A new bag for new times - The Halston 24 February 08 2024, 0 Comments

Just as the Spring bulbs are beginning to poke through the sticky muddy soil, so I'm beginning to find the headspace to stick my toes back into making bags again. The studio took a long time to crank back into life - and to move into a designated workspace - but it still feels temporary - I get the feeling that all is not quite as it should me - and I can't really EMBED as I would like.

Despite this background DIS-EASE - I discovered I wanted a new bag for a new year - and the beloved Halston and Brooklyn bags which I myself wear every single day, year after year - were starting to become a little, well - over loved - don't get me wrong - they still have decades more wear in them - but as a designer, I do like to ring the changes - and so Halston 24 has been born. It's scaled up in size and has a lovely contrasting coloured base.

It's still made using the wonderfully supple Italian tumbled cow hide that St Leonards has used for years - there's never any fear of flaking or shedding from this metallic - but it's just got bigger.

Head over to the cross body section now to get all the deets - Have a peaceful and loving February - and maybe treat yourself to the new Halston 24 too.

cutting out the red leather - and pattern pieces weighed down.

choosing the metallic leather colours

Have a good week

K x

A NEW WINTER PHASE October 24 2023, 0 Comments

Gosh it's been a while.

A whole year since the Modern Goods store on Norman Rd closed because the building went up for sale and despite asking to buy the store...it was sold on to a family who now have it.

Its been devastating to have the momentum snatched away from you after 6 yrs.

So now I have been trying to pivot onwards in a new way. The plan has been to rey and launch part of the St Leonards and Modern Goods business as a wholesale operation.

I started in January 2023 with greetings card designs shown at Top Drawer London and we showed again this September.

The plan is now to extend the product range by relaunching the much loved Totely Canvas bag collection.

If you search for Totely Canvas now you can see two of the designs are now ready to sell.

Take a look around! 

Best wishes

K

AUTUMN TERM... October 28 2022, 0 Comments

So it's all change AGAIN for the business.

From being a child who was frightened of changes I am now embracing it left right and centre - I now laugh in the face of stability! ( smiles )

Many of you got to know me via the bricks and mortar store ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS who closed its doors on 30th September.

It been an amazing ride - 6 years of growing the contemporary unisex brand, turning the quieter end of the street into a bit of a destination - and growing the in-house product ranges as well as increasing the clothing budget year on year. 

When I think about how it all started - the loyal online bag customers and friends crowdfunded me £7000 in just 3 weeks to get the lease deposit paid and stock into the store...to growing it into £15,000 of stock each season...it felt baffling to close - but on the other hand - with the opening and closing 5 times during the pandemic, and the rising utility bills costs - it's sad to call time on the store, but it also might be a very timely and wise decision.

I always wanted to buy the shop from my landlord, but he has decided to sell the building off as a whole - that's 4 flats and the retail space as one lot. So the latest pivot, will be for me to offer up Modern Goods as a super edited collection that takes the brand globally via wholesale. And to give myself an income while this builds I'll be developing another property to keep money flowing.

It's creative in a different way. Lots of the skills are transferable, but I can't let the bag business disappear - now's the time to get some beauties back onto the website.

And the first new design in 2.5 years is The Markwick. Click the image below to check it out now. It's being made for me by Elisa in North London to my design. A 4-way rucksack bag to kick start ST LEONARDS into life again.

END OF AN ERA - 6 YRS FOR MODERN GOODS - ALL CHANGE! August 13 2022, 0 Comments

WOW! 6 YEARS!
And then just like that...the store was in the High Summer Sale and then closing its doors September...
I'm sad to say the Real Store on Norman Road is closing in September From its humble crowd-funded roots back in 2016, where the loyal online fans sponsored a whopping £7,500 in just 3 weeks, I'm Super Proud of the growth of this small, but perfectly formed lifestyle store...
Giving not just me, a salary and creative outlet for my Fashion Buying and Design experience, but it has also supported many locals too, with wages and collaborative product projects. Those projects have given me such pleasure!

What's next?

The building will be going on the market as a whole entity middle September and I'm out by the 30th. The landlords have revealed nothing more - so if you want to buy a huge building - you'll have to wait until you see it online - I don't know the agents or price etc - sorry.

Will there still be leather bags?
St Leonards ( the leather goods business ) will remain online www.stleonardsonline.com as always, but in a new guise while I shift my machinery across to my very crowded living room! And get stuff made by a factory in London! You will have a pause, as we had to during Lockdown, but I hope to have it ticking away again at the end of the year...ready stock available to buy, rather than made to order.

Will there still be some Modern Goods canvas and fabric totes, and sweatshirts?

There might indeed, be a few items still available on the website from time to time - but the main thrust is...
Modern Goods is going to start an exciting PIVOT into WHOLESALE so here's the plan: the best selling products we have sold in the past 6 years from our little seaside store, will be offered at selected trade fairs for 2023 to other stores across the UK and what the hell, even the world!
Some of the greetings cards have already been bought by bookstores in NYC, Chicago and Scotland, so I've got a good feeling about this...

Modern Goods was the
The first menswear store in St Leonards offering contemporary and premium brands YMC London and others like Superga, Great Plains, Frnch and more, so Modern men and women didn't have to travel to Brighton or London.

Make the most of the last month and come shop the SALE now!

We can't wait to see you!
K x

The Coast is very current. September 09 2021, 0 Comments

Hello, lovelies. Long time no... blog! Oops. Life has been HECTIC, as I'm sure you can imagine. For the full scoop as it happens, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter - you'll also get discounts, news on exclusive releases, hot content, oh my! The option to sign up will appear as soon as you open my website. Snazzy and efficient, right? Oh, and social media is a great way to keep updated, too. The links are at the bottom of this blog post; just read your way there!

Anyway. This month's theme is... art. Creativity. Posterity. Leaving your mark on the world in the form of bold brush strokes, torn scraps of paper, colourful inkings and sketches on napkins. You'll still be in this world long after your body is feeding the earth and your soul is somewhere in the night sky. We all want to be remembered, don't we? Well, surely the truest form of memory is in something you made with your creative mind and curious heart. 

Each piece is signed and numbered and created as a result of playing with repetition of shapes to create fantasy still life "sculptures" as if found on my daily beach walks during the pandemic. They are all created using pencil, pen, Indian inks and acrylic on watercolour card, and framed inside an acetate non reflective glass and a black satin wood frame.
£94 each. Size framed: 44cm tall x 34cm wide. Feel free to DM me on social media if you can't get down to my shop for whatever reason.

You can learn more about the wonderful Hastings Coastal Currents festival right HERE - not just 2021 either, but all the way back to the early days of local artists exhibiting their work and being celebrated in our community and beyond it. 

And speaking of art... how incredible it this piece? 

It's easily the hero of this Autumn for folks at St Leonards Modern Goods! New in this week was the YMC men's Bowie Embroidered and lined jacket. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's absolutely stunning. It's got a black background with multi-coloured embroidered flowers, and there's a zip fastening so it can be worn as a jacket or shirt.

Oh, and women can totally rock it, too. No restrictions! No limits! Whether you're throwing it over a tee to keep the chill off, or tucking into trousers to make a statement outfit, you'll look like a Star Man.

Click the photo above or this link to purchase, my dears!
Available in Small - X Large. £295

Reconnect and reflect. April 07 2021, 0 Comments

Hello, lovelies. How are we going? You know, that’s a very common colloquialism in Australia; ‘how are you going?’, pronounced ‘howyagoin’?’ Isn’t it sweet? Much nicer than the somewhat clinical ‘how are you today?’ or the vague, unimaginative ‘how are things?’ 

I’m going… quite swimmingly. I can’t complain. Ohh, now that’s a very British thing to say, isn’t it? But it’s true! The shop is thriving in lockdown, as is my Modern Mentoring work (more on that below!) and while I’m missing my regular carefree jaunts down to my local beach with friends, our pups, picnic baskets and a few bottles of this and that, I’m also grateful for the quiet time. It’s been a blessing for my busy brain. 

