BRAND IN FOCUS // ALEXACHUNG by Alexa Chung

Having always been a fan of Alexa Chung’s style (since waaaaay back the golden ages of the T4 days), I was looking forward to the launch of her own fashion label, ALEXACHUNG. Alexa, is of course no stranger to fashion design, with a decade of experience to her name, for brands such as MADEWELL, Superga and Marks & Spencer. But this is the first time we can really see what Alexa wants us to wear – the ‘proper’ designs and concepts by Alexa herself. And having looked at her 150 piece range, I can confirm that “its sooooo Alexa“. You can see that Alexa is heavily influenced by her favourite cities (New York & Paris) with an added bit of her wicked British humour to boot.

Shop my favourite pieces that have so far launched from the debut ALEXACHUNG collection below and via the NEVER CONCISE SHOP.

 

Tiered Garden Dress
CLICK TO BUY >> Tiered Garden Dress // £565.00
George Sweatshirt
CLICK TO BUY >> George Sweatshirt // £175.00
Kick Flare Jeans
CLICK TO BUY >> Kick Flare Jeans // £230.00
 Zip Front Dungarees
CLICK TO BUY >> Zip Front Dungarees // £300.00
 I LOVE YOU, I HATE YOU T-SHIRT
COMING SOON >> I LOVE YOU, I HATE YOU T-SHIRT // £95.00
Platform Clogs
COMING SOON >> Platform Clogs // £300.00

MORE ABOUT // ALEXA CHUNG

ALEXACHUNG  returned from New York this year to creatively direct a business distinctively tied to her British roots.
At the heart of the brand, Alexa’s vision: to create clothes that people want to wear. Combining Parisian chic with a New York edge, as well as the very British sense of humour, it is inspired by everything from Jane Birkin’s insouciance to David Hockney’s stripy sweater.

ALEXACHUNG prides itself on its unique approach to making clothes, combining distinctive fabrics and prints with classic tailoring alongside more feminine designs. The result is a carefully considered, alluring combination of prim, racy and rock ‘n’ roll, where frivolous party pieces interact with grown-up tailoring and classic silhouettes.

ALEXACHUNG will produce four in-season collections per year internationally, with stockists in over fifteen countries.

Brand In Focus | Tiba + Marl.

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FINALLY. Changing Bags Got Cool. No truer a word to say about Tiba + Marl. They’ve done it. And done it so, so well. T+M founders, (and mega-Mum Bosses) Lydia and Anna, have masterminded not only the coolest changing bags, but the most practical too.

It was last year that I came across Tiba+Marl, on Instagram, of course. I was shocked to find that the brand had only been around since 2015 itself. The collection was so considered. So strong. Perfect design for the modern parent. It was as though they’d been going for a heckuva lot longer!

When we found out I was pregnant with Eli, back in 2011, the first thing I wanted to buy was a changing bag! OF COURSE. I’m alllllll about the bags. We wanted something unisex – something functional – something cool. There wasn’t anything we liked. We literally searched for about 7 1/2 months. In the end, we went for a Mulberry Clipper holdall bag – that wasn’t even a changing bag at all! (See my blog post all the way back to 2012 about my changing bag woes, here!). We soon found out that it wasn’t big enough and was really awkward to get the things you did need in and out, quickly, and without everything falling out! It looked nice and was pretty waterproof (British weather, you do have a lot to answer for the majority of the year). But as soon as I could manage, I went back to using my old bags… and opted for my Longchamp Le Pliage bag until recently. Which obviously, ain’t so unisex. Or practical.

Enter Tiba+Marl.

A total gamechanger.

A little bit about the collection. The current T+M collection (including the newly launched collection) features four key designs – The Elwood (Backpack), The Raf (Holdall), The Mabel (Tote) and The Etta (Changing Clutch). Design’s come in a number of print’s and textures. On top of these main bag styles, there are also *new* snack packs (so, so good! On my to buy list), changing mat’s, The Delphine Bum-Bag (MASSIVE SWOON), stroller clips and the fruity Al ‘Monster’ Keyring. The cutest thing ever though? Has to be the Mini Elwood backpacks – currently available in Floral print, Leopard print and *new* Sticker print.

We purchased the Black Elwood (Adult) and the Mini Elwood in Leopard print for Eli. Never have I been more excited for a child with a bag. Neither has he. Eli takes after me when it comes to bag’s. He loves a bag. But he was quite literally spinning with excitement at his new Leopard backpack! Although I haven’t technically “changed” Eli for a good long while now, the Elwood bag for me is more than a changing bag. I’ll outline this below!

