The Best of British: must-have accessories!

Inspired by the plight of patriotic Emily and James Bradshaw who along with their son Lucan, have pledged to live for a year on solely British bought produce, never afraid of a challenge we think we can go one better than that!

Our pledge to you is this – The Upcoming fashion and beauty department, will scour Britain, from Newcastle to Southend on Sea, if you hand-make and sell high quality fashion, accessories or cosmetics we will find you! We will bring our avid readers, waiting with baited breath, the height of our findings! From face cream to footwear, hats to handbags, follow our new and exclusive, regular feature “The best of British” where we promise to bring you the best handmade products, that Britain has to offer.

If the word handmade, floods your mind with visions of hideous creations, shoddy workmanship and a fake smile, then think again! At The Upcoming we are bowled over by the sheer gorgeousness and quality of the lovingly handmade goodies.

By opting for handmade, you are not only buying a unique piece, you are supporting the talent Britain has to offer, moving away from mass production, and making ethical shopping a luxury everyone can afford.

Sarah sews lunch bag (£12)

Let’s face it, taking your lunch out of a plain plastic container renders even the most exciting sandwich dull, Sarah sews has created the most stylish lunch bag we’ve ever seen, capturing the shabby chic trend perfectly.

With a wipe clean oilcloth lining, drawstring opening and sturdy handles, Sarah really has thought of everything! Her excellent taste in mixing fabrics, gives this bag it’s edge. If we hadn’t been told this was handmade, we really wouldn’t know, the sewing on this detailed product is faultless.

Large enough to carry a hearty lunch, snacks and a drink, or whatever else you decide upon, you’re sure to be the envy of the office.

Available from here

Glasses case with flintlock closure (£18)

This superior glasses case is made using only the finest quality leather, sourced from small UK based tanneries. The flintlock fastening, offers both extra security and style, available in a huge selection of colours, there really is one to match every outfit! What amazed us most about this product is how robust the case was, we’d happily place our most prized designer sunglasses in there, having complete faith that they could then withstand being rattled around in our “Mary Poppins bag”. Tibor crafts an amazing array of leather pieces.  His bags are simply divine.

Available from here

Jurga bespoke clutch bag (£26)

The texture of the leather on this clutch bag/purse, sets our hearts racing, with the ability to revive a plain outfit giving it an instant lift, contrasting cotton lining and a gold purse frame which all contribute to its magnetic attraction. Large enough to carry your essentials on a night out, as a clutch bag, used as substantial purse or luxury make-up bag, you will not be disappointed when purchasing from Jurga Bespoke.  You may even feel the need to crank your social calendar up a notch to allow you to parade this little beauty, showing your new arm candy off to your admiring friends!

Available from here

 Little red designs purse (£22.50)

The contrast of coloured leathers, turquoise and red is one of the key factors contributing to this purse’s super sassy appeal, made from soft napa leather and lined with luxurious satin, (all sourced from the UK) topped of with a hand printed foil heart motif and leather tassel, it’s perfect for an “IT girl” on the go!

The ideal size to multi task, from make-up bag to iPod case, this piece is a head turner, carrying your essentials in the height of opulence guarantees the compliments will come flooding in. The ideal birthday gift for the lady that has it all, if of course you can bear to be parted.

Available from here

 Beautiful beach huts washbag set (£13.50)

Oilcloth has to be the most practical fabric known to man, wipe clean, washable and “oops I dropped my bag in a puddle” proof,  Fiona from Dagenais designs converts practical to beautiful, with this multi purpose bag set. The ideal make-up and toiletries bag for your summer holiday.  We just adore the kitsch fabric choice, of which pictures do not do these pieces the justice they deserve. The wash bag is lined with a wipe clean fabric, perfect if you’re worried about sun cream leakages inside your case, this bag can then double up as a pool bag once you arrive at your destination.

Available from here

 Leather iPhone case (£20)

How many times have you heard your phone ring, then, spent the next five minutes frantically emptying the contents of your bag onto the floor, in an attempt to find it? We loved the neon yellow leather stripe down the centre of this sleek black phone case, highlighting your phones position in even the largest of bags!

Protecting your phone, now available with added style, thick and soft leather, keeps your precious phone safe, it’s the little black dress of phone cases. Kuki Big Bag design and craft a huge selection of leather goods, they can even custom make a piece to your own specifications, with a huge array of mouth-watering shades of leather, let your inner fashion designer loose.

Available from here

Pastel blue shoulder bag with hand printed Chinese lanterns (£45)

The colour palette and textured ink of this delicate screen printed fabric bag, reminds us of a clear blue summer sky, and would make the ideal plus one to your best friends wedding. Convertible from day to evening wear with its removable strap, turning your shoulder bag into a clutch with two looks for the price of one.

With its unique water and stain resistant coating, you needn’t worry that dancing around your handbag might spoil it, any marks can be rinsed away with water – now this is our kind of bag! Glam up your denim jacket or team with crisp white linen trousers, whichever way you choose to wear, you’re sure to do so with a smile.

Available from here

 Lisa Bramley