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This week I am really pleased to present a selection of home-grown British talent. From fashion and beauty to jewellery and accessories, these fabulous independent brands are the next big thing!

Lashes of London, launched in 2012, offers an array of covetable trend-led pieces with a fresh look and affordable price tag, their current summer sale is amazing!  I love their printed cropped top and skirt sets and the summer dresses.

It is a rare designer gift to inspire people instantly with your designs. It can take a while to create a signature style and house ethos, although at Caterina Stratan her core aesthetic is elegant clothing with a womanly, fifties, feeling.  I started styling Wedding's last month and I have already added the silk 'Natalie' dress, with central ruffle detail and draped back, in my selection for a summer wedding. Available in an assortment of colourways this flattering dress would create the perfect look for immediate family or perhaps bridesmaids at a low-key or beach wedding.  If you are a buyer or a boutique be sure to see Caterina Stratan's collection at Pure London.

I am loving Lost Property of London who take abandoned fabrics from anything to a coffee sack, wax cotton or leather and use it to make seriously cool bags. Although Lost Property of London are eco-conscious they also completely deliver on style. My favourite design from the collection is the basket bag for its versatility and understated design quality. The brand was established by Katy Bell who graduated from Central Saint Martins, specialising in print. When you get a moment take a look at their website as there is a design for everyone.
A graduate of Chelsea College of Art, Silken Favours is the brand of the talented Victoria Murdoch.  I love the hand drawn illustrations which have been translated into print and feature on scarves, silk cushions and decorative items. I adore this butterfly design although I love every illustration in the collection.

Hush is one of my favourite finds. Easy in style, the online store is loungewear heaven.
I have a pile of I pyjamas which are wonderfully luxurious and cosy. What caught my eye this week was this fab star knit jumper which screams a DVD night in. The label launched in 2003 by Mandy Watkins and she has reinvented the look of lounging. Instead of baggy tee shirts and tracksuit bottoms we now have light-as-air knitwear and silk tops paired with the softest trousers, which I will even dare to wear to Sainsbury's for a weekend shop. This is luxurious loungewear which everyone can love.

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.

It has been a very busy week from perfecting the outfits for my Royal Ascot styling clients, styling fashion shoots and navigating the returns from these shoots. 'Returns' is the process named to returning samples which I receive direct from the brand/designer. Once the shoot is finished everything is steam cleaned and packed into tissue to return for other magazines and editors to use. Sometimes there can be one worldwide sample so the competition for particular popular garments can be fierce. For high street bands there are normally two samples but all samples are carefully used, documented and returned immaculately. 
After completing all the returns I finished work early to bring you my #shwishlist.

I have found the lovely site rachelwears.com, established by Rachel Roberts, when Rachel emailed me last month. Her brand houses fabulous trans-seasonal  clothes, suitable for all occasions, in classic shapes with feminine details, all purposefully designed to flatter a woman's body.  What's more, everything is made in the UK helping to sustain British manufacturing. 

This summer invest in this halter neck maxi dress, featured in slate blue and also available in black. This modal jersey dress is the most versatile summer garment. Wear over a bikini or one piece for beach or pool comfort, or for cool summer nights team a loose knit over the top. You can also shorten the hem and accessorise with a stole for a casual dinner outfit. One dress with multiple style options.

This week I have discovered three great jewellery brands which I know you will love as much as me.  One in particular is located at the top.The Nadira 18ct gold plated chalcedony bangle by Caroline Creba is a beautiful aqua gemstone bracelet, totally romantic and one of those pieces which will work with everything. Be warned though, when you visit Caroline's website it's impossible not to fall in love with everything as it was a hard task finding only one piece to bring you!

The Launer London Handbag is a constant for Her Majesty the Queen and has accompanied her since the 1960s. While she is not alone in her patronage for Launer, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and the Duchess of Cornwall have all admired the British brand, they are affectionately known as The Queen's handbags.


However on a recent garden party at a friends house, I was happy to witness three different Launer Handbags worn on the arms of 20 something girls. They are indeed exquisitely crafted bags which come with an impressive price tag and this is why they are attractive to the younger generation.  Launer is becoming an understated show of status, wealth and luxury for the discerning woman. My favourite is the Traviata Handbag, a kelly-style bag, in calf leather finished with the signature Launer rope logo hardware. 

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.