Earrings - Duende (linked below!) / Jumper - Zara (old)November has literally flown by, I don’t know where the time has gone. With the end of the month comes Black Friday, or if you’re up for spending Monday to Friday on this final week of November, Cyber Week.
Now usually I would spend my time scrolling through my favourite high street and high end retailers, racking up wishlists of items I cannot simply stop thinking about. And I will continue to do this because I’m only human but this year, we have an opportunity to do something a little different.
With the impacts of COVID-19 and lockdowns across the globe, businesses have been effected on every level, especially small homegrown businesses. People with passions and talents are facing hardships they didn’t intend for. It’s been hard for everyone, but I genuinely feel a little more for those who run businesses off their own back.
Because of this, I wanted to share some small businesses that I’ve found, that you have recommended to me, in the hopes that this year rather than spending our coin on our usual favourite brands, we’d give them to those hard working small businesses owners who probably need it more. And let me tell you, you’ll definitely find things that are far more unique than what you’ll find elsewhere.
Audrey is one of my favourite creators in the digital space. She’s unique, she’s real and her creative eye is just next level. I’m so glad that she started her own businesses alongside her content creation because her style is beyond amazing. Along with sourcing the most incredible vintage pieces, Audrey has also launched her own designs in the brand including the most perfect wrap dress and the pearl strap fitted dress of dreams. If I could buy every single collection, I would. She launches a new collection at the end of every month and for November, this lands on Black Friday. If you want pure elegance for yourself or for Christmas presents for the ladies in your life, ALV is the place.
When I found out about this brand, I could not be more excited because it's owned and created by my gorgeous girl, Sarah. We have been friends for over 10 years now and I cannot tell you how many fun memories we've had together; The Grateful Dead will forever be ours my love. She's always been considered our very own "mermaid" and her brand's first eyeshadow palette perfectly reflects that. As a Maldivian girl, she is one with the sea and her vegan & cruelty free Moodhu palette is filled with odes to that as well as beautiful neutrals and shimmers. I cannot stress how happy I am about this palette (I'm impatiently waiting for mine to arrive at my door) and about this brand. So please go show it some love, you will not be disappointed. Congratulations Sarah, I love you!
I came across Jet Noire after working on an article for Fashion Comes First and I fell in love with the brand and the owner, Mya. We had a chat over Zoom and I learnt about all the brand. Mya is quite literally the brains behind the brand; she does everything from designing to sewing to photography to selling. She’s hands on and that’s what I love about her and her brand. Jet Noire was born whilst Mya was in lockdown in Atlanta, Georgia, her hometown, and she has created the most beautiful pieces. You’re not going to want to miss out.
Read my article about Mya & Jet Noire over on Fashion Comes First to learn more!
This brand was introduced to me thanks to Reena Rai and I could not be more happy that she shared it because oh my god. As a Desi girl, I am always going to need a sari at some point and now I've found Kanya, I know where my next sari purchase will be from. I am utterly obsessed with the Corset sari - I've never seen anything like it before and it's so on trend whilst also being timeless. I'm quite literally dreaming of this sari and a reason to wear it. I'd take it in every colour. The colour ways and styles of all the sarees, lenghas, dresses and more are just so rich and elegant that I cannot recommend anywhere more for your Desi girl needs. It's all ethically made whilst being extra sassy. Can you tell I'm obsessed?
I just found this brand on Instagram and I adore it. It's the perfect brand for statement basics that are versatile and can be worn for any occasions. I've been following Alice on her personal Instagram for a while now and absolutely adore her style, so of course I'm going to love her brand. Her pieces just say "rich" to me, in the best way - like dressed for success. They are definitely power pieces worth spending your money on.
Another Instagram find that says "rich" to me with elevated wardrobe staples that will have you feeling your best. The fact that their story literally says "investment fashion" pulls me right in. It's important to buy pieces that will not only look and feel good but will stand the test of time and Odd Muse does that. Notable pieces are the "Ultimate Muse Blazer" and the "Muse Leather Body" - they are stunning and need to be in my wardrobe immediately.
Another brand with timeless pieces that range from loungewear to everyday wear, The Nuevo Edit is a winner. For me, it's the knit pieces that are very Khaite-esque and gorgeous. Plus the price points are amazing. Watch me eventually bag all the pieces because I love. Also I love that this is a brand built by two friends, Francesca & Laura, who just love fashion, it shows.
We are all living in loungewear right now for the majority of our days, so when I found Sport-Luxe, I was sold. These vintage inspired minimal pieces are perfect for those casual days, but with a little bit of added edge. The logo print is super cute and the colour ways the pieces come in are staple. They look comfy, the aesthetic is gorgeous. Yeah, basically new favourite for luxe 'sportswear'.
I only just learnt about this brand because it's actually created by the lovely Alexandra, who I went to secondary school with. Alexandra makes these absolutely gorgeous handmade jewellery that comes in sterling silver, gold-plated and vermeil and are perfect for everyday wear. With astrological and abstract inspired pieces, these uniquely beautiful. I also think they are perfect gifts for the holiday season for your friends or family! My favourite piece has to be the abstract face earrings, pictured above. Everything is made by Alexandra in the UK and ships worldwide!
Sometimes I'm truly grateful for advertising on Instagram because it led me to this Sri Lankan jewellery brand that just encompassed my pearl jewellery love. My pearl hoops from Duende are statement yet elegant; you can wear them day to night and honestly, they make you feel super sassy so I would recommend them to everyone who has a love of pearls and big hoop earrings. Even if you are not a pearl person, there's also other styles of earrings that you're bound to love at amazing quality and price.
So there you have it; 10 brands that you should spend your money on this Cyber Week/Black Friday. I know that deals are completely and utterly enticing, and sure it's a definite possibility that we will still spend our money in our favourite stores, but take the time to explore other alternatives. There are some incredible creators out there who deserve our love and support, especially in these crazy times. Also, smaller businesses are going to offer some beautifully unique pieces and what's not to love about that.
Happy Shopping!
Hope you're all staying safe and well!
Lots of Love,
Emily xx
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