by Sarah-Hayley Owen: Home

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

A Break In A Beautiful Place - Time to Clear My Head

Over the last few months I experienced something I never expected I needed to face. My longest, oldest friend who has been beside me since we were at Primary School, died unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest.

It's been a testing time and as I looked at quotes on Pinterest, I found one in particular caught my eye. It read how "sometimes you need to spend time in a beautiful place alone to clear your head". I decided to take its advice and allow myself one of the few luxuries of being freelance and left work and London for a month to spend the entirety at home in the Cotswold's.

Since I started my freelance life I have worked regularly to un-sociable hours, edging past 4am, and also work 7 days a week, including many bank holidays. My fellow freelancers and business owners will understand the responsibility and stress you face when you have to rely on yourself to bring in work. However the death of my beautiful friend, forced me to see a new perspective, one I wished I had learned for myself long before Jemma's passing, as she would always tell me to stop working so hard and that she missed me as I was "always here, there, and everywhere".

I don't regret working myself so hard as I have always had a strong work ethic and I fortunate to have the most wonderfully satisfying career. However a part of me will always regret the times I chose to work over coming home and seeing her and my other friends. I will not make the same mistakes again. I want to invest more time into living life and this is something I think Jemma would be very happy to have attributed to her, knowing that I can't change the past however many seconds of the day I try to in my mind.

Being at home I felt comforted to be in the most beautiful place, where we have so many happy memories. Being in the open countryside and allowing myself time to slow down was an important stage in my grief. It also gave me the perspective to realise that allowing myself to be present in every moment rather than thinking ahead was something I needed more than ever.

If you find yourself in a similar position or face a period of time which is going to be difficult. Be honest with yourself and secondly find your beautiful place. The time I spent at home was un-restricting and I hope this can encourage others to understand the importance of sometimes letting go and spending time where you feel yourself.

I posted photos, on instagram, of where I went on my break, mostly close to home and places I feel content. You can find the list of the places I visited above, or on my Pinterest.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention my friend's family and friends are raising money for The British Heart Foundation via the two following pages. I'm encouraging everyone to donate to such an important charity and save every heartbeat.

https://www.justgiving.com/forJemmaR/
https://www.justgiving.com/Natalie-rozier/

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

SEVENTEEN - The #shwishlist - A weekly edit of my favourite items..

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Today I am attending the launch of #BuyBritishDay at The House of Commons, this inspired me to bring you a wishlist featuring British labels.

The first ever #BuyBritishDay will take place on 3rd October2014. The initiative established by the Best of Britannia show is to encourage customers to support brands and businesses that design and manufacture their products in Britain. I am proud that we have amazing brands that happen to also be British. Allow me to introduce you to some of my favourite this week.

Vandal Shoes have been creating women's shoes in Norwich for over 75 years. My favourite style is the Morston in black lizzard print. Currently in the sale these shoes are a fabulous bargain as they would suit for so many occasions.

I saw Wildfire cases completely by chance while searching for a new iPad case. The brand create wooden MacBook cases using impressive craftsmanship. I have opted for the Landsdown which features a darker wood with a flame orange lining. I have always loved stylish and practical products and Wildfire fabulously put this into practice.

Oxfordshire based jeweller Lucy Sylvester is one of my instagram friends. I love seeing her feed where she shares what she has made and how she uses our mutual love of the British Countryside as her inspiration. I adore this twig ring for its ultimate simplicity. Made from silver and 18ct gold vermeil it is a piece you can look at with memories of the countryside.

I am really excited about womenswear brand Emelia Bass, established by two friends, Noor Albazie and Kawther Mokhlif. The clothes are elegant, modern and made to flatter the female form. My favourite piece is the 'Monaco Dress' because not only is it pink but it is also fabulously feminine. The brocade skirt works perfectly with the chiffon overlay bodice and I love the unexpected low-back.

Newly launched homewear brand Beulah-Home create luxury knitted cushions, throws and pet blankets all knitted and manufactured in Britain. I love blankets, even on a hot day you will find me wrapped up on the hammock with a knit for comfort. I think the Daphne throw is my ultimate favourite due to its texture and mix of colours although I have fallen for practically everything on their website. Trust me, you will too!

Adding a sporty element to my shwishlist this week is the Ensign casual shoe from Walsh UK. I discovered these on instagram with the #BuyBritish hashtag. I loved the blue shade and decided to learn more about the brand. Founded by Norman Walsh in 1961, Norman began his career aged 14 and by age 16 he was selected to make running shoes for the 1948 British Olympic Team. The brand went on to develop footwear for a variety of sports including rugby, football and fell running amongst others. Today the brand continues to build on the heritage and history established by Norman Walsh.

I have a feeling the Ensign isn't unisex but I am more than confident us ladies can pull them off!

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.

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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

THIRTEEN - The #shwishlist - A weekly edit of my favourite items..

