Journal

Skiing season is here and everybody is heading to the slopes for downhill thrills and après-ski. But while most will be heading to ‘The Big 5’ – Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria and Germany – there’s a whole world of pristine slopes to explore beyond the mainstream destinations, and they’re all amazing. So pack up your equipment and your warm winter coats and jackets and give these alternative skiing season destinations a go in 2018: Åre, Sweden - Home of the saunas Image source: Wikimedia Commons If you love luxury as much as you love the mountains then Åre in Sweden needs to be top of your list this season. This pristine, soft-peaked alternative to the Alps is well-known for its relaxing hot tubs and saunas; the perfect way to unwind and socialise with your fellow skiers after a long day on the slopes. After you’ve enjoyed the outstanding ski opportunities and facilities, simply wash it all down with a glass or two of traditional Swedish schnapps and you’ve got yourself the perfect skiing experience without the crowds. Bansko, Bulgaria - A snowboarder’s paradise Image source: Wikimedia Commons If one of your party favours snowboards over skis, Bansko in Bulgaria is the place to be for ski season 2018. Hailed as the ‘New Andorra’, Bansko ski resort is nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Pirin mountains and boasts sweeping ski runs and an extensive snowboarding infrastructure. And, if you’re all about the après-ski, Bansko will not disappoint with its unique array of off-piste attractions. From its many mehanas (traditional Bulgarian taverns) with roaring fires and local food, to its dazzling casinos and lively bars, Bansko will easily keep you excited and entertained for the entire trip. Poiana Brasov, Romania - The best night skiing destination Image source: Wikimedia Commons If your ski skills are leaning towards the novice end of the slope, Romania’s exquisite Poiana Brasov is a great alternative to the slightly more intimidating mainstream resorts. Regarded as the best ski resort in Romania, Poiana Brasov is home to an impressive Olympic run, however it is generally more tailored to beginner and intermediate level skiers. But the real pull of this stunning resort is the night skiing opportunities, which offer truly spectacular moonlit views of the mountains while you zoom down the runs. Davraz, Turkey - The ultimate hidden treasure Image source: Wikimedia Commons Yes, Turkey! Who knew? Davraz is, after all, one of Europe’s best kept skiing secrets. Here you can enjoy all the snowy delights of the traditional ski resorts while also having access to the stunning Mediterranean coastline; so it’s two holidays in one. Complete with both beginner slopes and challenging black runs for experienced skiers, Davraz is nestled between three shimmering lakes and offers truly magical views. Be quick and visit before the word gets out, as Davraz is rapidly becoming popular with skiers the world over. What to Wear No matter where you go, you need to be ready for the snow. Sweden’s northerly location unsurprisingly means occasional icy winds, and all mountainous regions are prone to challenging weather, so you’ll need the best quality clothing to see you through. Luckily there are brands out there that combine the cold-weather practicalities with high end fashion, so you can tackle the slopes in style. If you’re looking for high-tech professional arctic gear with a stylish military aesthetic, Parajumpers is the brand for you. Inspired by the tough, courageous folk of the Alaskan 210th Rescue Squadron, Parajumpers coats are designed to withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining a classic outerwear style that you’d be proud to wear. If you’re looking for something a little more playful, Moose Knuckles is the home of super stylish men’s and women’s winter coats. Moose Knuckles parkas and bomber jackets are lined with luxurious feather and down to keep you snug and warm on the snowy slopes, even in the coldest temperatures. The super soft fur hood linings and playful pom pom details add an extra layer of fun to your sartorial ski ensemble, and the quality fabrics used by Moose Knuckles ensure you get a coat that will stand the test of time. And what about your feet? Stomping through deep snow for a week demands a sturdy pair of boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and Montelliana boots tick all the right boxes. Crafted from strong leather and lined with fur, these are the perfect footwear choice for all of your après-ski activities, and are just as ideal for lots of your outdoor adventures even after you leave the slopes. Now that you’re clued up and kitted out for skiing season, all that’s left to do is pick a resort and enjoy.

