1. WRITE IT DOWN
Hide a note behind the coffee machine to thank your spouse-turned-coworker for supplying you with (much needed) caffeine in the home office. Leave another in your child’s schoolbook to tell them to keep up the hard work. Perhaps stick one on the mirror to remind yourself that you’re still looking fabulous in your daily athleisure getup. An added plus: writing these notes is almost as fun as finding them.
2. DESTINATION: HOME
Channel your favourite holiday destination for an evening getaway at home. This can be as simple as opening a good bottle of Italian wine and streaming Call Me By Your Name on the biggest screen you have, or as all-in as building a blanket fort with the kids and roasting marshmallows for a camping night in. The opportunities are endless (and reshuffling of furniture encouraged).
3. REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES
It’s all about finding joy in the little things these days. A photo album with memorable moments from the past months is a great way to show appreciation for those who are keeping you smiling.
4. MAKE A TOAST TO LOVE
Spruce up your cocktail game through a mixology course (we recommend this Masterclass series). Not only will this leave you with a fantastic drink in hand, but it is also a great option for hosting a Valentine's Day celebration via Zoom.
5. SAY IT WITH A GIFT
Treat your partner (or yourself!) with a Valentine's Day surprise. Looking for inspiration? Have a look at our gift suggestions For Him and For Her, or check out our bespoke service to add a personal touch.
LOVE FROM THE BINDERY
We're grateful for your support and want to share the love! That's why we're offering 15% off site-wide for the rest of the week (offer ends on the 15th of February).
Have a lovely week!
Oh, how we miss afternoons at the museum: strolling through ornate galleries, letting our thoughts wander endlessly and losing track of time in marvellous gift shops. Thankfully, our favourite galleries have gotten crafty with their online art programs. And while nothing can replace the quintessential museum visit, here's how we are getting our art fix from the comfort of our own homes.
From drawing like Keith Haring to creating a miniature infinity room inspired by Yayoi Kusama, The Broad's Family Art Workshops have got you covered.
This brilliant Dutch Instagram page, where fellow quarantiners share impressions of their favourite artworks, has been a consistent source of entertainment since the first lockdown.
Gear up for the reopening of your favourite museums and keep track of your gallery bucket list with our AESTHETE hardcover journal.
...or browse our full collection of titles HERE
]]>In this day and age with digital photos taken at every moment – photo albums are a funny thing – and frankly, we think they are more valuable than ever.
]]>In this day and age, with digital photos taken at every moment – photo albums are a funny thing – and frankly, we think they are more valuable than ever! While in the past, photo albums were simply a place to keep all the prints you took – if you like them or not, today’s variation has the benefit of being selective, combining elements of a photo album with that of a scrapbook to create a truly beautiful gift or memory of a moment in time you hold close to your heart.
Although the wedding season is ending, we’ve learned one very valuable lesson – our albums make great wedding gifts! Hardly a shock, the album itself is a great gift – easy to personalise, handmade in England using luxurious Italian paper, the Sloane Stationery team has discovered an even better way to make this stand out as a thoughtful and personal gift.
With the help of a little polaroid printer (you could use a Polaroid camera, but this allows you to be a bit selective) – you can print all our favourite photos (camera or phone) from the event and present to the bride and groom together with the album. The Polaroid film gives it something a bit special, already placed in the album or in the box with the album to let them compile the photos together with their photographer's picks. The result is an instant memory that captures a side of the event wedding photographers might not see.
Of course, weddings are the obvious use of an album as a gift, we’ve come up with a few other ideas to help you through the upcoming gifting season.
Not just for the Bride and Groom but also key wedding party members. This could work easily as well as a Mother of the Bride or Father of the Bride gift – the possibilities are endless.
As parents and grandparents get older, downsizing and limited mobility can make coming up with gifts a real challenge. Spending some time gathering stories from a loved one’s life, letters, photos, things they’ve held onto along with explanations can be a great activity and gift – something to pass on to the next generation that they will be able to enjoy at this moment.
Another slightly obvious choice but one not to forget. The first moments, letters from aunts and uncles, mementoes from the day. Or even a 1-year milestone – so much to celebrate – so many photos on your phone how will you choose!
