer and super lovely gal Sophie Filomena handcrafts fun, bold and colourful creations using polymer clay. From a wide range of hoops, studs and abstract earrings to the new super cute hair barrettes there is such a variety of treats that simply look good enough to eat!  

With graphic design, collage, illustration, video work and a feature in Vogue also under her belt this creative has got it going on! The question is, how did Sophie Filomena keep inspired and productive during lockdown?

This interview took place in July 2020 and was updated in September 2020. 

Sophie Filomena creates super cute jewellery pieces using polymer clay

How are you & what has your situation been like during lockdown? 

It's funny, at the start of the year, I was under an immense amount of pressure without really realising it. Although I'd managed to set up plans and goals for the year ahead, such as booking in workshops, markets and establishing a business plan, I felt my creativity had taken a huge hit. 

I felt like I wasn't in a position where I had much space in my mind to expand on my ideas and explore new avenues of design. 

I'd been constantly working around the clock and not having enough time to rest and take time for myself and the work I actually wanted to do.

In a way, the lockdown suddenly changed my situation overnight and I then found myself (along with many others) in a place where I had a huge expanse of empty time before me! There was a slight sense of relief and a great appreciation for my loved ones.

In true Bristol fashion, the lockdown only brought people together and I was able to explore new directions for my designs and take some time off.

Geometric drop studs by Sophie Filomena £20 

How has lockdown affected your business and the way you work?

I was so uncertain as to whether I could still continue making a living off designing and making jewellery, but as it turned out, people still continued to find ways to support small business. 

To my delight, I received a lot of messages from customers who told me my earrings made their day a little brighter in the early days of lockdown. I don't think they realise how much that spurred me on and to come up with innovative ideas to maintain a connection through design. 

I set up a competition where people designed their own earrings and the winner received their own custom order, handmade by me. 

As this has been a testing time for many people, it became clear to me that high morale, collaboration and local support was key to maintaining small and local business. 

I recently teamed up with Photographer and Stylist, Charlotte Turton who shot a selection of my earrings in a style very true to my brand. Bold, innovative and positive! 

Focusing on the online aspect of my jewellery work felt very important, as all of my physical stockists, unfortunately, had to temporarily shut down.   

Fun fashion collaboration with stylist and photographer Charlotte Turton for Sophie Filomena

Has this time helped your productivity? If yes, how?

Being essentially housebound made my productivity shoot through the roof - but not in the way I expected.

I spent days upon days just being in the garden and completely transformed it by planting loads of seeds. I found myself being able to start projects I'd always wish I had the time to do.

If there is one thing I'll take away from this situation, it is knowing the importance of doing creative things other than your work. When you are a self-employed creative, it is easy to fall into a trap where your personal and work life begin to merge.

By dedicating a good amount of my time to new hobbies, gardening and doing activities that are far removed from your job, it completely propels your productivity forwards when you go back to it. 

There are definitely days that feel very lethargic with no sense of an end to this strange way of living, but overall I am happy with the amount of work I’ve done on the house, garden and my business.

The new Hair Barrette collection by Sophie Filomena

Have you become more or less inspired in this time?

Overall, I'm pleased to say I have been feeling more inspired than ever. I get to work on my own terms and feel like I am in a more creative space, mentally. I've since released a new product line of clay hair barrettes and it's felt like a breath of fresh air to get those released. 

My jewellery has taken a new direction in terms of style and I have been pushing the boundaries with what I create. I've also finally been able to offer a wider range of clip-on options which I am very excited about! Who says you need pierced ears to enjoy my creations?!

Thanks to the lockdown, I've been able to pick up my collage work again and experiment with new mediums such as video and scanography. 

My musician boyfriend and I have been collaborating on some sound and visual projects which I hope to release under an alternative alias, Anemo Lif on Instagram. 

For both of us, it's been a useful time to figure out what we want for our own work and I feel more inspired than ever. I believe innovative thinking can emerge from times like these and I’ll definitely be taking these new ideas forward into the future. 

Squiggle hair clip barrette by Sophie Filomena £8

What's next for your business?  

Right at the start of lockdown, my earrings made it into April’s issue of Vogue Czechoslovakia which was such an incredible milestone and not expected at all! 