Have any of you had any moments of revelation, or just simple yet poignant reflection, since the one year anniversary of lockdown (1)’s instigation? Maybe you were working a job you hated and have since left it; perhaps the many periods of lockdown have helped you to learn who your best pals really are; or did you realise you don’t like coffee, you just bought one every day out of habit?
Okay, that last one may be a little far-fetched. Who doesn’t like coffee?

This month’s artist inspiration has been Christina Zimpel. Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Christina is an artist living in Brooklyn New York, with a studio in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Her paintings and drawings have been exhibited in New York, San Francisco, Madrid, Paris and Sydney.

I’d describe Christina and her work as… Spring-like. Energetic. Bold, and unique. The vibrant colour combinations make my heart whizz, and I feel this sense of calm and hope when I look at her pieces on Instagram. 

I’m actually really enjoying drawing, in this latest lockdown. It feels like I’m resurrecting something within myself that’s been hidden a long time, maybe even since I completed my Textiles degree; my passion for it has been on the back burner for a while now and it’s so wonderful to have it back. 
Here are some of the things I’ve sketched and painted recently… 

Want to see more, in physical form - specifically, Conqueror textured paper, printed in St Leonards on Sea? Well, you absolutely can! Take a look at my Lockdown Art Zines, available for PRE-ORDER now at just £18 (or 4 interest-free payments of £4.50 with Clearpay). 

Strictly limited editions. There will be 6 per title only, and the titles are: Great Spider Plants of Our Time; The Best Pebble on the Beach; Real and Imaginary Coffee Cups; Real and Imaginary Tea Cups; The Weird Thing I Saw on My Way to Warrior Sq. Are you intrigued yet? Of course you are, darlings. 

Finally, this is a little call-out for creative souls like me… 

I'm so excited to be launching my bite-size mini mentoring packages for those of you who are looking for a powerful kick-start into delving into your spirit, as a creative, artist, designer-maker, WITHOUT commitment to a full course! 
Sound good? I thought so. 

If you're not quite ready to commit to a whole course, this is the perfect opportunity to test the water before deciding to dive in and immerse yourself fully.

Help dig yourself out of a creative rut by joining the free Facebook group Modern Mentoring, where you'll be able to share insights and get feedback in a safe, supportive space. Check out the Modern Mentoring page on the website too, if you haven’t already.

Oh, also, if you subscribe to my newsletter then you’ll be eligible for a juicy discount on my courses. The link should appear when you open the website! Clever, eh?

That’s it for this month, folks! Stay safe, be well, and think of me next week when I’m finally unlocking the gates to my shop… 

Marching in, and sort-of celebrating. March 07 2021, 0 Comments

We are quickly ambling into March, my friends - a strange time, I’m sure you’ll agree? To think, just one (very long, yet bizarrely short) year ago, we were going about our day, living more or less normally, without incident. We were going for coffee dates in our favourite local spots, jumping on the train into the city if and when we fancied it, browsing in shops; a trip to the supermarket was a fun family outing, we would moan about the cost of cinema tickets shooting up, and we’d be baffled by the sight of a tourist on the tube or wandering along a busy street wearing a clinical face covering. How were we to know?

(okay, there may be a lot of sea photos on this blog, but do you ever get bored of it? I sure as hell don't!) 

What is everyone doing to… well, not celebrate, but simply acknowledge and recognise, maybe? ...the year that’s passed? Obviously there’s not much we can do right now, but perhaps a long walk along the seafront or through a park would do it. With a thick pair of socks under your boots, a tissue up your sleeve and a chocolate bar in your pocket. This Fool’s Spring has done the dirty on us yet again, but we’re ever optimistic. 

World Book Day happened recently! What a joyful day. Many folks (born after 1970!) got to enjoy years of dressing up as favourite literary characters for school - in elaborate costumes no doubt made by parents who had worn themselves out sewing and gluing them together for the week preceding the big day. I wish I'd got to experience that - but then, maybe I should just go into work dressed as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland...  

So, if you had to be a literary character, who would you be? Who do you feel represents you and your values? And, I wondered this past week - what kind of customers would book folk be? 

Beatrice from Much Ado is a favourite of mine; I love her sass and wit. She'd no doubt pop by Modern Goods semi-regularly to purchase numerous fountain pens, which she'd then use quickly filling notebooks with her musings on life, rants, and scathing observations about men. 

The demure heroine Mrs de Winter in Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca would no doubt go for some classic wardrobe options, but nothing too outrageous and attention-seeking - maybe a Halston mini bag? This Great Plains navy printed smock dress may suit her too; it's quietly fabulous. 

You may have seen on my newsletter this week (if you didn’t - sign up now, my lovelies! Here’s the link you need: SUBSCRIBE!) this month I have recommended the novel by A.M Homes entitled: This Book Will Save Your Life. 

I really enjoyed reading this during lockdown; it's about a man who has lived as a hermit in a massive home in California, making huge amounts of money trading, completely devoid of emotional nourishment. I don’t want to share any spoilers, so I’ll just summarise like this; a series of crazy happenings and a chance meeting with a man who makes doughnuts transforms and feeds his life in some beautiful and surprising ways.

Remember to support your local, small businesses when making purchases; a great place to get your copy of this (or any!) book would be The Hastings Bookshop. Or another (more virtual!) local is The Big Green Bookshop. 

This month’s arty inspo comes from Sara Berman. 

Berman got a BA in Fashion at Central St Martins in 1999, then she founded and ran her eponymous fashion brand for 15 years. Her involvement with clothing and the body led to a visual arts practice that combines painting and textile works. 

‘Berman’s work deals with the spaces we occupy. Corporeal, haptic, cerebral, societal. Space as an extension of self. Clothing, textiles, the domestic interior and the female body provide the platform for an exploration of material through painting, weaving, assemblage, collage and drawing.’
- sarabermanartist.com/  

‘A dialogue between painting and textiles. Feeding into each other, joining at the seams, meeting in uncomfortable places. There is a bleed in my work; a contamination. I can attempt a sanitisation, a cleaning up of the domestic detritus into a cupboard marked ‘Practice’ but the bleed is the point, the uncomfortable nooks of the female bodily experience. This is the issue. Pass me a tissue so I can clean it all up for you and put something on. Clothing as objects of confinement, of protection, of identity, of safety. Inside. Outside.

Painting is a game of materiality. The visceral qualities of paint. Layered, built up, scraped back and bruised. Emerging from violence of its own making. Searching.

It is important to start any search with a map of the road to nowhere. My map is The Harlequin. An outfit, a costume The perfect disguise. The perfect reveal. It all starts with her. The Harlequin as a Woman is No Joker. She is the Trickster Whore. The Witch, the Shrew, the Sorceress with the voice of a Harpy. Fear her with her big mouth, her bloody gash. But I digress, I transgress. Me and My Big Mouth.’

• Sara’s Artist Statement; sarabermanartist.com/bio/ 

International Women’s Day is this week! 8th of March, to be precise. This, along with the fact that the young ones go back to school on this same date, is definitely cause for celebration. I will be thinking about all the female entrepreneurs out there who are constantly dreaming up new ideas, making big moves, leaping about with their creativity and pushing boundaries further and further skywards - wondering what could happen for us next, in this new world that is 2021. How will you honour the amazing women in your life? Wait, the question should really be - how do you honour the amazing women in your life? Because it shouldn’t all be saved up for one day a year, surely…? Some very healthy food for thought, there. 

Speak soon, my lovelies.

Clash the colours and banish the dull. February 25 2021, 0 Comments

Happy end of another month, dear friends. January was like Marmite - it lasted far too long, and was loved by some, but hated by many more. While some loved the fresh start, others felt daunted about the blank page that was 2021. February has felt like a welcome relief; almost cooling, like one of those magical forehead rubbers that dispel a migraine, after weeks of zig-zag auras and dull aches. 

How are we all feeling about the recent ‘roadmap’ reveal? The opinions have been flying around on social media, and I’m definitely a little conflicted about it. Obviously it will be wonderful when we can reopen, and we will do so as safely as possible. But are we really in a rush? 

