Marks and Spencer Autograph collaborates with BoBelle London

BoBelle London has designed a limited edition capsule collection for Marks and Spencer Autograph and it's hit the shelves NOW! The stunning limited edition range includes a leather clutch bag, leather mobile phone holder, leather ipad sleeve and a leather purse:

The limited edition collabortation came about after the founder of BoBelle London, Claire Watt-Smith, won the pretigious Inspire and Mentor campaign with Marie Claire magazine. Watt-Smith won mentoring with the incredible Kate Bostock of Marks and Spencer. The buyers loved the brand and the preparations for a joint venture began.

The 4 styles are available in 3 colourways; lipstick red, classic black and smokey white. The pieces are available in their 2 flagship stores; Marble Arch and King's Road, as well as online.

BoBelle London has some amazing new styles launching for AW11 including a stunning new satchel, new handbag, new wallet and new iphone case for the iphone 5. We are on Facebook and Twitter, so please do follow!

Let us know what you think of the M&S Autograph collaboration too.

Best wishes,

BoBelle London

Royal Wedding fever!

The anticipation on who was designing The Dress left all us fashion folk in a slight sweat. Turns out the fabulous Sarah Burton designed the stunning dress, and what a beautiful piece it was. Hand made (of course) using the finest silks, lace and other British-sourced materials. The Victorian-esque corset, flowing veil and elegant long laced arms made the stunning Kate Middleton look even more beautiful; a real Princess.

The whole of Britain was in the party mood on this glorious celebratory day. Street parties dominated, and not just any old street party would do. Everything had a wonderful patriotic feel to it - a much needed boost for our flagging self-esteem. Bunting, sausage rolls, Pimm's and the classic Victoria sandwich cake ruled our streets; and everyone was invited. I think the one of the biggest streets to join the festivities was the shopping destination in London; Regent Street.

The newly-weds drove to Clarence House in style after their nuptials in the grand Westminster Abbey (it was very hard not to expand here on some of the stylish and then outright bizarre outfits sported by our finest guests!) and today are on their honeymoon - we at BoBelle London wish them all the best.

BoBelle London's new Central London boutique is now OPEN

You've seen us online, you've followed us in the press, now come and see us in our new Central London boutique!

We have just launched our first boutique in the heart of the West End. We are situated on the fabulous New Quebec Street; a stone's throw away from Marylebone High Street, Oxford Street and Wigmore Street:

BoBelle London

9 New Quebec Street

London

W1H 7RL

Surrounded by gorgeous fashion labels, restaurants, beauticians and gastropubs, BoBelle London certainly adds a special something to this buzzing street. Why not come and join us for a glass of champagne whilst browsing our new accessories collection in person, before heading over the road for a crisp gin and tonic in the famous Grazing Goat pub and hotel?

Spoil yourself in this gorgeous sunshine!

We look forward to seeing you.....

With love, the BoBelle London Team

BoBelle London Christmas and New Year update

Wishing all of our valued customers a wonderful New Year! We hope that 2011 brings you everything you wish for.

2010 has certainly been an intersting year; massive growth for BoBelle London including winning the Marie Claire Inspire and Mentor programme, being Red magazine's Top 20 Red Hot Women under 30, winning Management Today's Top 35 businesswomen under 35, launching new styles, gaining new stockists, sourcing a new logistics firm and more. We have achieved a massive amount and 2011 looks no different. We have our first international trade show, The Box at Pret a Porter, in Paris (22nd-26th January). I am super excited and trying desperately to get everything organised for our wonderful stand. After that we then have the largest London fashion trade show, Pure London.

People have asked me so many times about growing a business; what is 'success' down to? Is it the drive and ambition? Is it the product and service? Is it maintaining a strong cash flow? More...? Really, it is a mixture of all of the above. Today I heard on Radio 4 a lady who set up an entrepreneurs network. According to the interviewer, there has been a flurry of entrepreneurs in the UK, particularly in the rural countrysides. This may be true, but being an entrepreneur is more than just setting up a business. That is the easy part. Entrepreneurs do much more than that; they see it through; they passionately put their all into growing their baby for however long it takes. They take risks. They invest. They fall; they tumble; they pick themselves up.

Some of my most notable entreprenurs who offer me courage and perseverence when things are tough include Anya Hindmarch, Natalie Massenet, Sarah Curran, Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, just to name a few. All of them improvise, grow organically and constantly re-brand and grow. Being an entrepreneur is never static and certainly is hard work, but is the most invigorating experience ever.

