Journal

Fresh from the streets of Paris, Cosmydor has been creating natural, luxurious skincare products since 1877. Crafted using 100% natural active ingredients with no chemicals whatsoever, it's just as good for the environment as it is for your skin. This is reflected in their "no packaging" policy using only glass containers and the bare minimum of cardboard packaging - does this sacrifice the style you might ask? Definitely not! Cosmydor products also make great gifts for your loved ones so share the love with our selection of bath & body products... 1. Essential Care Moisturising Hand Creams A true everyday essential, no handbag should ever be without Cosmydor's silky soft hand creams whether it be Tonka, Lavender or Orange. Rich with natural active ingredients and oils to deeply moisturise and hydrate the skin and packaged in an aluminium tube designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. Take a look at our selection of the brands fabulous essential care moisturisers here and treat yourself or someone you love. 2. Cold Processed Solid Soaps Perfect for adding some style to your bathroom, Cosmydor's cold processed solid soaps are abundant with natural ingredients and essential oils that will deeply nourish and clean your skin. Handcrafted using traditional methods, these soap bars are gentle enough to use on fragile skin to help heal and moisturise. Choose from a range of stunning fragrances including lavender, geranium and rose. 3. Artisinal Face and Hand Liquid Soaps Rich with essential oils, Cosmydor's liquid soaps are deeply cleansing and perfect for everyday use. Packaged in stunning glass bottles, they are as environmentally friendly as they are skin friendly. With a choice of two delicious fragrances: Rose Musk & Bitter Orange or Borage Vegetable Oil & Ylang Ylang to leave your skin feeling clean and healthy. Let us know what you think of our newest skincare range on social media by using the #stanwellsskincare!

Summer is calling and we know how difficult it is to find the perfect holiday wardrobe that's as versatile as it is stylish, that's why we're here to help. We have curated a simple day-to-day style guide with all the fabulous designer clothes and accessories from our latest SS19 collections for you to browse and shop. Whether you like to spend your holiday at the beach, in the city or at the bar we have a whole range of looks that can be mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe staples to get the most out of each outfit. Take a look below for our top 4 summer looks, curated by our stylist especially for you...                                                   New to Stanwells for SS19, Innika Choo's stunning hand smocked dresses and tops are the answer to all your holiday wardrobe needs. Wear this cream & blue embroidered sundress with some Sam Edelman Bay Slides, a Sundry Straw Basket and some Taylor Morris Rollright Sunglasses for effortlessly cool beach style or dress it up with some metallic sandals and a clutch bag in the evening.                                               If the beach isn't your thing, Cecilie Copenhgen has got you covered with this neon pink coordinating set that's perfect for strolling through the city in the heat. This top and shorts combo ticks all the boxes when it comes to SS19 style with it's neon tone, high waist fit and funky woven pattern. Pair it with some Taylor Morris H.F.S Sunglasses and a pair of super comfortable Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals as pictured, or mix and match the shorts with a plain white tee and some sneakers if you fancy a more simple look.                                               No holiday would be complete without a cocktail or two, so a chic evening look is essential. Stine Goya's Reflection Dress is not only stunning but also lightweight thanks to its luxurious 100% silk composition. Styled with a wrap front and a cinched waist, this dress is flattering, funky and easy to pack. We will be wearing ours with some Ash Kate Sandals and a Jerome Dreyfuss Clic Clac Clutch this Summer and spritzing some Nasomatto Baraonda perfume as the finishing touch.                                             There's no better time to get out on the water than on holiday and you'll be needing an outfit that's as practical as it is stylish. Throw on this funky striped 120% Lino Top with some AG Jeans Nikki Shorts over your bikini to cover up at sea. Pair with some Crime London Sonic Trainers and a Helen Kaminski Visor when going ashore to explore the local area. Now that we've given you some outfit inspiration, see our top tips for packing the perfect holiday wardrobe: Pack light - remember you can mix and match a lot of your clothes to get the most out of them and including some basics such as white tees and pretty camis will help achieve this. Invest in some all-round heels that will go with anything you put on. A classic colour such as black, ivory or navy with a small heel would be the perfect choice. Change your look up with a sun hat - Helen Kaminski's hats and visors are perfect for packing as they roll up small and have factor 50 sun protection. Roll your clothes when packing - if you're packing delicate fabrics such as silk or linen they will not only stay less creased but also take up less room in your suitcase if you neatly roll them instead of folding. If you're tight for space then pack a range of accessories that will give your looks a different twist - a few pairs of sunglasses, a couple of belts and a hat will take up a lot less room than picking a different outfit for every day. Don't be afraid of colour! Once you've got a sunkissed look going on, colour is your best friend so shop with that in mind. Vibrant tones may look harsh now, but by the second day of sunshine they will only enhance your glow.

