Recently I discovered Rew Clothing, run by the lovely Rachel. Like my last blog post, Rew Clothing is another small independent woman-run business. You’ll know from my blog I have had a VERY soft spot for this niche from the beginning. It is so important to support other women, especially ones in midlife who like me, are forging second or even third careers. It can be daunting and lonely doing something you’ve not been trained to do, but instead rely on googling and teaching yourself by trial and error! I agree with Madeleine Albright that “there is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” We owe it to each other to support and encourage one another. Nothing worth having ever comes easily, and the fact is, we ALL can use help, no matter what we’re doing. Nothing gladdens my heart quite like sisters doing it for themselves; I like to promote sisters whose work I love whenever I can on The Sequinist.
So. Back to Rachel… she started her business after growing weary of wrapping her four year old daughter in fiddly scarves to stay warm. Since I have a five year old son whose scarf comes unwrapped and unravelled during the short walk from the car to his school, I am fully aware of the problem! Rachel designed a layered scarf that stays securely in place with simple button closure. It worked so well for her young daughter that several years later (after the prospect of losing her job), she had her light-bulb moment that it would be great to make a version for women. I have two of her scarves and love them. They are soft and super warm. Even better, they don’t make me feel claustrophobic like a thick scarf wrapped multiple times around my neck bandage-style does! Here is a red poppy one that Rachel designed for Remembrance Day. The black centre of the poppy is of course the button.
Rachel also makes coats; I fell for this one with one glance. I love red, I love tartan, and being wrapped up in this chic blanket coat as I swan about town makes me feel amazing. The drama of the sweeping hem will work beautifully with a full maxi skirt (I’ve recently ordered a layered black tulle one which will work a treat).
Here I’m wearing the coat with simple black trousers and a top, but I often add the matching scarf (on cold windy days) or even a belt. It has pockets, as any item designed by a practical woman would. I love the pared-back, flattering neckline of the coat; it works well with whatever I wear underneath it, from a turtleneck to a tank top.
Belted up
You can find more of Rachel’s scarves and sweeping coats on her website. For American readers, she does ship internationally. I think these scarves make really unique gifts for people who live in cold climates; I have some people on my Christmas list who will really love these (I can’t say who because they read my blog!).
Coat worn with Rachel’s fabulous matching button-through scarf
It was windy and raining while we took these photos, so please excuse the impatient scowl. Although I was warm and toasty in my coat, I am painfully aware that rain and wind do my hair no favours in photos! I really wanted a good photo of the wind catching the coat so you can see it in all its billowing drama, but the weather didn’t cooperate. I’ll put one on Instagram another day.
Serious weather-related resting bitch face
velvet bauble bag from Roman Originals
Hammersmith bridge over the Thames and autumn colours
Speaking of supporting women (!) I am going to ask you (a couple of times before the 21st of December when voting closes) to vote for my blog in the UK Blog Awards, where I’ve been nominated in the Fashion category. I truly hate asking for favours (online or offline) even though I do know how nice it feels to do favours for other people. So, why do I want to win a UK Blog Award? Well, basically to continue to make my blog a better place; to be on the radar of bigger and better brands, which in turn gives me the flexibility to focus on the smaller independent non-fast-fashion brands who can’t sponsor blog posts. Blogging and writing is my second career, and it is only because of you reading it that I am able to do it at all. Thank you for supporting me and thank you for voting! If you click on the word VOTE below, it will take you directly to my voting button on the Awards Website. In case the link doesn’t work with your device, I’m on page 7 of the Fashion category from the UK Blog Awards homepage… you have to scroll down see to the Vote Now button on that page. Thank you again.
VOTE
In the next few weeks I’m going to introduce you to a small woman-owned jewellery brand that I have fallen HARD for, and a woman-owned faux fur custom-coat brand, and a groundbreaking (truly groundbreaking, not BS marketing speak) skincare line that I am currently test-driving.
Thank you for reading, and have a lovely week!
linking to: notdressedaslamb, notdeadyetstyle
32 Comments
Ann in Missouri
November 18, 2018 at 1:06 PMThese long, simple coats are wonderful. So straightforward and functional. I love that there’s nothing superfluous about them.