It's that time of year again, the Stanwells sale is in full swing with all AW17 stock reduced by up to 50% and all past seasons stock reduced by 70%. It's time for you to bag yourself a bargain and we've curated a small selection of our top 5 sale picks that shouldn't be missed! There is only one thing better than designer clothing and that's designer clothing at discounted prices. You can pick up the same luxurious goodies you've been longing for all season long for a fraction of the price, both in store and online in the Stanwells Winter sale. From super soft cashmere sweaters by Chinti & Parker to stunning suede over the knee boots by Ash, we've got something for everyone in our Winter sale and we're sure that you won't want to miss our top 5 sale picks. Alessandra Chamonix Georgette Racoon Coat in Military/Multi Was £1585.00 Now £1109.50 If you're looking for that special something to treat yourself to this Christmas, the Alessandra Chamonix Georgette coat was made for you. This glamorous jacket is a reinvention of the classic military parka, with shimmering beaded embellishment adorning the front and the cuffs and a luxurious fur lining and hood trim that's guaranteed to keep you toasty and stylish all winter long. From the city to the slopes, this versatile coat can be worn around town with your favourite jeans and sneakers or pair it with some Montelliana Boots for an Alpine chic look. With a £475 discount, what's not to love? Find your size here. Perseverance London Paisley Lace Ruffle Dress in Black Was £332.00 Now £166.00 Looking for something sophisticated yet modern this party season? Look no further than this intricate lace ruffle dress by Perseverance London which has 50% off in the Winter Sale. It's impossible not to fall in love with the vintage feel of this dress, with its high lace neckline, tiered ruffle skirt and long sheer sleeves giving a modern day take on classic Victorian style. Wear it with some barely there strappy heels and a sleek black clutch bag for a chic formal look this party season. Grab yours here. Brockenbow Charlotte Jeans in Cascade Was £240.00 Now £120.00 Make a style statement in these fabulous jeans by cool Parisian brand Brockenbow. Hand-finished in Paris, they are embellished with shimmering cascading beads that add a je ne sais quoi that you won't find anywhere else. These jeans are cut in the signature Brockenbow slim boyfriend 'Charlotte' style which adds a touch of unvarnished elegance, wear with a relaxed white t-shirt and an IRO biker jacket for a cool off-duty look. Treat yourself to these glittering jeans whilst they're 50% off in the Winter sale as we're sure they won't be available for long. Chinti & Parker Abstract Scalloped Cashmere Sweater Was £375.00 Now £262.50 Dress like a true fashionista in this playful scalloped sweater by cashmere queens Chinti & Parker. Crafted from the softest, most luxurious cashmere, this sweater strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. Get yours while there's 30% off in our Winter sale and you can use your amazing saving of over £100 to put towards some chic Citizens of Humanity jeans to wear with it. Take a look at it here. Ash Elisa-Baby Silk Over the Knee Boots Was £199.00 Now £139.30 Last but certainly not least we have the show stopping Ash over the knee boots, the prefect finishing touch to any outfit this Winter. Crafted from silky soft black suede, these boots work wonders at elongating your legs thanks to the mid-block heel and thigh skimming length. Style them like a true fashion guru by wearing them with the Sportmax Ali Black & White Wavy Skirt and a chic cream sweater for a look that will take you from day to evening with ease. With 30% off, they're undeniably hard to resist! If you've been inspired to shop till you drop by our top 5 sale picks, you can browse the rest of our sale items which are on show across the whole site right now. If you want to scroll through all our bargains in one easy place, head over to our sale room to get up to 70% off AW17 and past seasons collections.

