Celtic Sheepskin

Proving that sustainable style is naturally beautiful…

2012-02-14T16:00:00.015Z

Over the past couple of days I have been admiring the online galleries showcasing the glitz and glamour of the BAFTAS which took place on Saturday night. I always look forward to the glut of awards ceremonies that take place at this time of year and I particularly like seeing the red carpet highlights as well-known names take to the red carpet dress in all their finery.

Last weekend my attention was particularly drawn to the outfits worn for the BAFTAS because some of them had been chosen for their eco-credentials thanks to an initiative started by Livia Firth to raise the profile of sustainable style. Livia is encouraging others to adopt an approach of wearing more eco-friendly outfits, especially in the public eye as so many celebrities are and she was able to persuade a few people to take her up on her challenge to add a ‘green’ touch to the red carpet. You can read more about the green carpet challenge here.

Actress Viola Davis wore a Valentino design that had been created from recycled drinks bottles – amazing! Colin Firth (Livia’s husband) and Michael Fassbender wore Versace tuxedos made from wool and recycled materials. Here are a few pictures which I found online…

Focusing on Viola’s dress in particular (although do feel free to ‘study’ the men in their tuxedos for a while longer if you wish!), one thing that really strikes me is just how beautiful she looks, which isn’t how I would usually describe a dress crafted from recycled plastic bottles! The combination of the pretty pink and dainty drape of the dress means that it looks wonderfully feminine and perfectly suited to the glamorous red carpet entrance that Viola was no doubt hoping for.

Of course, here at Celtic Sheepskin, we too work hard to create eco-friendly and ethical clothing which also looks and feels beautiful to wear (but perhaps not aimed at the red carpet, more living room carpet!). It isn’t always an easy partnership to master as some fibres lend themselves to being worn in more pretty styles than others. Adding a little embellishment, button detail or using a lighter fibre can however make all the difference…

As the largest UK based retailer of sheepskin footwear, we know very well that the word ‘beautiful’ doesn’t often spring to mind when it comes to ugg-style boots. In fact, according to Wikipedia the term Ugg came from the “ugly” appearance that the first pair of sheepskin boots was said to have! Of course, we would strongly argue the case against this as many years have passed since the first pair of sheepskin boots was made and we now manufacture many different styles which have been embellished with feminine details (such as our Toscana, Cabra and Button Boots) to give them a pretty, feminine edge…

To wrap up today’s blog post, I couldn’t possibly forget to mention St Valentine’s Day. Congratulations to all those happy pairs out there! I do hope that if you are marking the occasion, you are being lovingly spoiled today. Let us know if you have been treated to something beautiful from Celtic Sheepskin on Facebook or Twitter.

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Love is in the (Cornish) air!

2012-02-09T12:00:00.027Z

This weekend, restaurants around the country will be full of amorous couples eating dinner by candlelight and staring lovingly into each other’s eyes in celebration of St. Valentine’s Day which falls on Tuesday next week. With the plethora of topical emails that have been landing in my inbox over the past couple of weeks and signs in local restaurants and shop windows, it would be quite hard to forget (although tell that to the men!).

After getting engaged recently it would be fair to say that I feel fairly ‘loved-up’ but the thought of celebrating St Valentine’s Day eating a themed dinner in a crowded restaurant doesn’t appeal to me quite as much as enjoying a quiet, lovingly-cooked (hopefully by him!) meal at home. I imagine that I’m probably not alone, judging by the ‘anti-Valentine’s’ columns and tweets that I have read recently.

So today, in a twist from the usual Valentines-related articles you might read over the next few days, I thought rather than focussing on the people we love, I would highlight some of the places we adore. As I have mentioned before, living here in Cornwall we are incredibly lucky to have such beautiful places right on our doorsteps. From golden sandy beaches to rugged cliff tops, Cornwall holds a place in many people’s hearts, including mine, for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. I know of many people who visit the county during the year in search of solitude and a sense of calm and Cornwall epitomises these traits with bells on.

So take a deep breath, relax and admire some of the places in Cornwall that we love…

This is my local beach so I am perhaps a little biased however I don’t think many could deny its beauty! I love how the beach looks so different depending on the angle from which you see it. It can look rugged and rocky or idyllic and picturesque. At three miles long, Perranporth beach is a wonderful beach to walk along at low tide, wrapped up warm in cosy layers when the wind is howling or barefoot and carefree with the sand between your toes in the summer.

To top it off, there is a pub on the edge of the beach which serves very yummy hot chocolates (or ice cold beer!) to enjoy after a long walk.

Bodmin Moor has been the setting for many Celtic photo shoots in seasons gone by and the scenery truly lends itself to being photographed. I love Bodmin Moor because it has so much character which seems to change from one day to the next. On a wintry day it looks mysterious and windswept yet it is transformed in the sunshine to appear dramatic and breathtakingly colourful, with rolling hills that seem to go on for miles (and indeed they do).

Finally, moving back towards the sea, the Newquay coastline is the closest to us here at Celtic HQ and a clifftop overlooking the sea is one of my favourite places to be. I don’t think you can feel anything but relaxed and calm when looking out to the horizon with the waves crashing beneath you, simply contemplating life. This to me exemplifies untouched, natural beauty. While in the nearby town it is generally bustling with people, it doesn’t take long to be somewhere quiet and peaceful - often I won’t see another person go by for a whole hour! This is my idea of romance; enjoying time and space with only my loved one at my side as we walk along a winding coastal path, breathing in the fresh, salty, Cornish air – perfect!

I hope that you like the look of the places I have mentioned too. Of course, I appreciate that there are many other beautiful places outside of Cornwall so do let me know where your favourite places are. Post your photos on Facebook or Twitter to share the love!

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A Celtic take on one of this season’s key trends

2012-02-07T13:00:00.008Z

This week Sam Verran, a fashion student from Truro College is on work experience with us as part of her foundation degree fashion course. Throughout the week Sam will be working in various departments across the company and yesterday she was based with me in the press office. As someone with a keen interest in fashion and her finger on the pulse with regards to the latest trends, I took advantage of the opportunity to find out her thoughts on how the latest Celtic Sheepskin collection channels the Spring 2012 trends and to share her ideas with you in today’s blog post.

As you can probably appreciate, there are plenty of trends to choose from out there this season, some more realistically suited to us than others (wet look PVC anyone?!) so rather than focusing on all of them in this post, Sam has highlighted one trend that she particularly likes. With the Olympics only months away (and taking place right her in England) it is no surprise that the fashion world is fully embracing one of Spring's biggest trends, Sport Luxe.

Sam explained “The trend includes elements of relaxed sports fashion (hoodies and jersey tops) as well as more edgy styles which could be seen on this season’s runways combined with skirts, dresses and high heels. Just like the camaraderie which can be felt with the anticipation of the Olympic games, this trend is one that you will want to be part of and it is so easy to follow.”

