CarrieMe @Top Drawer trade show!

The UK’s leading event for design-led gifts, life style and fashion accessories - yes, CarrieMe are excited to announce we will be returning to exhibit at Top Drawer in Earls Court London for Spring Summer!

Happening on the 12^th Jan up to the 14^th, come and check us out at stand P40a in the Gift section.

We have some brand new designs to unveil, so visitors will get a first look at the limited edition collection. Exciting and sure not to disappoint! It will be lovely to see our clients pop along, and also meet some new ones.

If you’re a business in need of inspiration for cool new products this is the place to be - a massive range of creative companies at Top Drawer ensure you’ll find something unique. There will be 800 suppliers showcasing, including British and International brands.

The venue of this trade show is one worth a visit, iconic Olympia is located in the borogh of Chelsea and Kensington. The building has an impressive dome shaped architecture which was built back in 1886. An airy, open space which is enjoyable to wander around and admire at your own leisure!

Olympia, London

Olympia, London

Can’t make it to Top Drawer this time round? Don’t worry, CarrieMe will be blogging on a couple of our top picks from the show afterwards so that you don’t miss out completely.

If you would like to see more info on the show, head to - http://www.topdrawer.co.uk/

Party in style this NYE with CarrieMe

Confused over where to go or what to wear this NYE? Don’t worry, CarrieMe have it covered!

After the heavy expense of Christmas, the thought of purchasing a whole brand new outfit for that New Year’s Eve party is a daunting task, so we recommend splashing out on statement accessories instead. After all, we do need to save some money for sipping on bubbles while seeing in the New Year!

The CarrieMe Party Gift Set shortlisted for luxury "Gift of the Year 2012” is all you need to glam up for NYE. Coming in six stunning shades, with an embellished ring of crystals, we have colour and glitz covered!

The Glamour Party Gift set can benefit you by being both practical and stylish. Accessories within the gift set are essentials for a special night out; a heart shaped bag hook and finder will solve your handbag dilemmas of how to find your keys or mobile at a moment's notice. No need to worry where to put your bag; simply hand it elegantly close by with this CarrieMe bag hook.

CarrieMe Glamour Gift Set

 

London is packed with a variety of unusual and alternative events for NYE and CarrieMe have picked our top three to welcome in 2014.

First up we have ‘Cafe de Paris’ in London’s west end, who are hosting a Great Gatsby themed party. An explosion of flapper revivalism occurred earlier this year when the Great Gatsby adaption movie released and we love the refined elegance of this Era. The 1920s style is very distinctive; beading and fringing with drop-waists, so chic!

Coordinating your CarrieMe’s to this type of fashion couldn’t be easier… Red rose tinted, fuchsia and that grey-ochre shad were heavily featured in the early 1920s. Jewellery was an important accessory usually pearls, studs or gems so the CarrieMe gift set is the perfect accessory.  

1920's dressing with the CarrieMe Glamour Key Finder and Bag Hook

Second up we recommend the sumptuous ‘Beaufort House’ in Chelsea, who are hosting “Le Bal Masque Chez” - a sophisticated masquerade themed evening. Celebrating all things French and fancy, this location is ideal for indulging in the five course meal offering, followed by drinks, dancing and live entertainment.

 

Masquerade mask and Beaufort House

 

Finally we have the ‘Roof Gardens’ on Kensington High Street. CarrieMe love this venue for impressive sky views of London and the stunning fireworks display on offer for NYE. Alluring you in with a mini bottle of champs, complementary wine and welcome canopies on arrival what more could a girl want! Oh and don’t forget to take some pictures in the photo booth – sounds like fun!
 

 

Rooftop Gardens NYE Fireworks

 

Rooftop Garden, Kensington London

Take the wieght off your shoulders with the 'CarrieMe Bag Hook'

It’s important to take time out to de-stress throughout this busy season, taking a break from organising Christmas, working and partying hard.