This latest lockdown has been the hardest. We’ve all had the plugs pulled on our souls, and a lot of folks have been ‘hermitting’ since the new year started; retreating into our own little caves, curling up in our comfiest clothes and burying our heads in sweet and salty popcorn until the madness ends. The cheery influencers on social media have stopped sharing their ‘10 best isolation date ideas’, 2019 holiday snaps captioned with ‘I miss this!’ and all the colourful Canva-made mental health mantra graphics, and started simply saying ‘I’m here, and I see you’. What are you doing to help yourself through this period? I’d recommend funny podcasts, long (safe and socially distanced) takeaway-coffee-walks with friends, keeping your hands busy, outfits that can only be described as a risky combination of catastrophically clashing colours, and puppies. 

Also, treat yourself now and again. I’ve taken a deep dive into Instagram’s indie artists and illustrators, recently, which led to a lovely romantic tryst with Etsy - another controversial platform, these days! Where do you stand on it? I think it’s perfectly fine, as long as it’s used the way it was designed to be; to promote unique, aspiring artists and shop owners. The big ugly giant webby folks (BUGWF, to use the official acronym) are swooping in on smaller sites such as Etsy and filling them with overproduced, somewhat soulless bits and bobs - a real shame. 

ANYWAY… here are two artists I took a shine to there… 

Marina Studio. An illustrator, pattern and surface designer by the name of Lauren, based in lovely Poole, Dorset. Simple but quirky designs; elegant and gentle but they also pop with personality. 

(She's also crowdfunding for a new studio brand - check that out and support if you can! We creatives gotta stick together, eh?)

Now, who loves a good scent? The Handmade Candle Co make the most beautiful vegan soy wax candles; they come in amber glass jars, and are made in Shrewsbury. As they'd been selling so well at the store in St Leonards on Sea, I thought we'd best add them to the website! See HERE for all your options - we recommend the Sweet Neroli and Basil, an unexpectedly uplifting and delicious treat! 

This weekend I am crazy busy with my latest Modern Mentoring endeavour; The CUT IT OUT Challenge!

Check out the Facebook group now for the scoop on that.

Have you signed up to my Modern Mentoring newsletter yet? No? Well, you must! 

It’s the best way to be kept in the loop with juicy insights, ACE actionable challenges and tasks to keep you motivated and keep your mindset positive. It will even give you access to EARLY BIRD discounts on my MM courses! Here’s the link you need - see you in your inbox, my angels! 

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That’s it for this month, gang! Don’t be too sad, it will be the end of March before we know it, at the rate time is going these days…! 

Did you catch last month’s blog post, too? Read it here!

Speak soon - stay mindful, be colourful and really quite magical. Like Bottle Alley, at nighttime! See below... x

The January effect. January 30 2021, 0 Comments

We did it. We made it to 2021. Is anyone feeling relieved? Accomplished? Or… no different? A lot of us are still feeling the 2020 vibes, like the aftertaste hasn’t quite worn off yet; the wound is still open. Well, I find that the best way to dispel the new year negativity and anxiety is to have some clear-outs - in your mind and your living space. 

New Year’s Resolutions have become quite a toxic thing; we set goals with the best intentions, and get ourselves pumped up and ambitious, but before long we find the pressure gets to us, we lose our steam, and get lethargic. Then we spend the rest of the year feeling like failures. The trick is to not go ‘too big’ with your intentions. And don’t think of them as a goal for the year; pitch them to yourselves positively, and make sure they’re things that won’t eat at you. Don’t set time limits. And make them gentle, happy things like ‘treat myself very often’, ‘meditate daily’, ‘learn something new’, ‘indulge my creativity’, ‘invest in my own mind’, ‘take a leap’, ‘look into that business venture I keep dreaming about’... you want to look forward to these things, not dread the moment when you give up on them.  

Now, once you’re done with clear-outs, sharing your finest ‘offcuts’ around amongst your loved ones, and popping to the local second hand shops with overflowing bin bags, you need to have a good long look around you, and fall in love with what you have left. The many lotions and potions that you’d forgotten about, lying in the bottom of drawers beneath your bathroom sink. A great many obscure trinkets, silver bangles in dire need of a polish, and statement necklaces worn at parties way back when we could plan, host and attend… remember those days? Oh, and the plants you didn’t donate to your green-fingered friends, because you know in your heart that there’s hope for them yet - or rather, hope for you, learning to care for them better. (a tip for that - stop watering them so much.) And of course, the beautiful, unmistakably ‘you’ clothes and accessories you adopted over the years; the curated capsules you spent hours piecing together and have your happiest memories stitched into the fabric by now. Care for these items. Wash them gently, and rarely, if you can. Mend them when they fray or tear, don’t just cast them out and look for a newer model. Sponge the spots, steam out the creases, sew on a new button or stab an extra hole in a belt. 

STOP SAVING YOUR BEST FOR ‘BEST’. Wear it all now! Don’t let anything gather dust. Treat yourself, and dress up for a day working from home. It lifts your spirit, and helps you get into the coveted, oh-so-elusive ‘Work Mode’. Then when it’s safe to go back to work, treat yourself some more, and dress down. Bring some home comforts to the workspace. That could be a favourite mug, a postcard from your favourite holiday, or a pair of the cosiest bamboo socks. Oh, and definitely get yourself a ‘work cardigan’. You deserve it. 

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This month's artist inspiration is Laksmi Hussain. Her work is a perfect balance of bold yet meticulous - and gentle, warming elegance. She grew up in London, always drawing as a child, but it wasn't until she'd had her first child that she was inspired to pick up the pencil and turn a lifelong passion into a profession; the inspiration apparently came from watching the joy her child found in creativity. She works in a variety of mediums, and mostly at night. 

'Often, her work includes elements that appear incomplete, obliging the viewer to pause and engage with the artwork, filling in the absences themselves rather than just dismissing it and moving on.' (thislakshmi.com/about)

It's an unpopular opinion, but I really feel like everyone is waking up to the outside these days, now we're not allowed in cafes, and we're spending an outrageous amount of time indoors. The sky seems bigger, the sun feels warmer and sea air is somehow more fresh; the salt lingers on your tongue, so you can still taste it when you get home and settle down with an afternoon tea and a book. 

This beach hut called out to me as I walked by; the colour combination reminded me of a 1940's kitchen design, and on a windy, dull day, it felt hopeful and warm. 

The Southwater Tote, in green.

Here's some big news... It's my tenth year in this business, making bespoke bags and accessories, and as my 50th birthday (16th of February, FYI) approaches too, I've decided something. I'm going to stop making St Leonards bags to order. 

I'm ready to step into a new decade of my life, making bags as and when I feel the urge, creating set stock and ready to go pieces.

This means there's no more waiting for an order to be made, because everything listed on the website will be already made and ready to send to you, (or to walk out of the store with, when I can reopen!).

It also means I get to explore new and exciting avenues as well as designs, without having to repeat them over and over again. When you see something you like on the website or in store, it's ready to go home with you. It's as simple as that. Let's start this new era. Can you feel my excitement!? 

This also means more time to focus on Modern Mentoring. The Facebook group is growing, and so many creatives are connecting, elevating their mindset and their respective businesses. It's wonderful to see all their paths being paved, with my help. 

If you're interested, and haven't summoned up the courage to dive in and invest in yourself yet - this is the sign you've been waiting for. And great news! You can sign up for my Marvellous Messaging course in either March or June.

I hope your January isn't feeling too long, and that you're finding some light in amongst all the darkness... and madness. Keep an eye on the social platforms for offers, new products and shop news as it happens, but for now - until next month. x

That festive limbo. December 22 2020, 0 Comments

Be grateful for the good news. November 25 2020, 0 Comments

Let the Autumn in. October 09 2020, 0 Comments

Autumn is fast approaching. It’s happening all around us; the leaves are falling, incense is burning and our cupboards are calling out for jars of lentils and sacks of sweet potatoes. But then, Autumn is also a state of mind... 

RE-OPEN! June 18 2020, 0 Comments

The future of retail, TOAST CEO is interviewed June 06 2020, 0 Comments

Forbes business magazine interviews the CEO of Welsh slow fashion brand Toast. 

Click the image to read about her hopefulness for the future of fashion after Lockdown. And scroll further down the page watch the video of St Leonards founder K talk about her concerns and reflections on reopening the real store on the 18th of June by tuning into her IGTV channel.

