How To Shop Small & Shop Global

Dress by By Malina // Bag by Mirta // Shoes by Aquazurra // Earrings by Alex Monroe

It can be easy to get swept away by the big brands; the ones we’ve known about for quite literally decades. The ones we see in the glossy magazines and all over our instagram feeds, but oh what a wonderful feeling it is to discover something a little bit different, and knowing you’re able to support smaller brands.

Lately, I’ve been focusing on championing these smaller brands whether that’s in our home; buying local, purchasing from local brands and craftspeople from our cutlery to our linens, or in my wardrobe. The joy of discovering new fashion brands whether that’s local brands such as the beautiful designs from Bertioli by Thyme, or smaller brands from overseas – there’s a magical feeling when you find something that’s so true to your style and it’s not from one of the big retailers that all of your friends are wearing too.

A website that I regularly keep an eye on is Mirta, where they showcase the high quality products from Artisan craftsman in Italy. My bag is the Sara Acorn bag, created by Pelletteria Viviani – a calfskin leather bag crafted with a bamboo handle, from a family run business in Florence. Far from being unaffordable, such as the usual leather designer handbag brands that add a huge percentage to the price of their products thanks to the power of their brand; with the Mirta pieces you’re paying for the design, the quality and the craftsmanship, leaving you to enjoy a superior product at a more affordable price.

Just for you, Mirta are offering 20% off their New In pieces using code APPRIL20, valid on orders over $400, until April 30th.

Also, enjoy 15% off orders over $350 with code JOSIESPRING.
Enjoy! 

The beauty of a tan leather bag, is that it is totally timeless and ultra versatile. While here I’ve chosen to elevate the look with an elegant maxi length formal dress, a tan leather bag works equally well as your ‘grab and go’ bag with jeans and a jumper. Worn with the cross body strap over a coat, it’s the perfect finishing touch to a winter outfit, but equally pair with your spaghetti strap lightweight summer dress for a relaxed, everyday look.

Let’s talk about this dress. The second I laid eyes upon the dress, it’s easy to see why I fell in love – but I couldn’t believe it when I found out it was called the Josephine dress – could this be any more perfect?! By Malina is a brand I discovered on Instagram, and was instantly in love with their elegant and timeless designs. The flower print maxi dress is a perfect choice for Spring and Summer parties and events, with the beautiful slightly more structured linen material making it a fabulous smart outfit choice. The twelve year old Scandinavian brand has made a name for themselves for beautiful quality and elegant silhouettes, and it’s a brand that I’ll be keeping regular tabs on to discover and wear their newest designs.

How do you discover new, smaller brands? Have you shopped Mirta before?

xoxo