Sam has picked out three examples of the Sport Luxe trend and – as is the often the theme of our blog posts – matched them with similar items from our Spring collection to demonstrate how Celtic Sheepskin is nodding to the trend…

One of the pieces that is most associated with sportswear has been given an overhaul for the Sport Luxe look and our version is no exception. Sam commented “The Pointelle Hoodie is the perfect layering piece for Spring. It’s ideal for days when there's a bit of a chill in the air. I love the thumbholes – great for keeping your hands warm. The pointelle detailing adds a pretty element to the sporty look – quite different to the typical hoodie which is more chunky and casual”.

With our jersey wear range now bigger than ever, there is plenty to choose from of similar items. Sam picked out the Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Tee. She said “The slight A-line of this tee drapes in a really flattering way which looks great with skinny jeans.

The dropped back is a great touch which sets this aside from just another t-shirt. I particularly like the Navy Stripe tee and I think it could build part of a smart casual evening outfit with the addition of a pair of heels and some statement jewellery.” I couldn’t agree more!

The cricket-style v-neck jumper is a smarter example of Sport Luxe which can be dressed up or down according to the occasion. Sam explained “This is my favourite take on the sport-luxe trend. The Lace Knit Slouch is such a versatile piece: it can be worn with a shirt underneath for a preppy look or for a more feminine take with a sporty crop top underneath or a bikini top as the temperature increases. The clever laddering allows for just the right amount of exposure so you can a bolder look without feeling too exposed”.

What do you think of the Sport Luxe look? Which trend have you noticed everywhere so far this season? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.

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Pay day treats to tempt you…

2012-02-02T13:00:00.006Z

I was browsing online yesterday and discovered that Monday 30th January was dubbed “Happy Monday” by psychologists. Apparently many of us will have felt a renewed sense of positivity and happiness due to the first pay cheque of 2012 landing in our bank accounts over the weekend, marking the end of a long spell since Christmas and all the expenses it brings. Thinking about it, I wholeheartedly agree having treated myself at the beginning of the week to a couple of must-have items for my new season wardrobe which – yes – did make me feel happy (although I must admit that I am usually quite cheery anyway and I ALWAYS feel happy when I’m shopping!).

Are you thinking of treating yourself to a special pay day purchase too? I had a look through our final clearance pages to pick out some tempting pieces which would be considered a treat while allowing you to shop guilt-free in the knowledge that these special purchases are even better value than usual!

Here’s what I have found…

Knowing how much we ladies like our handbags, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to show off this gorgeous tote! The Sheepskin Tote Bag has plenty of space to hold everything you might need and the Tan colour is really versatile so this will become a firm favourite I’m sure. At £65 (half its original price), it is also a purse-friendly bargain.

If you would like to pamper yourself even more, this Cashmere Scoop Neck Jumper Dress might just do the trick! At £160, just over 25% discount from the pre-winter price, I think it slips into the “affordable at a stretch” category –it is 100% cashmere after all! I love how soft this dress feels against the skin, it is so snuggly to wear yet its tailored shape lends itself to being dressed up for a special occasion – dinner with the girls perhaps? It would look fab with a pair of heels and a belt to define the waist.

Now for the ultimate indulgence, might I suggest a touch of luxury – a sheepskin coat, in particular the stunning Three Quarter Cabra Coat at £805. Even though the price has been reduced by 30% let’s be honest, most people (myself included) will still see this as an investment piece. Having tried it on though, I can assure you that it is an investment worth making! This coat is the successor of the Cabra Jacket which has been popular with you, our customers for many seasons now. This longer version is even more beautiful and will add a special touch to anyone’s wardrobe.

Have you made a special Celtic purchase this month? We would love to hear from. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Final clearance wintry wonders!

2012-01-31T13:30:00.003Z

With the almost balmy days of late, we could easily have been forgiven for thinking that we had bypassed winter altogether down here in Cornwall and other parts of the UK. I think I was lulled in to a false sense of security by the unseasonal warmth over the last couple of months as I certainly wasn’t prepared for the wintry weather which arrived earlier this week! Although it is milder in this part of the country than elsewhere, the chilly breeze and wintry showers give me two exciting motives to don as many layers as possible. And boy have I plenty to choose from!

In the wings of our warehouse an abundance of warm sheepskin clothing and knits are patiently waiting to rescue us in such chilly times. Hooray! In fact, I’ve discovered that many of these can be found on the final clearance pages of our website and the Knitted Accessories section section in particular has grabbed my attention this morning. I’ve reassured myself that spending my hard earned on cash on winter accessories in January falls under the “essentials” category, and when they’re so drastically reduced, I’d feel a fool to ignore their beauty!

Here is a pick of my favourites…

First up, our Slouchy Cable Beanie, Cable Armwarmers and Cable Bootwarmers: An accessories set for £46 - that’s half the original price – bargain! I have just checked and as of this morning the silver and light grey options for each accessory are still available at half price. The cable design goes with everything and the armwarmers are brilliant if you prefer not to cover your hands completely, allowing you the freedom to wear them while doing fiddly tasks if you wish.

Made for us by Andrea Dunne, a textiles designer based in Brighton, this colourful set will add a touch of cheeriness to anyone’s winter wardrobe as well as keeping you snuggly & warm. Knitted from Geelong lambswool, the Sailor Beret and Sailor Scarf feel supremely comfortable as well (for the purity of this blog I feel it is vital that I try on everything I recommend; it’s a tough job but someone has to do it!)

If you love cashmere but tend to shy away because it costs more than other yarns, then this is the perfect opportunity to try it as our Cashmere Beret (white), Cashmere Bed Socks and Cashmere Woven Scarf are currently reduced by up to half price. They feel as luxurious as you might imagine and will complement your cold weather outfit effortlessly.

Is it snowing where you are? Are you wearing Celtic to keep warm? We would love to see your photos! Please post them to Facebook or Twitter.

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If you buy just one thing this Spring...

2012-01-26T13:00:00.030Z

Walking through the warehouse this morning it was exciting to see that lots of our spring stock has now arrived ready for the busy season ahead. The shelves are stacked high with colourful scarves, gorgeous knits and wovens in fresh new shades. It’s a breezy day in Newquay today, which is making me look forward to the fresh spring days to come. In fact, my senses have been awakened with the wonderful scents of gorse and sea salt that’s travelling through the air. How I love living in Cornwall!

As well as this, I am of course also looking forward to seeing you, our customers, modelling pieces from our new season’s range. There are more gorgeous styles than ever before in our Spring collection (which is why we have given Spring 2012 a catalogue all of its own) so we hope that you will find plenty of pieces to complement your wardrobe this season.

I imagine that many of you will have had a chance to browse the new catalogue by now (if not, please click here to view it online) and perhaps you are looking for one key piece which will refresh your wardrobe. If so, I would personally like to recommend the gorgeous Collared Slouch.

