Aminah Abdul Jillil

Since joining Instagram earlier this year, I have realised that there are so many gorgeous and undiscovered labels out there; labels that you might never hear of. If like me, you like to wear something different, this this is the place for you! I will endeavour to bring you as many of these finds from across the globe. I will do the hard work so you don't have to! If you would like me to feature your brand, just drop me a mail here, Susanne x.


Her Story
I'd be spotting these fabulous dramatic, ankle-bow shoes on Pinterest for the last six months or so but just couldn't find a source for them.....until today. Aminah started out as a professional dancer in Los Angeles, performing with some of the biggest names in the industry music including Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. In 2012, after completing her third world tour with Britney, Aminah launched her first collection of women's shoes selling mostly online and a few L.A based boutiques including the iconic Fred Segal. Her first collection did quite well when Rihanna chose to wear one of her designs in the "Where Have You Been" music video! Aminah's career as a dancer has taken her around the world and cultivated her eye for culture, art, design and fashion. She hopes to continue with both of her passions and is excited to see where they take her next. What makes Aminah Abdul-Jillil's designs unique is her excitement to "try something different"


The Collection
Chances are, if you follow a style blog (apart from mine of course!) or have a fashion board on Pinterest, you have pinned or seen a pair of Aminah's ankle bow shoes without knowing who they were. They have achieved that delicate balance of being elegant and edgy whilst still being glamorous. They fall on the right side of pared back; just enough to be spotted on the feet of French editors, which as any girl who knows her Fendi from her fakes will know, is the holy grail of fashion product placement.
The best selling bowed beauties, have just been released in a special limited edition, matte blush. They are also available in a platform and flat versions. For those loving studding or sparkle, there is the most divine embellished crystal court shoe that are stunning and unique in their design and I have seen A LOT of embellished courts. The collection also includes two ankle boots that ooze sex appeal. In total, the collection has thirteen styles. Each pair of shoes are all leather. The colours in each style are predominantly red, black and nude with a touch of metallics thrown in.


Where and How Much?
Currently only available from their own website here The good news is that for all leather footwear the prices are very affordable. I mean don't get me wrong, they're a treat but still an affordable treat. With flats starting at $165.00 (approx €150.00) the bow-toe ankle shoes are $215.00 (approx €195.00) and the crystal pump are the highest price point at $375.00 (approx €345.00)

Perfect If
- If you work in fashion, you are a girly-girl or if you just adore shoes!

Fashion Floats Thinks
- Judging by her collection, I think Aminah & I could be friends. Is that weird? 

   Maybe but it's true! You can tell a lot about a person by their choice of footwear!

- The collection is a fashionista's idea of shoe heaven.

- Is excellently priced.
- I would happily choose the ankle-bow shoes as my evening wear shoe of choice forever!
- There is a lot more to come from this designer.
- For the unconventional bride-to-be, the crystal pump are a great idea.

- It's a shame the collection is not more readily available especially in Europe. With the taxes 

   on purchases from America, it practically doubles the price for us here in Ireland.

- Are not for the faint hearted
- The best is yet to come for Aminah Abdul-Jillil!

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Since joining Instagram earlier this year, I have realised that there are so many gorgeous and somewhat undiscovered labels out there. Labels that you might never hear of. If like me, you like something a little different, then this is the place for you! I will endeavour to bring you as many of these finds as I can from across the globe. I will do the hard work so you don't have to!   If you would like me to feature your brand, just drop me a mail here, Susanne x.

Mary K Jewellery

Having worked in fashion for over twenty years, I came across this gorgeous collection two years ago. I instantly clicked with Mary Kernan who, like the collection is understated and elegant. The range encompasses earrings, bracelets and delicate neck chains.

Their Story
The eponymously named label is a one woman show, owned and run by the consummate lady,  Mary Kernan. Mary has been working with silver jewellery for over twenty years. Combine this experience with a past in fashion buying and Mary has created a beautifully understated collection that manages to be cohesive yet varied. She travels internationally to source the semi-precious stones and metals she uses in the range.  In 2010 Mary recognised that the jewellery market was about to explode and decided to branch out. Consequently the collection now includes gold plating, semi precious stones and most recently, rose-gold. Re-branding  ensued and the rest as they. say is history!