TOAST

Click onto the image below to watch K's reflections on what's next for her and indie retail...

BOLAN ALONG! June 01 2020, 0 Comments

BRAND NEW FOR JUNE 2020 -  Sometimes a Global Reset is just what the doctor ordered in terms of "allowing" yourself time to rest, recharge and THINK. It's been wonderful to be more playful with my leather at the studio and create this new piece! Read on to find out all about the new design that launched today!

ST LEONARDS welcomes the new BOLAN bag into the fold. Conceived during Lockdown and born out of a desire to have a bag that is bold, creative, head-turning and FUN! The Bolan gives a nod to the 70s in style, colour and texture - pops of contrasting colour, metallic flashes and smouldering good looks - what any 1970's band would wish for!

Sometimes it's just got to be about having a bag that makes no sense - oversized - crazy colours and frankly bonkers! - a bag that will give you plenty of joy every time you use it.

Made from 4 different leathers and a technical rip-top nylon lining.

The main body is a smooth grain taupe Italian cow hide with a semi-sheen finish. on top of this is the buttery soft tumbled metallic pewter leather as per the #54 Slouchy Satchel  and internally is an eye-popping digital red camo printed sheep hide. The last type of leather is the Italian scarlet bridle leather that's used for the strap. This will be embossed with either ST LEONARDS or ST LEONARDS - ENGLAND depending on my whim that day.

Dimensions: 54cm wide at opening x 45cm tall in the centre.

Straps: 2.5cm wide with an approx 69-70cm drop from shoulder to top of bag - it's designed to be worn on the shoulder.

MADE at the ST LEONARDS STUDIO STORE.

HEAD over to the link now to order yours now!

https://www.stleonardsonline.com/products/bolan-deep-semi-circle-bag

What's all the fuss about...ZIPS March 26 2020, 0 Comments

A CHANGING WORLD March 22 2020, 0 Comments

As the world goes into global hibernation, we have to change how we shop for food, walk and take exercise and shop. I've been worried about how I will keep my business going, but keeping the store open feels increasingly risky to my health. I need to keep going to the store to make products at the back of the shop - I'm still getting some bag orders which is fantastic! - but I have been getting all the store products photographed and writing the copy to go online.

I've got a lot of the new YMC ( You Must Create ) menswear online, as well as the Danish sunglasses and Great Plains womenswear too.

More products will be added this week.

It takes time, but I'll get there.

I hope you'll continue to support my business so I can reopen at the end of the year. It was great to have so many turn up to the store on Saturday. 

THANKYOU.

Making Quality. March 05 2020, 0 Comments

I sometimes feel like a broken record talking about how great St Leonards products are, but sometimes, seeing is believing.

Here's a snippet of video showing some of the making process of the #70 Tote.

Every pattern piece is laid onto the saddlery leather and rotated for the best fit, nicest grain positions and also for the least wastage. St Leonards is extremely conscious about waste and prides itself of utilising every possible piece of leather, if it can't be used for bags, then it gets used for making smaller items like key fobs or cardholder wallets, and then the very last bits get used by the students on the leather crafting workshops to practice with.

Click on the photo to go straight to order the  Number 70 tote.

SPRING IS ROUND THE CORNER March 05 2020, 0 Comments

CHRISTMAS ORDERING DEADLINE December 01 2019, 0 Comments

Hi All,

Just a quick update to remind you that the ordering deadline is Midnight 8th December to guarantee your chosen St Leonards product gets made in time for Christmas delivery.

If you place your order AFTER this date - we may still be able to meet the deadline, but we will need to update you and let you know, order-by-order.

As an alternative you can order gift vouchers instead which can be emailed directly to the recipient or printed out and placed inside a card.

Merry Christmas!

NEW STITCHING workshops November 05 2019, 0 Comments

SHARING KNOWLEDGE - new intensive workshop day September 26 2019, 0 Comments

Hello all,

BRAND IMMERSION PLAN DAY

-Well, it's been a really long time since the last posting - APRIL! A lot's been happening, and much of it's been an internal dialogue about how I want the business to adapt. It's also been about getting used to my new home life and caring for a poorly dog too.

Anyway - in the reassessment of my own online business - its branding, and how ST LEONARDS is going to keep going and keep being RELEVANT to how I feel now ( and that's very different to how I felt when it launched in 2010 ) I realised that over the last 20+ years of my working life, I've picked up an awful lot of knowledge and that these nuggets and insights might be useful to you too! 

So, I've created an exciting new event that's taking place on Sunday 20th October ( so hopefully people will have the time off to attend ) and it's about building the foundations of your brand. Often we have an idea of what the business is about, it probably started with the logo and then "Whoosh!" you forgot those foundation beliefs in the hustle and bustle of making it "work." We can lose sight of what the core values and aims are. This message can get diluted between you, the product and the customer, to the point that it's fractured and no longer aligned! This can leave you feeling frustrated perhaps that you're attracting the wrong customers, or that you don't even connect to your own product any more.

So, if you'd like to know more, head over to the ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS business page EVENT and/or tickets can be purchased through the link there on through this link I'm adding at the bottom.

There's just x 6 places on this one  and x 2 of them have a saving of £10 if you commit before 1st October - so sign up fast!

I really hope you'll join me for what's sure to be an insightful day! Please share with anyone you know that might find this intensive session vital for their business' growth. See you soon! K x

FIND OUT MORE AND BUY TICKETS https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/build-your-brand-plan-day-immersion-tickets-74270142997

CHANGES TO THE WEBSITE April 18 2019, 0 Comments

Just a quick message to let you know that I've decided to have a big Spring clean of the products that are available online- sometimes it's good to just have a change!

If there's a style you liked but can't see anymore- do get in touch via the pop up contact form or by emailing on mail@stleonardsonline.com and I can discuss your requirements.

I'm going to be planning some fresh product in the coming year,

Until then, keep enjoying the website  - there's still plenty to choose from!

K

x

LISBON on my mind March 19 2019, 0 Comments

LOVE IS..... February 06 2019, 0 Comments

Love between people can come and go, but when you fall in love with a St Leonards bags you fall hard!

The beautiful luxury leathers, the gorgeous proportions and the handcrafted skills it takes to make them, what's not to love, right?

As a thankyou for subscribing to the mailing list - some of you have remained with us since 2010! - we'd LOVE you to have a discount code this Valentine's Day - Treat yourself to 15% off - use it online, at the checkout on any leather item and it's valid until midnight February 28th.

Voucher code: ADORINGFAN 

BURTON BAG - CHRISTMAS OFFER December 18 2018, 0 Comments

It's that time of year when you're looking for presents for others - but it's also sometimes the only time we get for ourselves to see things that WE like! It's so tempting to buy lots of stuff, but the Burton Bag will give you pleasure for many years to come...

So, we thought we'd offer you the chance to own a beautiful Burton Bag in time for Christmas at a very special Christmas price!

Please use the discount code: BURTONTREAT at the checkout to have a rather wonderful £50 off! And you'll still get the gorgeous gift wrapping service and free P&P within the UK.

Offer ends on midnight : December 30th.Please let friend know that have been hankering after one too!

ONLINE ORDERING DEADLINE - We're not stock-pilers like Marks & Spencer! November 19 2018, 0 Comments

We're not like Mark & Spencer with a massive warehouse full of stock and 24hr distribution logistics - every bag is cut by hand and each component is ordered in from somewhere else in the UK.
All these elements including the incredible Italian cowhide come together with care and attention so we need plenty of time to make something special.
That's why each year we give you a cut off date for ordering online.

So, to GUARANTEE your item will be made and posted in time for Christmas, you need to place your online order by midnight December 5th*

You're invited! - 3rd Winter evening shopping event October 28 2018, 0 Comments

COMBINATIONS - Work by Hermione Allsopp October 11 2018, 0 Comments

Solaris owned and run by Alex (which is a gallery/fine art printers on the same street as me) has a constantly revolving show of work and its latest show called Space Invaders has piqued my interest. It's a group show combining the work of 5 artists across assorted media and is sure to engage a new audience. The work of Hermione Allsopp particularly caught my eye so I headed over to her personal website.