I wore the Collared Slouch for the first time yesterday and I honestly didn’t want to take it off. I chose the Harbour shade to add some colour to my outfit (simple jeans and ballet pumps) and I am pleased to say that I received a number of compliments on the colour. I also love the Silver alternative and would happily buy both…

My favourite discovery of the top is the rolled edge detail on the cuffs and hem as for me they add a pretty, feminine touch. I also like how well the jumper fitted me, as while it is designed as a slouchy style, it allowed me a flattering silhouette which I find my jumpers too often forget. I wear size 10 jumpers and the small size was just right for me.

I also must add that the collar acted almost like a scarf for me, keeping my neck and décolletage warm but without that horrible constrictive feeling – perfect for spring! In fact, thinking about us moving into spring, the Geelong lambswool and angora mix of the jumper, really must have a mention as put against my skin the sensation was incredible; wonderfully soft and fabulously light weight. As you can no doubt tell, I am a fan!

You’ll be pleased to know that the Collared Slouch is in stock now and is already proving popular so if you’re interested I’d suggest you order soon...

What’s your stand-out item from our Spring collection? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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Fresh new colours for spring

2012-01-24T12:00:00.005Z

As many of you - our blog readers - will know, here at Celtic Sheepskin we pride ourselves on listening to and acting on customer feedback. We have a ‘reviews’ section on our website (there is a separate tab on each product page where you can view customers’ comments regarding a product) and we encourage customers to leave a review after purchasing our products so that we can take feedback on board to help us plan for forthcoming collections.

One comment that we hear from time to time is that you would like to see some of your favourite products available in more colours. Indeed when you have found a shape and style that you love, it makes a lot of sense to yearn for it in other complementary shades. So for Spring 2012 you might be pleased to know that we have introduced some of our best-sellers in more colour options. Today I thought I would make it really easy for you to spot them by giving you a brief roundup of some of the key pieces which have been introduced in new colours for Spring 2012…

Our Rib Panel Knit now comes in Cloud, a crisp, fresh hue which makes the rib detail stand out as much as the platinum colour from last season. I’m sure that this jumper will be a great seller for Spring due to its easy fit and relaxed style.

As one of our best sellers from Autumn/Winter, we have listened to your feedback and introduced our Supersoft Slouch Dress in this stunning new Denim shade which will refresh any wardrobe as you make the transition from winter to spring. Out of all the shades we offer in this dress this is my personal favourite.

Our Organic Cotton Henley now comes in Steel so you can layer up effortlessly with even more choice of colours.

Sticking with our jersey range, as well as being available in Steel, you can also now buy our Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Tee in a gorgeous navy striped design which will no doubt prove popular as we all start embracing the chance to dress patriotically in the run up to the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations (you could even add a red Skinny Scarf to channel this look perfectly!).

I could tell you about even more styles which are now available in additional colours but I won’t bombard you today! You will find details of all of the added colours in our new Spring 2012 catalogue which should be coming through your letterbox any time now, or you can view the whole collection online.

Would you like to see any of your favourite Celtic pieces in different colours? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
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Spring 2012 – a new season and a couple of additional new models.

2012-01-19T12:00:00.002Z

In Tuesday’s blog post I gave you a little taster of what’s to come in our brand new Spring catalogue which is going to be sent out from this week. For those of you who haven’t had a little look at the online version, this is what the front cover of the catalogue will look like...

Doesn’t Amelie look stunning? As our longstanding customers will know Amelie has been featured in our catalogues for quite a few years now; in fact she has played a part in every catalogue since “Autumn Winter 2008” nearly four years ago, making this her 10th appearance for Celtic Sheepskin!

During that time, our range has grown and grown and this season showcases a larger than ever range of knitwear and woven tops as well as our popular Easywear range which is ideal for this time of year when lots of layers are often required.

As your new Spring 2012 catalogue will shortly be with you, I thought I would ‘introduce’ you to the two other models who feature for the first time alongside Amelie;

Fanny is a French model who currently lives in New York (oh, the glamour!). During the photo shoot she commented how much she liked Cornwall having never been here before. She was very focused in front of the camera, so much so that she was caught out by oncoming waves more than once! Fanny loved our Boots and ended up buying a pair for herself to take with her on her travels to keep her feet warm…

Caroline was just as lovely to work with and took great interest in all of the outfits she wore for the shoot. She made the most of her surroundings particularly in Port Isaac where she took great joy in pointing out all the Doc Marten references! Caroline drew a lot of attention from passing tourists during the shoot – yes, we can see you…

To round up today’s blog post, here are a few more images of all three of our Spring 2012 models doing what they do best…

Once you have perused your new season catalogue, please feel free to let us know your thoughts about the new range on Facebook or Twitter. We would love to hear from you.

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Looking ahead to Spring…

2012-01-17T12:11:00.001Z

As I mentioned in a blog post last week, last Saturday we had our staff Christmas party at the Kahuna Restaurant in Newquay (a big thank you to them for looking after us for the evening!) and I’m pleased to say that the delicious cocktails and yummy food went down very well indeed and well and the celebrations punctuated the festive season for us.

So with a new year now well and truly in full swing, our attentions are now being focused on preparations for the new Spring season. As those of you who subscribe to our newsletter will have found out on Sunday thanks to an exclusive preview, we are excited to announce that our Spring collection is now available to pre-order on our website! You might be thinking that with the cold weather this week, light spring layers are far from your mind but with the benefit of experience, we would strongly suggest taking a look to make sure that you don’t miss out on some of the key pieces for this Spring which are sure to sell out quickly!

The eagle-eyed among you might have spotted that we have called this the Spring collection rather than Spring/Summer as in previous years. The reason for this is that for the first time, the range for the warmer seasons is simply too extensive to feature in just one catalogue so we have split Spring/Summer in to two separate seasons and two catalogues – the Summer range will be available in a few months’ time.

So just for you, our blog readers, here is a little introduction to a few of our favourite spring layering pieces. I have specially selected pieces which will look and feel as great in the lead up to Spring as they will when it gets warmer...

This Knitted Tunic is a brilliant layering piece. It lends itself to being worn as a tunic with jeans over anything from a lightweight tee to a chunky rollneck.

This brand new Waterfall Cardigan is wonderfully soft and cosy which makes it a great option for this time of year (I think it works well with a belt) and of course it is the ideal weight for wearing during the spring. We predict this will be a big seller!

With Pippa Middleton being snapped wearing our Toscana Bodywarmer last week, our gilets have become even more popular than ever! While the Toscana Bodywarmer has sold out already, you can start the New Year with this gorgeous Reversible Toscana Gilet in a new shade of Nutmeg which is perfect for smartening up an outfit while keeping you warm.

Keep an eye out in the post for your Spring catalogue which is set to land on your doormat from later on this week. You can also view our Spring catalogue online by clicking here.

Let us know what you think of our new Spring collection on Facebook or Twitter.