CarrieMe suggest chilling out and re-charging your battery’s over a lazy lunch date with friends - our favourite type are the post-lunch, pre-dinner treat of ‘High Tea’. A great way to warm us up while it’s so cold outside! We’re huge fans of this indulgent pastime, we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon relaxing than sipping on refreshing and tasty teas with fancy French patisseries.

Afternoon Tea at 'The Dorchester'

Afternoon teas in London are very popular, and you really are spoilt for choice of venues. After an unusual, quirky place with vintage mismatched teacups or a luxury high end bone china type of service? For luxury, try The Dorchester hotel. A beautiful restaurant with marble piers and opulent chairs. The Dorchester include Champagne with their afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea at 'The Berkeley'

For someone crazy about fashion, the ‘Prêt-à-Portea’ afternoon tea at The Berkeley is a real treat. Cakes and nibbles inspired by the latest highend fashion pieces. For example one cake named – ‘The Alexander McQueen whimsical yellow honeycomb cream oversized dress topped with marzipan bee’ Very cool!

Tea for Two bespoke cake gallery from 'Choccywoccydoodah'

For something affordable, but equally enjoyable try ‘Choccywoccydoodah’. This expert chocolatier has a small, quirky diner which does yummy teas and other delights like brownies, and chocolate dipping platters.

Make the experience of a lazy lunch even more enjoyable by not having to worry about your handbag. Completely relax, and take the weight off your shoulders by knowing your handbag is safe with the CarrieMe bag hook. There is no need to keep your bag on the floor, over the back of the chair, or on your lap! We attach our bag to the CarrieMe hook, and our bag hands elegantly from the table right next to us for whenever we need it.

Add a touch of glamour to the table with a CarrieMe baghook in bright catwalk colours and textures to match your handbag. Don’t worry if your bag is very large or heavy, the CarrieMe bag hook is a compact accessory, but is very strong holding up to 6kg. To see a full range of designs, check out -www.carrieme.co.uk.


CarrieMe 'Camellia' bag hook in grey

 

Which CarrieMe would you chose to take for an afternoon of High Tea?

The Isabella Blow Exhibition & Amazing Millinery

This week at CarrieMe we're dedicating our ‘Wednesday Wish List’ to amazing millinery in honour of the 'Isabella Blow Exhibition' @Somerset House, London.

Isabella Blow was an all-round fashion legend with thirty years in the industry, beginning her career as Anna Wintour’s assistant at US Vogue. Isabella was a Muse, Stylist, Editor, Talent scout, Mentor. She had an eccentric character, with a bright personality.

We respect her for discovering and launching the careers of many elite designers, including the superlative - Alexander McQueen, she bought McQueen’s first entire collection - one item a month, paying him £100 a week! And of course she discovered extraordinary hat designer Philip Treacy.

CarrieMe just love hats! Different hats provides us with a new identity, are a channel to express our personality, can give us confidence, can be worn as armour, a way to hide our face from the world, or as an expression of love.

Isabella and CarrieMe’s favourite hat designer Philip, became great friends on a personal level as well as working together professionally. Blow established Treacy from her London flat, where he designed dreamy hat collections, and she was a muse to him, incorporating Treacy's hats as part of her signature flamboyant style.  They were a match made in heaven!


Isabella wearing Philip Treacy

Isabella introduced Phillip to many industry insiders, which had a profound impact on his success. These days CarrieMe see his creations everywhere, from the controversial Lady Gaga, Madonna, Kate Moss… He made a mammoth 36 hats for the 2011 royal wedding.

An impressive sixty Philips Treacy hats which belonged to Isabella will be on show at Somerset house. We also predict some fascinating fascinators in this collection. CarrieMe cannot wait to have a peek.  Mannequins will be dressed in outfits as worn by Blow. Recreating her signature silhouette consisting of a McQueen outfit, Phillip Treacy hat and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

The exhibition will showcase over one hundred pieces from Isabella, wow! A stunning collection of bespoke, collectors’ item pieces which will no doubt make people look in awe. A must-see event for fashion fanatics, full of colour, glitz and drama. An opportunity for us to celebrate a wonderful woman that inspired and shaped our 2oth century fashion industry.

