Inspiration and ideas

A lot of people ask us where we get our inspiration from and the drive needed to grow a brand. This comes from a massive variety of places, and living and working in London is the perfect place for cultivating that inner creativity. Sometimes you just simply need to go outside and unleash your ideas from complementing styles, brands and nature; this week we went to Tower Bridge and the Christian Louboutin exhibition, finishing with the crème de la crème, Hermès:

Light installations, use of shapes and the muddled layout certainly makes you think of the playful side to accessories....

The silhouette here is incredibly powerful; striking, sexy and oh-so-feminine. Such a simple image certainly gets the creative juices flowing for AW12.

The playfulness of shoes hanging in the foyer staircase surrounded by hula hoops emphasises the child-like qualities that such styles bring. This can then of course be incorporated into other accessories.

The French 'Entrée' and play on the logo for the 20 year celebration again is inviting yet sexy and playful. The neon lights add a sense of naughtiness and again the femininity side of the shoes exudes through the whole exhibition.

The grandness and sheer dominance of Tower Bridge is incredibly striking and powerful. For us this can then translate into creating an accessory that represents power, reliance and resilience. The Power Bag.

This image strikes an open and fluid concept for our designers - and new 'holiday' ideas were consequently dreamt of.

The modern bridges across flats near Tower Hill brings a real sense of modernity to styles - practical yet new. Incorporating such ideas into our accessories, for example with our new ipad ideas, is grown from such inspiration.

The natural light shining through one of the most fabulous architectural creations in London is superb and just really brings the nature side of working with leathers and natural materials home. 

Who can not laugh at the statue wearing a Birkin? The most classic handbag ever - but did you know that it took Hermes 100 years to make their first handbag? The exhibition is fantastic as we certainly hope it opens people's eyes into the intricacy and detail involved in creating such beauties. BoBelle London is set to launch its new collection this year which is all hand made right here in England. For the public to experience and realise the efforts involved in hand crafting something of such importance is fantastic for us as a brand and we cannot wait to open our doors later on this year to show the public all of the detail that goes in when making our accessories.

Please register for further details HERE.

Getting ready for our new launch

Apologies to all of our dedicated fans....the wait is almost over! The new BoBelle London site is set to launch very soon, and the wait has most definitely been worth it.

We have some beautiful new accessories coming which are all hand made right here in England. We have sourced only the finest leathers, suede, prints and fittings for our new collection and have been working exceptionally hard to bring you only the highest quality.

Please do sign up to receive details on the exclusive launch, and to be in with the chance of attending our exclusive party.

The wait is almost over.....

BoBelle London's CEO presents Drapers Award

On Thursday 3rd May (where has this year gone?!) it was the annual Drapers Footwear Awards, and this year was very special as they brought in Accessories, too.

The judging was back in March - I was among companies such as Schuh, Marks and Spencer, Secret Sales and others. It was a great day and the calibre of entries was very high. We spent the whole day (fuelled with fresh croissants, tea and then macaroons) making notes, debating on each brand and then finally selecting our winners. We weren't allowed to say anything, obviously, so it has been over a month of keeping stchum!

The Awards night itself was fantastic. As you can imagine, I was the presenter for the Accessories Award and was honoured to present such a prestigious title. I arrived punctually at 18.30h for our rehearsal and managed to take a lovely picture of the backdrop and Ballroom where the Awards took place at the stunning Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane:

The above photo was quickly taken before all of the guests arrived. On the menu was flowing champagne followed by a three course delight: British seared asparagus with parma ham, fillet of beef with dauphinoise potatoes and chocolate torte. Yum.

After a busy, busy day of BoBelle-ing (more on that soon) I had to rush home at 16h and begin the preparations of beautyfying myself. Having tried on several dresses I finally selected my gorgeous purple slim line dress, Bulgari necklace, Christian Louboutin faithfuls and my piece de resistance, our brand new Cocktail Hour Clutch. Ladies (and gents), I give you a sneek preview of what is to come at BoBelle London:

I was on stage with Emma Hill (comparing our chosen red-soled footwear) when I presented the Best Designer for Accessories. I couldn't not put up a picture of our gorgeous new clutch though, soon to launch in June.

For up-to-date details on the new launch keep reading here, on our Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter. Things are hotting up at BoBelle London, be sure not to miss out.....

BoBelle London's Clearance Sale has begun!

The BoBelle Clearance Sale has just launched and here are a few of our favourite bargains (find lots more at www.BoBelle.co.uk) :

The Atlas ipad2 sleeve is truly stunning. Store your treasured accessory in this beauty - eye-popping scarlet is a shade that never dates (and at a very nice price tag....£30.00).

Our most popular accessory at BoBelle London is the Apollo iphone case. Turquoise Blue, and indeed most shades of blue, are bit hits for SS12. Grab your bargain now - only £20.00.





The Chiswick is the perfect day to evening bag. The size of this handbag is perfect for all the essentials and the handle drop allows you to wear it on the shoulder or through the arm. What's not to love about this black eel leather beauty? A snip at just £99.00.

We sell masses of wallets at BoBelle London - and here's why. Your wallet says a lot about you and in the world of business, you need to look the part. Carry your cards, coins and business cards in the stunning Chloe and you'll want to get your wallet out at every opportunity - £39.00.