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SO. What are the finer details for each of my purchases?

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Black ELWOOD – £120 – Click to purchase.

Stylish and practical, the ELWOOD is the ideal unisex choice and leaves you hands free for a busy day out-and-about. Crafted from tumbled black faux leather for a luxurious finish, this backpack is large enough to fit most laptops and doubles up perfectly as a work bag, gym bag or carry-on bag.

  • Luxury padded changing mat
  • Insulated bottle holder
  • Internal laptop pocket
  • Smart phone pocket
  • Removable wet clutch / cross body bag
  • Grab top handle
  • Padded lower back panel
  • Chunky metal zips with double pullers for easy access
  • Metal feet
  • Adjustable padded shoulder straps
  • Wipe clean lining

Composition
Outer – 100% PU / Faux leather
Inner – 100% Nylon with Faux leather trim

Dimensions
H: 42cm W: 32cm D: 18cm

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Leopard Print MINI ELWOOD – £35. Click to purchase. 

The MINI ELWOOD is the ideal everyday choice for your little fashionista. Spacious and practical it features a zipped front pocket, adjustable straps, easy grab zip pulls and a top carry handle.

  • Water resistant & wipe clean inside & out
  • Zip front pocket
  • Adjustable padded straps
  • Padded back
  • Top grab handle

Composition
100% Nylon with Faux leather trim

Dimensions
H: 29cm W: 22cm D: 12cm

Top of the #MoMWishlist are:

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DELPHINE Bum Bag – £45. Click to purchase.

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*NEW* Sticker Print ARLO Snack Pack – £22. Click here to purchase.

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RAF Holdall – £120. Click here to purchase.

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So there you have it. Just wanted to finally add that both our purchases are of supreme, luxury quality. The adult ELWOOD is perfect for both me and my OH. It’s large and sturdy. I love the fact there are so many pockets, perfect for my laptop, phone, cosmetics, gym-kit (!!!), shopping and of course all the toddler wares we need to carry around. This backpack also includes a changing mat and wet bag (that you could totally use as a handbag on a night out!) and an ever so useful insulated bottle holder – that’s gotta be handy for the ever-present coffee that comes hand in hand with a toddler too, right? A must for parents-to-be, and parents to mega-kids too. Eli’s Leopard print MINI ELWOOD is a great size, soft and durable for toddler scuffage. Love the unisex leopard print, comfortable padded straps and chunky easy-to-pull zips.

I can’t wait to see what else these wonderful Mama’s come up with next! They’ve basically encouraged me to want more baba’s, just so I can utilise EVERYTHING they’re designing! Keep at it ladies, you’re bloody ace of base!

 

MM.

About TIBA + MARL. 

Tiba+Marl’s award winning contemporary collection redefines the staid tradition of baby bags by combining modern graphic prints, premium and high tech materials and stylish yet practical design.

The trend driven shapes including sports-luxe backpacks, stylish tote bags, modern satchels and chic holdalls mean the bags offer a life beyond the nappy changing bag.

#TibaandMarl & #changingbagsfinallygotcool 

*NB: This is in no way a sponsored post. I just wanted to big up a pair of  Mum Bosses who I think are frikkin amazing*. 

Brand In Focus | Southwood Stores.

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Southwood Stores is an online concept store by Hayley Southwood, where you will find handpicked, quirky, Scandinavian influenced gifts and homewares. Hayley believes passionately about empowering women and has recently launched her own in-house label GRAY, celebrating strong women.

I first came across Hayley and her online shop back in 2013. (I can’t believe it was 3 years ago?! Time sure does fly with a toddler in tow!) At that time, Hayley was the only UK stockist of Hello Apparel; and I went straight ahead and ordered a HELLO Jumper from her, along with one of our most loved prints that sat in Eli’s bedroom, The Mountain Print by Clare Nicholson. I always loved parcels from Hayley, with the attention to detail of packaging and customer care; with some treats even winging their way over to Berlin!

Watching Hayley, via Instagram, over the past few years has been wonderful. Seeing how her little shop has grown and expanded with wicked new products and new brands, through to the launch of her very own clothing label: GRAY By Southwood Stores.  The ethos of Hayley and her shop is to be brave and follow your dreams. And she’s definitely succeeding there – having now opened her very own Southwood Stores showroom – where you can not only have a cuppa with the lady herself, but from here she also offers Social Media / Branding services with sessions operating on-site.