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Getting to know... Samm Mackay, Sew Room Supervisor

2012-01-12T14:16:00.004Z

During the busy lead up to Christmas, our sewing machinists have been working very hard to make thousands of pairs of boots and slippers for you, our customers. So I thought it might be a good time to introduce you to Samm Mackay, our Sew Room Supervisor and find out a bit more about her…

When did you start working at Celtic Sheepskin?
I started working for Celtic Sheepskin in May 2007 so just over 41/2 years ago – wow, time has flown!

What do your day-to-day duties mainly consist of?
My day to day duties as Sew Room Supervisor consist of sewing and keeping up to date with all of the styles and sections of production involved in sewing our boots and slippers. I am also responsible for training new members of staff and making sure that the team is updated when we introduce new styles to the collection. As part of my role, I work to ensure quality control and efficient running throughout the sew room in order to produce stock to meet demand from our customers throughout the year.

What do you love most about your role?
My favourite element of my role is organising the sew room and working with the team as everyone is really lovely and work really hard to produce boots and slippers of the highest quality for our customers.

How long have you lived in Cornwall?
I was born in Cornwall and have lived here all my life.

What brought you here/what has kept you here?
The reason I have stayed in Cornwall is that I have always found it a beautiful place to live. Growing up in Cornwall I have spent many days on the beach and couldn't imagine not living by the sea. What could be better than spending days in such a relaxing part of the country with the wonderful backdrops that Cornwall has to offer?

How do you like to spend your spare time?
I spend most of my spare time socialising with my friends and with my boyfriend Ben, walking my dog on the beach or watching movies. I also love to bake and experiment quite often with different cake recipes.

If you could swap jobs with someone else in the company for the day, who would it be and why?
If I could swap jobs with someone for a day it would probably be Nick or Kath as, being our Directors, they oversee so many different parts of the company and I think it would be really interesting to learn more about how other departments and areas of the company work.

Which is your favourite item in the current winter collection, what would it be? It doesn’t have to be for you!
I love all of the Toscana coats and particularly the Hooded Toscana Jacket. It looks and feels so warm, snug and smart.

You’re hosting a fantasy dinner party and can invite 3 famous people to join you. Who would you invite and why?
First of all I would invite David Attenborough as I find him and his work so fascinating. I would also invite Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters as he is my favourite musician; he can play so many different instruments and also would have good stories to tell as he is friends with so many musical legends. Finally I would invite Michael McIntyre as I find him hilarious and he would certainly add a bit of comedy to the evening.

Finally, do you have one phrase that you like to live by?
“You only get back what you put in”. I wholeheartedly believe this to be true and always aim to give 100% to whatever I do.

Thank you Samm –great answers. Don’t forget there is an office full of willing ‘volunteers’ if you would like to test out your cakes!

These boots are made for walking...

2012-01-10T13:21:00.000Z

The decorations might have been taken down for another year but here at Celtic HQ there is a tangible buzz in the air as we prepare for our Christmas party on Saturday night. We are always so busy in the lead up to Christmas so we wait until January and treat it as our reward :)

In true Christmas party spirit we will be dressing up in all our finery, in fact I will be embracing the chance to wear a dress and high heels which is a far cry from my usual wardrobe of jeans and sheepskin boots! As much as I enjoy the opportunity to dress up, I must admit I love the thought of slipping on my favourite Classic Boots once I’m out of my heels – true comfort at its best!

As you might imagine, here at Celtic we are all advocates and dedicated fans of our very own infamous sheepskin boots. On my travels around the offices and factory today I thought I would ask some of our staff members to show off their favourite boots for you, our blog readers. In case you’re on the look-out for a pair of our wonderful boots and can’t make your mind up, here are some of their choices which might help you decide;

Samm, our Sew Room Supervisor, particularly likes the Calf Height Button Boots because they are eye-catching and different to other styles, being made from distressed black sheepskin.

Our Graphic Designer Lauren’s favourite boots are these Celt Knee Boots. She particularly loves the knee-high length because it’s so versatile to wear up or turn down and of course how comfortable they are to wear.

Charlotte, our HR Manager, loves wearing a pair of Toscana Boots because their sumptuous Toscana sheepskin cuffs smarten up even the most casual outfit.

Clare, Administrative Assistant, loves her Mocca Shortie Boots and it seems that Alfie quite likes them too! Clare likes that they go with everything and are so easy to slip on and off.

Hannah who is on work experience with us this week loves her calf-height Popper Boots, shown above in Spice. She likes to wear them in different ways to complement the style of her outfits, either with the poppers done up or undone with the sheepskin folded over.

There are plenty more styles to choose from, in fact there are 15 featured in our recent Winter catalogue. Which ones are you favourites? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

To view all of our Boots click here.

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Update your winter holiday wardrobe with up to 70% off!

2012-01-05T14:00:00.002Z

Being 5th January already it might be a bit late but let me start by wishing you Happy New Year! I enjoyed a very restful break involving leisurely walks and copious amounts of food. I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating too.

The weather throughout the country this week has been causing havoc with strong winds, rain and snow in parts of the UK. Seeing the chilly temperatures and rainy forecast, I can’t help but daydream about escaping the dreary winter for a week or so in favour of some sunshine. Charlotte, our HR Manager made this wise decision and she is currently enjoying some sunshine in the Canaries – lucky lady!

If like Charlotte you are thinking of heading to warmer climes over the next couple of months, you might be thinking about updating your wardrobe with some pieces which will be suited to balmy temperatures.

If so, have you taken advantage of our biggest ever sale yet? We are offering up to 70% off a variety of styles so there is bound to be something for everyone! With offers as good as this, the stock won’t be around for long so make sure you grab your favourites while you can. As well as winter woollies and heavier layers, the sale also includes more lightweight pieces which would be perfect for some winter sunshine….

The Knitted Vest Top is a great item to pack in your winter sun suitcase as it looks wonderful over a bikini as a simple beach cover up or as a stylish evening top (over another vest if you don’t wish to flash too much flesh!).

The Trapeze Hem Top is wonderfully easy-to-wear top and being made from 100% cotton means it will keep you cool. The sleeves can be adjusted to suit the temperature as well (they are elbow-length at their longest).

Sticking with the supremely flattering trapeze style, the Trapeze Jumper Dress is the perfect dress for a warm day or balmy evening and looks particularly fabulous with bare legs. It can of course be layered up over jeans if you prefer.

If you are going away soon, I hope you have a lovely time (and I’m not envious at all..!). If you aren’t however, then hopefully the above suggestions will help you to prepare for the warmer weather in a few months’ time.

Are you going away on a winter holiday? If so, which of our sale items have caught your eye? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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Great news – The Celtic Sheepskin January sale is now ON!