The moment we laid eyes on the latest collection from Perseverance London we began a lace love affair that we know will last forever. Kicking off its debut collection in SS16, this budding boutique brand is already making a name for itself in the industry, turning heads left, right and centre. Its creator, Eudald Luis, envisioned a clothing line with a tough, modern attitude, and ultimately created a brand that reimagines what it means to be feminine. One look at any collection of clothing by Perseverance London will tell you that it’s all about the lace. Absolutely every single piece from our new collection of women’s Perseverance London dresses, blouses and skirts combines exquisite, intricate lacework with luxury fabrics and victorian-inspired styling, creating a unique aesthetic already adored by women across the world. As you can tell, we’ve fallen head over heels for this entire collection, but we’ve somehow managed to narrow it down to four favourite pieces to show you today. Perfect for updating your weekend wardrobe in time for New Year, this irresistible lace body in burgundy is a total gem. With that delicate paisley lace bodice, ruffled cuffs and soft neckline it’s impossible not to fall in love with this unique piece. The design is brought together with luxurious velvet neck ties, lifting the burgundy colour still further and adding an extra level of detailing. Match it up with a pair of black wide leg pants for an effortless smart casual look, perfect for evenings out and sophisticated parties. Tempted? If you’re a sucker for a good print (like we are) then this skirt was made for you. The Perseverance London mix print paisley skirt has not one, but two beautiful prints, layered in alternating bands to create this elegant, ruffled design. Combined with the brand’s signature, intricate lacework, this layered skirt creates a floaty yet dramatic look; perfect for an evening outfit. Pair it with long boots and the Perseverance London lace body in black to complete the look. Find it in your size here. It’s rare to find a piece of clothing that you can take from the office right through to a classy evening out without breaking stride. Yet here it is; say hello to the Perseverance London lace blouse, with its contrasting black pussy bow. This blouse is pure elegance incarnate, with that crisp, white lace ruffle detailing around the shoulders, body and cuffs giving movement and flow to the design. Wear it tucked into black wide leg pants for a powerful office look, or with a long, black skirt for incredible evening elegance. We love every single one of the women’s Perseverance London dresses in our collection, but we just had to show you this one in particular. The floral applique pleated dress is a real thing of beauty, with those elegant pleated kimono sleeves and wonderful pleated skirt, which flatters the figure and creates graceful movement. But the real star of the show here is that stunning floral applique design across the body. The intricate design blends into the beautiful petrol blue colour, but stands out just enough to create a unique, shimmering effect. Match up with your favourite high heels for an instant party-ready look that’s guaranteed to turn heads. It’s waiting for you here. If, like us, you’re utterly sold on this stunning brand, you can view our entire Perseverance London collection and pick your own lacy favourites for the season.

The party season has officially arrived and what better way to celebrate than with an exclusive event at our Westbourne store? For one night only we were lucky enough to welcome the much loved scarf designer Emma Shipley and the fabulous Duffy New York team into our store for an evening full of inspirational chats, Christmas shopping and an abundance of champagne! Customers were able to get their first glimpse of all our stunning new Pre Spring 18 collections from Duffy, Chinti & Parker, Boutique Moschino, Emma Shipley and Not Shy whilst indulging in some mouth watering canapés courtesy of The Jetty Mudeford restaurant. With guests having travelled from both near and far to join us, the shop was soon bustling with glamorous customers and their lucky husbands. The evening began with a brief collection overview from Emma Shipley, who kindly talked us through the inspirations for her latest collection as well as her intricate production processes. After launching only 5 years ago in 2012 with a background in graphic design and fine drawing, Emma Shipley has become a firm Stanwells favourite thanks to her intricate, original and subversive pieces. Taking inspiration from fantastical myths and legends, Emma hand draws each design in pencil using elements of nature to capture the magic of her surroundings in each and every design she creates. These absolutely stunning designs are then translated onto the most luxurious silk and wool fabrics to create one of a kind pieces that are sure to be treasured for years to come. This instantly recognisable hand-drawn style is of course still present in Emma Shipley's SS18 collection, whilst an array of different creatures and colours have been used to infuse a new lease of life into this bold summery selection. Glorious giraffes, powerful peacock feathers and diagrammatic silverbacks give a modern twist to Emma's signature mythical inspirations, with a rainbow of colours suitable for every occasion available. Our lucky customers were fortunate enough to be able to pre-order these luxurious scarves and managed to get their hands on Emma's latest SS18 designs before anyone else could snap them up! After a quick champagne break, we were then treated to another Pre SS18 preview by the lovely ladies from the Duffy New York team. A long-running favourite with all of our customers, Duffy's super soft cashmere is a staple in any Stanwells shopper's wardrobe thanks to the flattering cuts, stunning colours and quirky details which are guaranteed season after season. After a quick chat about the new collection, customers were invited to try and buy the Pre SS18 selection which flew out the doors on the evening. The Duffy Pre SS18 collection is bursting with cool pastel colours and shoulder baring cuts which ooze Spring style and brightened up the store on a cold winter's evening. Our customers loved the Off the Shoulder Sweater in Sky Heather as well as the Two Tone Boat Neck Sweater and the Off the Shoulder Sweater in Champagne/Heather Grey, which you can see on our gorgeous models Millie and Mitch pictured above. For the ultimate luxurious combination, a few lucky customers purchased a fabulous combination of Duffy and Emma Shipley to start off their Spring wardrobe in style. After a flurry of spending and a lot of chatting, the evening drew to a close and our lovely customers were treated to one last surprise, a luxurious gift bag supplied by Neptune Bournemouth containing a fabulous tealight holder and their latest collection book as well as a few goodies from Rik Rak by Kit Kemp to top it all off. After an incredibly busy evening, the Stanwells team finally got to sample a few of the delicious canapés lovingly made by The Jetty, before tidying up and heading home for a well deserved glass of fizz.