The Collection

The collection currently comprises five smaller individually named selections. Although each of these undoubtedly tells its own story, the underlying tone is one of understated, laid-back and ultimately wearable elegance. Included in the collection are fine layered chains, drop earrings featuring various shapes and metals and in some cases semi-precious stones in rainbow inspired tones. The five selections include Sienna, named after Sienna Miller. Naturally this troupe has a laid back bohemian vibe and features lotus leaves, feathers, coins and simple hoops. It is proving hugely popular. There are also  the Om, Raindance, Rosa and Azure selections. The aptly named Raindance is perfect if you like a bit of sparkle  but don't want to sacrifice elegance. It is inspired by this natural delight and includes fine silver and vermeil chains interspersed with sparkling simulated diamond (cubic circona) droplets. Rosa is exactly what it sounds like and includes some of the collections best sellers from past seasons aswell as some new pieces, all delicately hand-crafted in Rose Gold. Azure features delicate vermeil encased aqua gems. This was by far our biggest seller when I worked in retail. My personal favourite is Om; Om includes subtle stars and symbols and is inspired by ancient cultures where symbols have power and meaning. Each piece is packaged in either a small velveteen pouch or box, depending on the size, upon purchase.

Where & How Much?

Prices start at just €30.00 approx for the simpler earrings and generally most of the collection comes in under €100.00 The more ornate pieces sell for up to €295.00 These pieces are intricate and timeless; true investment pieces. View the collection on their own site here and click here for the list of Irish stockists.

Perfect If
You are not a slave to fashion. You like to wear jewellery as opposed to jewellery wearing you.

Fashion Floats Thinks

~There is something in this collection for everyone. It really does cover all styles and tastes 

    seamlessly. I love this.

~This collection makes for perfect gifts, whether for a loved one or as a treat for yourself!

~It's a shame that the collection is not available to purchase from their own site. I have no 

   doubt that if it were, it would be a runaway success.

~ The packaging is beautiful. It really completes the image of understated elegance. If only 

    more brands would recognise the importance of the complete buying experience. 

~It would be great if the brand was more active on social media. I love to see regular updates 

    from my favourite designers and collections.

~If I were a bride-to-be I would consider the aqua drop earrings  for the evening as an   

    unexpected twist and as my "something blue" 

~I would happily wear no other jewellery other than this label for the rest of my days.

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Fashion Floats Finds - Finery London

Since joining Instagram earlier this year, I have realised that there are so many gorgeous and somewhat undiscovered labels out there. Labels that you might never hear of. If like me, you like something a little different, then this is the place for you! I will endeavour to bring you as many of these finds as I can from across the globe. I will do the hard work so you don't have to!   If you would like me to feature your brand, just drop me a mail here, Susanne x.

Finery London

It's not often that I come across a new label that genuinely excites me. Having just discovered their site last week,  I have been stalking it daily since.  In truth, so enamoured am I with the collection that I am torn between keeping this site a secret or shouting it from the rooftops. Anyone who has worked in fashion as long as I have will definitely identify with this feeling.
Their Story
Finery was created just last year in 2014, with the vision of making modern, inspiring and sophisticated styling accessible without compromising on quality.  To me this label has really managed to pull off a fashion coup; delivering stream lined, covetable designs in high quality fabrics that are affordable yet look expensive. No mean feat! As they say themselves, they are not about high fashion, they are about pieces to treasure. 
The Collection
This 90 piece edit is totally on point. That term is overused but there really is very little of this collection that is not incredibly wearable. The lines are clean. The details are subtle but noticeable. The prices are excellent. Think lots of midi lengths, funnel necks, muted tones. Throw in a dollop of print, colour, sequin and tactile fabrics and it makes for a truly lust worthy collection of clothing that you will actually love and wear. 

