London Fashion Week Day 1 and 2 - Our Favourite Moments

When #LFW rolls round, things get a little crazy here in London - it's as if the pace just picks right up and we're all dashing between shows and meetings to find a quick 5 minutes to jot down content and share it. This year is no different but we have managed to get more organised in order to share our Day 1 and 2 highlights - grab your coffee and get reading as there is already lots to talk about. Let us know what you think of this post and we'll continue to share our highlights if you want. Happy Fashion Month and Happy Monday!

(Picture via Pinterest)

It's a Family Affair for Victoria Beckham -

Glowing, professional and, at times, a little teary, Victoria Beckham does it all so effortlessly whether it's business, fashion or raising a family. This perhaps explains why she celebrates 10 years in business this #LFW with the icing on the fashion cake being her much awaited relocation to London. In fact, the designer has previously always chosen New York to showcase her designs. From the location (an art gallery near her Mayfair Boutique FIY) to the fashion (think classic VB tailoring with romantic lace accents and transparencies), every choice suggests grown up glamour for the designer whom, in true VB style, quietly announces her fashion evolution with her hometown return as opposed to shouting it from the rooftops. Extra points for the presence of Stella Tennant, 47 year old model veteran who apparently never seems to age, and her very own Harper watching adoringly with her father and brothers - showing that for VB, fashion really does go full circle, even in terms of age.

(Pictures via @victoriabeckham)

Getting Ready for Take Off with Alexa Chung -

With a show entitled 'Arrivals and Departures', Chung marks her fashion week debut. A nod to her life as traveler and original member of the fashion jet set, the collection is punctuated by safari chic items, a generous helping of Hibiscus Print and precious details. As inspired by her golden babes on the catwalk, we'll be channeling the dewy highlighter glow as well as crossing our fingers that the bucket bags donned on her catwalk are here to stay for next Spring / Summer. Our highlight? Her admission that, despite her success, she still suffers from imposter syndrome at times - showing us mere mortals that even fashion royalty can get cabin fever.

(Pictures via @alexachungstagram)

Street Style Inspiration -

Only yesterday, we took to Instagram to discuss how we sometimes prefer street style to the catwalks during LFW and we were surprised to see how many of you agreed with us! Your reasons included the practicality of street style, how it gives you inspiration for your own wardrobe and how the catwalks still, at times, remain a little over the top. While designers' efforts to turn down the drama and make the catwalks accessible for all are notable, it is also understandable that street style is what most of us turn to when putting looks together. After all, who fancies ruffles, theatrical lengths and kitten heels to catch the City line? Here are our favourite street style looks so far - and yes, we are partial to a chunky trainer, pops of colour à la Susie Bubble and smart male tailoring. What are your favourite street style looks?

 (Picture via @sineadcrowe)

(Picture via @susiebubble)

(Picture via @williamjwade)

So here are our highlights so far - remember to find us on Instagram at @pepper_alley as we continue the #LFW conversation.

Love, 

Pepper Alley HQ X 

We're on Pinterest!

Good morning and happy start to the weekend! We hope you are all having a good summer (and no, we haven't forgotten our favourite London recommendations, keep an eye on our Instagram, @pepper_alley, as those are coming very soon). We are checking in today to share some exciting news regarding our social media presence. You know that we absolutely LOVE Instagram and that we also enjoy the odd tweet here and there. However, as you know Pepper Alley is a brand born out of inspiration and which continues to be influenced by the various inspirations that shape our work. Whether it's London, colour or effortless style, there are numerous mood boards scattered around the office (and saved on our laptops!) that we always refer to when planning new collections, social media content or blog posts.

We know you love following along with our journey as a small business and we have been wondering, for a while now, on the best way to share our inspirational content with you guys. We are thrilled to have global clients that we can call our friends and in order to reach all of you and share what inspires us and motivates us everyday, Pinterest seemed like a no brainer.

So, what can you expect? There will be a monthly board giving you aall the inspiration for the four weeks ahead. Today, we are kicking off with our Travel Edit board giving us all the beach and sun vibes as well as the fashion finds we have been loving for the season. Similarly, there will also be an edit of our favourite Pepper Alley products for the month ahead - from the ideal tote to clutches and accessories, we really have thought of everything.

We hope you enjoy following us on Pinterest and we hope our boards inspire you and, why not, encourage you to try something new this summer and in the months to come too.

You can find us on Pinterest right here.

                                                              Love,

                                                           Pepper Alley HQ X

The Perfect Wedding Guest

It's officially wedding season! Let's face it, there is nothing quite like a wedding to truly divide people. There are those who buy into the free bar, the singles' table and the first dance whereas others shudder at the thought of being confined with their family (or worse, other people's families) in a small space, perhaps in the middle of nowhere without wifi and with the dread of forced laughter through speeches to look forward to.