We love a brand with a story and this one is truly fascinating. It began with a chance meeting between Parajumpers’ creator, Massimo Rossetti, and a serving member of the 210th Rescue Squadron in an Alaskan bar. Aside from sounding like the opening scene of a great movie, this is also where Rossetti found his inspiration for the Parajumpers clothing line. The brave souls serving in the 210th Rescue Squadron are trained and highly experienced in the most dangerous, extreme rescues and recoveries in the world’s wildest environments. Known as the Parajumpers, or the PJs for short, they scale cliffs, traverse rough oceans and battle extreme weather to reach and rescue people in danger, saving hundreds of lives every year. It follows then, that they need clothing that can both protect them from the elements and withstand the rigorous tests these wild environments pose. Enter Parajumpers, Massimo Rossetti’s inspired clothing line. Though they are primarily created for us everyday folk, every item of outerwear made by Parajumpers is crafted with the 210th Rescue Squadron’s activities in mind. Famous for its highly fashionable and functional parkas, Parajumpers clothing is crafted with precision and many technical components, making them extremely hardwearing and perfect for withstanding extreme low temperatures and bad weather. Here are just a handful of our absolute favourite Parajumpers parkas and coats that have recently landed in our winter collection:   Juliet Quilted Jacket If you’re not into the traditional long design of the parka, this jacket is the perfect solution. The Juliet quilted jacket is one of Parajumpers’ most popular designs, and we can see why. We love the fitted style and lightweight feel, which makes this jacket perfect for autumn, spring and even the milder winter days. The hood and elasticated cuffs provide extra protection from the cold, wind and rain, and the padded, quilted design is bang on trend this season, so this is a top choice if you’re in the market for a new coat. It’s waiting for you right here. Kodiak Parka Be bold this winter with this incredible deep red Kodiak parka, the bestselling Parajumpers parka design. If it’s cosy warmth you’re after then this is the coat for you, as the Kodiak comes with a super cosy detachable real fur lining and hood. And when you add the water and wind resistant nylon Oxford coating into the mix, you end up with the ultimate winter coat, perfect for exploring the wilderness in all weathers. And who wouldn’t love that stunning colour? Angie Down Coat If you love Parajumpers parkas but you’re looking for something a little more understated, this sleek grey Angie coat has your name all over it. It’s slim fitting so it will certainly tick the figure-flattering style box, while that gorgeous detachable fur-lined hood adds lots of glamour as well as practical protection from the cold. Like the Kodiak, the Angie coat is also waterproof, and is lined with insulating down for wonderful warmth in even the coldest temperatures. The muted deep grey shade makes this coat easy to wear with practically any outfit, and the classic parka design will keep you looking bang on trend all season long. We feel sure that you now share our crush on this amazing brand, not only for its fascinating back story but for its ‘I need that now’ designs. You can view our full range of women’s parajumpers coats and parkas here.