I particularly like the sculptural pieces which combine the delicate domestic household objects like pastel coloured plates and bowls or sherbet-coloured pleated lampshades which are set into a mixture of gravel and foam - the hardness of these brutal building materials having something quite soft perishable and delicate peeping through is really interesting!

Graduating in 2012 from Canterbury School of Fine Art Hermione has been constantly developing and showing her work both in the UK and internationally. She often playfully mixes collected domestic objects with harder elements like wooden interior objects, concrete and foam. 

Here are some images of her work which I took from her site - Here's the link to her website  

Blocked and stacked cubes with playful colourful shiny dinners plates and bowls. Part domesticity, part Hifi Speakers in shape- these colourful sculptures look like they can be re-stacked and blocked up into different pleasing shapes.

The Victorian wood turned legs remind you of the home and how they'd perhaps sit in a domestic environment.

The delicate almost lingerie-like frills of the lampshade peeping out of the solid ball form create a very exotic sea urchin-esque quality. 

Mattresses cut up and folded into bookish objects, colour graded and stored in a wooden bookcase.There's something incredibly pleasing about the soft padded sections squeezed and archived into the hard shelves.

This makes me think of an exploding Victorian crinoline. Oozing out of itself and spilling Sea Anenome-like; overflowing and overpowering the delicate chair legs below. It feels strange to see a mattress, normally so solid and flat, seemingly flowing and curling so daintily. A hundred pocketed petticoats on display!

If you'd like to see the group show head over to Solaris at 76 Norman Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0EJ. They are open Tuesday to Saturday. 

The show Space Invaders is on until 27th October.

A great escape! - A week of restoration in Agadir June 19 2018, 1 Comment

At Last! she cried - a HOLIDAY!

After 6 years, I finally felt able to step away from the business - I could take some proper time off, get cover for the shop and had the money to do it without fretting too much!

I wanted somewhere sandy and warm to go in May and needed a short flight because I only had a week - so Morocco or Lanzarote were high on my list... but I couldn't face the hurly-burly of Marrakech and I've been to Lanzarote 3 times, and fancied a change. So, I did some research on Agadir - the seaside sandy laid back Moroccan resort where people are chilled, and the hotels are low level buildings and right on the white sand waterfront.

I chose the Riu Tikida Palace Hotel which was a wonderful 5 star all-modern beauty! It's SO refreshing to stay somewhere that feels like you've stepped into a Conde Nast shoot - instead of an 80's bedspread nightmare - As it was my first time going all-inclusive I was a liiiiiitle bit wary - ( truth be told I was a bit snobby about the idea of it - I thought I was going to feel herded and restricted and what's with the wristbands?!) but it couldn't have been further from the truth - the dazzling arrays of meal choices morning, noon and night were terrific - the staff were friendly and the beautiful pool was filled with seawater. There was a glorious spa and a super white beach too. But more important than any of this was the patisserie. I wept daily over these exquisite pastries with joy. On the last night I was introduced to Chef Mahmoud for "un pot de la confiture du figue" to go with their amazing cheese platter, because the waiter's confusion and consternation (But Madame, the fig jam is ONLY for the Petit Dejeuner) had turned me into a mistrusted guest -and as I clasped his hand tenderly, and in appalling schoolgirl French (with a soupcon of South London accent) told him that his baking, poaching and patisserie gave me new meaning to my life, he patted my shoulder, tapped his nose and sagely summoned a junior to attend to my "grand fromage issue, vite, vite!"

Oh, the pineapple fresh creme patisserie tarts! The buttery crumbly almond tarts! The mille feuille! Sigh...

The modern shady terrace to rest, read and recoup after lunch.

The wonderful array of loose teas and beauty potions at the Municipal Souk.

For God! King! Country! Arabic motto on the site where the original city once stood before it was ravaged by a tragic earthquake in the 1960s. The current King of Morocco has had this new esplanade and marina built in the last 2 years to encourage more tourism but also as part of their bid for hosting the World Cup in 2026...Sadly for them, they didn't win, but I'm selfishly quite happy about it, because it means this resort will stay a little more low-key for longer. But of course, now I've told YOU LOT about it...it'll be booked up in advance for years!

 The gorgeous fresh sardines, salads and roasted vegetable for lunch, happy feet at the spa, the Moorish buildings and garden landscaping, and modern stylish interiors.

So, if you're looking for somewhere warm and restful to recharge, I thoroughly recommend Agadir! Oh and for those in search of a blissful escape -Tui Holidays were offering the best deals for this hotel.

 Tag me into your holiday snaps if you go! @stleonardsmoderngoods

I'd love to see them, K x

7 REASONS TO BUY FROM ST LEONARDS February 09 2018, 0 Comments

People often ask me "What's so special about St Leonards bags?" and after cringing I try to explain that it's just up to the individual to decide which designers and brands they like best from a purely emotional level - (it's like asking someone why they've chosen to buy a Yorkshire Terrier over a Weimarana) They both have 4 legs and bark - it's just a question of personal preference and character, I then decided to write down 7 key points about why I think St Leonards accessories are special. To find out what they are, click HERE.

VISION BOARD WORKSHOP Sunday 4th February 2018 January 06 2018, 0 Comments

POTTERY POP UP AT ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS October 17 2017, 1 Comment

Scott Garrett pottery " Garrettware" lands slam dunk in the middle of the store for Winter.

Arriving 1st November and staying until Christmas, it's your chance to grab a joyful piece of pottery perfection that's highly collectable.

Come along to the real store ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS to see Scott's creative handiwork and fall in love with some exclusive pieces made for the store too.

If you'd like to make it an evening affair - pop along to the Private View on Friday 10th November between 7:30 and 9:30pm for some drinks nibbles and the chance to meet the maker.

I look forward to seeing you!

MARGATE DAY TRIP August 23 2017, 0 Comments

So, the reason I'm sharing all this with you is so that you ask yourself this:
WHEN DID YOU LAST GO OUT FOR THE DAY AND SEE SOMETHING NEW? WHEN DID YOU LAST STRAY FROM YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE AND DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES NO SENSE?

Grab a car, or get the train and go and break the mold. Take a day off midweek and go see something different. Right in the middle of my father getting his cancer diagnosis and then him being rushed to hospital and when everything we thought we knew was turning upside down, I made an impromptu trip to Margate. I was restless at work, unable to rest at home and unable to sleep so a new town was a welcome diversion. I'd not visited since I was about 10. It was a great day out and one which became 2 quite by accident. Having mooched about the seafront, jealous of their sandy beach eaten great pizza, peeked inside the Turner gallery and then driven out to the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, to marvel at its majestic simplicity, we stopped for a cream tea at the 1920s throwback The Walpole Bay Hotel, and as I was dreading heading home and facing the reality of my father's illness, we booked in for the night. No change of clothes or toothbrush! What a weirdly wonderful and perplexing joy! Every fibre of my body curdled at the dizzying array of clutter and late 20th century antiquities, and yet, there was such a wonderful warmth about the hotel, a feeling that Miss Marple would exit the lift in the foyer straight after breakfast, all was forgiven. It's a favourite haunt of Tracy Emin and I can see why. Swathes of Axminster carpet, large measures of booze and a sea view from every room, it's no wonder she returns every year.

                           The majestic tidal pool at Walpole Bay, Margate

                       Terrace in front of the Turner Contemporary Gallery

           Go giddying around on the giant teacups ride at Dreamland Margate

A cream tea at 4pm turned into an overnight stay at The Walpole Bay Hotel.I spent way too much time worrying about whether I "ought" to stay overnight, the money, the distance etc etc, but then an overwhelming desire to do something out of the ordinary, because life's just too short, came into sharp focus and the decision was made. Toothbrush be damned.

TAKE A TRIP. MAKE A PLAN. DON'T WAIT. LIFE IS SHORT.

HOW TO DO: Instagram for Business WORKSHOP September 18th August 15 2017, 0 Comments

Hi All,

It's been a while, lots has been happening outside of the business and sadly not very much of it any good at all, but it's time to get cracking with planning in some new events hosted at the shop.