Details of showroom opening times are as follows:

Monday 10am-2.30pm
Wednesday 10am-2.30pm
Friday 10am-2.30pm
First Saturday of the month 11am-2pm

I could buy everything that Southwood Stores have in stock, but here are some of my current favourites hitting the top of my #MoMWishlist:

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WIRE MESH MEMO-BOARD (BLUE) – £55.00

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VINTAGE SCHOOL CHAIRS – £60.00

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PALM LEAVES – £55.00

Back to GRAY By Southwood Stores. Hayley worked really hard to find the right garments for her label – high quality and responsibly made. The slogan graphic prints are also locally screen-printed by a “woman owned business”. I think it’s fantastic that Hayley has stuck to her local roots here too – there’s nothing better than championing your local business community and spreading the love even further afield.

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The sweatshirts are super soft, wash well and have a really flattering fit. I went for the WARRIOR sweatshirt. Because, well, we’re all WARRIORS. “The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about”. This is something that resonated deeply with me – and I do feel like a proper WARRIOR when I’m wearing my sweatshirt. It’s more than just words, isn’t it? It’s about how these things make you FEEL.

On top of alllllll this, Hayley is also hosting a series of Conversational Meet-Up’s, of like-minded Women. The recent one looked brilliant so look forward to the next Event’s being scheduled. You can find the latest details and tickets, here. 

Hayley is a true inspiration and I look forward to seeing how Southwood Stores continues to grow and evolve! (Oh, and I can’t wait to have a cuppa with her in person at the new showroom soon!). Keep doing what you’re doing Hayley, everything about your being is amazing. Just remember to BREATHE (and get the kettle on!).

 

MM.

*NB: This is in no way a sponsored post. I just wanted to big up a Mama who I think is frikkin amazing*. 

 

Brand in Focus | Cult of Youth.

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I first came across CULT of YOUTH on Instagram last year…  And it wasn’t long before I could see how utterly incredible Kelly, (founder) really is. She is the ultimate #MumBoss. An amazing Mama, juggling her gorgeous-chops little boy between everything life throws at you and this wicked jewellery business. She’s a total mega babe who is 110% dedicated; with her passion and frank honesty pouring out through her day-to-day postings. (Kelly generally responds to emails and comments with her son on her lap or in the middle of the night – quite likely both scenario’s at the same time (having received just a few 2am emails from her myself!). I literally have no idea how she’s doing it… I’m pretty sure she’s made of magic?!).

Kelly makes all her jewels by hand – the majority made to order – back in England. When Eli was Elvis’ age, I could barely make it to to the shops… (see, told you she was made of magic!) Not only does this mean that each piece is made with her love and care, it also makes her jewels extra special. (Yours  probably has might have even been made with a little added midnight magic too).

I instantly fell in love with the ace of base MOTHER necklace…

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…and then one day this beautifully wrapped (and ever so slightly psychedelic) parcel arrived on my desk in Berlin. My necklace hasn’t left my neck since (well, I will point out – it does come off for showers and bedtime – she’d probably slap my wrists otherwise).

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CULT of YOUTH, may well be famous for the signature #MAMAChain (now available with added skulls, ‘cos you know, us Mum’s do enjoy Rocking and Rolling still), but do check out Kelly’s other products too as they’re proper good – from personalised slogan necklaces to dainty initial pendants in Gold, Silver and Rose Gold. Gift wrap is also available now, making your jewels fit for a magpie’s nest from the get go; whether it’s a surprise for your loved one, or a well earned treat for yourself.

Basically, I’m really very proud to be a Mama / Mother / Mummy / Mammy / Mum / Mam / Mummy Dinosaur. Being a parent is a daily struggle – and we’re all in it together, one way or another. Wearing a statement necklace, made by a Mama, who went through a struggle to present it to you, is so exceptional I can’t even get it into words. It’s admirable and inspiring and everything inbetween. As a real human being, Kelly is one of the most honest Mum’s I’ve come across. Her raw emotion hits every nerve within me. So truthful and so eloquent. From Mother to Mother, the Sisterhood is real.

All the loves Kelly – keep doing what you’re doing pet, you’re bloody amazing!

Shop all CULT of YOUTH products: Click Here

MM.

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CULT of YOUTH was created early Autumn 2011 by head designer, London trained silversmith Kelly Seymour. Forged out of chaos in a Hackney warehouse, the first collection of heavy cross chokers and silk bound animal bones launched at London Fashion Weekend that autumn. Two years at Portobello market followed which led to meeting head accessories buyer at Urban Outfitters with three subsequent seasons in stores including Oxford Circus, Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Berlin.

 

*NB: This is in no way a sponsored post. I just wanted to big up a Mama who I think is frikkin amazing*.