Yes, the fridge is a wonderful place to put these but what about putting them somewhere special to look back over a child’s artistic progression or regression – beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Our albums are available in three sizes – depending on what you are creating we can help you build something truly bespoke. Family crests, logo, quotes etc. can all be embossed on the front or back (please email us for more complicated requests). We can also create a box in the same material and colour as the album for safe keeping.
We can’t wait to see what you create with our beautiful albums. Share with us your images and stories – we would love to hear from you!
]]>It's that time of year again! Summer holidays have past but all that rest and relaxation has your inspired to make the most of the next few months and accomplish some of those exciting projects you've been dreaming up... Enter the Bullet Journal system.
]]>It's that time of year again! Summer holidays have past but all that rest and relaxation has you inspired to make the most of the next few months and accomplish some of those exciting projects you've been dreaming up... But where to start? How to prioritise?
Time management. While some are lucky to have mastered the art, for most of us the juggling of work, appointments, plans with friends, family time and the occasional moment for ourselves can seem an impossible task.
If you identify as someone who can get overwhelmed navigating through the chaos of daily life, we have good news. There is a tool out there to help you keep track of your schedule, thoughts, and to-do lists all at once. Introducing: the bullet journal.
Bullet journaling is a style of note taking that caters to the 21st-century individual: it’s quick, forgiving, and, since you set it up yourself, you have the freedom to dedicate as much (or little) space to any list or thought as you want. We didn't come up with it (see www.bulletjournal.com ) but we know a thing or two about notetaking and journaling... To get started, all you need is a pen and a journal. Sloane Stationery journals lend themselves perfectly to set up your personal bullet system.
The four main components of the bullet journal are:
My Monthly Log
What sets the bullet journal apart from other organizational strategies is that it leaves space for things to not go as planned—instead of feeling frustrated that not everything on your to-do list gets crossed off, you can ‘migrate’ these tasks by moving them into your yearly log as a long-term goal, or by adding them to your monthly task list as a short-term goal.
At the end of each month, go through your daily logs to see what tasks haven’t been checked off. You can ‘migrate’ them as to-do’s into your monthly log or future log.
Besides managing your time, you can create collections in your bullet journal. These are lists of anything and everything: books you’d like to read, quotes that catch your attention or moments of genius that need to be jotted down.
A ‘Collection’ of Bars and Cafes in Amsterdam
The beauty of bullet journaling is that it allows you to be goal-oriented, reflective, organized and creative all in the same place. Find a journal that suits your style and start your own, personalized bullet process!
Shop our Bullet Journal HERE
To learn more about bullet journaling, visit: www.bulletjournal.com
]]>In light of Earth Day last Sunday, we got to thinking about how to give our habits an eco-friendly upgrade. An inspiring lifestyle movement that can give as much personal satisfaction as it is environmentally friendly is making fashion habits more sustainable.
]]>
Worry not; there is no need to quit shopping altogether. On the contrary, plenty of brands are embracing sustainability by creating unique, long lasting and eco-friendly products. From leaders in the fair trade fashion movement to newer brands who commit to not using animal-based materials in their products (yes, vegan shoes are a thing, and they’re gorgeous! Check out susistudio.com for more), there is ample opportunity to look good in the latest trends and feel good by supporting ethical brands.
Add a new dimension to this year’s spring cleaning by revamping your closet with some eco-friendly items. And if you’re looking for more trendy ways to buy local, stay tuned for our summer collection of colourful journals made right here in England by classically trained bookbinders using sustainably sourced Italian paper.
Happy shopping!
1. Shoes: Susi Studio, $135 / 2. Notebook: Masterful Inactivity Notebook £29.00 / 3. Sunglasses: Dick Moby, €195 / 4. Jumpsuit: People Tree, $134 / 5. Pencils: Clever Pencils £16.99 / Backpack: Matt & Nat, €150
]]>
For those mesmerised by the director’s iconic style (think: perfectly symmetrical, pastel-shaded scenes and fool proof soundtracks), we’ve compiled a list of ways to add a little more Wes to your life... (image @accidentallywesanderson/@johnnyhifi
]]>
For those mesmerised by the director’s iconic style (think: perfectly symmetrical, pastel-shaded scenes and fool proof soundtracks), we’ve compiled a list of ways to add a little more Wes to your life:
Bar Luce (Milan): Designed by Wes himself, Bar Luce takes visitors straight back to 1960’s Italy. While the patterned walls and retro furniture are certainly fit for a Wes Anderson production, one of the director's main goals was to create an inviting atmosphere for locals and tourists to meet with friends, sip a coffee and, if it were him, jot down inspiration for a new screenplay. Whether you seek a unique location for your afternoon tea or a one-on-one date with your journal or book, Bar Luce is reason enough to make Milan your next holiday destination.