And the poppy scarf is very sweet. 🙂
Lisa
November 18, 2018 at 1:11 PMI agree, and in the right fabric they can be worn many months of the year. Thank you Ann! xx
Susan B
November 18, 2018 at 1:24 PMI’m swooning, swooning I tell you over that coat!!! Just gorgeous.
Lisa
November 18, 2018 at 4:13 PMIsn’t it fabulous?! I love every detail about it, especially the matching scarf 🙂 xx
Tracy Patil
November 18, 2018 at 2:49 PMLove those scarves, what a great idea!!
Lisa
November 18, 2018 at 4:12 PMIt is, isn’t it Tracy? One of those why-didn’t-I-think-of-that genius ideas! xx
Mithra Ballesteros
November 18, 2018 at 3:16 PMIn a land of black puffy jackets, that stunner must attract a million appreciative looks. Winter is so dreary, why wouldn’t you snazz it up with head-to-toe tartan? And I am happy to see you highlighting women “doing it for themselves.” Really one of my most favorite posts, Lisa. Though if I were to make one accessory suggestion, it would be a terrier on a leash. You know I can’t help but love that trope.
Lisa
November 18, 2018 at 4:18 PMOh gosh, a terrier, of COURSE! I’m just reading a book that features a Scottish Terrier (How To Be A Good Creature, you’d like it too, I bet!) and the urge to get one of these feisty beasts is terribly strong. My Parsons Jack Russell, Spencer, was the best dog ever. Anyway, I digress…
Yes, it really is nice to have a bright feast for the eyes in a sea of black, isn’t it?
You’re another sister taking on BIG new challenges in midlife, Mithra, and your wit and clarity as you do so never cease to inspire me. xx
No Fear of Fashion
November 18, 2018 at 7:38 PM“There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women”, reminded me of that hilarious comedy piece by Rowan Atkinson: The devil Toby welcomes you to hell. This would have fit right into it.
Love your coat and bag. And the fact you support small brands by courageous women. You and Nikki are giving them a heads-up. (If that is the right expression.)
I wanted to buy the coat as well. Totally agree on the awesomeness of it. Drama my dear. But it is wool blend. And any wool and me are enemies. Saw a nice scarf in fleece.. now that is better. But I do need a collarless coat with such a scarf. So I will be on the look-out for a coat like this without a collar, in fleece.
Greetje
Lisa
November 19, 2018 at 2:53 PMI’ve not seen that comedy piece, I’ll have to look it up!
From Winser to Asquith to Krasmira, the women I discover and cover on here make it a place that reflects my values rather than pushing one-season sweatshop polyester H&M gear. The same with my no animal testing policy. It will always be that way, because like you (!) brutal honesty is how I operate. With regards to your coat conundrum, I bet if you email Rachel and ask her to make you a coat in fleece, she’d do it. The fleece red scarf I have is so soft, it SURELY would make a great coat, but she’d know better than me. Thank you for your lovely comments xx
Michelle
November 18, 2018 at 7:39 PMYum yum yummmy! Adore this blanket style coat so much Lisa, nothing makes me happier than being cosy and chic. I’ve been looking for a long length wrap coat for quite some time but this is actually the first one I’ve see that fits my criteria. The way the hem curves up at the front is so lovely. Also I would style it like you, with and without a belt. That circle bag is cute, might have to copy that too 😉
And Lisa, you know this but I want to say it here – You are truly a supporter of Women in business and Women in general, have been from day one. There’s nothing disingenuous about it, you sincerely care and want to help. I think there’s a bit of bandwagon jumping on this subject particularly on Instagram, but that definitely IS NOT YOU.
Lady you’re one in a million authentic, not a fake bone in your body and that’s why I fell for you the moment we met!
Good luck on the Blog Awards Sparkles xxx
Lisa
November 19, 2018 at 2:45 PMRachel does a lot of different fabrics, and the proportions work so well on relatively tall gals like us. You might need one at some point, they’re super versatile.
Thank you so much, Michelle. You’ve really been my partner in crime from day one at the coffee shop in Shoreditch! Thank you for your votes and your very kind words; you are a one in a million to me, babe. xx
Sharon Sinclair-Williams
November 18, 2018 at 10:53 PMFirst up you look amazing, woman. I seriously love your style. You also know how much I love tartan as well from the M&S boots.