Everyone needs a good pair of sunglasses that are both on trend and most importantly comfortable, that's where Taylor Morris' range of luxurious sunnies come in to play. With styles inspired by classic sunglasses shapes in a stunning range of handmade acetate finishes, you'll be sure to find something you love within our selection of Taylor Morris accessories. Here's a run down of our favourite three styles and their quirky design features to help you decide which are your favourites: The Zero One of the brand's original styles, the Zero is reminiscent of John Lennon's iconic round sunglasses whilst also maintaining a modern look thanks to the funky reflective lenses and larger shape. According to the Taylor Morris founders, Hugo and Charlie, when creating the Zero their 'intention was a frame which could be worn 30 years ago, worn today, and worn in 30 years time.' Here at Stanwells the Zero is one of our all time favourites as it suits such a wide range of face shapes and the colour combinations range from chic matte black to quirky metallic lenses, so there really is something for everyone. We will be wearing ours with a quirky Stine Goya dress and some Golden Goose sneakers this season - how would you style yours?   The Rollright Another design classic, the Rollright is instantly recognisable thanks to its double brow bar and metal skeleton arms. Styled in a range of funky colourways, these sunnies suit almost any face shape and will be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. These Matte Havana glasses are one of our all time favourites thanks to their chic gunmetal detailing and smoked grey lenses. Why not take a look at our selection of designer dresses to see what you would pair your Rollrights with? The H.F.S Designed and made in collaboration with British car manufacturer Morgan Motor Company, the H.F.S are a celebration of British talent and craftsmanship. These all-black glasses with gunmetal detailing are effortlessly cool thanks to their metal and leather bridge, we will be wearing ours with some wide leg jeans and sneakers around town or with a midi dress and sandals for chic occasion style.

Established in 2005, IRO is a Paris based brand taking influence from the rock music sub-culture to create vintage inspired, chic collections for the modern, edgy woman. Founded by two music producer brothers, Laurent and Arik Bitton IRO fuses rock and roll with Parisian style; Leather biker jackets, chiffon dresses and Chanel inspired tailored jackets are the signature pieces in this sought after brand which is only sold in the most exclusive boutiques worldwide. The summer collection of IRO is now in store at Stanwells showcasesing vintage prints in rose chiffon; maxi dresses with mini slips, ruffle sleeve blouses all styled to wear with the cool IRO Bapey cropped black leather biker on top. Classic styling with a twist, the IRO Makilo tweed jacket threaded with silver makes a statement worn with 70's disco-date Takecare silver pants will be a hit for chic South of France summer dressing. So if your wardrobe needs an update with an ever-so subtle Parisian touch with a rock and roll vibe, look no further this contemporary collection with European style...

Emma J Shipley's spring collection of scarves is named Wilderness and encompasses all the colour and mystique of the African bush. Emma regularly travels for inspiration for her collections and this spring her fabulous scarves prints are named Kruger, Protea and Lynx. Exotic animals and floral's combine together in fabulous colour blends on her cashmere modal shawls or silk chiffon scarves. Available exclusively in only a few boutiques worldwide, Emma J Shipley's beautiful scarves are sought after and collectable.