Accidentally Wes Anderson: For those too busy to jet set to Bar Luce, the Instagram account @accidentallywesanderson can bring a daily dose of dream-like inspiration straight to your home or office. Accidentally Wes Anderson collects snapshots of eye-catching locations that look more like movie scenes than actual places. Daydreamers, travellers and Wes Anderson enthusiasts beware: you won’t be able to peel your eyes off of this whimsical photo collection.
Portable inspiration: Take a little Wes with you wherever you go with one of our perfectly sized, vibrantly coloured pocket notebooks. Always be prepared to jot down quirky endeavours and creative discoveries, whether you are a world traveller or seeking out moments of genius in the day-to-day.
]]>International Women’s Day is here! With #pressforprogress as this year’s theme, women’s rights supporters are encouraged to look within their own communities for ways to promote gender equality and encourage female empowerment. IWD’s call-to-action highlights that local action—whether in the workplace, at home or in the city—can lead to global change.
]]>
AMSTERDAM: Mama Cash Feminist Festival (featuring the Guerrilla Girls)
Shaking up the cultural scene for more than 30 years now, the Guerrilla Girls—a group of anonymous feminist art activists—will be at the Stedelijk Museum to discuss sexism and racism in the art industry and in society at large. Famous for their outspoken ways of addressing social inequalities (and for the gorilla masks they wear when doing so), this evening with the Guerrilla Girls will be focused around debate, artistic expression and creative empowerment.
For more information, visit: https://www.stedelijk.nl/en/events/mama-cash-feminist-festival
LONDON: Women of the World (WOW) Festival
Led by celebrated female artists, activists and entrepreneurs, the WOW Festival celebrates women’s achievements while also focusing on where gender equality is still lacking. From March 7-11, dozens of events will be held at the Southbank Centre, including talks, dance/music performances, art exhibitions, interactive workshops, and mentoring sessions. From idea sharing amongst self-employed women to an ‘under 10’s feminist corner’ for the young activists amongst us, the thought-provoking and funky activities planned for the WOW Festival make it one you simply cannot miss.
For more information, visit: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats- on/festivals-series/women-of-the-world
NEW YORK: United Nations Observance of IWD
While the importance of gender equality in politics has gained serious international attention, there is still much room for improvement. The annual United Nations Observance of IWD acts as a pillar for celebrating women’s accomplishments and discussing gender-based restrictions from a political standpoint. This year, the UN session will echo the need to #pressforprogress by emphasizing that the Time is Now. Follow the speeches and panel discussions, which will include notable speakers such as UN Secretary- General António Guterres. Guterres considers achieving gender equality the “unfinished business of our time.”
For more information, visit: http://www.un.org/en/events/womensday/
]]>
To celebrate world book day, we've compiled some of our favourite recent reads. Discover our recommendations, each of our five picks are thought provoking and spark the imagination.
]]>
To celebrate world book day, we've compiled some of our favourite recent reads. Discover our recommendations, each of our five picks are thought provoking and spark the imagination.
Do you have a favourite to share? We would love to hear your recommendations!
Pachinko
Half of a Yellow Sun
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Ugwu, a boy from a poor village, works as a houseboy for a university professor. Olanna, a young woman, has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos to live with her charismatic new lover, the professor. And Richard, a shy English writer, is in thrall to Olanna’s enigmatic twin sister. As the horrific Biafran War engulfs them, they are thrown together and pulled apart in ways they had never imagined.
Sapiens
Yuval Noah Harari
This is the thrilling account of our extraordinary history – from insignificant apes to rulers of the world.
An anthropological study of mankind and why we have propelled ourselves out of nature. A bit of food for thought!
]]>
Finding the perfect gift for that special someone is easier said than done. This is why we've created elegantly curated gift sets, beautifully wrapped in tissue and placed in our signature Sloane Stationery boxes - ready to gift.