2011-12-29T12:00:00.027Z

We all at Celtic Sheepskin hope you had a wonderful Christmas that was full of food, fun, family and friends and that you received everything you wished for. Christmas may be over, but boy is there still plenty left to celebrate!

At this time of year I imagine that many of you would welcome the opportunity to save some pennies after a busy few weeks full of social events and gift-buying. So I am very pleased to let you know (although you might have had a ‘heads-up’ if you subscribe to our email newsletter) that our January sale is now underway after the launch on Boxing Day.

This is our biggest ever sale with many of our most popular products now reduced by up to 50% - that’s certainly not to be sniffed at! As this week is quite often a busy one with the festivities and socialising continuing, I thought I would save you some time by highlighting some of my top finds from the sale…

Made in Great Britain from Blue-faced Leicester wool in its original undyed colour, the Slip
Stitch Bodywarmer goes with everything! I particularly like wearing it with the Henley Slouch; the colours really complement each other.

This is an absolute steal for such a gorgeous jumper! The Wide Neck Dolman is a simple shape which looks fab with jeans or a skirt.

Another of our Bluefaced Leicester pieces, the Stylised Fisherman’s Jumper will keep you warm for many winters to come. The cable trend is set to continue well into next autumn so I would recommend stocking up now.

One of my favourite pieces from our AW11 collection, the Cocoon Cape is unique and gorgeous. It is a brilliantly light yet cosy extra layer which makes a pleasant change from a cardigan.

Make sure to order these quickly as once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Let us know which bargains you have bagged on Facebook or Twitter – we’d love to hear from you.

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Warm Christmas wishes from everyone at Celtic Sheepskin!

2011-12-22T12:06:00.000Z

Walking in to the factory this morning, you would have thought you had walked in to Santa’s grotto by mistake! Many of the staff decided to make the most of the festive mood by accessorising their outfits with some Christmas touches and I think they all look fabulous.

Here are our lovely checkers (who monitor the quality of all the footwear made on site here in Newquay), from left to right Tina, Becci, Elaine, Anna and Naomi…

Becci quipped that as the reindeer on her headband had lost his eyes, she had no idea (“no eye deer”) what was going on!*Groan* - surely that’s a joke straight out of a Christmas cracker :)

Moving in to the sewing room I couldn’t help but smile as I saw that many of the team had dressed up in complete festive style. Here’s Lesley showing off her customised boots…

Here’s Debbie the elf with three Santas, Jenna, Pat and Jo, all looking the part...

Over in the cutting room, Ian was sporting a “bah humbug” hat but still looked festive and Colin embraced the chance to dress up with a fetching red hat (he was also wearing some matching underwear but I didn’t think that photo would be appropriate!).

Here in the press office, we’re feeling the Christmas spirit too. Rather than dressing up though, I thought I would have some fun creating a Christmas message for you, our lovely blog readers, to enjoy. So with the help of JibJab.com here it is…

CLICK HERE
(the message will open in a new window)

Hope you liked it (it made me giggle just making it)! The featured 'elves' were Lauren (Graphic Designer), Tracy (Garment Technologist), Charlotte (HR Manager), me - Stella (Marketing Assistant) and of course Alfie the dog (or should that be Elf-ie!)

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and here’s to 2012!

Stella Clark

Celtic goes global! Father Christmas will have his work cut out this weekend…

2011-12-20T12:25:00.001Z

Only 5 more sleeps to go! Are you excited? Here at Celtic HQ you can feel the cheer in the air: there are Christmas songs on the radio, bumper boxes of chocolates in the offices and quite a few of the factory staff are wearing festive hats! We have just chosen our food choices for our post-Christmas staff celebration too which has added to the mood (and gives us something to look forward to in January!).

This time of year is always wonderfully busy for us as you, our customers, stock up on warm winter woollies and gifts galore. Our order lines ring constantly and the orders fly in thick and fast. As well as our loyal local customers, we are proud to say that our customers are spread far and wide across the globe. It’s amazing to believe that from our very humble beginnings back in the 1970s we have grown to be an internationally-known company selling to customers all around the world.

Out of curiosity I have been speaking to the ‘elves’ in our warehouse to find out more about the far-flung places that he will be taking his sleigh on Christmas eve (let’s hope that his reindeer get plenty of carrots to keep them going!);

Just across the channel from us, I have been told that our customers in France are particularly fond of our scarves and other knitted accessories. In a country with so many pavement cafes, I imagine that the cosy warmth of cashmere or lambswool accessories provides a brilliant finishing layer to help battle the elements during an al fresco coffee break…

Continuing the journey across the continent and towards Russia, it is no surprise that our sheepskin hats are very popular there, our ‘elves’ told me. In a country where temperatures dip to below -20oC on a regular basis, a sheepskin hat will go some way to protecting against the harsh winter…

Santa and his reindeer will then be on their way to deliver our infamous sheepskin boots to our customers in Japan where they are popular all year round. From the more simple Classic style to our crazy Himalayan Boots, they fly off the shelves across the globe and Japan is no exception perhaps due to the country’s love of Great British products (our boots are of course handcrafted in Cornwall so they tick this box in a big way!)…

Of course our products are bought by customers in hundreds of other countries as well and as I can’t mention them all in one post so we would love to hear from you about where you’re from and how Celtic Sheepskin features in your wardrobe. You can get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.

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Stuck for a last-minute gift idea? Our Factory Shop ladies might be able to help...

2011-12-15T13:29:00.000Z

I can’t quite believe I’m saying this already but we are only 10 days away from Christmas day! With this in mind, I thought I would begin today by reminding you that orders need to be placed by 22nd December to ensure your goods reach you in time so don’t delay!

I was talking to the lovely ladies in our factory shop yesterday who commented on how busy it has been over the last few weeks with many customers coming in search of presents for their nearest and dearest (and also for themselves in many cases!). As our shop staff are very much on the pulse when it comes to giving advice to customers, I thought I would ask their thoughts on great gift ideas for you, our avid blog readers. So in case you’re still in a quandary about what to buy someone special this Christmas, here are a few of their suggestions…

Jo, our Factory Shop Supervisor, picked out her favourite item, the Donegal Snood (in Oatmeal) which she says would make the perfect gift for a female friend or relative. Jo loves the cosy and snuggly feel of this snood and said that it feels luxurious to wear without having a luxury price tag. The chunky cable stitch is also very much on trend this season.

Next up, Gemma, one of our Shop Assistants, picked out the gorgeous Pocket Bag as her perfect present idea. Gemma particularly likes the number of pockets which she feels make this a really practical every-day bag and said that this would be an ideal present for her mum or sister (so she could borrow it off them she said – I like her style!).

Last but not least, Natalie, another of our lovely shop assistants couldn’t quite make up her mind so chose two different styles of socks. She said that the wide range of socks that we offer suit the different personalities of her friends so they would all make ideal gifts. Natalie chose the cream Over-the-Knee socks because they look fab worn pulled up with a skirt or slouched down for a more relaxed look and this style comes in a wide range of colours to complement any outfit. Natalie also chose the rose Ladies Boot Socks because she likes the way they look compared with some other boot socks on the market which tend to come in dark, dreary colours. Natalie commented that these are bright and cheery and perfect for friends who like long walks and warm feet!