Clockwise From Top Rushton Sequin Skirt,  Embleton Leather Coat, Tagg Half-Moon Earrings,  

Bevan Lace Shell Top, Inglewood Leather Shoes With Spats, Blythe Boatneck Dress.

Where & How Much?

For now the London based collection is only available online here  I imagine that won't be the case for much longer such is my belief in this beautiful collection.
Sign up to their newsletter now and receive 15% off your first purchase. With prices starting at £19.00 (Approx €25.00) and the most expensive piece being an exquisitely simple yet stylish Embleton leather duster coat, that is worth every penny at £295.00. A Fashion Floats Forever piece for sure. 
Perfect If
You like well made clothing in high quality fabrics that often have subtle, quirky detailing.  You like to stand out from the masses but not at the expense of looking like a peacock! I have been trying to think of an analogy that does this label justice- Zaras posher grown up Italian cousin perhaps? :)

Fashion Floats Thinks

~ Their dresses are fantastic; there is a shape and style to suit every taste. I really love that      

     the designers have delivered a collection that gives women what we want without 

     sacrificing on style; some come with sleeves, some are looser fit, some  are longer. 

~ There is definitely a Simone Rocha fan on the design team.  The similarities are particularly      obvious in the footwear  dresses. Hints of Marni, Prada and Philosophy are also evident. 

      This is all good. Actually no, it's  great!

~ Impressively for a new label, the collection already boasts accessories  and  footwear  that          are packed with personality. The Novello loafers are the perfect pair of shoes for 

     Summer; smart enough to wear to the office but edgy enough to pair with a floaty 

     dress for weekend wear. I WANT!  The jewellery is very cool and slightly unexpected which       makes for a very pleasant surprise. It is not like all the other jewellery out there.

~ It's a shame that the pieces can't be viewed in/ purchased in Euros in Ireland yet. 

~ The leather is exceptionally well priced and it's refreshing to see navy and bottle green 

     in this Fashion Floats Favourite skin.

~ This might just be my new favourite label. Seriously.

Fashion Floats Finds - Very Fine South

Since joining Instagram earlier this year, I have realised that there are so many gorgeous and somewhat undiscovered labels out there. Labels that you might never hear of.  If like me, you like something a little different, then this is the place for you! I will endeavour to bring you as many of these finds as I can from across the globe. I will do the hard work so you don't have to!  Perhaps you will share the love and encourage small businesses by doing the same. If you would like me to feature your brand, just drop me a mail here, Susanne x.

Very Fine South

There are very few women out there who aren't into bags and I am no exception. I tend to buy one and wear it to death, only deviating for a special occasion or perhaps if a weekend calls for a bigger bag. My current bag of choice is the Diane Von Furstenberg Milo Bag. I have been using it for a year now and it still looks brand new. The leather hasn't lost it's shape nor has it scratched. My favourite thing about this bag is the choice of straps. I use the crossbody strap every day and if an occasion calls for a dressier look, that strap is detachable and there is a shorter handle. I want a replacement but have yet to be wooed enough by another. Until now...
Their Story
Very Fine South is owned and run by Atlanta based designer Laura Shope. Like many labels, it was borne from the designers frustration at being unable to find what she herself was looking for. In Laura's case this niche is practical and durable bags that also look good, really good. Having studied industrial design, Laura went on to create her first hand-dyed, hand-waxed bag in 2011. The requests flowed in and so Very Fine South was born. 
The Collection
All the bags are either a waxed cotton or leather and each one is handmade. Their colour palette is a delicious faded-out, countrified version of the rainbow.  There are currently three ranges to choose from including a classics and limited edition section. In reality you could get all your bag needs covered here.

The George. Waxed canvas with detachable leather strap.
Buy HERE

The beautiful countrified rainbow colour palette

Tsalagi Fringed Leather Clutch
Buy HERE

Where & How Much?

The full collection is available online here: www.veryfinesouth.com

Prices start at a very reasonable $44.00 (approx €40.00)  

Perfect If

You like to support small independent labels. You like to have accessories that  no-one else will have. You like to wear a bag that is not easily identifiable. You like good quality.