With prices starting from £29, we have a variety of options to choose from. SHOP NOW - See Below some of our favourites!
A Gentleman's Gift Set - For the man in your life that always seems to buy what he wants before you have a chance to get it as a gift!
Lip Service Gift Set - for that chatty friend who can never stop talking!
World Travels Gift Set - for that friend who is always on the road...
Discover these and many more by shopping the GIFT SETS online.
]]>
This year we are celebrating International Women's Day with interviews from four changemakers of our own —friends, entrepreneurs, and movers and shakers that are all contributing to the advancement of women on the global stage and leading companies that support women in business.
SS: You create jewelry that women of all ages love — do you design with someone in mind?
JV: I design what I want to wear and also I design the type of profiles that have proven to be our customer’s favorites.
SS: How did you start your business?
JV: With the help of generous and dedicated friends and family members, by the sweat of their brows and mine.
SS: You are about to celebrate 10 years in business. What is the most important thing you have learned about growing a successful business?
JV: That the team is the company and the company is the team and the esprit de corps is everything. All of our best work stems from the atmosphere of collaboration. Recently, I asked the very first person I hired, who is still with the company, “Why do you work here?” He said, “Well, for the salary, to start with.” I said, “But you can make a salary anywhere. Why here?” He said, “I really like working with the people here. They make me happy to come to work.” Did he say “happy to come to work”? How many people can say that?
SS: Life philosophy or favorite saying?
JV: I started with this taped to my laptop when I was on the road doing trunk shows the early years: “Paradise is wherever I happen to be.” (Voltaire) I simply had to believe this to keep going. So I kept going, even though I didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t know at the time what I was doing was market research, developing a deep understanding of my customer and what she wants, which informs everything I do to this day.
SS: Most memorable moment of your career?
JV: There is no moment! The moments I hold dear are the employee moments, when something is said which reveals that he/she knows I have his/her back.
You can follow Julie on Instagram @julievos and shop her jewelry at https://www.julievos.com/
SS: The most important lesson you've learned since launching your own business?
LB: Trust your gut. Our worst mistakes are always when we go against our initial feelings
SS: What advice would you have given yourself at the beginning of your journey?
LB: You're going to get knocked down, and the most important thing is that you get back up again. Every single time.
SS: Life philosophy or favorite saying?
LB: It's all relative.
SS: Most memorable moment of your career thus far?
LB: There are a lot of them, but our client collaborating with Vogue on The Met Gala and designing much of the decor was a highlight for sure. Opening an 11 page spread in VOGUE will never get old.
You can follow Nylon Consulting on Instagram @nylonconsulting.
SS: You are known for capturing soulful portraits (and especially of women!) How has photographing women influenced your career and how you have evolved as an artist?
CW: It has taught me that every woman that I have had the pleasure and honor to capture and learn from over the years, has a beautiful story to tell and share. The stories aren't always full of joy or perfection….they can be from overcoming tragedies, healing from pain or grieving from loss. Each of the stories of these women's lives have enriched my own. There is so much resilience and it's absolutely beautiful when they can be shared in truth, trust and vulnerability. There's nothing more powerful for me than to capture that light that each of these women carry and for them to be able to look at themselves through my perspective as an artist and feel strong and beautiful and worthy — it’s hard to find words for that.
SS: What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
CW: I don't think there's one single piece of advice that stands out for me — but more so the lessons of living and learning along the way (and that includes your own mistakes!) The important piece is gratitude and being aware of all the lessons along the way.
SS: Life philosophy or favorite saying?
CW:
SS: Most memorable moment of your career?
CW: Being in Oprah’s studio and watching my big black and white photographs tell a story was certainly one of those pinch-me moments. But it was more of what got to me to that place that has more meaning. Photographing for organizations and causes that create, heal and inspire change in other people’s lives is what’s most close to my heart.
SS: You are an incredible mother (and here is the inevitable question) how do you balance your career with family?
