by Camilla Ridley
I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe. With lockdown in full swing again and the idea of traditional Christmas shopping trips looking increasingly unlikely, we've decided to make the brilliant collection of accessories we have specially sourced for our London store available on our website. From extraordinary jewellery to belts, footwear and hats often it’s the clever little details that can really make an outfit. And they make great little gifts. Many of these items are produced in the UK by small artisan businesses that share our values for quality, craft and individuality. And like our Ridley silk dresses, they’re often made from the most beautiful materials using traditional techniques. Do feel free get in touch if you have any questions about any of these items or brands, we’re always happy to help. In the meantime here are each of the founders from each of the labels to introduce their collections to you.
Tarra Rosenbaum
My London atelier is the culmination of a lifelong dream to have a studio where I can meet clients and help bring their jewellery dreams to life. It's a workplace, a sanctuary, and a (very) mini boutique situated at 77 Tower Bridge Road. I design and make in this space, and I also work with artisans in Hatton Garden and around the UK to produce the highest quality little sculptures that I hope will become future heirlooms for my clients. A goal in my everyday life is to tread lightly on this planet, so I source and use recycled and ethical materials whenever possible. Each piece is handmade, as I believe this infuses it with the life force of the artisan, giving a talisman-like energy from the production alone.
Top: Tarra wears a luxurious Ridley London printed floral Tarra dress in the blue Standen Manor Liberty print. Bottom: Tarra's beautiful Acorn Charms and and example of her Aurora Rings which come in a variety of shapes and sizes
Best sellers:
I am probably best known for my bespoke pieces. Often it’s about re-imagining family heirlooms by re-configuring existing stones and precious metals into a new design that better suits a customer.
The Aurora ring is my signature piece. This would certainly be a wonderful and very generous gift. Heirloom stones can be used or we can find the perfect stones for you to celebrate your life journey.
For Stylish stocking fillers:
Acorn charms, open adding an element of surprise, and of course the giver can include a tiny note if so inclined. You can also purchase the acorn on a 60 or 80cm handmade chain. Kat from @doesmybumlook40 has the large acorn necklace.
The tree coin necklace is an excellent piece to add to any “neckless”. Becky from @bricksandstiches wears hers almost every day along with you, Camilla!
Also hand carved snake rings in sterling silver are a unique stylish gift for a teenage boy or girl.
Favourite Ridley dress
Without doubt my beautiful floral printed Ridley London Tarra dress, which I can't wait to bring out again for Christmas!
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without...
Since moving to London, my tradition has been to spend Christmas with my dear friend Sally Mackereth and her two children in her amazing architectural home. We always play a few board games and this year I am looking forward to introducing a new game "The Genius Square" you can find it here
Camilla Rose Millinery
I started my millinery business in 2013 with the idea of making beautiful, sculptural handmade hats, headpieces and hair accessories for every occasion. The majority of my pieces are handmade in my studio in South West London with the exception of my fedoras which are blocked by one of the original British hat manufacturing families and then I trim and finish each one by hand. I source my millinery materials from suppliers who work directly with the local crafts people and use virtually every piece, so wastage is minimal. Autumn Phillips has worn my fedoras to Cheltenham Races and Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey wore two of my headpieces to Royal Ascot at home this year both of which featured in the Telegraph’s most glamorous Ascot looks. I was also asked to make a hat for the Royal Ascot charity auction this year, to be recognised alongside top milliners was something I’m really proud of.
Top: (left to right) The new Barrette Bow in festive red velvet and braided Barrette clips from Camilla Rose Millinery. Bottom Camilla Rose is pictured here in a statement Ridley London Liberty print floral silk Morwenna Maxi dress
Best sellers:
Dusk Fedora in pink: one of my original designs and every season is always a best seller. We all need a good staple fedora in our wardrobe and this works just as well in the city or countryside, rain or sun, dressed up or down. And they'll last years.
Tousle Headband: the perfect addition for all those zoom meetings (and future parties!!), adding a headband automatically lifts an outfit. Any of these colours would work with the majority of Ridley’s stunning liberty print dresses.
Barrette Bow: A new addition to my collection at an accessible £32, this little bow adds a touch of richness to a simple outfit or elevates a dressier look. Pair with one of Ridley’s gorgeous leather jackets for a less girly girl look.
For Stylish stocking fillers:
The Braided & Velvet Barrette Clips are the perfect stocking filler, available in lots of colours they are the perfect little hair accessory to finish off any outfit everyday and from only £10 what’s not to love!
Favourite Ridley dress
I adore the Morwenna Maxi in chocolate forbidden orchard Liberty silk. A gloriously rich fabric, the perfect statement dress for Christmas day paired with one of our little coordinating velvet barrette bows of course!
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without...
The book 'The Night Before Christmas'. Ever since I can remember on Christmas eve my Grandmother read it to us and now I am continuing that tradition on with my own young children which is incredibly special!