I’m working towards my brand becoming more high-end fashion, whilst still being accessible to all. There are a few worldwide stockists I have my eye on to approach and I’m considering hiring a few people to help me out, later down the line. 

I’m looking forward to collaborating more with photographers, models and anyone who has a cool idea. 

Visit Sophie Filomena online

#supportindependent

Indies in Lockdown - Hello Dodo

It has been so inspiring to see many indie businesses thriving and courageously pushing through these changeable times, as life decides to throw us all the biggest curveball ever! 

The chance to slow down, take time to reflect and focus on the future - and what really matters - has created a surge of realisation, inspiration and creativity that offers hope to this new world. 

Back in June 2020, I spoke to a selection of UK based creatives to find out what life in lockdown has been like for them as independent businesses. 

Hello Dodo founders Ali and Jam outside their garden studio in Worthing

Hello Dodo

Hello Dodo is a fun, bright and colourful ethical fashion brand run by the equally colourful husband and wife team Ali and Jam from their home in Worthing. 

Going by their fun filled Instagram page you could make a guess that things have been going pretty well for the Hello Dodo team despite the pandemic, but everyone has a story to tell, right? 

This interview originally took place in June 2020. Read on for an extra Hello Dodo update at the end of the interview!

Keep on Raven crop top by Hello Dodo £22

How are you & what has your situation been like during lockdown? 

We are fine thank you, a little tired though as we haven’t had a day off in ages! 

We’ve been pretty fortunate during lockdown as we both work on our business from home, screen printing and packing orders from our little studio at the end of our garden. 

We have a tiny post office just around the corner which is run by our lovely postmaster Sam so we could continue to ship things safely, which was a huge relief. 

Working in this way has allowed us to become pretty much hermits though! We haven’t even been in to a supermarket since mid March so now that lockdown is easing we have to overcome quite a lot of social anxiety or risk becoming total recluses!

Hello Dodo screen print their own designs by hand

How has lockdown affected your business and the way you work? 

Although we’ve been lucky to be able to carry on running our business we’ve had every single one of our 2020 events cancelled (including artist’s open houses and markets) and also we were due to run our own two week long pop up shop at the end of July. 

We also lost a lot of revenue from our lovely stockists being closed too. We turned off International shipping during lockdown (we’ve only just reinstated it on our website) as we felt like the risk of orders being either lost or hugely delayed was just too high. 

For quite a while we weren’t able to order in the blank tees and sweatshirts that we print on to either so had to make do with what we had. 

The positive impact of lockdown on our business though has been, despite everything, that we are very busy! With actual shops forced to close lots of people turned to online shopping and even better - to supporting tiny independent brands like ours.

All Hello Dodo prints feature positive messages and fun play on words

Has this time helped your productivity? If yes, how? 

Like most things, it has come in waves! 

There has been times, particularly at the beginning of lockdown, when being productive felt almost impossible and we felt overwhelmed with anxiety and the enormity of it all. 

Then there’s been other times when being productive and creative has been the best distraction for us. We have managed to do two successful launches during lockdown and we’re currently working on another really big one - so actually maybe we should cut ourselves some slack!

Hello Dodo's Jam wearing the Grand Bug Hotel unisex sweatshirt £33

Have you become more or less inspired in this time?

Right now it feels like our inspiration is returning - like the stress was holding it back and now the floodgates have been opened!

In deepest darkest lockdown the main concern was keeping our business afloat. This whole experience has definitely had a huge impact on us though and some of our new designs that we’re working on will nod to that.

NEW Kids Human Kind print sweatshirt by Hello Dodo £24

What's next for your business? 

We’re just about to release a whole bunch of yummy summer pieces both for adults, kids and babies! 

It feels scary and a bit risky but we’re really excited about it all and we’re working with another brand on a tiny limited edition collection plus two self employed photographers. As an indie business ourselves we feel it’s really important to pay for services from other indies. 

We’re also getting back on track with our new handprinted vintage label Long Live The DODO which has been delayed by lockdown. Lots of exciting things in the pipeline!

Ali has been running Hello Dodo with her husband Jam for 9 years.

September 2020 update

How has life after lockdown been for Hello Dodo?

