Favorite British Bits - Q&A with The Cambridge Satchel Company: Julie Deane

No other accessory epitomizes British fashion and serves as a fashion blogger badge of honor than the Cambridge Satchel. The charming leather satchels you've seen worn by your favorite celebs and fashion bloggers has taken over as the official "it" bag to have - And I want in!

And since I love anything related to British culture, I jumped at the chance to interview the woman who kick started the hottest handbag revolution - Julie Deane. The story of how the Cambridge Satchel Company came to be is truly inspiring. Check out how Julie started the business, and what's to come from this amazing company!

House Of Jeffers: I love how the company is located in the UK, and keeping with the tradition, is manufactured there, too. What is it about the satchel that makes it so British?
Julie Deane: The style of the Cambridge Satchel is based on the traditional British schoolbag, worn by UK schoolchildren throughout the 60s and 70s, Cambridge Satchel builds on that tradition by manufacturing the satchels in an equally traditional way - we employ British craftsmen and women whose skills are now being passed along as we expand our workforce. The team here has a real passion for our product, when we are featured in articles and blogs we share the news with everyone and the sense of pride is tremendous.

HOJ: To me, the Cambridge Satchel represents a rich British heritage - something that's important to me as my extended family lives in Poole. What does the Cambridge Satchel represent to you?
JD: The business was started from my kitchen table just four years ago - to me it is the embodiment of a dream - the dream to create a business that would allow me to send my children to a school where they could thrive, then it became more than that - a place where people could work and enjoy a happy environment filled with excitement and the passion that comes from building a brand based on an ethical approach. No taking the easy route of manufacturing overseas, no stealing of other peoples ideas, treating the team and our suppliers fairly and listening to the customers who have formed such a strong fan base, listening to what new colours they would like, new styles, causes to support. This isn't a corporate atmosphere - my mother is here working with me every day, the children often drop in (as do those of others here), my dog Rupert saunters around the office being fussed over.

HOJ: Where there any other types of bags/designs that you almost went with instead of a satchel?
JD: No, I couldn't find a satchel for my children and thought it was ridiculous that they had fallen from grace - it's Britain, if you can't find a leather school satchel here then things have gone to the dogs!
 

Cambridge Satchel Co's Julie Deane, and her mother, Freda.

HOJ: Being a company based out of the UK, did you have aspirations to venture in the U.S. when you first started out?

JD: The U.S. has been a natural progression - my husband is American and the children have dual nationality. Kevin and I were married in the States and lived there for the first five years of our marriage (just about to celebrate our 21st anniversary…) Having lived there I felt I understood the market better and we are delighted that the reaction has been so enthusiastic.

HOJ: About how long, from start to finish, does it take to make each satchel?

JD: We can make one in about half an hour - each stage has a different skill attached - from the inspection of the leather when it first arrives, through the cutting of the pieces, the marking, the embossing, the sewing and the rivets - it's an involved process and there are lots of quality checks along the way.

HOJ: The satchel has become a staple among fashion bloggers and celebs across the globe. What are you thoughts on the Cambridge Satchel becoming an "icon" in the fashion industry?

JD: Everyone at The Cambridge Satchel Company feels a real thrill when we hear of a celebrity or a blogger carrying one of our bags - it's amazing how we have been noticed by fashion houses like Comme des Garcons, editors from Vogue and Teen Vogue... There has been such a warm embracing of our brand. I think the story behind the brand has captured the imagination of everyone and that's very important to us as the message is such a positive one and hopefully an inspirational one, too.

HOJ: You continue to evolve with fashion trends and times - including neon, pastels and with your collaborations. What can we expect for Fall?

JD: There are some very exciting new projects - three new collaborations, a new bag and some new colour collections - and just watch our website - something special on the way on that front, too.

Friday Fashion Fix: Galaxy Chic

As you read this, a pair of limited edition galaxy print leggings I ordered from Romwe.com are on their way to me. I can't WAIT to slap em on!

And with fall coming up, you'll find me rocking pants  - a lot. Listen, as someone who shakes like a chihuahua when it's cold out, I'll take as many pants options as I can get. I was on the fence about buying the leggings, being that trends come and go, but I'm willing to take the risk for the $24 bucks I paid for em.

The one's below look similar, but you'll see... In the meantime, I'll have to create of outfits to wear em with... like the ones below.

Galaxy Prints by houseofjeffers 

Embellished tank top / Rick Owens jacket / River Island pink blazer, $63 / Patterned legging / Lanvin lace up booties / Platform shoes / Leather shoulder bag / DANNIJO jewelry / Necklace / H&M metal ring, $4.69 / Yves Saint Laurent matte eyeshadow / NARS Cosmetics summer nail polish, $21

And don't forget to enter my Giveaway with Jux! You have until the 29th to enter!

Weekend Wears: Tourist History

What I'm Wearing:

Striped Maxi Dress - Urban Outfitters

Bombay Satchel - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Gold Buckle Bracelet and Square Bangle - vintage finds at Unique Thrift

Rhinestone Sandals - Target (2 seasons ago)

Ever since I moved further central in New Jersey, I've been driving further south towards the shore on the weekends to spend time in some of the state's noteworthy towns. This weekend, Mike and I spent the afternoon in Red Bank, known for it's art and culture.

