Happy lazy Sunday morning gorgeous blog readers. It's been a while since I wrote a weekend post – forgive me, I've been somewhat busy of late finishing up my very first book (which you can pre-order right now!). But I'm looking forward to getting back in to sharing content with you, especially on a Sunday, which was always my favourite day for browsing through some of my favourite blogs. I love that feeling I've earned a lie-in and love languishing in the bed a little longer, cup of tea, crumpets, my iPad and favourite magazines and newspaper.
This morning, I want to tell you all about a company that stole me heart a little while ago. I'm a bit of a sucker for anything old fashioned, vintage and if it involves children and cute illustrations, I'm usually sold in an instant; Poppy is the brainchild of designer and illustrator Bryony Richardson. Bryony draws the most charming, seaside inspired quirky
illustrations of little girl Poppy and her dog Fred (think nostalgic innocence with a contemporary twist) that feature along the hem of all of her 1940s and 1950s inspired dress designs for little girls – and best of all, grownups too!.
Images Copyright (c) 2012, Rosewarne Cox Photography, for Poppy
Aimed at creating a wonderful world of innocent fun, the Poppy brand takes
children on a magical journey of play and adventure, drawing inspiration
from the bygone eras and authors that influenced Bryony when growing up.
Each
charming outfit comes with a storybook telling the tale of
Poppy’s newest exploits – what an absolutely beautiful idea ofr a gift
for a little girl, (or grown up who still yearns to be a little girl).
"Our
pretty girls' dresses are perfect for everyday wear as well as special
occasions, including parties and weddings. Team them with cardigans and
coats from our knitwear range to create the complete children's outfit."
Poppy and Fred's adventures take them all over! They join a circus to learn tricks and
meet new friends under the big top; they also try their hand at running a
traditional sweet shop replete with jars of old-fashioned sweets, and more recently, they visited London…
"Poppy
and Fred try out many different ways of getting around the city, from
penny
farthings to taxis and the Underground,” explained Bryony. “In the end,
they decide there is no better way to travel around London
than by giraffe.
But the giraffe gets tired after a long day’s
sightseeing, so they decide to take the giraffe home on a Routemaster!"
The Poppy collection of dresses for grownups and little girls is complemented by tulle petticoats in a
kaleidoscope of colours, as well as skirts, stripy tights and matching
tote bags. Adult dress sizes range from 10 to 18 and prices begin at £98 for a dress, and £59 for a beautiful frothy tulle petticoat…
I love Poppy – I've never seen anything quite like it before. It's
such an original idea, executed so beautifully and with such heart-warming, old fashioned charm. I know the dresses are beautifully created and with the most high level of craftsmanship too, as my little
girl Leanora owns one, and I recently bought one for my 12 year old
niece Freyja too, which she absolutely adores.
I also love that each dress is made in Britain; after watching Mary Portas' Bottom Line/made in Britain
series earlier this year, I'm dead keen to get behind home-grown British
talent and companies who focus their production lines in the UK.
There is much more than just pretty dresses too, the full Poppy collection includes hand knits, designs for little boys, tights, bags, petticoats, berets, colouring books, greetings cards, invitations and mugs. You can explore the full range over at the Poppy website. You can also visit Poppy Children on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Lots of Sunday morning love everyone,
Annabel
Photographer – Rosewarne Cox Photography
Hair Stylist – Love Hair
Make up Artist – Tabby Casto
Models @AnnabelJohn, Sarah Mackey
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