Capture the magic of the festive season with stunning, luxurious hand-picked gifts in the Stanwells Christmas Gift Guide. From warm woolly bobble hats to chic winter boots, our selection of gifts will allow you to celebrate in style this Christmas. Take your pick from the most chic & luxurious gift ideas curated by Stanwells especially for you this Christmas. With a stunning selection of gifts to suit every taste, you're sure to find something that she will love in either of our stores or online. Let's take a look at a few of our favourites including relaxing bath and body goodies and sumptuous silk lingerie... Chic Merino Wool Hats by BKLYN   It's starting to get chilly outside now and what better way to combat the cold than with a warm woolly hat by BKLYN? The best part about these hats is that you can mix and match any hat with any fur bobble to create endless combinations to match with any outfit. Why not combine a Merino Hat in Mid Grey with the Royal Blue Bobble for a subtly playful fusion, alternatively go tonal with a Merino Hat in Rose and a fur Bobble in Grey & Pink. Crafted from super soft merino wool, these BKLYN bobble hats are sure to keep you toasty, whilst the chic vivid bobbles add a touch of fun to every outfit. These delightful hats make the ideal gift for any age and are sure to put a smile on her face this Christmas. Soothing Bath & Body Goodies by Rik Rak Immerse yourself in a world of gorgeous fragrances with the Rik Rak by Kit Kemp collection. With stunning scents reminiscent of an English Garden in bloom, the signature Gardenia Greenleaf collection is bursting with fabulous gift combinations such as the nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner or the cleansing Hand Lotion and Hand Wash. The Lavender Eucalyptus Travel Set makes a great Christmas gift as an introduction to the Rik Rak brand or as a travel sized top up for Rik Rak lovers. Created as the signature in-room bath and fragrance collection for the world renowned Firmdale Hotels, the Rik Rak by Kit Kemp collection exudes playful luxury due to the trademark zig zag print packaging. Brighten up your loved ones Christmas with a fabulous Rik Rak gift set or a combination of the best-selling bath and body washes and lotions. Fantastical Scarves by Emma Shipley Add a touch of artistry to your wardrobe with these hand illustrated scarves by Emma Shipley. Crafted in the finest silk and wool these bold, whimsical scarves and shawls make the perfect Christmas gift for fashion-forward ladies. Spruce up your favourite jacket or cashmere sweater with the Amazon Fine Wool Shawl in Red, designed with both warmth and style in mind. Wrap around your shoulders on chilly evenings or wear with your winter coat for extra cosiness. Sumptuous Silk Lingerie by Gold Hawk This opulent silk and lace lingerie makes a lovely Christmas gift, particularly the Floral Lace Cami's which are perfect for wearing under low cut tops and dresses in this cold weather. Follow this season's hottest trend for pyjama style occasion wear and pair the black & white Charmeuse Robe with some cool Parker Smith skinny jeans for a chic evening look. Crafted from super soft silk and intricate lace these camisoles, robes and rompers ooze sophistication and luxury. Buy as a set or mix and match different colours to build up your Gold Hawk collection. Funky Footwear by Ash Shine like a star in these magical boots and trainers from Ash, styled in fabulous velvet, suede and the classic mesh knit. A true Stanwells favourite, the Ash Footwear collection is the epitome of cool. With a mixture of ankle boots, trainers and knee high boots there is something to suit everyone's style. For a touch of Christmas sparkle invest in the Elixir Nadine Blue Velvet Boots which look fabulous worn with a mini dress and tights or some classic AG Stilt Cigarette Leg jeans and a silky blouse. For a relaxed daytime look style the Lucky Star Trainers with some cool cropped jeans and a Bold Jumper 1234 cashmere sweater. Head over to our Christmas Gift Guide on the site for some more gifting inspiration or take a look at our previous blog post for some help planning your local Christmas itinerary.

