Shop Watch: Mavis & Osborn

You know what, every so often I come across an exciting shop and deep down, because I strive to be original, I just want to keep it to myself! I have known about Tamzin Hawkins' promising new label for a while now. Although she's originally from New Zealand, she was lucky (I choose my words carefully here!) to spend four years near my home town in West Yorkshire, England. We've never met, but from the emails we've exchanged I kind of feel as if I know her, or at least that 'she gets' why I often miss Ilkley Moors. 

 Mavis & Osborn is now in its second season and business is going from strength to strength. Although Tamzin currently only sells online and in one shop in Wellington, New Zealand (Check out the Design Loft, it looks like my kinda place!), she is looking to send her range out to a few international stores next year (now's the time to  contact her if you're interested in stocking an upandcoming kiwi brand!).

Mavis & Osborn (her grandparents' names) - the local clothier caters for new borns up to 14 year olds but also offers a few select home accessories (love that leather & cotton travel bag!) and clothes for men and women. I can just tell I'd feel comfortable and stylish wearing the long dress in the second picture down. Other girls' favorites include this cape, tutu and reverse it vest, from the 13WinterWild collection (yes, out of season for us but 100% wool so never out of fashion), which I love.

One to look out for I think. Make sure you follow them here, here or here.

13WinterWild Collection illustrations by Joscha Van Deijk.

First Steps #3

She once described me as an alien from a distant planet and I in turn would like to call her 'Mother Courage'. As many of you will know, Maddie is the author of Lil'Magoolie, south of the equator and at the centre of anything colourful and creative for mums and kids. She's a ray of sunshine in the blogosphere, always smiling,  bubbly, forever innovative and fresh. She's also a very strong and determined young lady.

Maddie and her family live in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her city lies in ruins after the recent earthquake but like many fellow Christchurchians, she refuses to just sit down and cry,  no matter how traumatising the experience. 

Maddie's Lil'Quake Appeal to raise money for Red Cross NZ ends  at 7pm NZST on March 30th. Give her a surprise when she wakes up tomorrow, there's still time to up the bids on some of the cool stuff she's managed to collect to help mend her broken city.

There's work to be done, and Maddie has plans, but that's another story.

'Mother Courage' - I take my hat off to you!