There is a special place in hell … I seriously hope there is. This year I’ve had my confidence knocked professionally. By a woman that really should’ve known better. I’m getting through it though … slowly. At 55 I wish I knew better how to trust people but I always let them in. Still I’ve got to know some beautiful people by being like I am so I like the way I am even if I’ve had knocks because of it.
On a lighter note … the blog awards. I’d vote for you over and over if I could! I know you voted for me too which I seriously appreciate. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the tide turned and it started to be a good balanced mix of ages and genders? I know when I got the Vuelio Newcomer last November I couldn’t really believe it. And Catherine at Not Lamb making all that noise 2 years on the trot. Us midlifers are a force to be reckoned with. Best of luck … I’ve voted for everyone I know. Sharon xxxxoooo
Lisa
November 19, 2018 at 2:43 PMThank you so much Sharon. I looooove those M&S boots, they’ll be on the blog soon and you will accept full responsibility/credit for that purchase!
I’m so sorry to hear about your professional issues. I wish I could do something to help; you’re such a special soul.
I’ve voted for you because your spot online is such a bright and cheerful and inspirational place, on Insta and on your own property. The Vuelio newcomer award was so well deserved. Love to you xx
melissa williams
November 19, 2018 at 1:20 AMThese are so beautiful. I am definitely putting this on the list for my mom’s Christmas gift. She will absolutely LOVE this scarf.You completely blew this look away and I love hearing about the different brands that you find. While I love a good fashion trend, I really tire of seeing the same exact thing over and over and OVER on IG. I agree wholeheartedly with what Michelle said above- it’s one of the first things that drew me in about you……you’re real. And luv….I don’t have to tell you how rare that is. 🙂 And like Sharon said, I’ve had my knocks this year as well and it really DOES do a number on your confidence if you let it. Recently I’ve been thinking back to my highschool days of dealing with difficult people- no lie, I would say to myself, “I don’t really care…..my outfit (or hair) looks completely amazing.”(even when the altercation had nothing to do with clothing)….. And off I’d go, letting whatever it was roll right off like water off a ducks back. So funny to think back on….was that an affirmation?? Was I ahead of my time?? LOL, whatever it was it worked for me and I truly let very little bother me. I’ve been thinking about that a lot. You are absolutely stunning as always. That tartan is just so lush…and so freakin perfect in London. Best of luck with the awards……can we vote more than once? 😉
Lisa
November 19, 2018 at 2:37 PMI think these scarves make such great presents; they’re so unique and stylish, and also hella practical! This tartan number is just gorgeous. I’m so pleased you like it too.
Yeah, I’m with you on the uniform dressing, especially on Instagram. I would much rather find bold unique pieces and if I can help support another woman’s business, then even better. Watching a woman-run brand (like Winser London for instance) go from strength to strength thrills me.
Thank you also for your very kind words; it is funny how even though we’re miles apart, we find ‘our people’ online. I said to Sharon this morning I wish we could go split a bottle of fizz, have a hug, and plot more ways to have each other’s backs. I wish I could do the exact same with you, Melissa! One day we will. I’m not sure about the voting more than once. Everyone seems to have a different experience with voting depending on their firewalls/browser/country/cookie settings. I appreciate every vote though, thank you for yours. xx
Nancy
November 19, 2018 at 7:44 AMHaha, never heard of that special place in hell! But I agree with you, women of our age who set up another carieer, totally teached themselves, deserves our attention. And the black&white scarves are so very attractive!
Lisa
November 19, 2018 at 2:27 PMI can really see you in those monochrome scarves, Nancy. They’re elegant, but still have an edge. The design is so unique; you won’t see them on anyone else around town, that’s for sure!
whatlizzyloves
November 19, 2018 at 11:16 AMOh Lisa, you look spectacular and the photographs are stunning as always. And I am heading straight over to Rew! I agree with every word Michelle wrote above. You are genuine, honest, generous and I cannot think of a better person to win the blog award. I have voted for you of course! Love you
xxx
Lisa
November 19, 2018 at 2:25 PMThank you so much, Lizzie! Thank you for your vote and for your very kind compliments. I KNOW you’ll like Rew as much as I do. There is even a gorgeous floral coat that would be SO GOOD on you! Love to you, babe. xx
notdressedaslamb
November 19, 2018 at 2:51 PMOh my goodness – the coat, the coat…!!!!!!! Lisa it’s like it was made for you: long, red and tartan. Just stunning. I adore the way you’ve styled it with the studded belt (I always forget to put normal belts over coats and I really should remember to do it), and as someone who’s also got a REW scarf I can say too think they’re an amazing concept! That first picture of you in the poppy scarf is to die for.