When we last left you (in June 2020) we were in the midst of working on a summer collection for both kids and adults! 

That went really well and we were able to work with two brilliant photographers, one who could photograph her own children and one who specialises in self portraiture. Perfect for covid times! 

We’re now straight in to A/W with an adventure theme for kids and a dog theme for adults (with some crossovers!) and we’re planning photo shoots with both photographers again but this time with models. 

This feels very exciting as we weren’t sure that it would be a feasible option in 2020! 

All of our stockists have reopened too and they’re all really busy, which is a huge relief for everyone! 

Winter still feels like an unknown but right now it feels like things are on the up and we’re enjoying that and trying to not worry too much about things that we can’t control!

Visit the Hello Dodo online shop 

#supportindependent

Indies in Lockdown - Elin Horgan

When faced with a situation that none of us have ever experienced before it knocks the way we live our lives for six. During the height of the pandemic we all adapted to change, with many of our jobs and livelihoods slowing down and in some cases coming to a complete halt. 

As an independent business owner you didn't have the opportunity to furlough yourself to spend more time with home-schooling or taking a mind break, you were REALLY worried about how your business would continue and when the next payment was coming in! 

Or, perhaps, you did have some extra time on your hands, but couldn't get hold of the stock that helps you to create your products during lockdown? What can you do instead?

Where there is an indie maker there is always a way....

Jewellery designer Elin Horgan 

Elin Horgan

Creating beautiful and elegant handmade jewellery in recycled silver, Bristol maker Elin Horgan became inspired to design her new Shapes & Spheres collection after realising she couldn't get new stock and components from her regular suppliers. 

This interview took place during lockdown in June 2020. 

Elin's wax carving tools used to make her unique ring creations

How are you? What has your situation been like during lockdown?

I'm ok thanks (well, I am today at least!)....hanging on in there in these strange times.  

I've been in lockdown with my two kids (who are 5 and 8) and my husband (who is currently working from home) so, like many self-employed creatives it's been quite an adjustment having everyone in the house with me all day every day.

Sphere pendents from £60 by Elin Horgan

How has lockdown affected your business and the way you work?

Business has been mostly OK.  

My stockists have, of course, been closed, but some have taken their shops and galleries online. I'm hugely grateful to everyone who has been buying jewellery from my website during this time as their support has really kept me going!

I usually run jewellery making workshops at Kiln Workshop just off Gloucester Road, Bristol, so have had to put all of those on hold for the time being.  I'm really hoping to be back teaching in the Autumn as I miss it so much!

Silver orbit hoops by Elin Horgan 
Photography by Paola Leonardi 

Has this time helped your productivity?

It's a struggle to fit much in at the moment although I suspect that having less time actually makes me more productive as there are far fewer opportunities for faffing about.  

There's definitely a lot of evening and weekend work (and not very much homeschooling) going on at the moment.

Elin Horgan's best selling Triangle stud £45

Have you become more or less inspired in this time?

After a few weeks of adjusting to our new family set up, I had a really creative burst and produced lots of new work.  

As lots of jewellery making suppliers were closed to begin with I wanted to challenge myself to make some pieces by using materials I already had; repurposing and recycling my scrap silver where possible.  

The new Shapes & Spheres collection of one-off pieces is now available to buy on my website and I love the fact that each piece is totally unique and won't be made again. (see top image)

Apollo Statement earrings £250 by Elin Horgan
Photography by Han Goes Click Studios

What's next for your business?

I'm currently working on a capsule collection of rings made from recycled silver which I hope to release this Autumn.

Visit the Elin Horgan online shop

#supportindependent

Indies in Lockdown - Has the pandemic inspired creativity?

We are all guilty pf putting a smiley face on our social media profiles, keeping calm and carrying on but what has life really been like for creatives and small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic?? 

As a creative, I have had my own experiences and became very interested in how other indie creatives, including designers, artists and makers, have coped during their time in lockdown. 

We have all had to change the way we work but has the pandemic actually helped inspire creativity for some of us or left us overwhelmed with no focus or drive?

Have we got so used to the new normal that we want to stay in lockdown? What have we enjoyed about this (slightly unorthodox) time out? Has it made us rethink the way we work? 

