Back to School Bags

With September just around the corner, we've been on the look-out for great back to school bags - and these three really caught our eye! 

The Customisable Bag

French brand, Blue Poppies gives customers and retailers the chance to design their own children's clothing, hand-making bespoke pieces in its sewing workshop. It also creates custom-made bags, and offers would-be-designers a huge choice of fabrics. We love this Japanese-inspired print (and we're sure Adele will, too!)

The On Trend Bag

Ponytail's practical, durable kid's accessories come in a range of quirky prints. This season, it's tapped into the tropical trend; that pineapple design would definitely brighten-up the school run!

The Practical Bag

Fjällräven Canada's ergonomic bags are lightweight, colourful and durable. This mini backpack, from its popular Kånken range, is designed to prevent children from developing back problems. 

What do you think of our back-to-school bag edit? Let us know! 

Totes Amazing: Cath Kidston's Illusion Room

Ever wondered what it would be like to tower over your friends, giant-style? Or shrink to the size of a tea-cup, like Alice in Wonderland? Cath Kidston have - and now they're giving people the chance to find out!

As part of their #Totes Big or #Totes Small campaign, the label have created a bespoke Ames room at their flagship store in Piccadilly. 

The cleverly designed illusion room uses mirrors to shrink and grow visitors, making them either 'totes big' or 'totes small' - just like Cath Kidston's new leather-trim tote bags. 

They can have their photo snapped in the room, before sharing it online to be in with a chance of winning a tote. 

And if you're not in London, never fear - the Cath Kidston Illusion Room is going on tour! It will be at Southampton WestQuay Shopping Centre, Meadowhall Sheffield, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Westfield London throughout September and October. 

Totes amazing, no?

The Cornershop: The Ultimate Shopping Experience

An old launderette in East London has been transformed into a grocery store and everybody's talking about it. 

And why is that? Well, everything in The Cornershop is made of felt.

Stitching and sewing for 8 months, Lucy Sparrow has created 4,000 items, which are all on display and on sale. 

From the till to the soup cans and pick ‘n’ mix stand, everything is handcrafted with immense precision and attention to detail. 

Not one to rest on her laurels, Super Lucy is also running sewing workshops for kids and adults until 31 August, before taking her Cornershop to Brighton. 

The Cornershop

19 Wellington Row
Bethnal Green
London
E2 7BB

B&S Meets...Project Jelly

There are plenty of reasons to love Bubble brand, Project Jelly. For one thing, they're responsible for some of the most gorgeous jelly shoes and wellies around - and, for another, they're entirely home-grown. Then there's the fact that they donate 20% of their profits to children's charities... We caught up with founder, Natalie Collier, who told us more about her remarkable mission...

Natalie and son, Jude

Natalie, why did you decide to found Project Jelly? And why jelly shoes?

 Ha! It's a very long story of many silly ideas, but essentially it was a mission to fund-raise. I had a long standing love for JuJu Jelliesand wanted to start a business with a BIG fundraising heart. After winning the MD of JuJu over with my plans and designing my first collection of Limited Editions, I started the business 14 months ago and signed up for Bubble London'ssummer show. Its then been a fast paced roller-coaster of good fortune and lots of hard work! We have just signed our first distribution deal for most of Asia and will see our Project Jellies in high end stores - including Lane Crawford, Galerie Layafette and Harvey Nichols Asia. 

Were you surprised by the success Project Jelly enjoyed after debuting at Bubble London? 

Honestly, YES - but the biggest surprise has to be the cult status we have achieved in Asia in just a few months. Taiwan sold over 1000 pairs of our Jellies in a few hours at launch. They love our 'giving story' and premium British jellies. The love affair with 'Made in England' is such an important USP, particularly in Asia right now.

What's been the highlight so far?

Ah, unashamedly it has to be the Invitation to No.10 Downing street last May. I presented Samantha Cameron with some of our Project jellies for her daughter, Florence, and had the privilege to share my charity initiative and business idea with her. 

Could you tell us a bit about your next collection - and your new charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital?