CW: To be honest, it's extremely hard and always has been. You have to protect your energy and be very intuitive about who and how you spend your time. Learn the importance of saying no so you can contribute to the aspects of your life that you hold most sacred. You cannot be everything to everyone all at the same time. I can only hope I’ve been a role model to my own daughters in pursuing my career as an artist and photographer. I think it’s very important for your children (especially girls) to watch their mothers have an identity outside of being a mom. If you protect what you care about and feed your soul with what you love, you will live with a thankful heart.
You can follow Cathrine on Instagram @cathrinewhitephotography and visit her website at http://www.cathrinewhitephotography.com/
SS: Tell us a little about your career in the UN and your journey to start your foundation. Was there one specific moment or experience that inspired you to start Artemis?
HJ: The plight of women and young girls in developing countries has always concerned me. At the UN, I worked on finding strategic and innovative solutions to complex problems. After attending many meetings and conferences that focused on the problems preventing women and youth from succeeding, I asked myself, “where are the women and youth in the decision making processes?” How are women and youth supposed to succeed without being heard; without even being present? At the last Climate Change Conference in Paris, there were very few women represented. That was one of the biggest successes in the area of sustainable development and women were practically absent. That concerned me.
Aspire Artemis is a way to create opportunities for advancement for youth in vulnerable and marginalized communities by connecting them to positive and inspiring mentors. One of the services we will be providing them with is communications training, so that they can utilize their voice in very powerful ways. Many young people fall into cycles of violence and discontent when they are left without any real opportunities for success and advancement. Being able to present ideas clearly is a very important skill necessary to succeed in a professional environment. Therefore, through debate training and other methods, we teach young people the skills they need to foster positive use of language that helps them utilize their voices in constructive and empowering ways.
Many young women have the education they need, but they lack the communication and skills training they need to succeed in the global marketplace. This, coupled with me belief in mentorship is what inspired be to create the Artemis Foundation.
I think on a very basic human level, one of the most important things that helps any individual succeed is knowing that there is someone who is genuinely focused on advising them without any preconditions; a mentor. If you think about it, we all have had mentors in our lives. Perhaps we may not think of it that way, but we have a mother, an aunt, a neighbour, a father, a friend. Someone who was able to advise us and connect us in ways that we would not have imagined doing on our own. For many they provide advice on what colleges to attend, facilitate access to internship programs and training opportunities.
SS: Best piece of advice you've gotten? Most inspiring piece of advice / wisdom from the women you feature and interview for your foundation?
Don’t ever allow people to determine who you are, what you want to do, or where you want to go in life. Life is a journey filled with struggles. Think of yourself as tripping and falling down into oncoming traffic, get up, dust yourself off and move forward at great speed. This is incredibly inspiring to me because there are many difficulties one encounters when setting up a business and doing anything worthwhile in life. You struggle a lot. You go through ups and downs, but ultimately, when you are feeling discouraged or uninspired, you just have to work hard, get up, dust yourself off and go full speed ahead. It’s the best way to work on things. Give it your all and go full speed ahead.
SS: Life philosophy or favorite saying?
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
― Maya Angelou
SS: What do you think it will take for more women to be on the global stage?
HJ: I think it will take a lot of political will and action from all stakeholders. It is not enough to say that women are important to our societies and businesses; actions need to be taken to actually have a 50/50 balance in business, industry and government. I think that men have to play more of a role in acknowledging and speaking up for the need to have women's voices matter. Not just superficially, but concretely!
You can visit Hermina's foundation at: http://www.aspireartemis.org/
]]>
1. To The Next Ruler of the World = Rule the Word 2. To The Believer = When Pigs Fly
3. To The Dancing Queen = Dancing Queen 4. To The Sun Worshipper = Life's A Beach
5. To The Bombshell = Bombshell 6. To the Queen Bee = Queen Bee
7. The 3 Wise Monkeys = Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil 8. For the Rock Star = Rock Star
]]>
1. Geek Chic Softcover Notebook 2. Orange Clever Pencils - Set of 10
3. F*cking Genius Pocket Journal
1. Work Contrast Notebook 2. Sink or Swim Tattoo Journal
3. 2017 Grey Desk + Pocket Diary
1. Life's A Beach Emoji Journal 2. Apres-Ski Visitor Book
3. Good Girls Go to Heaven, Bad Girls Go Everywhere 2017 Collection Diary
1. Carpe Diem Tattoo Journal 2. World Domination Desk in a Box
]]>The Pocket Range… our version of statement accessories for your desk. The perfect size notebook that packs a big punch, these best-selling titles are an evolving range of A6 journals onto a faux lizard cover. Introducing new titles for Fall 2017:
WTF?: Some questions are better left...in this notebook.