I couldn’t agree more with that statement about women helping women. And I know that you know it’s SO much more than just supporting them with features on our blogs – what we say and do says A LOT about a person and whether they’re REALLY willing to truly support others. You are one of those people who has supported me in so many ways since we met… you and the other BFFs I’ve made through blogging (they know who they are!) always have my back and have been so generous. No backstabbing, no having your own agenda, no unwillingness to be genuinely supportive and happy for others’ successes. You couldn’t be further from that type of person and my life is richer for knowing you. VERY best of luck in the blog awards my lovely 🙂
Catherine xoxo
Lisa
November 20, 2018 at 10:02 PMI KNOW! I feel like the coat WAS made just for me :-). Love at first sight… The scarf was just extra icing on a tartan cake of fabulousness.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Catherine. You and the generous tone that you have set with your blog and with your daily actions have set the standard for how women in blogging should support each other. You’ve inspired far too many of us to list here, but nearly every good blogger I know was launched or helped along by reading your tips and how-to guides. I still bark the photography instructions that I’ve learned from your posts years ago to Matthias! Thank you for being such a shiny clever giving soul in our little blogging ecosystem, and for always being such a star of a friend to me. xx
Elizabeth (50 Sense)
November 20, 2018 at 12:13 PMThat coat is the life! Winter can be so miserable that a bright coat is the perfect way to fight it. Love this.
Lisa
November 20, 2018 at 9:21 PMI couldn’t agree more, Elizabeth! I’m so glad you like! xx
Lazy Daisy ajones
November 20, 2018 at 8:15 PMHi Lisa !
When I saw that coat on Catherine’s link up I needed to know more! It’s very refreshing to see something no one else is wearing !
Respect to all women trying to do something by themselves as a fellow blogger I salute you !
Ashley x
Lisa
November 20, 2018 at 9:21 PMIsn’t it a fabulous coat? It is made by such a fabulous lady too, which makes it extra special to wear. Thank you, Ashley, I’m so pleased it caught your eye.
Love to you too, lady, I know how much work goes in behind the scenes. xxx
LA CONTESSA
November 20, 2018 at 8:23 PMI’m LOST in the VOTING POOL……………..says comments are closed and NO BUTTON THAT SAYS VOTE!AM I TOO LATE?
I’ll check back for MORE DIRECTION!!!!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE COAT!!!!!!!!!
I may have to skip over there!
The scarf LADY HAS HIT A HOME RUN!!!!!!!!
XX
Lisa
November 20, 2018 at 9:12 PMTheir voting software is a little fiddly; it seems to vary by what kind of browser and cookie settings you have. If you click on the red word VOTE it SHOULD take you to a place where you’ll see a voting button. If that doesn’t work, then you can go to the homepage link and scroll down past where it says comments are closed. On the next page down, you’ll see a vote button. Click that and it takes you to the categories. Then after THAT, choose Fashion, and I’m on page 7 of Fashion. Alternatively, I’ll email you a link and see if that works any better! Thank you for your persistence, Elizabeth. I really appreciate it.
I knew you WOULD LOVE her coats. They are fabulous on tall gals like us, and the drama and shape is right up your street. Maybe she can make you a brocade one! xx
passion fruit, paws and peonies
November 20, 2018 at 10:12 PMStunning photos of you Lisa – I adore you in red. I’m off to vote!! xx Maria
Lisa
November 20, 2018 at 10:28 PMThank you so much, Maria! Several readers have had a hard time voting tonight, so it might not work. Their system may be down. Thank you for your persistence and your vote though! xx
Helen Hobden
November 22, 2018 at 6:32 PMThat is one amazing coat – I love it! It looks so warm and cosy and I love how you’ve styled it with heels for a very chic look. 🙂
Lisa
November 27, 2018 at 12:15 PMThanks so much, Helen! I’m so glad you like 🙂 xx