I hope that these ideas have given you some food for thought. To make life even easier, all of the items chosen are currently in stock.

To see the rest of our Christmas Gift Shop please click here. Let us know what gifts you’re buying this Christmas on Facebook or Twitter.

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Planning our Christmas Day outfits…

2011-12-13T12:00:00.023Z

I am feeling a little bit smug today because I managed to finish my Christmas shopping at the weekend after fighting through the streets of Truro on a mission to buy everything in as short a time as possible (not least because my other half came with me to ‘help’ and his tolerance for busy shops is even smaller than mine!).

Having breathed a big sigh of relief knowing that my presents are wrapped and my cards are written and posted I can now focus on enjoying the lead-up to Christmas day and the exciting plans I have coming up (which to be completely honest mainly involve eating copious amounts of yummy food and ‘sampling’ mulled wine!). Even more importantly, I can now shop with myself in mind and update my Christmas wardrobe.

For me, the outfit that requires the most consideration is the one for Christmas day. This year I will be spending the day itself with my fiancé’s family on their Dartmoor hill farm and the weather there can be a bit unpredictable to say the least (last year my car had to be towed out of the snow with a tractor!) so I need to plan ahead for warmth, comfort and style. What better way to do this than in Celtic Sheepskin! I imagine that I will spend part of the day walking across the moor so a pair of warm boots and some knitted accessories will keep the chill away.

I share an office with Lauren (our Graphic Designer) who is responsible for, among other things, putting together our email newsletters and keeping the website looking fresh and inviting. With festive music on in the background and Christmas firmly on our minds, Lauren has decided on her Christmas Day outfit too. Lauren’s will be starting the day with a family tradition of going for a swim in the sea (in just a swimming costume – brrrr, rather you than me!) so she will no doubt be looking forward to putting on something warm and cosy to spend the rest of the day in.

Complete with the backdrop of a white Christmas, here we are in our intended outfits (Lauren on the left and me, Stella, on the right; click on the image to view a larger version)…

Lauren is wearing the Henley Slouch with a Slip Stitch Bodywarmer, accessorised with a black Cashmere Beret, Cashmere Wristwarmers and a Pointelle Snood. Her boots are Celt Knee Boots.

Lauren will be cooking Christmas dinner for her family so the layers of this outfit are a perfect choice as she can easily remove the Slip Stitch Bodywarmer as the kitchen heats up.

For my Christmas day outfit I have chosen a Cable Slouch Dress in Sapphire with a Lambswool Scarf (Natural MacKeller) and a merino Cable Beanie together with matching Cable Armwarmers (light grey). My boots are Popper Boots (calf height in Spice).

This is an ideal ensemble which will shield me well from the moorland breeze! I will also take a pair of Yaktrax Pro with me just in case. These are fantastic as they can be worn over most shoes to give them extra grip on snow or ice...

What do you think of our Christmas Day outfits? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.

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How can you make sure you receive your dream gifts this Christmas?

2011-12-08T12:03:00.000Z

With only 17 days to go until Christmas day, I’m sure that most of you will have bought quite a few gifts by now. How much thought have you put in to the presents that you have chosen for your nearest and dearest?

Badly-chosen Christmas presents are the subject of many a joke at this time of year but while, of course, it is true that it is the thought that counts when it comes to gifts, wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that the lovingly-chosen gift is something that you really, really want?

Hopefully we can help! To make it easier for your loved ones to buy you the perfect present, you can create your very own wish list on the Celtic Sheepskin website. This is really simple and takes only 3 easy steps;

1. Add the product/s you would like to the wish list by selecting the link next to the product details...

2. Register your details (if you haven’t already) to save your wish list...

3. Drop an unsubtle hint by emailing your list to your family and friends!

Rather than a “unique” hand-knitted hat, scarf and mittens set from Granny, I thought you might like to see a few suggestions of knitted accessories sets, Celtic style. Will any of these be on your wish list?

Cosy and warm for everyday wear, this gorgeous set features a beanie, scarf and gloves. The Oatmeal shade is really versatile; you will want to wear this set with everything.

This set which includes a beret, scarf and wristwarmers comes in two shades; Ecru and Soft Grey. Hand-knitted by Andrea Dunne, a Brighton-based textile designer, you will love the super-soft quality of these accessories.

If you receive this set in your stocking you must have been a very good girl! The beret comes in other shades as well as grey if you like to mix and match (click here to see them all) or you can coordinate with the Lacy-cuffed Gloves and Corsage Scarf. The Corsage Scarf is simply stunning and being cashmere the whole set feels so cosy that you won’t want to take it off. Worth every penny and sure to bring smiles all round!

For more gift ideas please visit our Christmas Gift Shop.

Which items are on your wish list? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter – we would love to hear from you.

Only 17 shopping days left to order your Celtic treats in time for Christmas!

2011-12-06T12:00:00.004Z

On Sunday I was one of 670 to take part in the Plymouth Santa Fun Run along with a few friends, raising money for Children’s Hospice South West and Diabetes UK by running 4km dressed in (very warm) Santa costumes and some “Hawaiian” accessories to make us stand out. It was a brilliant event which really put us in a festive mood, especially with the treat of a mince pie at the end!

After changing in to something less conspicuous and more appropriate for shopping we took the opportunity to visit the nearby shopping centre. I couldn’t believe how busy it was! With less than 3 weeks until Christmas day, people were present- buying en masse and there were queues everywhere. I have decided that I much prefer online shopping; the novelty of spending money in the peace and quiet of my own home while wearing my cosiest pyjamas and slippers won’t ever wear off!

It seems that I’m not alone: Last Monday (28th November) was predicted to be one of the busiest online shopping days this year. According to news reports, with memories of the disruption caused by the snow over the same period last year, this year we are ordering presents in plenty of time for Christmas day – how organised!

This has of course had a knock-on effect in our warehouse and the Celtic ‘elves’ are busier than ever, picking, packing and posting your Christmas goodies…

I predict that over the next couple of weeks it is going to get even busier so I have spoken to our ‘elves’ to find out which products from our Christmas catalogue are selling particularly quickly so that you don’t miss out…

These come in three different colours to style as you please. One of these decorative scarves would add a pretty finishing touch to a Christmas party outfit or a light extra layer during the day. I love the Gold shade – very festive!

This is proving to be a very popular style and I think it’s perfect for lounging around or dressing up with smart jeans and heels for a smart/casual daytime look. The dainty buttons look gorgeous. This is one of my favourite pieces in the catalogue, along with...