As lockdown eases, we are all considering our futures in this new world. For some of us the easing has caused a wave of great excitement, others are feeling more cautious and unsure of what is to come. However it has affected you, we can be sure we have all been in it together!

After reaching out to a few of my favourite independent makers, designers and artists to chat about their experiences,  I have been overwhelmed with a heartfelt and completely honest response. 

What was to be a blog post featuring indie creatives experiences, will now, I'm happy to say, become a blog mini series, showcasing many independent designers work, sharing their experiences during the pandemic and their hopes and inspirations for the future. 

Today we will look at comparisons in the experiences discussed (so far) with these fabulous and courageous indie businesses who have kept going throughout the pandemic.

Gull Power! T-shirts by Hello Dodo

There have been mixed feelings from our indie businesses, each one putting positive spins on an overwhelming and life changing situation, that not only effects the way we live our lives, run our businesses but on a larger scale, our well-being and mental health too.

Whether they have been shielding, moved back to a family home, found themselves working in a house full of kids or continued working from home, lockdown has affected us all, albeit in different ways. 

"We’ve been pretty fortunate during lockdown," says Brighton based, indie t-shirt brand Hello Dodo. "We run Hello Dodo from home, screen printing and packing orders from our little studio at the end of our garden". 

This sounds peachy but Hello Dodo designers Ali and Jam confess. "Working this way has allowed us to pretty much become hermits though!  Now that lockdown is easing we have to overcome quite a lot of social anxiety or risk becoming total recluses!". 

Ali and Jam from Hello Dodo

Joking aside, the easing of lockdown does seem to fill many of us with dread rather than excitement, with the anxiety of what's to come being a predominant concern. 

Designer Lulu Harrison relocated from Bristol to her family home in London when it became quite clear that her super fun, upcycling fashion brand Balulu had to stop production from India during the pandemic. 

"It's been really tough on the business" confesses Lulu, "We haven’t been able to get any of our new stock as India went into even stricter lockdown than the UK, and particularly Varanasi which is where my clothes are made".

"I think this whole pandemic has not only had a hit on businesses, but also on people’s mental health which I can say from first hand experience".

Lulu Harrison designer at Balulu 

With many makers, especially in the fashion industry relying on markets, shops and festivals to provide much of their annual profit, we have seen a severe drop in morale as makers and traders loose their motivation to create and sell. 

"I rely heavily on markets, festivals and in person selling to spread awareness of my work", says festival jewellery maker and upcycler Bec Denton from Dakota Rae Dust.

"When the reality of a summer without any events first dawned on me, I have to admit, I felt pretty panic stricken and I'm missing all the contact with fellow makers and my customers! I've definitely found it tricky to stay motivated without the regular deadlines that trading at markets provides". 

On a positive side to the closure of the shops and markets, every business has noticed and taken advantage of the shift from customers popping to the shops to a rise in online shopping. Weekly virtual markets have also been popping up on Instagram over the past few months and gaining many followers. 

Dakota Rae Dust designer and maker Bec Denton

"Lots of amazing event organisers and fellow makers sprung into action with virtual alternatives which have been a real help" explains Bec Denton.  

"I have traded with Bristol Markets and Makers Bazaar Fair on instagram, they have definitely proven to be an effective way to reach potential new customers!". 

Many makers have seen a rise in sales on their websites and through these virtual markets, which has been a real positive,  as many independent shops have also moved online sharing their virtual space with independent businesses. 

Since her production came to a sudden halt Balulu's, Lulu Harrison has had more time to work on her online presence, "So many people have turned to the internet to buy and we have benefited from that", admits says Lulu. 

"I had one box of Balulu clothes delivered before the world went into lockdown and, to be fair, everything sold out pretty quickly online, which was amazing!"

Many makers and businesses of all sizes have struggled to update their stock as their outside suppliers have been forced to close during lockdown; from sourcing plain t-shirts for printing to components for jewellery, to all your new stock being held back, like Balulu. 

This has been a time for many to begin to adapt the way they had previously worked, by making use of the stock they currently have available.