I've created the first one called HOW TO DO: Instagram for Business to take place on Monday 18th September from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Over the years friends and customers have asked me for tips on building their Instagram following and although I am by no means an Insta-Moghul, I have learnt a lot along the way and thought I'd create a workshop next month to chime in with that back-to-school vibe and a sense of fresh learning to be done.

The aim is to give you an insight into how this powerful little app works and how you can build your audience, gain more engagement to spread the word about what you're doing and get your business SEEN. Whether you're a lover of all things PINK, a fanatical hobby maker, or potentially the next BIG THING in hair clips, come along and pick up some tips so you'll know your #hashtag from your #pricetag!

Spaces are limited to just 6 spaces and refreshments are included.

Cost of workshop: £15

Ways to book:

You can pop into the store and pay by cash or card to reserve your place at:

ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS - 70 Norman Rd, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 0EJ or pay directly into my bank and let me know by emailing me at: mail@stleonardsonline.com using the Subject heading: HOW TO DO: INSTAGRAM FOR BUSINESS.

Payment details: LLOYDS - Account name ST LEONARDS Account: 87770268 Sort: 77-63-09

I look forward to seeing you on the 18th and if it's not for you, please forward and share with others who might enjoy it! You can also share the EVENT PAGE on Facebook.

Best wishes,

K

NEW STOCK ONLINE? - NO SWEAT! June 12 2017, 0 Comments

Sometimes when you go from Spring into Summer you can get brilliantly bright sunny days but there's still a nip in the air and the wind can feel quite chilly, so jersey sweatshirts can be your wardrobe heroes!

Designed for men and women these unisex organic cotton sweatshirts and T shirts are made by a British company whose production takes place in India. What's wonderful about the brand is that their factory is wind and solar powered for sustainability, and the organic cotton is collected and pun by workers on fair wages.

Right from the moment the real store opened, these items have been a core part of the store so it seems only natural to offer them via the website too.

I hope you enjoy these products online as much as we all do down here on the coast!

To see the full collection now available online please click HERE or head to the MODERN GOODS menu on the Home Page.

ARTISTIC ERUPTIONS - APRIL - PRIVATE VIEW March 23 2017, 0 Comments

St Leonards Modern Goods will become a gallery space in April. The work will be an exciting combination of sculptures called "HOME" by art activist Beccy McCray and the "Glitch Series - Tai Chi Flower structures" by painter Marie-Louise Miller. Both artists are bold and confident with colour and create striking shapes in their chosen mediums.

The Private View is taking place on Thursday 13th April between 7 and 9pm. It would be great to see you there, or indeed during normal shop opening hours Tues to Sat at ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS - 70 Norman Rd, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 0EJ. Both artist's work will be on show for 3 weeks until the end of April.

Home by Beccy McCray

‘Home’ was a site-specific installation originally commissioned and inspired by local St Leonards art space 6 The Green’s past and present.
A celebration of the building’s previous elderly residents and a comment on the evolution of the space, these psychedelic, man-sized termite mounds explore what we mean by ‘home’.

6 The Green is in the process of being renovated by the current residents, who are transforming the space into a modern home. The building's previous incarnation was a care home for the elderly; and its original use a holiday home for well-off Victorians.
 Like humans and our man-made homes, termites live in societies too, and the termites’ mounds also usually outlive the original colonies. Often other colonies occupy a mound after the death of the original builders. And so the ever-evolving cycle continues.
 Far from a bleak interpretation of what it means to be ‘old’, ‘Home’ is a joyful celebration of the previous elderly residents as mythical beings, magical treasure troves of colourful stories and countless birthdays. 
Taken into the context of the natural world, these alien totems remind us of mystical fungus or cacti, alive and hinting at other worlds. Is it the end of the party – or is it just the beginning?


About the artist
St Leonards artist Beccy McCray explores playful, socially engaged art and design using a diverse approach that includes intervention, installation, participation, print, paint or whatever media necessary to create imaginative acts of resistance and more human moments in the world. Seeking to break down boundaries between art, activism and everyday life, Beccy ultimately aims to spread joy and inspire positive change at grass-roots level, using creativity to raise awareness of environmental issues and the social ideals that go hand in hand with sustainable and happy lives.

St Leonards resident and painter Marie-Louise Miller will also be showing her latest work on the walls of the shop.

“The secret life of flowers / Tai Chi of flowers” is the working title of a recent series of “Glitch” paintings of the unnoticed communication of nature. The imagined conversations of flowers thrust together in a vase, almost audible like WIFI; a constant digital hum. She paints the communication of the flowers as they take sustenance from the water in the vase, she watches carefully as she paints them, they turn to the light, they wilt and she imagines that she can see them reaching out to understand their new environment. The flowers in the vase are the centre of this universe which she explores. Marie-Louise paints the two paintings in tandem. One focuses on the external beauty and chatter of the flowers whilst the other is a response to the structural connection of the flowers in relation to each other and space. The colour conversation is the digital primary triad, cyan, magenta and yellow.

About the artist

Artist and Designer Marie-Louise Miller has always been obsessed with drawing. After completing her Foundation Diploma at St Martin’s School of Art & Design in 1991 a place on the Fashion Promotion & Illustration course at Epsom School of Art & Design offered Marie-Louise the opportunity to extend her drawing practice and her interest in the human form and psyche. Later in 1996, she attended The Roehampton Institute to study Public Art and shifted her focus to human spaces rather than human bodies.

After fifteen years creating bespoke designs for the world’s premier interiors Marie-Louise returned to full time fine-art studio practice and now works from her studio The Old Chemist, which she shares with her cinematic husband Mauricio Vincenzi and which is fast becoming a must visit creative space in the quirky seaside town of St Leonard’s on Sea. The Old Chemist is home to Endwell Productions and hosts Super8, cinematic, drawing; fashion and performance pop ups, happenings and workshops.

Marie-Louise was raised in South London and deepest rural France. She leads a Drawing Research group from The Old Chemist and lectures in Colour Theory and Fashion.

In 2015 she launched WEAR ART the digital extension of her fine art practice in ready to wear form.

The paintings are made using acrylic paints and will be available for sale at the store ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS. Contact "K" for more information on mail@stleonardsonline.com

VALENTINE'S DAY February 05 2017, 0 Comments

This year I've created a special Valentine's day menu heading on the home page so you can navigate your way easily to find that lovely gift for him or her. The items have been specially selected because they're the ideal small gift for him or her or in the case of the 1 day Workshops it's the chance for you to something creative together!

And don't forget, there's a free and beautifully gift wrapped P&P service with every purchase in the UK that's over £65!

Shop now for my best picks by clicking HERE.

YOU DESERVE BETTER! January Offer January 01 2017, 0 Comments

NEW SHOP, NEW YEAR! December 31 2016, 0 Comments

I write this on the eve of 2017.

The fireworks are ricocheting across the promenade; arcing into the sky, blossoming and erupting over our roof. 2016 has been beset by contrasts - the disappointment and uncertainty of Brexit, the rise of Donald Trump and the growing numbers of refugees seeking kindness and a new home. It's also been a devastating year of deaths - the entertainers and taste makers who formed and informed our creative souls.I dread to think that even as I write this ( it's 23:52 on 31st December 2016 ) we could lose another musical or showbiz icon.

On a much more positive note, it's been the year that so many customers and friends put their hands in their pockets and invested in ME. I can't tell you how amazing it felt to have you put your faith in me and help me make my dreams come true and get my first shop off the ground - a truly humbling experience - I still pinch myself when I unlock the doors each day.

2017 will be a fresh new year for my shop - it's been an amazing 5 months and the space really feels like home. It's my studio, atelier for bag making and retail space for men and women of all ages.

I look forward to adding fresh product and welcoming new customers to St Leonards Modern Goods soon.

I also want to thankyou all for continuing to support St Leonards online! After all, without you, the shop couldn't have been conceived.

So it's with my very best wishes I give you a special discount code to say thankyou  - please type  " IMKINDOFABIGDEAL "  to get 20% off orders over £150. (Offer ends midnight 31st January 2017)

K

OPEN: ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS October 23 2016, 1 Comment

THE SHOP August 03 2016, 0 Comments

So, you did it! We did it! I'm doing it!

