hot collars

One of our newer sellers, Nauticoco, have been featured in Grazia magazine this week! Their pearl-embellished collar was listed 6th in the magazine’s weekly Fashion Chart feature. The ‘Peter Pan’ silk collars come in a range of colours and styles, and can be added to any outfit to instantly create a retro look. This style of neckline is a big trend for the coming Autumn season; we also love this cute collared cardigan by Instant Vintage, which also champions the Peter Pan style.

Posted by jenniferbaldwin on 29 August 2011

an interview with 37 Degrees

37 Degrees was started by Karen Welman, and offers a wide range of baby clothes that help to monitor the child’s temperature. We asked Karen some questions about her products and her business.

What first inspired you to start your own business?

I always knew that one day I would own my own business, as I knew from an early age that I would never conform to the corporate environment. That in itself has lead to a culture within my own company of freedom to do what we enjoy doing and brings a value of pride and self respect to the whole team.

How did you get started?

From my kitchen, and getting out there and talking to the right people. I believe if you want something you have to go and get it, nobody will ever bring it to you. Every move you make creates an opportunity or reaction, and it is recognising those that will make the biggest impact. The idea for the baby clothing company came from seeing first hand the pain and agony that parents who have lost children go through.

Describe your product range and what makes it unique?

We offer a range of baby clothes which help to control and maintain temperature fluctuations while a child sleeps, not only bringing a level of comfort to sleep by minimising disruption, but also minimising the risk of cot death. There is of course the added benefit of a better night sleep for parents too.

What inspires you to keep growing and developing your business?

The total belief that the product is fabulous, that it will benefit parents. One day I hope everyone will see the true benefit of 37 Degrees and understand the real help that this product will bring to them and their children.

What allows you to keep growing and developing your business?

Persistence and determination.

What advice would you give someone hoping to start and/or grow their own business?

If you truly believe your idea is a good one, then simply don’t give up! Also focus on one area, and keep the focus on pure quality. My favourite saying is ‘the mind does not know the difference between imagination and reality’ therefore if you dare to dream it and believe it, it will happen.

Posted by jenniferbaldwin on 22 August 2011

The Henries Awards 2011

We were thrilled to learn that not one, but two of our sellers have been placed in the final shortlist for the prestigious Henries Awards! Lucy Richardson, designer and founder of Allihopa (top picture), and Abbey Warner, designer and founder Sugalily (bottom picture) have both been shortlisted for the Most Promising Young Designer Award!

The Henries awards are the ultimate accolades for greeting card publishers, and each year some 14,000 cards are entered. Named after Sir Henry Cole (who introduced the first commercially produced Christmas card over 160 years ago), The Henries were introduced in 1996 as annual awards to shine the spotlight on greeting card ranges.

We’re delighted to see the hard work and talent of our sellers recognised at such prestigious industry awards. All entries are judged by an extensive panel comprising top retail buyers from right across the retail spectrum. The Henries are the largest awards to celebrate greeting cards in the UK, this year’s ceremony will be held on October 13 in London. Watch this space for news of the winners!

Posted by jenniferbaldwin on 15 August 2011

Pearl Lowe launches her exclusive stationery collection

We’re thrilled to announce Pearl Lowe, fashion and interior designer, has launched an exclusive collection of stationery with us this week. The collection has a strong vintage feel with a gothic twist, featuring lots of intricate patterns, lace and roses. After living the ultimate rock-and-roll lifestyle, Pearl relocated to the country-side, and the inspiration from this shift is clearly visible in her stationery range. Pearl says:

“I definitely got inspired by florals since moving to the country, my garden is filled with so many wonderful flowers. I guess one can tell by my dresses and stationery as florals feature quite heavily.”

Pearl’s first exclusive collection includes greeting cards, gift tags, ribbon and a clever ‘stationery survival kit’: a stylish branded box adorned with lace and ribbon that incorporates cards for every occasion. Commenting on the stationery survival kit, Pearl says:

“I wanted to create something unique for my customers, a stationery survival kit. I know the inconvenience of constantly having to run to the shop to get a card for the various occasions so I created a beautiful box filled with cards that covers them all. This way you have everything you need ready for any occasion that crops up.”

Pearl collaborated with Abbey Warner of House of Sugalily, another notonthehighstreet.com partner, to create the exclusive range. The pair first met three years ago when House of Sugalily sent Pearl some sample lace invitations and went on to design her wedding invitations. The partnership evolved when Pearl contacted Abbey a year later to design her Christmas cards, and they decided to collaborate together on a stationery range.

Shop the complete Pearl Lowe collection here

Posted by jenniferbaldwin on 10 August 2011

Sophie begins her role as business ambassador for Stylist magazine

Back in June we announced that our co-founder Sophie Cornish had been appointed as business ambassador for the brilliant Stylist magazine. Her first column was published on Wednesday 3 August, where she discussed her first steps to becoming an entrepreneur and the early days of notonthehighstreet.com. She will be writing for Stylist every week, sharing her business and career tips as well as tackling many of the major issues affecting businesswomen today.

As part of her role, Sophie will also be on hand to give advice at Stylist networking events. The next event, Invent Your Way To A New Career, will be held at The British Library on Wednesday 17 August. The evening will focus on inventions and harnessing innovative business ideas. Click here to buy tickets.

Posted by jenniferbaldwin on 08 August 2011

Stasia have a celebrity fan!

We were very excited to see the lovely Myleene Klass wearing shoes from one of our sellers, Stasia. She was spotted sporting the ‘Crimson Kiss’ ballerina pumps on an outing with friend Kelly Brook. These summery pumps combine a lovely rose print cotton upper with a deep pink canvas lining, finished with a feminine bow. Team with a vintage-style dress, such as Poppy Valentines’s navy tea dress to get Myleene’s girlie look.

Posted by jenniferbaldwin on 01 August 2011