Elin Horgan Jewellery designer

Elin Horgan creates beautiful handmade silver jewellery pieces in Bristol and became inspired to design her new Shapes & Spheres collection after realising she couldn't get new stock from her regular suppliers. 

"I wanted to challenge myself to make some pieces by using materials I already had by re-purposing and recycling my scrap silver where possible". says Elin. 

"Shapes & Spheres is a collection of one-off pieces and is now available to buy on my website! I love the fact that each piece is totally unique and won't be made again!". 

Recycled silver jewellery from Elin Horgan's Shapes and Spheres collection

With the pros and cons of productivity changing from one business to the next, every business confesses it has not been easy to remain motivated. 

Some, like myself felt a drive to remain super productive at the start of lockdown only to see the enthusiasm come crashing down around them in a wall of anxiety and stress as reality sunk in. Whilst others, like Hello Dodo, felt overwhelmed from the beginning of lockdown and adapted to their new situation by using productivity as a distraction. 

"Being productive and creative has been the best distraction for us", say Hello Dodo. "Right now it feels like our inspiration is returning, like the stress was holding it back and now the floodgates have been opened!".

Struggling to find time to fit her business in whilst adapting to her new home life (spending every day with her WFH husband and two kids) Elin Horgan has found her new situation has made her more efficient. 

"Having less time actually makes me more productive as there are far fewer opportunities for faffing about.  There's definitely a lot of evening and weekend work (and not very much homeschooling) going on at the moment!", says Elin. 

Coral fringe handmade geometric earrings by Dakota Rae Dust

One thing that everyone in the fashion industry has missed is the face to face contact with their customers, fellow makers, suppliers and friends. 

Although we may not even be aware of it, venturing out and having regular contact and interactions with actual people, offers large quantities of inspiration and motivation. Lately, we have all been neglected of both!

"I can’t really say lockdown has helped my productivity". confesses Lulu Harrison. "I definitely started off trying to keep super motivated and coming up with new ideas, but as time has gone on the business has been hit harder and it’s been hard to stay positive about it.

"A friend inspired me to enter a competition, update the website and make a promo video for Balulu. I think I needed that push from someone else to keep me motivated and generate fresh ideas". 

It has been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone and as we begin to adapt to these waves of creativity and productivity, we can accept that we can adapt and start looking to the future. 

With all of our makers launching new collections and ranges in the upcoming months, collaborations are being made and even a masters at Central Saint Martins college on the cards for Balulu's Lulu Harrison, things are certainly looking up. Sometimes a change is good, even if we have to go through extreme hell to get there! You got this indie makers! 

The full interviews with all of our amazing indie business contributors will be popping up on the No Debutante blog over the next few weeks, with more indie businesses joining them! 

Thank you, big hugs and a masses of good luck to everyone involved in this blog post including the fabulous Ali and Jam from Hello Dodo, Lulu Harrison from Balulu, Bec Denton from Dakota Rae Dust and Elin Horgan Jewellery! You are all an inspiration! 

Main image courtesy of Balulu

Organic Basics: a sustainable alternative to activewear

As a big supporter of sustainable and ethical fashion I was happy to try out these activewear garms for Organic Basics.

Using carefully selected, environmentally friendly fabrics and factories that care about their impact on the planet, Organic Basics are so transparent at every step of production.  I like the way they have so much info on their website about the fabrics they use and the family-run factories they work with too. They really have put the effort and time in to be as sustainably conscious as they can. 

There are some great insights into the factories from using recycled nylon threads to create their SilverTech™ Activewear and one factory repurposing all of their fabric scraps as furniture upholstery, which is a rather good idea, isn't it? 

Organic Basics aim to create products that will last. Their range is minimal yet contemporary and graphic, with a softer more natural focus on activewear with less go-faster stripes and a more basic 90s Calvin Klein ad aesthetic, which isn't a bad thing.

Offering incredibly soft and comfortable fabrics (that are sustainably made remember!) on a range of underwear and activewear pieces in basic black, white and muted shades in taupe, burgundy and soft greys, there really is something for everyone, well adults!

From triangle shaped soft bras, seamless bodysuits, vest tops, sports crop tops (my fave) and pants...