Following on from our previous blog post, allow us to introduce you to 5 more new brands that are coming to Stanwells for SS19. Whether you’re a classic jeans and jacket sort of lady or you like to experiment with new styles, we’ve got something for you in our carefully curated new season collections… Nanushka Born and raised in Budapest, but a product of the prestigious London College of Fashion, designer Sandra Sandor launched her Nanushka label in 2006. Nanushka clothing embodies a subtle feminine style that exudes confidence as well as comfort, a signature of their style which carries across their impressive range of garments. Here at Stanwells, you’ll discover a stunning selection of clothing, including the sought after Nanushka coats. Inspired by travels and spiritual journeys from East to West, introduce some Nanushka into your wardrobe and enjoy a style that’s perfect for any occasion, whether day or night. For the vegans and animal lovers out there, Nanushka’s stunning vegan leather garments are not to be missed. Sabina Savage Hand illustrated and designed in the UK, Sabina Savage scarves are a true work of art that will add a touch of luxury to your outfit season after season. All printed in Italy and hand-edged by the renowned artisans of Como, these silk and cashmere scarves are a collectors piece not to be missed. With inspirations drawing from the costumes, masks and plays of ancient Japanese Noh theatre as well as stunning kimono patterns, the SS19 collection portrays an array of animalistic designs in soft hues of gold, blue and burnt orange. Wear your Sabina Savage scarf with a Harris Wharf jacket and some straight leg jeans this season. Sam Edelman Created in 2004, Sam Edelman Shoes are synonymous with a luxurious, laidback and timeless American style, all at an affordable price tag. With over 30 years in the industry, including designing for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Sam Edelman draws on this vast, invaluable experience to produce his iconic range of footwear. Look out for sparkling stilettos, leopard print sandals and classic loafers this season; our favourite style is the Hazel, a comfortable yet stylish heel designed in on-trend leopard pony hair or rose gold glitter. Stine Goya Stine Goya created her namesake brand back in 2006 in Copenhagen, and she hasn’t looked back since. The Danish designer has received international acclaim for her stunning patterned dresses and work with fashion shows and collaborative artists. She’s also well known for her intuition for eye-catching seasonal collections which marry together rich colours and resplendent, bold prints. Coveted by celebrities and Instagram influencers alike, Stine Goya’s SS19 collection is bursting with vibrant patterns in punchy colour palettes. Wear one of the brand’s signature wrap dresses with some chunky Ash sneakers for an on-trend look or dress it up with some heels and a Jerome Dreyfuss clutch bag. Veronica Beard Two Veronicas, two sisters-in-law, one shared name and one brand. As the duo themselves put it, their label shares “two perspectives, one vision.” Veronica Beard is the concept of Veronica Miele and Veronica Swanson, both of whom married into the Beard name and share a mutual passion for fashion. Veronica Beard clothing marries together East Coast and West Coast styles across an eclectic range of jackets, jeans, shoes and more. Their garments are designed for every day without sacrificing style, making looking and feeling great completely effortless. Look out for the Dickey jacket in Red and Green as well as the funky wide leg jeans this season. And there you have it, a run down of all our exciting new brands for the upcoming Summer season. Keep your eyes peeled on our New Arrivals section for the influx of new collections, or if you’re too impatient to wait follow us on Instagram to be the first to know when these fabulous new brands arrive.  