The town's shops and restaurants on Broad Street are unique in every way, giving shoppers a mixture of everything, from chic boutiques, pet stores, odds and ends, awesome eateries and most popular, Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash (a comic book store). Yes, it's named after the Mallrats characters and owned by director Kevin Smith.

Window display at Urban Outfitters in Red Bank

View of some of the adorable shops on Broad Street in Red Bank.

Red Bank is literally one of those towns with cobblestone sidewalks and a slue of funky shops. These kind of towns are my favorite because there's always something new to discover, and they're awesome for getting lost in. Dublin House is another favorite of mine, both for the food and because of it's gorgeous exterior.

See, New Jersey isn't so bad after all. Just gotta avoid the areas where Snooki hangs out... and you'll be alright.

Bright Inclinations

What I'm Wearing:

Abstract Floral Print Dress - Forever 21

Green Kitten Heels - Jeffrey Campbell

Perfect Pair Necklace in Summer Peach  - c/o Sorrelli

Riveting Romance Cuff in Concrete Jungle - c/o Sorrelli

Sparrow Ring - Forever 21

Katherine Kwei handbag, Autumn 2012 Collection - c/o

My first entry into bold colors happened about 4 years ago when I bought a pair green kitten heel shoes by Jeffrey Campbell.

I wasn't taking too many fashion risks back then, but for about $38 bucks, I figured the risk would be worth it. Either people would think the shoes were too flashy or daring. I'd like to think the second option is what most leaned toward.

And while they're a little beat up, I still love them. They don't typically look like "Jen shoes" but thats why they're among my favorite pairs of shoes. Slightly obnoxious and not too crazy  - but perfectly me. 

I believe in fashion, you should always strive to be your own person. Sure, taking inspiration is natural, and I do my fair share of admiration for other bloggers. But I think you should ALWAYS strive to be the most unique you. Get a little weird. Be a little bold. And don't worry about what everyone else is doing...  

As for my outfit... Between the sparkly Sorrelli jewelry, the floral print dress and the chic Katherine Kwei handbag - I definitely feel like a girl girl!

*Huge thanks to Sorrelli and Katherine Kwei for the lovely items they gifted me! Be sure to stop by their sites!

Q&A with South Moon Under

I absolutely love finding new stores to shop at.

While I was walking around Montclair, in New Jersey, I was excited to find an adorable new store called South Moon Under. I'd never seen or heard of the store, which automatically peaked my interested - and once I stepped inside, I couldn't stop ogling at all the cutes dresses, chic jewelry and adorable housewares.

Check out my Q&A with South Moon Under's Marketing Coordinator Taylor Schlette!

House Of Jeffers: The first South Moon Under store in New Jersey recently opened in Montclair! Give us a little background about how South Moon...
Taylor Schlette:  Our Montclair store is our 16^th South Moon Under store location and it’sour first in New Jersey. It’s hard to believe that we started as a small surf shack in the summer of 1968 have since evolved into a sophisticated, upscale clothing retailer with 16 stores in VA, DC, MD, PA, NJ, NY.  Still privately owned, South Moon Under offers a unique mix of fashions while remaining true to its laid back and free spirited mindset instilled in the founding store over forty years ago.  The name was inspired by our owner, Frank Gunion’s favorite book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings!

HOJ: You offer a stylish collection of clothing, jewelry, home decor and more! How do you narrow down what to carry in the stores?

TS: To narrow down what we carry in the stores we look at what is going to make our shoppers feel the most fabulous and totally confident in the place that they live. We really like to bring them something great and different from what they are used to seeing in every other store around!  By providing an ever-evolving, carefully hand picked collection of fashion presented in a fun, comfortable, high-service environment we give our customers the opportunity to experience the excitement of successfully and confidently expressing their individual style.

HOJ: I love how South Moon Under has a beach-chic theme to it, and things like books and gifts have a special place on shelving or displayed in such a cute way. What do you want customers to take away from the store's setting/vibe?

TS: The vibes of all of our stores stays consistent with that relaxed, cool and trendy feel that the very first South Moon Under had. We like our customers to have a unique and wonderful experience when they shop in our stores right down to the ever changing awesome visual decorations.  It’s pretty cool that as South Moon Under continues to grow we are mindful of the impact our business has on the environment!  To counter this impact we have built our stores from the floors to the bags with recycled and environmentally responsible materials so that is always something unique with our vibes!

HOJ: What trend to you think will be big for Fall 2012?

TS: A trend that I think will be HUGE in the fall is spikes.  We are already absolutely obsessed with them here at SMU and we cannot wait for them to be all over our trendy style in the fall.  Spikes on bracelets, shoes and pretty much anything else are definitely awesome!  If you’re a little weary of the look of them, you can tone down the spikes or completely embrace the trend, like we do!

HOJ: Where else can we expect to see more South Moon Under stores in the future?

TS: South Moon Under is growing fast and we are totally getting excited about it!  This year we will be opening up two new stores in Yonkers, NY and another in the DC area!  South Moon Under has so many fabulous things to offer and we couldn’t be more excited to have more fashionistas shopping SMU all over the coast!