The season for parties, good food, cosy crackling fires and gorgeous fashion has finally arrived, and we’re super excited to plan our itinerary of winter fun. Here at Stanwells we’re so lucky to have two boutique fashion stores in two very beautiful coastal locations; Stanwells Westbourne and Stanwells Lymington. Working in these gorgeous places every day has given the Stanwells team a great deal of local knowledge, so we know all the best places to visit at this exciting time of year. What’s more, we’re experts on dressing for the occasion, no matter what that occasion may be. So let us take you on a mini tour of the wonderful places surrounding our stores, our favourite haunts and our recommended outfits and give you some inspiration for your next day or evening out. Things to do in and around Westbourne Located just a stone’s throw from Bournemouth and the stunning southwest coastline, our Stanwells Westbourne store is surrounded by amazing things to do and see. Here are some of our recommendations: Dinner at Rick Stein in Sandbanks A post shared by Rick Stein & Jill Stein (@ricksteinrestaurants) on Oct 10, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT If you love stunning views and delicious seafood, then Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant is the perfect place for a Christmas or New Year treat. Just 20 minutes down the A35 from the Stanwells Westbourne store, this is one of our favourite venues. Tuck into a varied menu of succulent, locally sourced fish dishes while lapping up those delightful sea views, or have a giggle with the girls with the restaurant’s unique range of cocktails, courtesy of award-winning bartender, Mr Lyan. What to wear For a classy place like this, it’s just got to be the equally classy dress, jacket and boots combo. We love this sleeveless tunic dress by M Missoni, with it’s glam 70s-inspired A-line fit and shimmering metallic knit pattern. The knitted style makes this dress perfect for the winter season, and becomes even more so when paired with this luxurious Dumont black leather jacket by IRO. The buttery soft leather and gorgeous ruffled detailing on the back make this jacket an absolute must for dressing to impress this winter season, and it sets this outfit off perfectly. And don’t forget the boots! Complete your winter party look with these head-turning Elisa-Baby Silk over the knee boots from Ash. This style is bang on trend this season, and the stretch suede will keep your legs nice and warm in the winter coastal breeze. Beach walk and coffee at Le Petit Prince There’s nothing quite like a walk on the beach to blow out the cobwebs and catch some of that invigorating sea air over the winter months. With the beach just a six minute drive or a 20 minute walk away from the centre of Westbourne, you can be out enjoying the stunning coastline in no time at all, with miles of beautiful beach to explore. Then, to warm yourselves back up, we would recommend a mug of steaming hot coffee at a beautiful little Westbourne coffee shop and patisserie called Le Petit Prince. Just round the corner from Stanwells Westbourne, Le Petit Prince is a coffee shop with bags of character, friendly, welcoming staff and a wonderful variety of hot drinks, cakes and savoury treats to enjoy. What more could you want after a brisk walk along the beach? What to wear You will, of course, need to wrap up warm for this day out, so the first port of call needs to be a good coat. We recommend this beautiful Gobi Bomber Jacket in Red from Parajumpers. You can’t beat a fur lined hood for keeping you snug and warm on a winter’s day and this water and wind proof coat is sure to keep you cosy this winter. And underneath? It has to be this adorable Card Sleeve Sweater from Jumper 1234, with its subtle and feminine ivory colour and cute playing card motifs on each sleeve. And, once paired up with these sleek black Bombshell Skinny Jeans from Parker Smith, you’ve got one perfect winter outfit that ticks every AW17 trend box while remaining perfectly practical. Finish the look off with some sturdy footwear, like these Lucky Star Trainers from Ash. With their cool mesh knit and chunky, flexible rubber sole, these trainers are super comfortable and hardwearing as well as stylish; perfect for a winter stroll without having to compromise on style. That’s winter in Westbourne all wrapped up, so let’s move on to the lovely Lymington. Things to do in and around Lymington We love our Stanwells Lymington store, set in the heart of this beautiful port town and just a 40 minute drive from the bustling city of Southampton. Here are a couple of our top recommended days out in our second neck of the woods: Forest walk followed by lunch at the East End Arms, Lymington Surrounding our lovely town is the gigantic New Forest National Park, which is perfect for exploring on long winter woodland walks. With over 25 walking routes to choose from, you can wander for hours in this beautiful landscape and work up a very healthy appetite in the process. Afterwards, you simply cannot leave the New Forest without a bite to eat at the East End Arms. This traditional country pub has oodles of charm, a roaring open fire and a mouthwatering menu of rustic food to warm you up after all that walking. It doesn’t get much better than this on a chilly winter’s day. What to wear First thing’s first, let’s get warm. The Alessandra Chamonix Georgette Racoon Coat, with it’s big fur-trimmed hood, detachable fur lining and stunning beadwork, makes the perfect winter walking coat for keeping you toasty warm in the coldest of temperatures. Once you've warmed up a little, why not unzip your coat and show off this chic Starburst Cashmere Sweater by Jumper 1234. The striking neon yellow zig zag motif and super soft cashmere work together to make a gorgeous winter jumper that’ll turn heads wherever you go. Match it up with these blue Runaround Sue Jeans by Parker Smith, with their sleek straight leg and figure-shaping stretch denim. Roll your jeans up and pair with some fabulous Montelliana boots for a super stylish forest look.   