Thanks to over 40 people who pledged funds towards my campaign firstly through my own website and then via the Kickstarter portal, I have just opened my very own shop! For the first phase I got enough money together to secure the 3 month deposit on my shop's lease (£2200) and then there was about £300 spare which I set aside to go towards my foirst month's rent and a bit more which I used to buy some leather to make stock.

Next came Kickstarter and that was quite an eye-opener despite being a global platform, it is predominantly used, seen and interacted by U.S citizens, so the reach was entirely down to my social media sharing and friends of friends spreading the word - I think if I had to raise money again, I'd just do it through my own website -That way I don't have to reach the target or jeopardise the lot, and I can also extend the deadline if necessary. Luckily for me, one of my aunts came to the rescue at the 11th hour to make up the shortfall so I didn't miss out on the £1800 that had been raised within the 20 days of the campaign.That's how I hit the target of £3000!

I then met up with the landlord and we signed the documents - I've got a 3 year lease with a break clause at 12 months "just in case"

I then set myself the goal of 2 weeks to turn the unit around - the interior was already beautiful with white delicatessen tiles on one wall and the matt black on the other. I then ordered some contemporary bookshelves and a central table to create a display area and began ordering the stock I'd been researching for the previous months!

The studio has now moved out of the house and into the back section of the shop where there's a beautiful sea vew and it feels so good to be there. I opened on Monday 1st August and was over the moon to have so many visitors and terrific sales on the first day! Here's hoping there will be many more to come.

I'm having a launch party on Saturday 6th August for friends family and crowdfunding investors in the business, and I'll do my best to share some photos of the event on a later post or newsletter.

I look forward to seeing you at the shop soon:

ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS

70 NORMAN ROAD

ST LEONARDS ON SEA

EAST SUSSEX TN38 0EJ

LAST DAY FOR KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN! July 19 2016, 0 Comments

So, there's just a few hours left until the deadline closes for my Shopstarter campaign - I'm already a fantastic 111% funded! but every extra pledge counts towards getting my shop looking fantastic!

Whether you have £5 or £5000 to pledge please go to my campaign now http://kck.st/29eSKvK and support a new store on the Sussex coast!

SAMPLE SALE - BATTLE, EAST SUSSEX Sat 16th July July 10 2016, 0 Comments

Hey All,

Just a quick reminder that I will be mixing with the great and the good designers,makers and retailers at The Great Big Sale this Saturday 16th July from 10am til 2pm.

Other designers include, wallpaper designer Louise Brody, Pearl & Queenie jewellery designers, men's outfitters Dapper M, fashion clothing Who's Wearing What, Rekh & Datta, vintage fabrics, Vintage designer clothing by Rachel MacCarron and lots more!

A percentage of all sales will go towards the Sara Lee Trust so come along, do some super local shopping and support a good cause!

Venue: Battle Memorial Halls, High Street, Battle, East Sussex

SHOP STARTER on KICKSTARTER June 30 2016, 0 Comments

Some of you may already have been party to my social media waterfall over the last 3 weeks raising funds, so apologies if it feels like I'm becoming obsessed - but I'm now entering the 2nd phase of my crowd-funding campaign to raise money for my new shop adventure!

It all started with a secret squirrel whisper that told me the most desirable shop unit on the street was coming up for grabs and my ears PRICKED.

In my 5th year of my business, I've decided I need to switch things up a bit and I feel that opening a REAL store where people can come in and touch and feel my leathergoods, is the way to go, and with an ever-challenging, competitive field on the internet in terms of marketing, I feel like I'm harder to find compared to those brands with £100k marketing budgets.

With my seaside town on the UP and having more out of town visitors mooching through the streets I feel it's the perfect time to open up.

So now I need your help - I'm trying to raise £3000 to purchase the furniture and fittings for my store and in exchange for your pledges to give me your hard-earned cash, you can choose from some lovely rewards!

Click HERE or on the graphic above to watch the film and find out more. 19 Day to go!

NUMBER #3 - MEETING A FINE ARTIST - OSKA LAPPIN June 29 2016, 1 Comment

I'm excited to share with you my 3rd interview focussing in on creatives living in my seaside town, St Leonards on Sea, and this time the person "sitting" for me is Oska Lappin: a force of nature, and in my mind she's a heady mix of Grace Kelly's easy charm and elegance with a wicked wit, creative funny bone and an expressive painter's brush that slips between recounting a Hogarthian Den and a Disney dystopia. She deftly melds woodcuts, oil painting, etching, ceramics and drawing into energetic, often bawdy and thought-provoking pieces. She was also recently seen plunging into no less than 108 Solstice Day yogic Sun Salutations on the recently reopened Pier. Oh, and she RUNS.

Take a moment to grab a coffee and read my interview with Oska below:

1. How long have you lived on the coast and why do you like it?

I spent my ‘Formative’ years on the beaches of Maine in New England, then went to Art school in Philadelphia and bought a one way ticket to London fell in love and had my daughter shortly after…. During a month of sizzling weather in Hoxton circa 97’ I asked my husband if there were any beaches we could take a short train ride to besides Brighton as I felt it was more urban than I wanted so we caught the train to Hastings! It was August, azure sea, music on the beach the water was warm, so we swam, ate fish and chips, drank yummy cold beer, I was like a fish in water and cried on the hot train back to the city. One year later we sold our flat and raised our wonderful daughter by the coast. The only problem living somewhere you love and makes you happy, is the time passes so quickly; I’ve lived here 17 years!

2. Briefly describe the route you took from student to where you are now in your professional life. / How did you start your professional practice?

I declared myself an artist at 15, dropped out of art school in Philly, moved to London and started painting and sculpting, eventually went back to study printmaking at Brighton and got my M.A from Camberwell a few years ago…. I’ve always been a practicing artist, sometimes its tough as a narrative based expressionist,my work comes out of what influences me and what I encounter. I love living in St Leonards where the dichotomy is so varied and rich with characters, but this doesn't always make for commercial success…. luckily I don’t do what I do to get rich…

OSKA ADDING PENCIL AND CRAYON TO HER LATEST PIECES

3. Do you have a typical day, and what's it like?

PEONIES BLOUSE FROTHILY ON THE TABLE SET FOR TEA BY THE WINDOW -

EVERY SURFACE, INCLUDING THE HOT WATER SYSTEM BECOMES A GALLERY SPACE

OSKA BUILDS HER CLAY ONTO PRE EXISTING ANIMALS AND THEN TELLS HER STORY WITH CERAMIC FIGURINES AND HER SIGNATURE WOODEN BLOCKED PAINTINGS

4. What inspires you?

Music is essential  to my work as I work within the narrative.I like songs that have a little story… Tom Waits, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Nick Cave are probably my core 3-5 minute lyric heroes…

SOME OF THE NEW WORK SHOWING THE ANTICS OF POODLE LADY

5. Are you working on a particular project or scheme right now? Please describe it and if you're having a show/exhibition/work deadline

I've just finished my work for a local show at the Rye Art Gallery with Gary Goodman….the new series I’ve made for this show is called ‘Supergirls on Holiday’ and includes titles like ‘Super Swede ability; to make everything a bit Bergman’ and ‘My own Personal Superhero ability; To Touch Faith’

OSKA WORKING ON HER LATEST PIECE SHE HAS SEVERAL DIFFERENT AREAS FOR WORK WITHIN HER TOP FLOOR STUDIO - THE UPRIGHT BOARDS SHOWN HERE, A DESK WITH OVERFLOWING TUBS OF ENTICING COLLAGE MATERIALS AND ASSORTED SURFACES TO WORK ON HER WOODCUTS AND CLAY

6. What's the best thing about being self-employed?

Making my own day up is the best thing about being self-employed if it’s lunchtime and a warm day I can grab my bikini and hit the beach….

THE NARRATIVE STYLE OF OSKA'S WORK OOZES A HEADY COMBINATION OF BAWDY AND COMIC, HER BRUSHSTROKES AND MARK-MAKING BOLD, SELF-ASSURED AND CONFIDENT.I SOMETIMES LOOK AT THEM AS IF THEY HAD BEEN CREATED 400 YEARS AGO - THEY SEEM BOTH ARCHAIC AND THOROUGHLY MODERN AT THE SAME MOMENT.