Some of you in the industry already know that my toddler son, Jude was diagnosed with a disability, SPINA BIFIDA, in January this year. It was heartbreaking and I honestly considered giving Project Jelly up - however we got a fast op date from Great Ormond Street Hospital and the 'rock star' neurosurgeon performed a rare operation to help Jude's symptoms. Jude will be attending clinics and further operations every few months through his childhood. I owe GOSH everything and it feels only right to support them next year along with some local charities. My long term ambition is to set up a Foundation Trust and help children's charities in every country we launch in.  

Jude and friend

If you had one piece of advice for someone looking to launch a charity initiative like Project Jelly, what would it be?

Do it ! Don't be afraid to voice your ideas to anyone that will listen. Secondly, seek out a mentor; there is so much to learn, and the Childrenswear industry is full of amazing, creative and friendly people. Special mention to The British Footwear Association and Department of Trade & Industry, who are also incredibly supportive. 

We're seriously inspired by Project Jelly's remarkable story - are you? 

Join the Circus!

Did you dream of running away to join the circus as a child? Yes? Then you're in luck! This season, some of our favourite brands are looking to the traditional big top for inspiration; think animal prints, bold circus colours, and embellishments fit for a ringmaster...

aden + anais

aden + anais' latest collection, Vintage Circus, features big top-inspired prints in gender-neutral colours. 

Launching on September 1, it includes swaddles, snap bibs, sleeping bags and classic musys. Kids, big and small, will love the wonderfully detailed illustrations (how cute is that baby elephant?)

Sture&Lisa

There are plenty of nods to this season's circus trend in the latest collection from Swedish brand, Sture&Lisa. Expect bright, big-top colours and quirky prints - from these marching elephants, to lions flying planes. 

Quinn + Fox

Quinn + Fox's AW14 collection is inspired by a vintage Italian circus, the Circo Bisceglie of 1914. Its muted pastel colour-scheme and elegant prints remind us of retro big-top flyers. 

What do you think of this season's circus trend? Roll up, roll up, and let us know!

This Week's Best Bits

Have a lovely weekend, folks - we'll see you on Monday! In the meantime, here are some of this week's best links to keep you occupied. 

Cloud by Richard Clarkson; via The Chromologist

This interactive cloud light, by designer Richard Clarkson, would look great in a child's bedroom (providing they weren't scared of thunderstorms!)

The Andy Warhol + Bugaboo Cameleon: via Bugaboo.com. 

Bugaboo's ongoing collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation has already given us this iconic, banana-print stroller - and now they're offering fans the chance to bid on a limited edition, Blondie-inspired model. It's all in aid of charity Kid's Company! 

RaspberryPlum's S/S15 collection has landed! The Bubble brand and former Rising Star has extended its range, introducing vintage-inspired pieces for boys and babies. We love those lemon-yellow accents!

Henri Matisse: The Sheaf. Via The Tate Modern

If you're in London with little ones this weekend, The Tate Modern's Matisse Families event could be a winner. 

Feeling uninspired? Teepee Magazine's Tumblr is full of great images and illustrations.

What are you up to this weekend? Let us know!

Hey Boy, Hey Girl: Cool Gender-neutral Clothing

Who says little girls always have to be pretty in pink? And why should the coolest, edgiest prints be reserved for boys? Gender-neutral kidswear is enjoying a fashion moment - and these three brands do it very well indeed!

Beau LOves

Named after founder, Faye Wilde's own little boy, Beau LOves is stylish, fun - and, wherever possible, gender-neutral. Girls and boys alike will love the edgy, modern prints and quirky details; think caps with cat ears and dinosaur-spike hoodies.

Doodle Do

Doodle Do's unisex range features tops, leggings, rompers and accessories in colourful, organic fabrics. This season, its trademark prints are inspired by travel and adventure; we love the parrot motif!

Quinn and Fox

Quinn and Fox's motto - 'Messy hair don't care' - tells you everything you need to know about this rule-breaking American brand. Its latest collection of high-quality, unisex clothing features colourways and prints inspired by a vintage Italian circus, 'Circo Bisceglie'. 

Which other brands do gender-neutral clothing well? Let us know!