If you’re up to date with the latest Stanwells news, you’ll know that our Westbourne store has had a makeover and is looking better than ever. Now complete with a vibrant pink velvet sofa and a fresh lick of paint, we decided to fill it with new brands for SS19. Whether you’re a true fashionista or just in need of a wardrobe makeover, we’ve got a plethora of new brands and collections to choose from. Here’s a quick low-down of all the key designers you need to know this coming season and a little sneak preview of the stand-out pieces you’re guaranteed to love… Baum & Pferdgarten Formed in Copenhagen in 1999 by creative director duo Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave, the Danish fashion house Baum und Pferdgarten has become internationally recognised for its creative, coveted collections. With a knack for combining beautiful mixes of materials and bold prints and colours, a Baum und Pferdgarten dress is a must for forward-thinking, fashionable women who enjoy clothing that is as versatile as it is fun and expressive. Styled in one of this seasons hottest colour combinations, blue & yellow, the ‘golden blue check’ pieces are a must-have for any trend led fashionista. Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Founded in 2000, Golden Goose footwear is the collaboration of two Venetian designers, Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo. Merged together, their creative talents have produced a whole host of innovative, artisanal products which feature in the brand’s flagship stores in New York, London, Paris, Milan and Tokyo to name but a few. You can expect to see the brand’s highly coveted sneakers among our collection as well as a selection of edgy trousers, tops and dresses. Look out for the Superstar sneakers in silver glitter as well as the shocking highlighter pink Slide hi-tops. Innika Choo Bali based designer Innika Choo has been passionate about clothes from a young age, creating and adapting her own garments since she was 12. What originally started as a few key pieces to showcase on her personal Instagram account has now evolved into a stunning collection of hand-smocked tops and dresses coveted by fashion editors across the globe. Styled in easy to wear smock shapes that are perfect for warm weather, this collection is what boho dreams are made of. If you’re new to bohemian style, dip your toes in the water with the Oliver Daily smock top that looks fabulous paired with anything from jeans to wide leg trousers. Nannacay Nannacay when translated means “brotherhood of women”, a fitting title for this forward-thinking, feminine accessories brand. Employing traditional craftsmanship and skills learnt during a trip to the Massai tribe in Africa, designer Marcia Kemp takes inspiration from both her own continent of South America and Africa itself to create her Nannacay bags, bold and colourful in design as well as socially rewarding, thanks to the ‘Creative Hands Transforming Lives’ fashion project. Browse here at Stanwells for a range of funky pom pom bags that celebrate a rich cultural history, tribal roots and eye-catching, colour-filled designs and shapes. Well, that’s enough excitement for this week. Stay tuned for part 2 of our ‘New Brands’ summary coming next week; with collections from Stine Goya, Nanushka and Veronica Beard to name a few.

Parisian label, Maison Labiche was founded in 2010 by designers Jenny Richard and Jean-Baptiste Richard. Maison Labiche now has a cult following for its super-chic embroidered tees, shirts, sweaters and separates. With its whimsical French style and fun logos, Maison Labiche is worn by fashion lovers around the world and has become a wardrobe staple for many. Always a popular brand at Stanwells for the last few years, Maison Labiche is loved for its simplistic, Parisian fun style. New slogans on the classic tees for spring '19 that are sure to be a hit are are ' The Boss' and 'Bubblegum'. Shirts in pastel stripes featuring 'Paradis' on the front and plain cotton shirts with green palm tress embroidered on the collar are great with jeans and a blazer for early spring dressing. The now famous striped sailor tops are always a summer favourite in royal blue with an 'Amour' embroidered logo and the pink and blue stripes returns this season with the ever popular 'Oo La La' logo and is sure to be a hit!