Arguably one of the best presents a girl can receive for Christmas (make that anytime!). Our Chelsea Bag has been flying off the shelves since the launch of the Christmas catalogue and having seen one taking pride of place on display in our factory shop it’s easy to see why…

This is such a stylish bag yet it’s also wonderfully practical with plenty of room for all your essentials. I have been told that the orders are coming in thick and fast so I would advise ordering soon.

To view the entire Christmas collection, please click here. Remember that the last date for guaranteed delivery (mainland UK) for Christmas is Thursday 22nd December –don’t miss out!

Spotted: Celtic Sheepskin in the Christmas gift guides!

2011-12-01T12:00:00.001Z

After mentioning the glut of Christmas gift guides that I was sifting through last week, the excitement has continued this week as we have spotted ourselves (well, our products!) in the gift guides of a number of national publications. While I will leave it to you to seek out the exact location of our products within each publication I thought I would give you a “heads up” as quite often we find that featured products fly off the shelves and we certainly wouldn’t want you to miss out!

In the papers…

Little girls (and big girls too!) love our Sheepskin Purses as featured in The Daily Telegraph; they are a perfect size for carrying the bare essentials. These are hand-made on site here in our Newquay factory and come in a range of colours.

Our Gum Boots have been featured in The Independent’s Christmas Gift Guide under the heading “Green Fingers”. As well as gardening, these are brilliant for looking stylish while keeping your feet dry as they are completely waterproof. While the tall version has already sold out (I said they would be popular!) you can still get the Short Gum Boots which are great for country walks or nipping in to town on a wet day.

In the magazines…

I received an email last week from a journalist advising me that the Flat Out Bear had been temporarily ‘kidnapped’ because she loved it so much (it wasn’t the Vogue journalist I hasten to add)! The bear makes a wonderful baby gift for Christmas and feels so soft and comforting – they are clearly popular with “big kids” too!

A pair of Lounger Moccasins will be a welcome gift for any lady in the family. They appeared in Red Magazine under the Cocoon heading which was described as “chic home treats for everyone” and we definitely think that this description channels the feel of the Lounger Moccasins perfectly.

Essentials Magazine featured our Lambswool Scarf in Natural MacKeller. These scarves are soft and light; perfect for a winter shopping trip.

Finally, to go with your Lambswool Scarf, how about a pair of Toscana Earmuffs as featured in Period Homes & Interiors? Your ears will thank you!

If you spot Celtic Sheepskin anywhere else, please do let us know. We always like to hear from you. Feel free to email us or get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.

Nothing like a flash of red to bring on that festive feeling...

2011-11-29T12:00:00.001Z

On Sunday I will be taking part in a “Santa Fun Run” with some friends which involves running 21/2 miles through the streets and shopping centres of Plymouth dressed in – yes, you’ve guessed it – a Santa costume! This is one of many similar events taking place up and down the country to raise much-needed funds for charity (in this case, Children’s Hospice South West and Diabetes UK) and as a regular runner, the distance doesn’t bother me quite as much as the thought of wearing such a “fetching” outfit (complete with beard), especially as we are planning on a civilised lunch and shopping trip afterwards.

As red is one of THE colours to be seen in this season (according to the catwalks and fashion magazines) maybe we will blend in with the crowd on Sunday..! Wearing red at this time of year is, I think, a true nod to all things festive. The Celtic Sheepskin Christmas collection includes a number of pieces which add a flash of bright red to any outfit. So as I am in a seasonal mood today, I thought I would shine the spotlight on some of our festively-coloured products…

First off, there’s our festive-red Celt Boots. These will brighten up any outfit and we offer children’s versions too;

These boots are machine-washable (I wouldn’t wash them with your whites though!) as long as you use a specific wool wash; we recommend our Celtic Wool Wash. As with all of our boots, these can be re-soled so they will last you for many years to come.

If you would prefer a flash of red which a little less bold, perhaps one of these scarves might catch your eye…

This Lambswool Button Scarf is really soft and prettily detailed with assorted buttons which adds a perfect finishing touch. It is, strictly speaking, salmon pink rather than red in colour nonetheless it has a reddish hue which will complement even the simplest outfit.

We have a few different colour choices for the Cashmere Woven Scarf this Christmas and I think this Red Berries option is a ready-made colour injection!

Then for cosying up at home, how about a pair of woolly red socks or sheepskin slippers?

Our Wool Knit Socks are a web exclusive so they won’t be around for long – get them while you can! As well as the rich red colour, these come in 10 other colours and at £12.75 per pair they make wonderful stocking fillers.

Our Bootee Slippers and Mules are renowned for their comfort – they are so snuggly. I know of customers who have had theirs for over 10 years, as again these are machine-washable to make them last as long as you wish.

Finally, perhaps our most festive red product which is surely a treat for your fireplace…

Well you can’t get more festive than a bright red Artisan Christmas stocking, can you?

Stella Clark, Marketing Assistant

It’s that time again – the Christmas gift guides are out in force!

2011-11-24T12:00:00.001Z

I can tell that my bank balance is about to take a dramatic hit…I have spent this week catching up with this month’s magazines and they are all brimming with Christmas gift guides, full of suggestions for stand-out presents. Being a mail-order subscriber, I have also received a deluge of Christmas catalogues this week and with the inaugural Celtic Sheepskin Christmas catalogue being delivered this week too, ‘tis most definitely the season to be jolly!

So in keeping with the rest of the country’s press, here is my Celtic Sheepskin gift guide which I have whittled down to a few of our favourites…

These caught our attention as soon as we first saw them in the press office. I love the nod to the nautical trend and the vivid colour options (the Sailor Beret and Sailor Scarf also come in Grey Stripe with a hint of cerise pink). The Geelong feels wonderfully soft and warm - perfect for a brisk walk on Christmas morning!

Our photographer loves this shot – I wonder who got to eat the mince pies afterwards! The Stripey Cashmere Socks in both ankle and knee length make great gifts for female friends and relatives. They come in six colourways to suit any taste. The knee length look brilliant worn with a skirt.

Our model’s favourite! Like all of our Toscana range, the Reversible Toscana Gilet is supremely tactile and cosy and very difficult to prise away from anyone who tries it on!

This cute Cashmere Hottie Cover is a consistent favourite with the press having been featured in the likes of Red Magazine and Good Housekeeping among others. It is made in Great Britain from the highest-quality cashmere to keep you extra warm and snug as the temperature drops.

Finally, the factory’s favourites are our brand new Pod Slippers. These are made on site here in Newquay and they come in three easy-to-wear colours. These are set to be on the Christmas lists of most of the Celtic staff for sure!

As you may have discovered already, there are plenty more gift ideas to be found in our brand new Christmas catalogue and you can also find them on our website, complete with suggestions for stocking fillers for adults and children alike.

Happy browsing!

