Awesome clawsome
With cool t-shirts and snug hoodies for all ages, seaside-inspired Norfolk brand Gone Crabbing is perfect for a summer at the beach. The new Totally Clawsome range features the smiley trademark crab, and also carries an environmental message. The company has teamed up with The Plastic Oceans Foundation and the t-shirts feature the slogan “Keep it clean . . . help save our waves” (10pc of sales from the design will go to the foundation). The t-shirts, from three-to-four years to 11-to-12 years, start at £10.99.
There is also a new collection of baby and toddler t-shirts featuring Colin the Crab and friends, available in shell pink, sky blue, red and navy. Choose from Beach Baby, “Be happy not snappy” and Shrimpy, priced £9.99.
Gone Crabbing, 7 Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale, PE31 8FB; 01485 211111; www.gonecrabbing.co.uk
Celebrate in style
One of Norwich’s best known independent shops is celebrating 20 years of trading – and it has some fantastic new collections of casual and occasionwear perfect for the warmer months ahead.
Isobel’s Styles for You specialises in beautifully tailored and flattering clothes for women size 14 upwards and stocks some lovely labels, many of which are exclusive to her in Norfolk. This season, owner Isobel Ford has some stunning weddings outfits, including a range from the Personal Choice label, and a great collection of casual wear in on-trend bright and bold colours, from three-quarter length trousers to gilets.
Isobel’s Styles For You, 14 School Road, Drayton, NR8 6DN, 01603 866060; 33 Bull St, Holt, NR25 6HP, 01263 714040.
Ice cream dream
In a spectrum of ice cream colours including lemon sorbet, hazelnut and vanilla, the new range of handbags from Peach Pink are the perfect taster of summer days. The gorgeous leather bags come in classic styles, from the clutch to the tote, with a strong emphasis on quality and detail.
Peach Pink and was set up by design duo Helen Peachey and Vanessa Pinkney, who grew up in Ludham and still has strong Norfolk connections.
Jarrolds, 1-11 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1JF; 01603 660661; www.peachpinklondon.co.uk
The independents
Just opened is Norfolk’s newest department store championing independent labels and unique brands from around the county and further afield.
Boutique Fusions will provide retail space for independent traders in a four-storey building on Bedford Street. It will house an eclectic mix of 40 independent boutiques, from men’s, women’s and children’s fashions to food producers, toys and homewares. Among those opening in Boutique Fusions are SLiNK Boutique, a luxury fashion label for women size 16-plus; The Mercerie, a Norfolk-based label making quirky wool accessories, clothes and textile craft kits and Johanna Naturals skincare products all hand-made in Britain.
Boutique Fusions, 25-27 Bedford Street, Norwich; www.boutiquefusions.com
Stand out from the crowd
Vintage-inspired tailoring and design continues to flood the high street. But rather than just buying something new, keep your eyes open for a second-hand original.
At Vintage Deli, based at Grimston, near King’s Lynn, owner Katy Coe has a range of dresses for all occasions which are beautifully made, timeless and affordable. Best of all you won’t see everyone else wearing one. Check out this shirt dress – a trend seen reflected on this season’s catwalks - a 1950s’ Horrockses original. It has a lovely sleeveless cut, swing skirt and comes in a very cool symmetrical floral print. Or perhaps you could try this classic cut 1950s’ Frank Usher dress in rich purple with its fitted bodice for a great summer look.
Hectors barn, 61 Manor Road, Dersingham, PE31 6LH; www.vintagedeli.co.uk
Animal magic
The kids will look super stylish in these bright, bold print designs and sunglasses from Norfolk online kids’ boutique Hello Bubba. The Mini Zoologist collection from fab label Mini Rodini uses big animal prints on its beautifully made dresses, sweaters, shorts and body suits. Prices start at £32 for dresses, £43 for sweaters and £28 for shorts. Pair them with the range of fantastic quality sunglasses perfect to protect your little ones’ eyes, priced at £30.
www.Hellobubba.co.uk