Here at Pepper Alley, we love weddings. We love the magic of them, the build up, helping brides find the perfect accessory and simply soaking up all the good vibes that only a wedding can bring.


However, weddings can be treacherous little occasions and we may find ourselves tripping over a wedding faux pas or two. Luckily, Pepper Alley HQ is here to help - after avidly watching the Royal Wedding and poring over every little detail, we thought we would put together a little post packed with tips and advice on wedding fashion. After all, who can blame us for taking a little inspiration from the wedding of the year?


Pattern like a Princess! - Who says that only pastels and block colours will do for weddings? Don't be afraid to shake things up with a little pattern especially if it's one of this season's chosen shades such as orange, emerald or the 2018 favourite, Ultraviolet. Still a little uncertain on embracing a bold pattern? Keep your outfit minimal chic and let our Liberty Lining do the talking.

 (Picture via Elle UK)

Opting for Comfort -   One of the most iconic moments of the Royal Wedding was certainly Serena Williams revealing her trainers which, she later explained,  she often wears on these occasions in order to be comfy for long nights. Serena is absolutely right - there is way too much fun to be had at a wedding to allow your fashion choices to hold you back. With the multitude of options available to us, there is no need to compromise style over comfort. Our top tip aside from opting for comfortable footwear? Choosing a clutch that is large enough to fit all you need for the big day. Our Flora clutches come in an array of shades and are delightfully roomy to store all your essentials.

(Photo via Harper Bazaar)

In Ode of NOT Playing it Safe -  When it comes to wedding fashion, we have heard it all before - 'Opt for muted palettes! Blush pink and navy always do the trick! Stick to what you know!'. Honestly ladies, the list could definitely go on. While navy hues and blush pinks always look smart and put together (in fact, there were a few ladies who opted for light pinks including Serena Williams), we couldn't help but be completely and utterly drawn to Amal Clooney's sunshine yellow number. Warm, bright enough to be glamorous yet easily pared back with minimal shoes and accessories, yellow could definitely become an unlikely contender for wedding guest colour of the year. What do you think? We love it when paired with metallics to amp up the volume for the evening or with a nude palette to keep things classy for a traditional service.

(Picture via Pinterest)

See you on the dance floor - we'll be the ones dancing to Beyonce's Single Ladies!

Happy Wedding Season!

Love,

Pepper Alley HQ X 

Pepper Alley Does SS18

When planning this post, we couldn't wait to share all the Easter excitement - the long weekend, the bubbles, the sunshine and the possibility of fishing out our Spring clothes from the depths of our wardrobe ready for a Bank Holiday Barbecue. However, living in the UK, we are used to the weather interfering with our plans just a little and we figured an outdoors guide to Easter in London or a summer look book would simply not cut it for this week's blog post. With forecasts of a rainy weekend and parts of the UK possibly facing (gasp!) snow, most of us will probably stay in. So what better than telling you all about our plans for Spring / Summer for you to read (indoors!) with a cup of tea and the remains of your Easter eggs? Hope you enjoy dreaming of SS18 with us and remember to hold tight babes, the sunshine is definitely on its way (*crosses fingers*).

(Picture courtesy of Pinterest)

The Return of Our Crystal & Denim Collection -  We simply can't wait for sunshine, easy summer dressing and spending entire days poolside without a care in the world. This is why we are delighted to relaunch our Crystal and Denim collection, reinvented to match the texture of a blue pool or a summer sky while still maintaining the ease of denim and that laid-back summer attitude. Throwing on a dress over sun-kissed skin and grabbing your clutch has never been easier or more effortless. Let the other worldliness of Crystals guide you towards a summer night where everything could happen, discover Poppy, Rosie and Daisy here.

Connecting with the Babes and Boys of Pepper Alley -  You know we are always thrilled to see our friends and clients wearing our creations and we love it when you tag us in your outfit shots! This summer, we will be sharing the #pepperalleylove further following some global (Italy and Germany, we are looking at you!) interest in our products. We can't wait to do a little traveling in search of further inspiration which then, inevitably, gets translated into a new product or collection back in London which we call home. We will definitely be sharing our travel adventures and, in the meantime, if you happen to go somewhere new and exciting, send us your pictures wearing our Clemmies and Floras to make the Pepper Alley office very jealous!

Some New Additions To Our Accessory Collection -  We have heard it time and time before, accessories really make an outfit. While we love pouring our creativity into new totes and clutches, we also love to make smaller, personalised pieces like our signature key rings or charms. We are currently finalising some new accessory launches and we can't wait to share them with you - all we can say at the moment is that personalisation will definitely feature and we will share our new designs with you very soon.

