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

Prêt-à-Instagram? // The New Way to Shop

Happy Friday and Happy Start to the Weekend!

We thought we would enjoy a  little catch up with you today : Show you the new collections, tell you all about where to get our bags as we have had some questions about this and let you into our weird and wonderful world made up of Instagram, leather bags and a little independent London business making its way into the big wide world.

 Instagram : Had you told us 10 years ago that this app would completely revolutionalise the way we browse, shop and consume, we probably would not have believed you. Shopping from the comfort of our sofas with a link in bio? As if! Love it or loathe it, it is evident that Instagram actively influences brand / consumer relationships yet we love the flexibility it gives to our jobs. Customer inquiring about a product price? We’ve got them. Visiting a quirky, new London place we want to tell you about? A quick snap on our stories and we’ve told everyone we know. Looking for some mid – afternoon inspiration? A quick search and a variety of options fill our screens. As you know, we love chatting with you about all things leather bags so, if you haven’t already, give us a follow @pepper_alley 

Shopping our Leather Products: On the subject of instagram, we have received some comments on where to find our bags. They are available on our website, on Not on The High Street and TicTail. You can shop directly from your Instagram by following the link in our bios. See? We told you it was super easy!

New Collections: We are thrilled with the success our Crystal &Denim Collection – personalisation is key to us as is the flexibility to actively respond to our clients’ wishes and produce leather products in a myriad of different colours and styles to suit all needs, tastes and occasions!

Website: Noticed anything new on the website lately? Yes, on our Our Story page, you can now browse our Instagram feed to keep in touch with all things Pepper Alley. Join in on the conversation and don’t forget to chit chat with us on twitter too @Pepper_Alley 

Love,

Pepper Alley HQ X

Easter: The Ultimate, No Guilt Checklist

All around the Internet, there are copious amounts of articles telling us what to do this Easter, or how to sort out our lives before the Easter break or how we should Spring proof our house and make it perfect before the mad dash. You’ve guessed it, Easter has become the New Christmas and yes, we’re a little tired of these articles telling us how we should act and adding to our guilt of not being, well, perfect. Here’s our ultimate checklist this Easter: feel free to share it, tag your girlfriends or add your own suggestions – pass the prosecco and Happy Easter from Pepper Alley HQ to you!

The Cards : As we have already established, Easter is not quite Christmas so gone is the sense of guilt for not sending a card to every. single. acquintance. Our nearest and dearest will receive only the best, thank you very much, and we couldn’t help but fall for these gorgeous card courtesy of Kikki K.  

(Image Courtesy of @kikki.k )

The Holidays: We get exactly four days off work ( if we’re lucky!) and we know we won’t be spending them tyding up the house, completely glued to social media or frantically trying to cram meet ups with every single one of our friends we haven’t seen in over 10 years. All we really want to do is grab our Clemmie tote, head outside in search of adventure and spontaneously get on with our weekend. Our only certainty? The big Sunday lunch we will have with our loved ones, of course.

The Shopping: The proximity to pay day and the adrenalin inducing chocolate binges mean that after our family roast, we will be ready to SHOP. What will the object of our desires be? A classic Clemmie Tote? A Florence clutch to assist our Wedding / Holiday Season Needs? Or an Edie Pencil Case to give us just the right motivation to return to work on Tuesday without sulking? The possibilities are endless.

The Minimal House Work: We don’t like the idea of Spring cleaning, detoxing our surroundings or cleaning the house from top to bottom. A slab of white paint, the promise of some Scandi inspired interiors and an inexpensive bunch of fresh sunshine blooms are enough to liven up any space and add some much needed warmth after a cold Winter.

(Images courtesy of @pepper_alley and @msminimalist )

The Fashion: Fuss free, clean lines and minimalistic aestethics are what we will be coveting. Our favourite blush clemmie tote, stripey top and fuss free hair allow us to enjoy our weekend of freedom and give our mind and body a much needed rest. Check out our look book for more style inspiration.

Happy Holidays!

Pepper Alley HQ X 

Are you a Spring baby?

You don't have to be born in Spring to be one. After all, to be a Spring baby can also mean that you fully embrace this wonderful season and its beauties.

Now that you have made the most of Winter or so we hope, we just know that it's time to get in full Spring mode. How? Maybe by starting having a look at the next three events.

1) Pancake day

Image courtesy of healthtips202.com

We know, it's still in February but doesn't pancake day set your mood for a lighter, hopefully, warmer season? Our favourite? With strawberry and plenty of maple syrup, of course.

2) World's Book Day

Image courtesy of weheartit.cm

All the kids in their favourite characters' costumes and just the perfect occasion to enjoy your favourite book? On March 5th, don't forget to celebrate your beloved comfort lit. From Pride and Prejudice to 50 Shades Darker, there's no right or wrong. Enjoy!

3) Mother's Day

Isn't this the time to celebrate mum and all she does for you in the best way possible? We recommend flowers, chocolate and her very own Clemmie in charcoal.

Make sure you head over to www.pepperalley.co.uk for some more spring inspiration.

January and its blues are finally over. Time to get ready for Spring and its beauties.

Planning ahead for the most wonderful season of the year is one thing but being actually ready is another; so are you ready to fully embrace Spring and its world of possibilities?

Here are a few tips to fully appreciate and have the right mindset for the next months.

-Make the most of your hibernation time

Image courtesy of Cider with Rosie

Make sure you do plenty of hibernation in the next few weeks because when Spring knocks on your door, there's plenty of outdoor activity for you to enjoy. From walking to brunching outside or barbequing, you are likely to spend most days open air.

-Find a new hobby

Image courtesy of Apothecary Apartment

Research a new class or maybe have a chat with a friend and find a nice activity to do together. Maybe a walking club? Surely something that will help you make the most of your time together.

-Find a spring song

Something that will give you the right motivation to fully enjoy the Spring month. What's better than music to unveil your most secret passions and pleasures?

-Clean and de-clutter

Get rid of everything you don't need anymore. A nice house cleaning and de-cluttering will set your mind right for the Spring months.

-Start a new adventure

A guitar course? Get a new dog? Just simply bring some extra sunshine into your life *

-Stop postponing

The spring season is the perfect season to start something new and maybe focus a little bit more on your dreams.

Spring is coming and it's time to get ready now.

Enjoy!

*And if you need that extra sunshine, get yourself over to www.pepperalley.co.uk for a look at our upbeat yellow Clemmie.