To celebrate the Somerset Exhibiton, CarrieMe have created a pinboard of our favourite ‘hat couture’. Check it out here - http://www.pinterest.com/carriemelondon/hat-couture/

CarrieMe's shares their favourite contemporary jewellers as part of London's Jewellery Weeek

Let's celebrate all the wonderful jewellery designers out there - after all it is Jewellery Week in London!

At CarrieMe, we've picked some of our favourites that we found at the Jewellery Show in Somerset House, and are delighted that some of them will be featured in "Treasure", an exhibition set in Somerset House and open to the public this weekend (Friday 14th June - Sunday 16th June).

1) LucyQ Designs

Lucy is an award winning contemporary jewellery designer and I absolutely love her quirky and fun sterling silver designs, from clouds, drips, puzzles, buttons and more.... plus she'll be exhibiting at Treasure as part of Jewel Street, so make sure you stop by to find her!

LucyQ's large drip necklace

LucyQ's drip necklace

LucyQ's clouds

2) Antonio Ben Chimol

He's an Italian designer based in Spain, with a penchant for using natural leather skins and a brilliant magnetic clip for his bracelets.  He's recently also branched out more into metal - I was drawn to both his stunning Armour and leather bracelets.

Antonio Ben Chimol - Armour bracelet

Antonio Ben Chimol - metallic clasp bracelets

3) Maree London

Maria Thompson is the designer behind the Maree brand whose beautiful contemporary pieces are all handcrafted in silver, gold and with precious stones.  I was particularly taken by her new Daffodill collection (also one of my favourite flowers) the smaller daffodil on the pendant can move around.... don't forget to seek her out at Treasure, as you'll be amazed at her wonderful collection!

All from Maree London's new Daffodill collection

So don't forget to get your ticket in advance for the Treasure show - they're only £10 each but I think you can still get a 2:1 deal so hurry!!!

CarrieMe celebrates new UK brand: flattering fits for the vertically challenged

Finally, a British Brand dedicated to those that are vertically challenged!

But hang on, I'm not under 5'4" am I? I wish! After all there are lots of Petite ranges already on the High Street. No, unfortunately I'm part of the other spectrum, those that have been ignored for too many years, those that are 5'9" tall and above and don't fit the other fashion High Street niche of Plus Sizes.

Being tall, I'm often faced with the tricky decision of do I go inadvertently mini (really not ideal for work) or go up a size to get another inch on the hem, which doesn't really improve the fit!

So enter stage right, a new brand launching online in May, focused entirely on tall women: Taller Than Your Average

Conceived by UK fashion stylist Irene Agbontaen, who is an impressive 5'11", it looks like she has a collection worth checking out.  Selfridges Department Store has already nabbed the first spot and will be stocking her range of jersey and key wardrobe pieces from June - bet I'll see you there!

In the meantime, where would you recommend I get a new maxi dress, that properly sweeps the floor even in heels to take advantage of our new found summer weather?

CarrieMe can't wait to see the view from the Shard!

So who hasn't seen the new Shard on London's skyline and wandered what the view would be like?  Absolutely fantastic no doubt on a clear day - though wouldn't want to be stuck up there in a blizzard - so roll on some clear skies!

Designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano. The Shard is 1,016ft and now the tallest building in Western Europe, redefining London's skyline.

Tepegraph Travel

And the countdown is on, as The View, on floors 68. 69 and 72, is finally open - the CarrieMe team can't wait to go there, though I know one of us is scared of heights, no revealing who though!  

The View from The Shard

Tickets are available from http://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/ let us know if you decide to go and we might see you there! 

CarrieMe has some fishy fun!