Embracing the Spirit of Summer -   A close look at our collections, and the numerous options we offer, will tell you that our creations are made to be shared. Whether it's tagging your sister in that picture of the Clemmie she has been looking for, sharing tips on how to effortlessly complete an outfit with a metallic Flora, surprising your mum with a personalised keepsake or going matchy matchy with your best friends and buying the same tote in different colours, our bags are made to be enjoyed in the company of those we love. This summer we will be embracing the laid back spirit of the season and vow to be generous with our time, our friends and....our fashion advice. Join us and share the #pepperalleylove this SS18.

Wishing you a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend and a fantastic SS18 in our company!

Love,

Pepper Alley HQ X

An Addition to Our Clemmie

More often that not when buying a present, or treating ourselves to a little something, it is the little things that truly make the gift giving and receiving experience. What does the packaging look like? How is the tissue paper decorated and what will it hold? There are lots of little touches that add to the experience and here at Pepper Alley, we see ourselves as little gift giving elves running around our open plan office, always thinking of ways to enhance the Pepper Alley story for our customers.

This is why we are delighted to show you our new dust bags ready to hold and protect our precious Clemmie Totes to ensure they reach our customers safely. The creamy nature of our Italian leather products and the wide range of colours available means it is paramount to protect the bags and for this reason, we take every step to look after our products from the second they are made to the time they reach our customers and beyond.

Another thing that's dear to us at Pepper Alley? Working with like minded small businesses. That's why we were delighted to collaborate with Rose from Postbox Party, another Not on The High Street Partner to design these bags - with the iconic Pepper Alley logo and in a simple cotton design, they will protect your Clemmie en route and can be used to store your Pepper Alley goodies or as shoppers to take with you when shopping or hitting the gym.

You can find Rose and her business here. Alternatively, you can find Post Box Party on Instagram. We hope you love this new addition as much as we do and remember to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter. The dust bag is available with the Clemmie tote which you can shop right here.

Love, 

Pepper Alley HQ X 

LFW - Our Highlights

Fashion month can be quite the blur - It's a mixture of looks, outfit changes and interesting fashion types inundating London's South Bank every season. Their energy adds a long lasting buzz to London which can be felt even after their departure; after their impact, the city will never be the same.

As each city only has a few days to give it their all, catching each second can be tricky and the constant updates powered through the force of publications, influencers and fashion houses alike makes it easy to get overwhelmed in a flurry of Fashion Week mayhem. Luckily, we have picked our A/W18 highlights ready to share with you - Happy Fashion Month!


London, a Fairytale Backdrop - How many times have we swooned over the perfect interiors at Sketch? And how many times have we found ourselves thinking, 'Yep this would be the ideal location for a fashion shoot'?. Turns out the clever minds behind Ryan Lo Studio shared our ideas and used Sketch as probably the most Insta worthy shoot location ever. If you do visit take our blush Clemmie tote and have fun matching the interiors!

    (Picture Source: Evening Standard)

The Queen, Making an Appearance -  A little like red and pink, or denim paired with a super smart coat, the Queen and Anna Wintour are one of those unlikely style combinations that appear odd in theory but work oh so well in practice. Seeing these two sat in together at Richard Quinn's show was certainly one of the most iconic moments of the season and the royal approval of LFW will certainly impact generations of British designers to come.

 (Picture via Vogue)

Saying Goodbye to Christopher Bailey and Celebrating Diversity -   Christopher Bailey did not end his final season at Burberry without making a statement: renowned for his celebration of diversity, the designer filled the catwalk with rainbows in honour of LGBTQ+ rights. The show, which reminisced Bailey's earlier contributions to the fashion house, made for an iconic farewell and marked the designer's long lasting legacy to Burberry and the world of fashion.

(Picture via The Telegraph)

What were your #LFW highlights? We'd love to know!

Love,

Pepper Alley HQ X 

Valentine's Day!

Is it a truth universally acknowledged that February is the month of love. The month that can send even the most cynical among us in a frenzied panic to try and find the right date, the right restaurant and the right outfit and which some single people admit to hating with a passion for the feelings of anxiety it can sometimes induce.

Here at Pepper Alley, we are known for experiencing life through rose tinted glasses (just look at the romantic lines on our Clemmie tote!) and while we know that love doesn't need a single day to be celebrated, it can be lovely to take the time to reflect on the things that make life so lovely and embracing them in a celebration dedicated exclusively to love. So here is a little list to (you know it!), spread the #pepperalleylove this Valentine's Day. Little does it matter whether you're married, in a relationship or single - embrace the day however you want to and remember to share your tips and tricks to spread the love this February, we're all ears!