This week I have been really busy organising shoots for next month. On one appointment at a Fashion PR I made new contacts and had the opportunity to explain how my blog works and why I started. I went through my professional story - which you can find in more detail here - and discussed at length how one of my priorities is to highlight the small but fabulous independent retailer and brands.

As a part of my day job I consult small brands on their businesses, providing an objective view and concise organisation. These brands have outstanding quality and beautiful products but one problem they face is their size and budgets. They are unable to advertise in national magazines, have little time to spend contributing to social media and these stunning pieces, that are made in the UK, are thrown over for bigger designer brands owned by conglomerates. Naturally my work styling involves many designers which are household names and I am not saying they shouldn't be seen as regular readers will know I am a dedicated Chanel fan, however I do think more publicity should be given to products made in the UK, especially when producing on British shores mostly incurs a higher production cost.

Last year I realised although I have sought to shine a light onto everything I love, from the highstreet to designers and independent brands I hadn't made one piece dedicated to independent brands and that's how #shwishlist began. Three months later I am pleased to bring you my 13th wishlist, full once again with perfect products.

One of my favourite pieces is this exciting Daisy Darche jacket made from 100% silk. It is a wonderful timeless piece which you will wear for years to come and suitable for all occasions. I would style with a fitted white summer dress and belt the jacket at the waist.

Zara Simon's intricate jewellery is a work of art. The London ring 'London' depicts the wondrous skyline with icons such as a black cab nestled in between the towers of Big Ben and London Bridge. The piece is made to order and takes between 6-8 weeks to make.

I love this graphic print silk scarf by Edie Mac. The label launched this season offering collections made from lightweight silks and exclusive prints. The thirteen piece contemporary womenswear collection includes maxi dresses, mini dresses, kimonos and soft tailored separates. All made in England and from 100% silk.

I have discovered another fabulous stationer. Next time you need a party invitation or a quality leather notebook look no further than Chelsea Fine Stationery, who have produced affordable personal stationery for thirty years. I love the personalised handbag jotter, great for occasions when you have a smaller handbag or clutch bag but need something to save that all important phone number or email address.

Elizabeth Kate previously worked as a freelance designer before starting her own label in 2011. Her scarves are printed with unique images from magical landscapes to imaginative dreams, creating a fantastical wearable accessory. In addition to the scarf line, Elizabeth Kate has also created a homewear line and I have fallen for the Pink Peacock mug.

During the Spring/Summer season I opt for a light leather bag and the Peony and Moore 'Camilla' top handle bag is a classic choice. The brand, based in Somerset, established in 2009, creating luxurious leather handbags with classic British detailing and most importantly functionality.

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.

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Chelsea Fine Stationery

Edie Mac

Dinny Hall

Elizabeth Kate London

Kiki McDonough

Addison Ross

Daisy Darche

Marte Frisnes Jewellery

Monday, April 28, 2014

ELEVEN - The #shwishlist - A weekly edit of my favourite items..

I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Easter holiday. I left the city for a while and headed home to the Cotswolds to soak in the fresh countryside air. While relaxing I was able to immerse myself into researching for this latest #shwishlist post. This week I bring you exclusive brands which you will find special to own and also the ideal presents for your friends and family.

Soru, meaning sisters in Sicilian, is a unique semi-precious and chic jewellery brand. Designed by sisters Francesca and Marianna, the collection features stunning handmade pieces which are perfect for everyday wear including special occasions. I became smitten by the brands instagram page and once I checked the website it was love. I adore this striking Chalcedony Quartz necklace surrounded by Swarovski crystals. At Soru Jewellery there is so much to see and something for everyone to covet.

I have been a fan of London-based fashion brand, Three Floor, since it began in 2011. Founded by CSM graduates, Han Chong and Yvonne Hoang, this chic fashion forward label create garments which expertly balance minimal lines with an array of colourful fabrics and patterns. In this label you are guaranteed to stand out and what's more you will want to!

I love love love new underwear label Cheek Frills. A friend of mine bought me a set by the underwear brand when I was setting off for fashion weeks. It took me a few seconds to work out what she had gifted me, then I opened the box and all was revealed. Each knicker in the set featured the name of the individual capital cities I was visiting and made from 100% Italian cotton. It was a fun gift and they are super comfortable. The ethically-produced range consists of bras, vests and knickers in an array of colours.

Fashion forward jewellery brand Now Seen is the new label to know. With stylish pieces at affordable prices, few could not love their collections. It was difficult to choose a favourite piece for my wishlist but I settled on these stacking rings, the multi gemstone rings in gold plated sterling silver would look fabulous on any hand.

Ready-to-wear and lifestyle label Yolke create entirely desirable pieces. Founded by friends, Ella Ringner and Anna Williamson, the british brand design pieces for the home and your wardrobe. My heart fell for the silk pyjama set in powder blue, perfect for the warmer summer evenings to come.

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Welton London at Amara