I hope that you all love watching BoBelle London grow and if you have any feedback or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Here's to a fabulous 2011!

Claire x

Christmas is coming.....

I heard on the radio yesterday that it might be a white Christmas in London this year; I am so excited! I literally cannot remember the last white Christmas I had. Christmas, to me personally, means being with the ones you love and having fun, laughter and joy (not to mention fabulous food and wine...). The presents are not as important, but do look pretty under the tree! What I always love is gifts that have had thought and effor in, and that last. I am certainly not a fan of fast and disposable fashion, but instead opt for classic, sophisticated styles that will see me through many years to come. If you too love pieces like that, then look no further than BoBelle London's 'Noir' range:

Classic Black is always a winner; jazz it up with some beautiful jewellery, wear your hair up and tousled and stick on some gorgeous shoes. It is sophisticated, elegant and a colour that can take you from day to night.

Our Noir range is so elegant and luxurious; eel skin is one of the softest leathers you will find and BoBelle London's classic and on-trend styles will see you through season to season.

Gift boxes and dustbags are now available and we do ship internationally, making a BoBelle London accessory the perfect gift this Christmas. In addition, if you would like to locate your nearest stockist please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

BoBelle London x

New ipad case launches!

I always still get excited when a new BoBelle accessory launches, and this one is no exception. Following the fabulous response to the leather iphone case, we have now introduced the matching leather ipad case. The ipad is incredibly popular here in the UK and it will no doubt be a firm favourite on people's 'wish list' this Christmas.

The leather ipad case (called 'Atlas') from BoBelle is a simple design. The ipad can gently be slotted in at the top of the case and then pulled out using the tab. As always, each is hand made and lovingly made using the stunning eel skin leather; incredibly soft, strong and durable. In addition, the Atlas comes in its own gift box, perfect for that special gift.

The ipad case has a matching friend, the Apollo iphone case. For all of those gadget-enthusiasts out there this is the perfect set for someone who is as style-conscious as they are practicality-conscious.

The Atlas leather ipad case and matching Apollo leather iphone case are available now at BoBelle London and in stores from Monday - Elys of Wimbledon and Fenwick Brent Cross.

Putting yourself out there....

Along my travels of growing and nurturing BoBelle, I have met an awful lot of budding entrepreneurs and aspiring fashion retailers. They generally have a common theme to their questions, mainly 'how do I make my business grow faster'. This, I believe, is a star question with not just one answer to it. My answer each time incorporates common sense with putting yourself out there.

What do I mean by 'putting yourself out there'? I mean take advantage of all opportunities and make things happen. However, don't expect it to be all plain sailing. When I first started I did the market stalls in the rain, wind and snow. I handed out leaflets. I posted flyers through peoples doors. I called up newspapers and bloggers, desperate for features for BoBelle. I participated in small shows. It was tough then and it is tough now. However, if you are passionate about your product/service, it is not such a chore. What is there in your field that you can grow or learn from? Do you have a mentor? Have you contacted your local Business Link? Do you attend seminars by like-minded businessmen and women? Are there any competitions you can enter?

A few months ago I read Marie Claire's 'Win Inspire and Mentor Programme'. With these sorts of things I always go by the mantra, 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'. With this in mind, I entered. Prior to that I put myself forward for the DediPower Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Despite BoBelle London not being solely digital, I won the runner-up prize with Craig Martin, the CEO. From that I then was put forward for the Top 35 Women under 35 Award with Management Today, and indeed Red magazine's Top 20 Red Hot Women of 2010. I have met the most amazing people at these various events, and keep in contact with them. That is key. It is not always about 'what can they do for me' attitude, but rather, 'how can I nurture this relationship long term'.

The key to putting yourself out there is realising also to crawl before you can walk. Of course, you may dream of supplying your product globally to every large national and international retailer in the world. Don't lose sight of that dream, but don't ignore all of the small steps along the way. Build up your portfolio of contacts. Exhibit at small and large events and communicate with as many people as possible to tell them about your brand. This is vital - remember, people love to talk!!

It is not always easy growing a business. It can be a lonely time and is generally a 24/7 job. However, montior your growth and have small goals written down of what you want to achieve and when, this always helps and keeps you going when things get tough. Above all though, enjoy what you do and make sure this above all else shows when speaking to people - nothing is stronger than pure passion.

Claire Watt-Smith, Founder of BoBelle London
www.BoBelle.co.uk