It’s that time again...Paris Fashion Week is upon us and the whirlwind trip that is a complement of extremes begins! There are no chic modes of transport for Louise and me when it comes to getting to fashion’s most glamorous of capitals; its good old budget airlines, restricted baggage and pre-wrapped sandwiches. Then the question of the luggage, so small no serious fashionista can transport her on trend wardrobe to compete with the cool girl style on the streets of Paris. We pack small, dress clever and keep the colours to a minimum to mix and max. We pack one jacket to go with all and go for an understated, comfortable look. Thank goodness trainers are the 'De Rigour' of every stylish outfit anywhere in the world today, no heels for us it’s comfort all the way. To travel in Louise wore her ASH Lucky Star Sneakers, favourite AG jeans and label of the moment Smythe striped blazer. She also cleverly packed some chic black cropped pants and a silk shirt; Louise nailed it in a different look each day. I went for a more relaxed look, travelling in Dea Kudibal’s leopard print silk pants, a Duffy cashmere sweater and the 'go with everything' sneaker of the season, the ASH Buzz in white. With my new Belstaff black leather biker as my top layer and packed in my case and old faithful IRO black jumpsuit for a second outfit. Arriving in Paris early Sunday evening Louise and I were up for a glass of fizz and some delicious dining, Parisian style. This is the alternative side to our trip… Our usual choice of restaurant was fully booked so we headed off to its sister restaurant, La Regulade Conservatoire which was chic and contemporary serving classic French bistronomy. We were delighted when the chef's signature house terrine arrived at the table, so much so that we tucked in forgetting we were going to eat three more courses! We walked back to our hotel grateful to walk off some calories... Monday morning came early with the noises and smells of AM in Paris wafting into the hotel; Showered and dressed from our micro wardrobe we headed off to the huge fashion trade fairs that Paris is famed for. Endless aisles of stands, selling everything from handbags to hosiery, international buyers hungry to find something new. First stop the famous Tulleries, where we met up with one of our soon to arrive designers Hayley Menzies who was showing her SS'19 collection of fabulous printed knits and silk dresses. After a quick chat with the girls and successfully managing to persuade Hayley into coming to one of our 'meet the designer' events, we headed off in search of more goodies. Next stop The Louvre, where a huge fashion event is held underneath the famous museum, finding our prize was the highlight with some great cashmere socks you will all be rushing in to buy for Christmas! After a quick call to see if we could view the hot US brand Veronica Beard in the sumptuous Place Vendome showroom, we were delighted when the wonderful Maddellena said she would love us to take a look. Unable to resist the collections chic contemporary separates and with our strict budget now definitely blown, Veronica Beard is looking to be a sell out at Stanwells next summer! Hurrying on to do late afternoon appointments at cool sneaker brand Golden Goose we excitedly did our selection with many customers in mind! Having made arrangements to meet a fellow fashion buddy who was running late and with Louise needing to rest her recently broken ankle, there was no alternative than to have a glass of champagne! We drank our champagne in style in the cocktail bar of the iconic Meurice hotel on Rue di Rivoli. With fashion shoots going on in the hotel’s glamorous corridors we soaked up the ‘fashion atmosphere’ whilst sinking into the luxurious leather armchairs. People watching and reflecting on our day in the fabulous surroundings of Salvador Dalis favourite hotel. Supper beckoned and our budget didn’t stretch to the Meurice’s three star Michelin offering, so we headed off to nearer our hotel where we enjoyed a light bite; the perfect end to a busy day… An early start the next day with an appointment at Jerome Dreyfuss in the Marais. Louise opted for her black AG jeans and Smythe jacket with a change of top and ash sneakers. I wore my IRO black jumpsuit, belted with a wide leather wrap and Belstaff Marvingt leather jacket. We were greeted by the lovely Florence at Jerome Dreyfuss and looked round to see the man himself running up the stairs. For those of you who don’t know, Jerome Dreyfuss is the husband of Isabelle Marant, making them the super cool, king and queen of Parisian style. We were so excited to see lots of new styles in the collection, with green, chestnut and bougainvillea as the stand out hues of the collection along with khaki suede cowboy boots that will be perfect teamed with next summer’s pretty printed dresses. Next stop IRO, one of the busiest showrooms in Paris, it is always bustling with multiple appointments going on at any one time. We have to be really focused as the models and samples disappear of the rails quickly and it is easy to miss a key piece. Lots of lovely print dresses in floral and a subtle leopard plus the usual signature tweed jackets and an overload of supernatural silver. Look out for the IRO silver leather pants next summer, they are a wow! Well that’s it until next spring, our Paris week was over. Happy to have bought fresh from the existing brands and super excited to have discovered some cool, under-the-radar labels that are sure to be future favourites of our fashion forward customers!