The London Sea Life Aquarium's Deep Clean has inspired CarrieMe to visit the underwater world of beauty...

Every January the main attraction gets a good scrub down... as do the animals!

Rex Features 

Its been a good few years since any of the CarrieMe team have been to the aquarium but all have fond memories and think its due another visit and soon so we thought we would share are plans with you London visitors!

Shark Reef Encounter is one of the new attractions and we are SO there! The London Sea Life Aquarium have described the new experience as a "celebration of one of nature’s most magnificent but misunderstood creatures, guests start their journey with a walk on the wild side across the new, extended Shark walk".  

Being able to see sixteen sharks on a glass walkway may not be a typical afternoon but January is all about doing new things be it with friends or family. Fun for all! 

With feeding times for rays, catfish, terrapins, sharks and coral reef we will be pulling straws on which one to book in for! London is perfect for doing fun things like this and we are so lucky to leave here! 

CarrieMe is all for well dressed men.... especially those showing today in the London Collections: Men!

London Collections: Men - Autumn/Winter 2013 showcase starts today

The beginning of January 2013 is a slow one for many but not for the British fashion scene as the British Fashion Council host a three day stint of fashion bonanza all centred around Men. The scheduled presentations were opened earlier today from Belstaff, Lou Dalton and John Smedley.  Later to be followed by Topman Design, Richard Nicoll and Hackett London.

Dylan Jones, Chair of London Collections: Men said, "London is the home of menswear, so it is only natural that is has its own dedicated fashion week.  London invented tailoring in Savile Row, it invented youth culture, and it continues to produce the best young designers in the world.  Why would a menswear designer chose to show anywhere else?".  We're with Mr Jones on this one, lets celebrate men's fashion in its home town!

London Collections: Men 

Liam Gallegher, Pretty Green 

Over 60 menswear designers will show on schedule until 9th January including Liam Galleger's Pretty Green brand via cinematic presentation at the acclaimed Mayfair's The Arts Club this evening. We wonder if there will be an Oasis soundtrack accompanying the presentation..

David Gandy 

With male fashion rightly dominating January we are able to see the best dressed of the fabulously dressed! A few days of male glamour with events held that we dream of going to including David Gandy's intimate reception to highlight Red Nose Day and the fashion world's collaborative plans is just what January needs.  

CarrieMe are looking forward to seeing all the shows in pictured beauty, especially the 30 ready-to-wear and accessories designers that will exhibit their AW13 collection at the Hospital Club, the main hub for LC:M.  Who knows some of the accessories may include some man bags that need a CarrieMe to hold it up and keep it clean where ever it is taken...looking good in black or silver.... 

CarrieMe Classic Bag Hook in Charcoal Black - open

CarrieMe Classic Bag Hook in Charcoal Black

CarrieMe Silver Classic Bag Hook in action

CarrieMe are looking forward to seeing all the shows in pictured beauty, especially the 30 ready-to-wear and accessories designers that will exhibit their AW13 collection at the Hospital Club, the main hub for LC:M.  Who knows some of the accessories may include some man bags that need a CarrieMe to hold it up and keep it clean where ever it is taken...

PA Photos 

We are sure that all the designers will out stand and particular anticipation is for the credibly acclaimed Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford, not to mention the exclusive party hosted by Tommy Hilfiger later!
The Topman Design show has just started with the ever dapper David Gandy and Tiny Tempah sitting front row, everyone knows it's going to be a good'n!

CarrieMe - New Year....New You?

Here at CarrieMe, we would like to wish you a very joy-filled New Year - may 2013 be your year to accomplish whatever you set out to do!

New Year's Fireworks
www.Times.co.uk

I always love the big bang of London's amazing fireworks, it makes me think about a fresh start....and goals for 2013 - being even bigger and better than last year!

