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Wears It Well

Party season has arrived: discover how three of our independent boutique owners are styling their way through Christmas and beyond.
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Wild Swans, Islington

Drop by this Islington boutique for the latest from Scandinavia's coolest brands.
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Drop by this Islington boutique for the latest from Scandinavia's coolest brands.
Shop this boutique

“I love the heart and soul that people who own a small business put into a day’s work. We work hard as a team and we fall asleep on Christmas Day.”

Caroline, Wild Swans

Talk us through your favourite look from the shoot?

I love how Ganni has elevated the white shirt since they started with the Peter Pan collars. The Woolen Coat from Project AJ is cool, classic, and comfy - what more would you want from a coat?

What’s your fail-safe NYE attire?

The Gift Leather Joggers by Oakwood, they work well with a heel as well as a chunky boot. This year I'll wear them with the new Eddy Top by Stine Goya, it’s a classic and this year’s print is just amazing.

Which brands do you return to every autumn/winter?

We’ve been stocking Baum und Pferdgarten and Stine Goya since they started over 12 years ago. Both are amazing for outerwear and dresses - two staples for autumn and winter.

Caroline wears Ganni Poplin Shirt, Ganni Betzy Jeans, Project Aj117 Melbourne Check Coat, Ganni Saddle Bag, Woden Magda Rubber Boots.

Amanda, Wild Swans

What’s your fail-safe NYE attire?

Usually a dress, heels, and a spray of Amber Laboratory perfume. An outfit isn’t finished without it!

Which new brands are you loving this season?

We introduced Essentiel Antwerp this season and I absolutely love it. Really cool colours and styles. I also adore Mou Mou: everything is handmade and are perfect gifts for your friends and family.

What do you love about shopping small at Christmas?

That you can find unique and personal things that you just can’t find in the big retailers. It makes giving presents so much more special and enjoyable. You also feel good about supporting a small business and you always get such a warm welcome to their community.

Amanda wears Ganni Seersucker Frill Dress.


Form SE15, Peckham

A South London favourite for those looking to buy less and buy better.
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A South London favourite for those looking to buy less and buy better.
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“I can't abide uncomfortable shoes that you can't dance in and dresses you can't eat a meal in.”

Jo, Form SE15

Christmas Day: PJs, pull-out-all-the-stops dressing, or somewhere in between?

Pull out all the stops: I love any excuse to max out my wardrobe. I always feel true to myself when I don't have to tone down my personal style. Go big or go home!

What's top of your Christmas wishlist this year?

This probably sounds really corny but I really want this Christmas to be fantastic for everyone, because last year was so hard for all of us. Also a good end of the year for us independent shops - it's been a tough eighteen months! So, all the positivity for us indies that have made it through, please!

What's your fail-safe NYE attire?

I’m a big fan of the Molly Goddard inspired big dress/big boots combo. I can't abide uncomfortable shoes that you can't dance in and dresses you can't eat a meal in! I want comfort but lots of volume, colour or print. Or even all three...

Jo wears Stella Nova Hallie Tank Top Vest, Stella Nova Violet Saseline Blouse, Good News Palm Vegea Boots

Jo, Form SE15

Which new brands are you loving this season?

We've started selling Stella Nova and Sideline this year. Both are utterly beautiful, exceptional quality and importantly, are pieces that you will wear for years to come. I want everyone to say to my customers 'Where did you get that amazing dress from?' Buy less but buy better is our mantra at Form.

Which brands do you return to every autumn/winter?

Jakke for super warm and ethical outerwear, LF Markey for workwear-inspired staples, Kings of Indigo for sustainable denim and Baum Und Pferdgarten for trend-led statement pieces.

What do you love about shopping small at Christmas?

Shopping small really does mean putting your money where your mouth is; you are paying back into local communities where independent shops keep high streets really individual. Every shop owner spends all their time honing and choosing their range to suit their customers, it's really hands-on and much more thoughtful. Jeff Bezos doesn't do that, does he?

Jo wears Gestuz Carafe Check Dress

Ruskin, Whitstable

It's a family affair at this seaside contemporary lifestyle store.
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It's a family affair at this seaside contemporary lifestyle store.
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“We love shopping small because you not only get the satisfaction of finding something a little more unique, but you also know you are making a real difference to someone."

Shelly, Ruskin

What's top of your Christmas wishlist this year?

I've had my eye on some of the amazing knits from Samsøe Samsøe this season and the Kei Turtle Neck jumper is winter perfection. I am hoping someone reads this and puts one aside for me. Wink, wink...

How do you style yourself on NYE?

NYE is usually a quieter night for the Ruskin family, but you can never go wrong with a great pair of jeans, a statement knit and a chic jacket (like the Samsøe Samsøe Noomi Overshirt) to brave the cold and catch the fireworks.

Which brands do you return to every year?

Here at Ruskin, we have a really tight edit of brands we work with season on season so you'll always find a carefully curated selection from brands like Universal Works, Kestin, YMC and Loreak Mendian in store. However, if I have to single someone out, the Samsøe Samsøe knits (for guys and gals) are just fab this season.

Shelly wears Samsoe Samsoe Noomi Shirt Oatmeal,

Garrie, Ruskin

Talk us through Christmas Day and your ideal outfit...

For us Christmas is a bit of both, we tend to lounge in the morning and walk the dogs so cosy-comfy is a must. Then lunch and the evening is a dressed up affair (because why not?!), but stretchy waistlines or an oversized look are essential for Christmas comfort.

Any new brands in store that your Trouva customers should know about?

We have such a great selection of brands in store, and while they're not new, Wax London is a staple in the Ruskin edit. They have an unparalleled selection of overshirts, which means you can't go wrong choosing something from their collection for gifting this season. It's impossible to make a bad choice but their woven Whiting Jackets are definitely a best seller around Christmas time.

What do you love about shopping small at Christmas?

This is so hard to answer in just a few lines ... which is why we actually wrote a blog piece on this last year. We love shopping small because you not only get the satisfaction of finding something a little more unique, but you also know you are making a real difference to someone. Small business owners also LOVE to chat about their products so you always know you can get a little advice on your purchase.

Garrie wears Wax London Kurt Trousers Cotton Twill, YMC Feathers Shirt Navy

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