Cozy up next to the East End Arms roaring fire before enjoying a delicious lunch at this great pub that is a favourite with the locals. The best food for miles, this pub has a reputation for hospitality and you can even stay the night in one of their stylish rooms...we promise you will want to re-visit soon! Dinner at The Jetty in Southampton Our final recommendation for a wonderful day or evening out is the newly opened waterside restaurant The Jetty, sitting pretty in Southampton’s Ocean Village Marina. Just a 40 minute drive round the coast from our Stanwells Lymington store, The Jetty offers stunning views and an even more stunning menu of locally sourced, sustainable seafood. Perfect for a special occasion celebration during the winter party season, this beautiful place is well worth dressing up for. What to wear Let’s start your outfit off with the most elegant of dresses to match this equally elegant restaurant. This stunning feather trimmed dress by Boutique Moschino is sure to catch everyone's eye, with its cinched in waist, deep v-neckline and elegant neck tie. Make a statement with the marabou feather trimmed hem that exudes style and sophistication whilst adding a fun and playful element to your evening look. That concludes our little tour of our two Stanwells locales. If you love our outfits, you’ll find them in our online boutique or in either of our two stores, so drop by and find your favourites. Have a fabulous time exploring and eating your way around the south coast!

It’s brand of the month time! This month, as we head deeper into autumn towards winter, we’ve chosen Canadian brand, Moose Knuckles, and you’re about to see why. All you movers and shakers and disruptors out there, Moose Knuckles is designed especially for you. That’s according to the brand’s creative director, Steph Hoff – and we concur. Yes, Moose Knuckles Canada is the exciting premium outerwear label that everyone wants to wear this season, and as we’ve been spending the day getting up close and cosy with the latest collection, we can certainly see the attraction. What we love so much about this brand, apart from its amazing products, is its infectious personality. It’s certainly not a shy one, with its name, logo and even its advertising campaigns loaded with giggle-worthy innuendo. Since Moose Knuckles was launched in Toronto in 2007, it has set itself apart from other outerwear brands and made a name for itself as the irresistible luxury label that nobody really needs, but that everybody really really wants. With the weather rapidly cooling off, what could be better than a cosy, expertly tailored coat designed to keep you toasty warm? Once you zip them up you’re in fur-trimmed heaven, and no other coat will do. We love every single coat this brand makes, but here are our absolute favourite Moose Knuckles parkas and coats from the latest collection. Discover that fur-trimmed heaven we were just talking about with the Debbie bomber jacket from Moose Knuckles. The jacket comes in other colours including a cool granite grey, but this vivid red is hands down our favourite shade. We love the way the red contrasts with the jet black, super soft fur trim on the detachable hood, and the bouncy fur pom pom pull cords. The waist and cuffs are elasticated to seal out the chilly air and provide the perfect snug fit, while the main waterproof coat is embellished with quality metal hardware, including the iconic Moose Knuckles logo on the sleeve. Pair up with your favourite skinny jeans and sturdy winter boots to create a luxury outdoor look perfect for any weather this season can throw at you. Everyone loves a classic parka, but this one is rather special. The Stirling is Moose Knuckles’ best selling parka, and it’s obvious why. Once again, this coat comes in other colours including olive, navy and grey, but we fell in love with this bright white version as soon as we saw it. The striking monochrome design with the same fur-lined hood and pom pom pull cords of the Debbie design, creates a classic winter look that’s just as practical as it is pretty. Their 80/20 down filling makes the Moose Knuckles parkas able to withstand the most extreme cold weather, so you can feel sure that this coat will see you through the winter no matter what. Slip this coat on over any outfit, daytime or evening, and just wait for the compliments to pour in. Looking for the perfect autumn coat? This is the one. The Rosedale quilted bomber jacket gives you all the warmth you need for the autumn months in a much more lightweight design. We love the way the stretchy Flex Core fabric, ribbed elasticated sides and cuffs keep the coat fitted perfectly to your body shape, creating a casual, tailored look. The classic bomber style works perfectly with jeans and ankle boots, with the black colour ensuring it will harmonise with any colour scheme. The Rosedale is the ultimate ‘day out’ coat, and is just as much at home on a mountain hike as it is on the high street. For all you active and outdoorsy folks, this is your new favourite coat. Like the Rosedale, the Rockcliffe quilted coat from Moose Knuckles Canada is a little more lightweight than the parkas, and is perfect for hikers, gym-goers and day-to-day shoppers looking to stay warm-but-not-too-warm. The Rockcliffe is waterproof and comes with that all-important hood to protect you from the UK’s persistent autumn showers, while the Flex Core stretch fabric provides ease of movement with the perfect fit. Wear this over any casual outfit and be prepared for it to become your go-to everyday accessory. Are you a Moose Knuckles convert now? We most certainly are. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the range, as well as our wider collection of cosy coats and gilets and stylish designer jackets to make sure you’ve got the perfect outerwear options for all occasions.  