New Year's Resolutions to be made!
www.healthyliving.msn.com

According to the Independent, Britain's Top Five popular resolutions of 2013 are:
1. Save more money
2. Get out of debt
3. Get fit
4. Change career
5. Quit smoking


The first 3 are relevant to most of us, but I know that I can only survive the gym with a gym buddy, so any volunteers?

My other 2 goals are:

1) Mindfulness and contentment - running a business can be all consuming, with work/life balance going out the window, so this year, I plan to give myself time out each month to just be, catch up on the vibes and de-stress

2) Global expansion - CarrieMe is now stocked in over 120 shops across the UK and a few in Europe and has been shortlisted for gift of the year twice in a row, so our goal for 2013 is global domination of course and in concrete terms to reach 200 stockists and export to more countries!


So which are your New Year's resolutions  or goals for 2013, let us know!

CarrieMe Eyeskate this Christmas!

Fancy doing something different this Christmas? Head over to London's festive Southbank for a ice skating session with spectacular views. 

The EDF Energy London Eye are currently hosting the Eyeskate event of the season whereby there is a picturesque rink that allows you to skate in the shadow of the well known landmark.  The CarrieMe team are having the Christmas outing to the rink and are all excited as tonight is the night!

We all know we won't be anywhere near as good as the pros pictured above but falling over is half the fun of trying. There is a prediction that our faces will be sore from so much laughter.  The PR intern here at CarrieMe used to take ice skating lessons so she is the one to watch!  If you are stuck on ideas of festive places to go with friends or somewhere to tire out the children then Eyeskate is perfect! 

Remember to buy online to save 10% as we all know that every little helps!

Don't Let it rain on your parade

On this wet and windy day, don't let the weather dictate your fashion choices, instead have fun with these stylish umbrellas. Here at CarrieMe HQ we like to stand out on our commute home.

Timeless and Chic

We can't resist this Lulu Guinness' iconic Big Ben and Tower Bridge design - it will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.... and as you know at CarrieMe we're just mad about London.

London Print Umbrella- Lulu Guinness 

Technological Design

For those looking for a more techy design, try the Senz Original which withstands winds of up to 70 mph - just the thing for London today, so I don't have to worry about my umbrella turning inside out and breaking.... plus the added bonus, its available in lots of colours including our favourite brand colour purple!  

Senz Original

Arty and different

Having met the 2 designers of this product, I think its fab idea for those wanting to be a bit arty and different. Try Squid London's London Skyline Squidarella, which has some nifty ink technology which activates colour on contact with water, so put a smile on everyone's face as they watch it change.  

Squid London- London Skyline Squidarella

Now that you're dry, you can turn your thoughts to the next stage - what do you do with your wet umbrella once you're on the tube or bus or need both hands for things like shopping?  I mean you don't really want to just stuff your wet umbrella into your bag and get everything wet - purse, mobile, makeup and all the other treasures we absolutely need on a daily basis.

So at CarrieMe, we decided to create the CarrieMore Clip just so that you could attach your umbrella to the outside of your bag, keeping both hands free and most importantly, everything else dry!  Go on give it a try!

CarrieMore Clip by CarrieMe

CarrieMe- CarrieMore Clip

Yippee London is THE place!

We got good news!

A TripAdvisor's recent survey of world tourists have chosen London as the world’s best destination and the No.1 place to visit.

Others in the running were New York, Paris and Rome but it feels good to have London being chosen as the best!

No big surprise as we have so many historic buildings, fantastic views, amazing parks, fabulous shopping, great nightlife and much much more... oh and the Jubilee celebrations and Olympics of course.

Our favourite include getting your historic fix at the Parliament building,

 www.wikipedia.org

 seeing London from the air on the London Eye

www.londoneye.com

getting your retail therapy fix at the Selfridges shoe gallery

http://chantlewhite.blogspot.co.uk/

and the relax and people watch in the serenity of Hyde Park

 www.sistemaecodeco.com

Can't say we're not proud, after all we're inspired at CarrieMe just by being in London!