Monkey Business: No thoughts too mischievous for these pages
Bright Ideas: "The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas" Linus Pauling
Flower Child: Flowers, festivals, music...peace and love.
]]>
The Boss: The boss is officially back with our calendar collection for 2017. Memo this, checklist that, and cross off your list like it's no one's business.
Good Girls Go To Heaven, Bad Girls Go Everywhere: Filed under classified: notes from a night out. Revealing the good, the bad and the bubbly. Burn after reading.
No Guts, No Glory 2017: Introducing the pen and paper equivalent of liquid courage. Because fortune favors the bold. Think it up, jot it down, and go tiger.
Bucket List: Step foot in all 190 countries, arrive by sea plane, sand surf in the gobi desert, start a business. She who dares wins.
]]>
Fierce: You know the song- it's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight. Get your game face on.
Forget Me Not: Take a trip down memory lane. Commemorate the moment in style and set yourself up for a blissful reminisce.
Sink Or Swim: Fight or flight, do or die. The choice is yours. Step up to the plate with a survival guide for the eleventh hour.
Carpe Diem: This magic moment. Fly by the seat of your pants with the Carpe Diem journal. You never know where the day will take you.
Wild Rose: Here's to keeping those rose-colored glasses on. Stick to the sunnier side of your story with our Wild Rose journal. / Never a rose without a prick. This one's for documenting all the silver linings.
]]>Today we spotlight the Queen Bee — because there's a reason why the Queen is the most valuable piece on the chessboard.
]]>
]]>
SS: When planning a wedding, what's the #1 piece of advice you tell your clients?
MvW: Tackle the guest list first –the head count will drive so many decisions, especially the destination, the venue, and the budget. Be thoughtful with your list and compile a roster of friends and family who not only mean something to you but also will enjoy the company of one another.
SS: Many people say the venue dictates the decor and art direction of an event — do you agree with this?
MvW: It certainly can, if you pick a fantastic venue that has beautiful existing décor or views, you are starting from 3rd base. You get to come in and put the icing on the cake. But sometimes you can’t always find that or it is not available for your date so you can also pick a raw space and take a vision and build it from the ground up. Then you can completely make it your own and that can be such a fun process. At the end of the day the budget dictates all decisions.
SS: In terms of prioritizing a budget, what are the three most important things you should consider investing in?
MvW: Take care of your guests basic needs – the more functional items – food, drink, a place to sit, a roof etc. Then see what you have remaining to spend on the fun things – great lighting, fantastic entertainment, cozy lounge vignettes, or model bartenders – the list is endless.
“Life is too short – it’s important to keep some humor in the process and at your celebration. If you can give your guests the opportunity to smile and laugh you’d succeeded.”
The Stylist, Lucinda de Mauley
SS: With the changing dress codes of wedding appropriate attire, what is the #1 thing you should keep in mind when attending a wedding? More and more weddings have now become a destination, with wedding activities all weekend or as long as a week. Do these rules apply to the entire wedding experience? (I have to imagine many SS readers are dying to know your advice on this one! Packing for a destination wedding is always tricky).
LM: Receiving a wedding invitation should be viewed with happiness and excitement – not fear - with ‘what AM I going to wear?’ ringing in your ears! To make sure you get it right first ascertain what sort of wedding it will be :
Beach/hot/sunshine/relaxed – go for a colourful and cool dress to the knee not too fitted or else it will crease in the heat – with strappy high sandals, sunglasses and a large hat and a clutch bag that works with your shoes but doesn’t match. (NB. if it is in a church your shoulders should be covered.)
City/smart/elegant/chic – Go for it - a super chic tailored dress can be printed/geometric or plain, an optional coat and high elegant pointed toe court shoes. A small sassy hat works well – if you have long hair, put it up.
SS: As a wedding party member (especially as a bridesmaid or maid of honor) what are the tried and true sartorial guidelines you suggest sticking to no matter what?