The BoBelle London Clearance Sale is not on for long - be sure to snap up your bargains now, while stock's last. Happy Shopping!

Christmas shopping - support small and local businesses

Christmas is always a difficult time of year, throw in a recession and people trying to not spend so much and you've got yourself in a little pickle. Fret not people. I have managed to find some great buys this year which do NOT involve Boots 3 for 2 (or M&S), those bath products we really secretly hate or that autobiography/DVD that is just truly terrible (and going straight to the charity shop). No, I have managed to get all of my gifts this year using independent boutiques and have been thrilled with the outcome (plus it makes shopping much less stressful and, shock, enjoyable).

Here goes.... for me traipsing round Selfridges at this time of year is just too much for me to bear. I don't know about you but just where do all of the people come from?! And then you wonder if you're getting a good deal or not... So, I assessed what my hubby needed and thought of the brand I wanted for him (Hugo Boss). I then did a little research online and found a great site for the men in my life who like a sprinking of luxury (I am a 'less is more' kinda gal and buying two or three great gifts rather than 10 rubbish ones) - it's called Wheelers - they were really helpful and although the delivery was not as efficient as BoBelle's , I was pleased with the packaging and with their customer service. It is a little find, I think!

The next was a site I found was when I was speaking to someone on Twitter and they are called Gift Genies - they have a site that seemingly they feature products on that are that little bit different. We always buy a couple of serious gifts and then always a jokey one at our household. Gift Genies has some great, funny and novel ideas that are just a little bit quirky; perfect! They link the product to the sellers site and it is a great platform to find independent retailers who have put some serious thought into their buying. I am against the following dull gifts; socks, stale Ferrero Rocher (what is that about?!), Baylis and Harding bubble bath. Gift Genies offer ideas that have a little thought to them.

Now, I am going to let you into a little secret....I don't normally shop at 'discount stores' but when I was searching for the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream in a pot (rather than in the white tube) I came across a site (excuse the terrible name)...Cheap Smells - obviously I did some research to check it was legitimate and seemingly I think that their service was excellent (not to mention the price). They don't carry much stock but they do have a few classy finds (FAR better than 3 for 2 at Boots...)

Food is always a winner with our household and at Lidgates (Holland Park Avenue) I will be getting my Nan one of their famous pies (truly scrummy) which is ideal for her on Boxing Day, along witha photograph of her and I from the summer. Jeroboams on Holland Park Avenue have some gorgeous home made delights and these are great for spoiling my family with (beats Tesco any day).

Daunt Books is a favourite of mine; they have the most wonderful array of books there and the knowledge of the staff makes a visit there just so enjoyable. Although you might be screaming 'Amazon' at me - take a minute to think of the difference you will make to the shop owner by spending your money there rather than at a multinational. If you can't do that at Christmas, then when can you?!

Businesses, and small ones at that, really do need your support this year especially. If you want to see them still on your high street (or now they tend to be off the main streets) then shop with them! They can help you find the perfect gift at a particular price. They will probably even give you a discount and gift wrap free of charge. Don't be afraid to shop at boutiques, they won't bite! The buyers scour the shows trying to find the best fashions for you and charge the most honest and fair price. They might not be Topshop or H&M (one of my worst nightmares is to be wearing the same dress as someone at an event), instead they have gone out and set up on their own and we should be encouraging that entrepreneurial flair and embrace individuality.

Have a wonderful Christmas everybody and happy shopping!

Day 3 at Vogue Online Fashion Week - FREE Demeter with every Chiswick sold!

Today it is Day 3 at Vogue Online Fashion Week and to celebrate BoBelle London are giving away a FREE Demeter travel wallet/business card holder/Oyster card holder with every Chiswick Handbag sold!

The Demeter is perfect (it is one of our most popular styles) as it is ever so soft and oh-so handy. Store your cards in style and get rid of your tatty freebie IKEA Oyster card holder now! The Demeter is true luxury, and it is free! Just add your Chiswick Handbag to your basket and the Demeter will be sent in the same delivery.

Our fave of the Chiswick is the Rioja Red, but classic Black is always a winner too. Try our Deep Purple and we guarantee you will be smitten. Eel skin leather is incredibly soft; you'll sit stroking it and will become an instant fan, not to mention the envy of all around you.

Take advantage of this great offer today knowing that 20% of the sale is going to charity.

Enjoy!

BoBelle London and Vogue Online Fashion Week

BoBelle London is thrilled to announce that it is taking part in Vogue's first ever Online Fashion Week.

Today is Day 2 and we wanted to share our secret - 15% off all orders placed at BoBelle London!! Simply enter 'voguebobelle' into the promotional code at the checkout et voila, the discount is yours.

So the Brackenbury Satchel you fancied? Send to your other half to get for Christmas. Your best friend's gift? Thrill her with our Apollo iphone case. Your Mum? She will adore our Theia Clutch or Aphrodite Wallet. Your brother? The Zeus wallet or ipad2 case. Sorted - and with 15% off what's not to love?

And to top it off - we are giving 20% of proceeds to charity - so you're doing a doubly good deed.

Happy Shopping!

Love, BoBelle x