Oh my gosh, I just cannot bear the word briefs, I know, I know that's what most retailers call them but I just can't do it or knickers! That's even worse...! If I say pants that's what I mean. If you are American then pants means a totally different thing again.....I digress.

There are also t-shirts, active leggings, cycle shorts and sports socks. The latter making frequent appearances here at No Debutante over the years and I still love them! They were a no-brainer for my selection of the Organic Basics range.

My chosen item after the sports socks was the SilverTech™ Active Workout Bra. 

The first reason is that I love crop top shaped vests and the second is I need a new sports bra to wear running and for yoga (and hopefully encourage me to do more of this active stuff!).  This super soft but durable work out bra, which it made from 89% recycled nylon, is also breathable and doesn't need washing as often either! It's proper comfy too! 

Thanks to Organic Basics for reaching out to a fellow sustainable fashion supporter and if you lovely lot want a piece of Organic Basics goodness add EMMAGOB to your order for a sweet 10% discount*


Together we can keep spreading the sustainable fashion word, to slow fashion right down and help save the planet. Right on sistas and bruvvas!

*the Organic Basics X No Debutante code is valid until 17 Dec 2019

Lucy & Yak X Emotional Waterfall dungarees style up

Talk about slow fashion! It's been over a month since my last blog post. Well, it is the school holidays which means ramming in day trips, holidays and games of monopoly in between, my day jobs and my ridiculous amount of hobbies and projects!

I have had this particular blog post in the making for weeks, from the photoshoot, to creating and editing vlogs and here we are, finally! It's time to share the love for not one, but two amazing independent designers....Drumroll please......

The Lucy & Yak X Emotional Waterfall dungarees! 

This is such an exciting collaboration between the Brighton based ethical dungaree brand Lucy & Yak (you don't own some Lucy & Yak dungraees yet? Where have you been?) and Bristol's finest, fabulous, kawaii punk artist, Emotional Waterfall! 

I may be a little biased here, as I am clearly obsessed with both of these inspiring creatives (just watch the vlogs!) so, I thought I would include a little No Debutante magic into the mix and show y'all how I wear my Lucy & Yak X Emotional Waterfall dungarees (whilst adding a fun dress up session using accessories from the depths of the - practically vintage - No Debutante wardrobe!). 

Expect a mash up of street and festival style, some surprises and lots of extra independent and sustainable designers. Watch the vlogs below for the full experience.

Sassy Streetwear 

Wear them with a belt, without a belt, with the bib hung low or layered up in the classic t-shirt underneath style (Emotional Waterfall t-shirt alert) or with a t-shirt on top (in this case a Duvet Days bespoke crop top) . Here are just four ways to wear 'em showing off that amazing Emotional Waterfall print! 

Festival glam mash up!

Step up the festival style and nip in your waist with a Butchi & Gosmos bumbag, pop on a neon crop top, adorn your ears with fabulous Dakota Rae Dust tassel earrings and take it to the next level with a luxurious silk kimono and bright yellow stilettos! (the latter not recommended for festivals). Layer up your Lucy & Yak dungarees with the straps up or down. The possibilities are endless! 



Here come the vlogs....

Lucy & Yak X Emotional Waterfall Dungarees style up Part 1

Lucy & Yak X Emotional Waterfall Dungarees style up Part 2

Thanks for watching.

Check out the No Debutante Instagram & IGTV platforms for daily updates into the No Debutante World!

How I became a slow fashion blogger

The No Debutante blog has been going for nearly 8 years in July! It has progressed from a pregnancy fashion blog to a lifestyle and fashion blog that supports independent designers, sustainable and slow fashion. 

There are no more shopping hauls or 'top 5 faves from the high street' posts as I am just not consuming fashion the way I used to and that's a good thing!

June's purchase a pair of mens leopard print trousers from the Urban Outfitters sale

At the most I figure I am buying one fashion item a month and that item is always considered on whether I need it and will I really wear it and most importantly, does it support slow fashion? 

Don't get me wrong. I love fashion, I love design, colour and print! I just don't follow trends anymore or dedicate myself to big fashion designers, which is maybe the wrong way to go for a fashion blogger and journalist, but I'm just being honest with myself and my ethics. 