7. Do you already own a St Leonards product, if so, describe what is it and why it suits your lifestyle - and if you don't own a piece yet, choose a piece from the collection and say why it would be your dream bag!

OK. I have to say as a slightly disorganised artist I’ve always had trouble finding stuff in my bags (I usually arrive at my front door searching for keys in a massive freak out) but now I have my ‘Lucky’ utilitarian super stylish dreambag  (The Van der Rohe in Cinder black) .It's worn across the body and goes over the  shoulder. It's very simple, easy to use in a black soft leather with a chunky fringe tassel. My life has changed for the better. The cool thing about the bag is it looks bohemian and professional at the same time…I love taking it abroad its one compartment design fits all my documents inside with lipsticks, keys, and all-purpose junk, and my husband loves it too aesthetically and practically because now he doesn't get blamed for losing the stuff that’s already in my bag…

THE VAN DER ROHE AT HOME IN THE STUDIO WITH MAJOR FERGUSSON ON GUARD

THE MOUNTAIN OF OIL PAINTS MID-WAY THROUGH A PROJECT

8. How can we see your work?

My show opens in Rye Gallery, Rye, East Sussex on the 18th June and runs until the 17th July so please make a day of it and get over there.
And I will also be doing a car art boot art fair outside the Jerwood Gallery, Hastings organised by the Bricklane Crew on The Stade,Saturday the 16th of July 12-4 at the Stade…. it’s going to be awesome!

If you'd like to arrange to view Oska's work at her studio or find out where else she's exhibiting in the future, please contact the artist directly on: oskalappin@googlemail.com

MEET THE BRITISH DESIGNER - ANNA WINSTON - LA LA ROOKH THE WORKSHOP June 04 2016, 1 Comment

As the second part of my series in showcasing some of the amazing local talent living and working in the Hastings area, I interviewed sewing expert Anna Winston who runs a seafront business called the La La Rookh Workshop.

K: How long have you lived on the coast and why do you like it?

Anna: I’ve lived in Hastings and St Leonards for 20 years… but when I was a teenager I used to hang out at the weekend with friends who lived down here … I feel like I’ve grown up here. I’m from Sydney originally but after a brief spell in London while studying Fashion I craved more space and a different kind of community.… My lifestyle in Hastings I think is the closest thing I’ll get to being back in Australia.

K: Briefly describe the route you took from student to where you are now in your professional

Anna: The route to my current job has been unconventional.. I had my first child at quite a young age so I’ve had to always juggle study or career choices around family commitments, financially I’ve had to turn my hand to anything just to get the bills paid… I’ve always fallen back on my ‘trade’ I guess.I don’t remember not sewing … My mother taught me. When I moved to this country as a teen I always had some kind of job… At about 15 I fell into making costumes for a local theatre which happened to be The Ellen Terry Theatre, a National Trust property and costume museum, (Ellen Terry was famous for playing Lady Macbeth in a dress made with beetle wings….) I worked there on and off until I was ready for University, I gained a huge grounding in fashion history and construction…I learnt on the job. It was a priceless education.. I was obsessed with costume. I studied fashion.and pattern cutting at Ravensbourse, I then studied Fine Art (Painting).at Brighton University I worked in a primary school teaching and caring for Autistic children … I worked in pubs and restaurants… And I made costume whenever I could., But having a family and being unable to network or work the long hours needed on sets and away from home, I decided the only way to get an ‘in’ was to specialise in something so I decided to become expert in making reproduction vintage swimwear. I created a bespoke brand called La La Rookh and the rest of my career has been about maintaining my skills as a maker … I opened a studio because at the time I was living in small rented flats and I needed a work space that was less transient… its difficult to take yourself seriously if you are constantly having to put your work gear away at the end of the day to serve dinner on the kitchen table. The La La Rookh Workshop was born. It was initially a means to an end, but quickly became the best thing I’ve ever done. I started teaching adults to sew (drawing on my experience in schools) and swiftly that grew into the studio I maintain today…. Classes for all ages in most aspects of clothing construction… and when I’m not teaching I still do costume work for film and theatre, small production runs and sample making.

K: Do you have a typical day, and what's it like?

Anna: Well it largely depends on the freelance work I’ve taken on and who I’m working for … if there is a tight deadline, I think about little else other than meeting it.. sometimes I have several production runs on at once. I have gotten to know my quiet times of year… both with class intake and with freelance work so I have created a program around those times. I find I’m taking on less freelance work now though, because while I have a young family I need more stability time wise and financially … so classes have become my main source of income… and I’m enjoying that freedom. I work with the Home School Network .. so I teach children most days of the week including after school clubs. .. I have regular adult classes too. And on the days I have off, I develop my clothing / dressmaking pattern brand (which is my new business project I have on going to keep me very, very busy)

This photo is from Anna's own website

K: What inspires you?

Anna: My family is my motivation… But in the studio, music keeps me focused, The album on repeat right now is Black Mountain’s ‘IV’ heavy psych rock to help me bomb through mountains of stitching… but I’m also listening to a lot of folk music at the moment, I’m learning the Irish fiddle ..it’s a different kind of brain exercise, it allows me to switch off work thoughts completely.

K:. Are you working on a particular project or scheme right now?

Anna: I’m working on a dressmaking pattern brand to complement the teaching work I do in the studio.Teaching home sewers for the last 6 years has inspired me to create a pattern brand that the sewer can aspire too, clothing that is modern and relevant to peoples busy lifestyles, elegant and above all, flattering.

K: What's the best thing about being self-employed?

Anna: The variety of my working life, you learn your limits .. but are constantly forced to push them. I’ve learnt I’m a work addict when I’m working for myself, I find it difficult to switch off… because I enjoy what I do. My work hours fit around my family commitments and if I have to take a day off for kiddy illness or sports day for example, I never feel guilty – and so I enjoy my family more.

K: Do you already own a St Leonards product, if so, describe what is it and why it suits your lifestyle

Anna: I have a Totely Canvas Satchel in red… It’s gorgeous. I know if I roll out of bed in the morning and haven’t had a chance to put together a nice outfit for the day because the school run has been hell, if I’m wearing my bag I still feel chic. I’m also coveting the Shire Bucket Tote -my daily carry quota has graduated to mammoth levels, so I’m needing something massive! I need to ditch the ‘supermarket jute bag chic’ pronto!

K: Anna, it's been a joy finding out about how your business works and that you're still enjoying using your British made Totely Satchel too! How can people get hold of you to enrol on your sewing classes or get bespoke clothing / costumes made?

Anna: Anyone can get in touch via my website which is:  www.lalarookhworkshop.com
or they can email me using: anna@lalarookhworkshop.com or by mobile on:07545757592

THE EDITed - ERICA DAVIES and her British made leather bag May 22 2016, 0 Comments

It's such a refreshing change when you find a REAL woman who gives you a fresh and totally wearable slant on modern fashion, and none's more stylish in an easy-wearing way than fashion writer Erica Davies and her daily blog "The Edited"

Erica has previously worked as a fashion journalist for The Sun, The Mirror and Look magazine and combines her role as a commercial stylist with Boden, M&S and Jigsaw and her own writing. Her own personal take on a fashion magazine takes the form of The Edited which is a visual feast about her personally curated fashion, home and beauty picks. I think that fact that she's a working mother with a highly attuned and refined sense of personal style makes her outfit choices so desireable and is the reason she's got such a huge following on her blog and on Instagram too.

Her style very much suits the St Leonards ethos of fun and effortless chic and the way she puts things together makes the perfect mix of colour and texture across a broad price bracket too.So I was thrilled when Erica agreed to take one of my British made leather bags out for a spin.

Here's the photo that went on to be published, It's showing off the stylish two-tone quality of the Robart leather handbag, currently available on my website right now.

I love the way she's combined the rich blue and berry combination of my Italian cowhide bag with the swishing inky fur textures and a skinny trouser. It's a blue and black look that's grown up and joyful for a day out in town or a meeting with friends.

If you like these looks, then why not subscribe to her blog today and ensure you keep getting your weekly fix of stylish and exciting fashion.

 All photographs taken by Erica Davies -The Edited Blog