Make Time For Yourself: We have heard it before from mums and grandmothers all over the world, how will anyone love us if we don't love ourselves in the first place? While a little cheesy, this somewhat dated piece of advice still rings true and makes for the perfect excuse to make time for the things we love to do but can't always fit in our daily lives. Bubble bath? Glass of champagne while watching Netflix? That Yoga class you can never quite make? Take your pick and indulge in some well deserved You time.

(Picture Courtesy of Pinterest)

Embrace...Love:  A text to your sister to remind her why she is the best, a compromise with your other half over what TV series you watch first, freshly baked biscuits to take into work, leaving your change to pay for the next customer's coffee...there are many ways to embrace love and many of these don't require large quantities of money, just a little effort and good intentions. Similarly, as we move towards Spring, embracing blush hues and playing with softer tailoring and lines can also be a way to renew your wardrobe and meet the new season with a touch of romance.

(Shop the look here)

Feel Daring:  Saying yes to a new activity, making travel plans, having the audacity to plan that date you have been too afraid to ask for....the month of February (and fortune!) favour the bold and there is no better time to ask (nicely!) for what you really want. Our indulgent satin textures and bold Emerald and Ruby lining are the perfect start for those seeking an element of surprise in their lives and wardrobes. Shop the look here and here.

Treat Your Other Half: Whether it's a Lou Tote for him or a Clemmie for her , pull out all the stops to show your loved one how much they mean to you. Remember to ask for our signature engraving services to add that special touch to your gift.

Get your Galentines together:  What's better than a night out with your girlfriends? An excuse to catch up over cocktails, share what has been going on in your lives and make time for each other in spite of your busy schedules and millions of responsibilities. Message the WhatsApp group, save the date and get your Flora clutch out of the wardrobe for the occasion. The added touch to make the occasion truly special? A little surprise monogrammed keyring for each of your friends because even though you may live far  apart, they are still a big part of your life and let's face it, buying for your friends is just so fun!

(Picture courtesy of Pinterest)

So here you have it, a little list to make the most of the month of love. What are your Valentine's Day Traditions?

Remember to share the #pepperalleylove this Valentine's (and always!).

Love, 

Pepper Alley HQ X 

Girls Who Like Boys

Whether it's their leather jackets, a spritz of their perfume or one of their old shirts to sleep in, it's a truth universally acknowledged that women are forever stealing their boyfriend's clothing. Some may argue it's to shake ourselves out of a style rut, others simply declare that it's because their clothes are comfier (have you felt how much softer their jumpers are?!) and others (like us!) admit it's for pure laziness. Whatever your motives, there are definite advantages to taking some style lessons from the boys and with a menswear market that is growing at a faster rate than the women's and is expected to reach $438 billion in 2020, as shared by The Business of Fashion, it seems like the perfect time to immerse ourselves in the world of male fashion. Below, find our top tips for when it comes to taking style lessons from the boys:

(Picture courtesy of Business of Fashion - sometimes the best ideas begin with a #regram )

Keep it Simple: Back in the olden days, fashion for women was ornate, intricate and incredibly unpractical for anyone with a daily commute. Nowadays, designers are listening (thank god!) to women's needs and keeping things simple, structured and tailored to those working and living in the city. Our top tip for the perfect urban outfit? Choose a minimal outfit and let your accessories do the talking. Shop the look here if you fancy taking our blush Clemmie for a spin around the city in time for Spring.

Up the Contrast:  There is a certain allure to a woman who allows herself to be tempted by the cut of masculine clothing and in a world where it's sometimes so difficult to be a woman, the biggest statement we can make it to accept our femininity and embrace it. Don't be afraid to play with contrasts and combine sharper cuts with some pastels or romantic patterns like Kirsten Dust (picture courtesy of Vogue).

Mix it up with the Smart / Casual: Once a dreaded dress code associated with 21st birthdays and engagement parties, the smart casual is now the passe-partout of lazy girl fashion. Shirts play such a big part in this fashion trend and they're the perfect style piece to ensure you can waltz from the office and out for drinks in the blink of an eye. Shop the look here.

Buy Him a Gift You Can Both Use:  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it could be time to treat your boyfriend to one of our Lou Totes. Large enough to travel or store his laptop / iPad for a day of meetings and made with our signature Italian leather, this really is the gift that keeps on giving as it effortlessly matches all of your outfit when you have oh so casually forgotten your bag at home (again!).

It's never too early to plan the perfect gift for Valentine's Day - remember to get in touch if you want to know more about our personalisation services.

Love,

Pepper Alley HQ X