We absolutely love introducing a new brand to the Stanwells family and this month we have a sparkling new addition. Many of you may know her as one of the stars of the channel 4 hit show, Made in Chelsea, but to us she is the creator of a truly stunning line of jewellery. Yes, we are of course talking about the fabulous Rosie Fortescue, and today we’re chatting to her about the latest collection in her jewellery line, and finding out a little more about where her inspiration comes from. So without further ado, let’s get into it. #1 - Hi Rosie, it’s wonderful to be chatting to you! Let’s start from the beginning - Where did your ambition to create your own jewellery range begin? “I have been obsessed with jewellery for as long as I can remember. I was a magpie as a child, constantly going through my mother’s jewellery and trying her rings on!”   #2 - Was there anything in particular that triggered you to finally make the dream a reality? “I wanted to have all of my ducks in a row and everything in order before launching. I took about 6 months to sample with the factory, set up the business and make a plan for the year ahead. I had been thinking about it for a few years and had all these ideas and sketches ready to go, but I knew I had to wait until I was also able to allocate time to the company to give it the best chance!” #3 - How did you and your team work together on the range? What was involved in the process? “My brand is just me! I draw like a baby, sadly, but my factory team is amazing at creating CAD drawings. I draw with measurements, then they send the CAD. I then select the metals and stone colours, and make a few changes here and there to the CAD drawings. “Samples are made and sometimes changed slightly, then the orders are placed. I have some hoops coming out (hopefully before Christmas) using Swarovski stones, and I’ve changed the sample 4 times. I am a perfectionist and it’s essential that everything is perfect, although now it’s touch and go for the Christmas sales!”   #4 - You’re a busy bee - how do you fit the jewellery business around your day to day life? “I work until late most evenings and always at the weekends. I have to find the time, because if I am not working on it, nothing gets done!”   #5 - Are there any designers, collections or other influences that inspired your own designs? “I am mostly inspired by architecture, shapes, angles, and colours that I see day-to-day in London. I always keep my eyes open for new inspiration, especially when I’m travelling.” #6 - Do you have a favourite piece/pieces in your collection? “I basically never take off my Huggy Hoops and Tight Chain Necklaces. The Hand Cuffs are also the perfect statement accessory.”   #7 - How has the business grown and evolved since launch, and what do you have planned for the future of the range? “I have launched three collections now, and each new day is just as exciting as when I started. Every day is different, I am still learning and committing to hopefully making the brand a huge success!”   #8 - Do you have a piece of jewellery or a keepsake you absolutely love for sentimental reasons? “Yes, a vintage Rolex I bought a few years ago. I adore it and feel lost without it!” #9 - We’ve all recently been treated to lots of fashion excitement at London Fashion Week - what was your highlight this year? “Unfortunately I actually missed London Fashion Week for Ibiza this year, but I came back in time to set up my stand at the London Fashion Week Festival, which was fantastic.”   #10 - And finally, do you have any advice for anybody who might want to start their own jewellery line / business? “It’s not easy, but if you love it enough it won’t feel like work!” Thanks so much Rosie for taking the time to chat to us, we’re so excited to have the new Rosie Fortescue Jewellery collection here at Stanwells!