Layering up in three independent designers creations including earrings by Kashaya Makes, Jacket by Kuccia & Duvet Days trousers

I am not a saint in supporting slow and sustainable fashion either. I love trainers and I am not completely against buying from the high street, I just don't buy that often and I don't crave for the next big thing, not even with trainers! 

I buy fashion items when I love them and limiting yourself helps you to see more clearly, which in turn stops that fast, random purchase, that you just had to buy, but never wore....

The importance is to get the balance right, in these images alone, featuring six of my outfits from the past couple of months, 10 items are from independent designers, 4 items from the high street, one was a present (and was handmade), one item was fashion salvaged and one item is vintage. This includes accessories and footwear too! I am happy that only a quarter of the things I have worn, originally came from the high street! I am going in the right direction! Small changes mean a lot! 

Print clashing in a fashion salvaged jumpsuit and Balulu jacket (upcycled from bedsheets). 

The way I blog has changed too. I used to beat myself about not blogging enough from my style posts to the latest trends and shows. When instagram came along it changed the way I shared my style forever. It's much easier to share one image a day or a week, it expresses your style perfectly whilst reaching a wider audience.

I could have given the whole blogging malarkey up but I still loved writing and wanted to encourage people over to my blog. Things changed again once I started supporting independent designers as this was a new edge on what I had previously been doing (the same as all the other fashion bloggers....yawn), it felt good to support and promote independents and they were also kind enough to share the love and direct their followers to my blog too! 

The No Debutante blog also got me the job as fashion editor at Bristol 24/7 magazine. It's done me proud! 

Vintage meets leopard print (left) my amazing new Bikini Kill t-shirt bought for me for my birthday by Phil (right)

I am not sure about the future of blogging but I will continue to blog at my own pace and hope you enjoy my little posts and that they inspire you in some way!

Do follow what I am up to on my social media platforms too - Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, all under the @nodebutante name 

Big Love & slow fashion xx

Two worlds collide

For those who haven't been following the No Debutante antics over the past few weeks on social media, this is a quick catch up covering the side of Love Saves the Day that doesn't feature in my articles as fashion editor for Bristol 24/7! 

Here's some moments of friends and fun that happened at Loves Saves The Day festival here in Bristol, alongside a gig with my band Mono Dots for the M32 Skate Jam after party at The Chelsea Inn, that I managed to squeeze in between the two day event! Phew! It's been a busy one, but that's how we like it! Find out what happens when my two worlds collide!

 Love Saves The Day 2019

Hanging out with our festival faves The Fashpack including the lovely Joh Rindom from That Thing and the hilarious Zoe Zedhead, plus the No Debutante partner in crime, sister fashionista, " I only exist in this realm" Rachael. 

The No Debutante chosen outfit for the Saturday was this amazing pair of Lucy and Yak X Emotional Waterfall dungarees which are just the comfiest thing ever, worn with a crop top on this gloriously sunny day at LSTD. 

Getting my glitter did by Zoe Zedhead and hanging with independent designers Pluma and Balulu! I acquired the sun visor after a few large rum cocktails but it seems to match nicely with my Zedhead pom-pom earrings!

The No Debutante LSTD Sunday outfit (above left) features my fave catsuit by Mannerswear, a bumbag purchased at the festival by Butchi and Gosmos, the antique kimono given to me by an elderly neighbour - who thought I might wear it - (Thank you Mary!) and my lovely new XL tassel earrings by the brilliant Bristol designer, Dakota Rae Dust that arrived just in time for the weekend!

Love these girls!

A couple of amusing shots from the Sunday including Zoe Headhead and NOT Idris Elba and Rachael with the tallest, most fabulous drag queen at LSTD coming in at 7' 2"  (well, she was wearing ridiculously high platforms). 

The M32 Skate Jam After party gig at The Chelsea Inn (Saturday Night)

Rocking those festival vibes in a punk mash-up with my band Mono Dots at The Cheslea Inn at the M32 Skate Jam after party, where local skaters had come together to raise money for the skate park underneath the M32, here in Bristol. 

The Los Savages  - an awesome surf-skate band of goofballs that features Mr Debutante on trumpet.

My new favourite band Tropical Nightmare!!! A- MAZING! 

FIN