LM: Don’t wear cream or white – that is for the bride only. If you are a bridesmaid or maid of honour – hopefully the bride will have chosen something gorgeous for you to wear which will enhance rather than compete with her. ALWAYS remember that it is HER big day.
The Designer, Sam Walls Beasley
SS: How did you get your start in the bridal industry?
SWB: I began when friends asked me to design their wedding dresses. A number of them were artists, people who were looking for something other than the traditional wedding dress. They were also people with a creative eye and openness to collaboration.
SS: First article of clothing you designed?
SWB: As a younger person, the people, the looks and the sounds of London town inspired me. I came of age with Post-Punk – a very creative time in the UK for both music and fashion – and my earliest clothing designs would have been for me and my friends when we travelled into the city to see bands. It all seems a long, long time ago!
SS: Do you have any predictions for upcoming bridal trends?
SWB: I’m not much of a trend follower. I would say that some of each new collection has been inspired by conversations I’ve had with past brides, as well as watching the beautiful fabrics and detailing in the couture collections. For me, the perfect wedding dress combines the mood of the moment as well as classic couture. It should captivate and inspire the bride and the audience!
SS: Your advice for selecting that perfect gown?
SWB: Don’t rush the decision, take your time and allow time.
The Invitation Expert, Rebecca Schmidt Ruebensaal
SS: What are the most important things to keep in mind when creating invites for your wedding? There are so many places to start — do you recommend incorporating designs that are personal to the couple or reflect the venue?
RSR: The most important bits to remember while creating your wedding invitations are to think of them as archival pieces… your grandchildren will be looking at them so maybe reconsider the pink neon. The second suggestion is to enjoy the process. We see so many stressed out brides and it is sad because the tears should be saved for other moments.
SS: What trends are you seeing these days with wedding stationery?
RSR: We are seeing a slight return to engraving and classic vignettes as little icons. The studio is working on a seaside drawing with sailboats to be used as an icon throughout the bride’s correspondence wardrobe. Many couples are doing such things that may be used beyond the invite… all the way through to their personal stationery.
The Patissier, Natasja Sadi
SS: Where to begin?
NS: Designing a wedding cake for me is a very natural process. It starts by listening to what the bride and groom like and love. Sometimes couples have children already and they even have something to say in what they love!
If the bride brings inspiration with her during our first meeting: a moodboard or Pinterest page or even one specific photo, it can be of tremendous help in the design of their cake!
SS: How do I know if a design is right for me?
NS: Try and find something that catches your eye, but stick to what YOU love. Don’t look to what others have done, and don’t feel obliged to have a specific cake because it is a family tradition. This is YOUR day. I can not emphasize that enough.
]]>
Every personalised order made before June 9th, will receive a complimentary Emails / Phone Calls journal with code: FATHERSDAY.
]]>Notebooks to have in your back pocket this spring... Shop the collections.
]]>Sometimes you just need a place to drop anchor and find a way to shake off the winter blues and get to your happy place....and maybe that includes sea, sun and taking up life at the beach house. Regardless of your destination, we are firm believers in getting out of dodge. So we are celebrating winter escapes with our new series of guest books.
]]>
A long time Fashion Editor based in New York City, Mia has worked for the likes of Teen Vogue, Glamour, and V Magazine before she landed her current position at InStyle – frequenting the fashion shows and events of the sartorially inclined.
We managed to catch her for a few quick questions in between shows!
What do you do at InStyle Magazine?
I cover the American contemporary market for InStyle and make sure it is represented appropriately within the magazines’ pages.
Favorite designer at NYFW?
That’s such a tricky one, but I love everything I’ve seen from Monse lately.
Typical Day at Fashion Week?
Get up and instantly look at what the weather will be like as that determines my daily attire. Once dressed, I run out the door and hop on the subway or Uber to my first show. From then on the day is filled with shows and presentations all over the city and if you’re lucky enough time in between to get a snack and hydrate.
How do you manage your fashion week schedule?
Sometimes with difficulty! I just try and get as much as I can (and with a great assistant and lots of planning!)
Favourite SS notebook?
Rocket Scientist – because being a Fashion Editor is kind of the same thing? I like to poke fun at myself.
]]>
SPOTTED: Sloane Stationery's "To do or not to do" notebook in the Wolf and Badger Christmas Gift Guide. Shop the Gift Guide here.
]]>