MyFashionTribu footwear
MyFashionTribu was founded in 2014 in London as the ultimate online destination for uniquely stylish women's footwear. Designed for the modern woman, we have sourced a unique edit of brands from across Europe, including many iconic independent designers that you won't find anywhere else in the UK. Wherever possible, we promote brands with a positive ethical and sustainable offer including: Ash, Castaner, Sorel, Serafini, Lola Cruz, Birkenstock, Bibi lou...
Top: Jane from MyFashionTribu stylishly pairs her designer floral printed silk Ridley London Anne Maxi dress with a pair of gold Lola Cruz ankle boots. Bottom (left to right): Serafini San Diego Glitter trainers and black giltter boots by Lola Cruz
Best sellers:
Lola Cruz Glitter black boots - perfect for winter, comfortable, warm and so chic
Serafini San Diego Glitters - who doesn't need glitter trainers?! They look fabulous with Ridley Londons fabulous floral printed skirts, giving them a rock-chic attitude
Lola Cruz Timor gold Ankle Boots - these versatile boots are so pretty and look equally great with leggings or a beautiful Ridley London floral print dress
Favourite Ridley dress
For Christmas, I would most definitely chose your supercool printed floral anne dress, just perfect to spend Christmas with my family, and days eating and drinking! I love looking chic in something that's unique, really flattering and comfortable, Ridley London dresses do it all!
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without...
Being French, Christmas usually means eating and drinking for 4 days. Christmas means
Harry Rocks Jewellery
We believe in creating unique pieces that reflect who you are. Our collection is handmade in London from re-cycled metals and mixes a fun, playful attitude with eclectic styles and personalised, vintage inspired pieces. Heavily influenced by our love for crystals and astrology, the range is perfect for building your own versatile jewellery collection. With necklaces that can be layered and interchangeable earring charms giving you more wear from one pair.
Top: Harry Rocks founder and designer Laura Rowan is pictured in a statement Ridley London Josephine maxi dress in the luxurious blue floral silk Standen Manor Liberty Print. Below: (left to right) a new Heirloom pendant and 'Lucky Star' hoops
Best sellers:
Lucky Star Hoops are gorgeous for the Christmas season, especially with the mix of gold and silver and our Jagged Heart Hoops (recently featured in Stella Magazine) are a modern twist on the classic hoop.
Our Heirloom Collection re-purposes the romance and sentiment of Victorian jewellery with modern attitude and style.
For Stylish stocking fillers:
Our lovely sterling silver charm necklaces, with personalised initials, special and lovely gifts that are designed to last.
Favourite Ridley dress
I absolutely love your Ridley London Josephine maxi dress in that stunning blue floral Liberty print silk. Absolute luxury!
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without...
Beef wellington for Christmas Eve, is a family tradition I love. Also lots of games, including twister. But my big big Christmas hack is for life-changing Brussel Sprouts. Usually I can't stand them, but a few years ago I discovered a recipe on the podcast Table Manners which is to roast your brussel sprouts with whole hazelnuts, purple grapes and balsamic vinegar. Amazing. Literally life changing. They have the crunch from the hazelnuts, sweetness from grapes and acidity sweetness from balsamic. Utterly yummy and I highly recommend this to everyone.
Peachy Belts
We’ve been designing and hand making our belts here in the UK since 2007, using the finest Italian leather and a factory in Leicestershire that’s been producing belts for over 70 years. We stock three widths including a new elasticated version and all of our belts feature our unique interchangeable buckles which give them incredible versatility. I am hugely particular about the leather quality that we use and the craftsmanship. We only use sustainably produce full grain leathers (so have not been split) and most are vegetable tanned, a longer form of prepping the leather that makes for a finished product that will soften and improve with wear. And all of our belts are also lined and stitched, so they retain their shape and quality over time.
Top: A stylish Ridley London Octavia Midaxi dress in luxurious printed floral silk paired with a green Peachy Belt. Bottom: Examples of best selling Peachy Belts this season
Best sellers:
Giraffe belt and gold hoop buckle: A great stand out belt that works well with denim and black jeans.
Navy ostrich belt with Swarovski crystal waterlily buckle: People struggle to find navy belts, and its such a classic colour so it sells well all year round.
30mm Guinea Fowl belt and Swarovski sea turtle buckle: This is a really smart belt that looks fabulous on black jeans, and the little Swaorvski sea turtle is a pretty and eye catching buckle that works on any belt colour.
For Stylish stocking fillers:
Belts make a great Christmas present that will be used for years to come. We’ve also have a new clutch bag out which retails at £35 and would be a great stocking filler.
Favourite Ridley item
I love the new short knits, and they work very well with my belts. The polly polo neck and the leather jacket are absolutely my favourites. And I love my Anne top in metallic printed isadora feather silk, it’s so stylish and great for Christmas!
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without...
I like to ride out on Christmas day with my daughter and go for a glass of champagne on horseback with our neighbours. The cereal box challenge is a firm family favourite!