Waxing lyrical as Christmas preparations get underway…

2011-11-22T12:08:00.000Z

There are only a few days left to wait until our very first, eagerly-anticipated Christmas catalogue lands on your doormat and having had a sneak preview, I can confidently say that you’re in for a treat! I was in the warehouse yesterday and happened to see the arrival of lots of Christmas stock ready to fill the shelves and noticed some of the gorgeous gift ideas which are sure to make your present buying more of a joy, from socks to scarves, and berets to boots. The Celtic Sheepskin ‘elves’ will definitely have their work cut out this year with more orders than ever before expected and more products than ever before to find on the shelves and deliver to you on time – they will thoroughly deserve their mince pies!

With Christmas spirit in the air I imagine that many of you will already be entertaining ahead of the party season. My diary for one is looking pretty full over the next few weekends with dinner parties and pre-Christmas get-togethers galore (bang goes that pre-Christmas diet!). So for a change today, I thought you might like to see one of our new homeware lines which we have introduced especially for Christmas that is appropriately perfect for a pre-festivities soiree or equally for sprucing up your home…

These stunning scented candles are hand-poured right here in the UK allowing the beautiful fragrances to infuse evenly throughout the wax. This means that they will smell wonderful every time you light them.

The three fragrances are Angel (rich, round, musky and slightly chocolatey), Aubergine (mulled wine with a floral twist) and Autumn (warm and spicy – the definitive Christmas fragrance) so there is something to suit everyone. My personal favourite is Autumn – the fragrance really evokes festive feelings.

All three fragrances are available in three heights so you can mix and match for a unique dinner table display and with approximate burn times of between 70 and 160 hours depending on the size, these candles will last for ages too. In fact after a quick calculation I have worked out that if you burned them for four hours per day every single day starting tomorrow, the longest-burning (the Tall Fat Candle) could potentially last until New Year’s Day!

Finally, some exciting news - If you would like to preview the Christmas collection for yourself, I can exclusively reveal that our online Christmas Gift Shop is now open! Take a look for yourself… http://www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk/christmas-gift-shop/

Over the coming weeks I will share more ideas for Celtic Christmas goodies but in the meantime look out for your Christmas catalogue in the post and let the shopping begin.

Knitwear everywhere...

2011-11-17T12:00:00.002Z

We're all beaming with pride at Celtic HQ as we received some brilliant news at the end of last week when we found out that we were one of the top five retailers in the Knitwear category in the Sheerluxe.com Online Shopping Awards! This is wonderful news for us, not least because we were nominated and voted for by you, our customers so thank you for your support. The other four brands that made the grade in our category were Pure, The White Company, Crumpet and Wrap so to be highly commended is a true achievement.

Another reason why we are beaming with pride is that we have been working hard for a good few years now to create a range of gorgeous, stylish and cosy knitwear so to receive such an accolade truly reflects the fruits of our labours.With knitwear being huge news this season (I’m sure you will have noticed the cable knits and oversized jumpers everywhere!) this is arguably the key category to be associated with. Just last week, this pertinent article from the Fashion pages of The Daily Telegraph came to my attention; “Why we are all warming to knitwear” - definitely worth a read if you have a spare five minutes.

In the article, Lisa Armstrong mentions that this winter has seen the rise in stylish and premium-priced knitwear. At Celtic Sheepskin, we like to think that we buck this trend by creating a premium collection of knitwear made from the highest-quality natural yarns without the four figure price tag.

Take our Cashmere Slouchy V Neck for example…

This hugely popular slouchy jumper is made in the EU from 100% cashmere and costs an affordable £215 (that’s over two and a half times less than the price of the featured knit in Lisa’s article - bargain!).

This winter has also seen the rise of patterned knitwear - as Lisa mentions in her piece – and we have also included a few in our current collection;

On the subject of patterns, I love Lisa’s mention of “yummy-mummy friendly cable knits”: I wrote a post a couple of months back about the trend for Cable knits this season (read it here) and I don’t think it will go away any time soon. A Cable knit pattern is a great way to add more interest to a simple jumper and it channels the heritage trend effortlessly...

Fortunately it’s clear that knitwear is going to retain its well-deserved pedestal as a fashion staple for a while yet. So who knows, we might even take the winner’s slot in the Knitwear category next year! Thanks again for your support.

The countdown to Christmas has begun…

2011-11-15T12:00:00.069Z

With less than six weeks to go Christmas is just around the corner! Have you started your present-shopping yet? Last Wednesday and Thursday, the Christmas shoppers were out in force at the annual Macmillan Christmas Fair in Newquay where Charlotte and I were manning the Celtic Sheepskin stand. This is the only fair that we take part in due to time and the sheer logistics of showcasing all of our products – there are just too many to show them all but we love to be part of this event in support of the charity.

We mentioned the event this time last year in the blog so you can read all about it here if you like and if you are interested to see how our stand looked this year, here are a few photos;

Charlotte and I both took advantage of the opportunity to raid the press sample wardrobe of course! From previous experience, we chose to wear pieces that would keep us cool during the day as the hotel would soon heat up as the customers piled in.

Here’s Charlotte looking lovely in her outfits…

In the left hand picture, Charlotte is modelling the Short Sleeve Slouch Cardi over a Muscle-back Pointelle Vest and her boots are our Himalayan Boots – they attracted lots of enviable glances!

In the right hand picture Charlotte is wearing the Hooded Bodywarmer over an Organic Cotton V Tee.

Here I am in my choices;

The first outfit (on the right of the image above) was very simple - a Sleeveless Cowl Jumper Dress and a pair of Biker Boots. I was thoroughly comfortable all evening!

On Thursday I wore the Deep V Jumper Dress over a Muscle-back Pointelle Vest, (this time in Chalk) which I teamed with a pair of Button Boots. A couple of people commented on the look of the Deep V Jumper Dress particularly the flattering shape – I must agree that it is a forgiving and easy-to-wear style.

Since receiving my first “Merry Christmas” from a friendly customer at the event, I am now feeling the Christmas spirit and I think that it is fair to say at Celtic Sheepskin we are full of festive cheer too. This year marks the launch of our inaugural Christmas catalogue which is full of gift ideas for your favourite people – from children to sisters and sons to grandfathers, there is something for everyone not forgetting yourself of course! I don’t wish to spoil the surprise by giving away any more details (after all, isn’t that one of the joys of Christmas presents?!) but just to whet your appetite, here is a first glimpse of the front cover…

Hope you’re as excited as we are! I will of course let you know as soon as the catalogue is available and in the meantime may I be the first to wish you all Merry Christmas!

Winter coats in nature’s finest materials…

2011-11-10T12:00:00.013Z

I spent last Saturday wandering around Truro in search of a couple of birthday presents and as I dashed in and out of the shops I noticed that many of the window displays featured “faux-fur” or shearling coats and realised that winter is just around the corner.

As a company, here at Celtic Sheepskin we have been selling 100% sheepskin and hide coats for many years now (our first sheepskin coats appeared nearly ten years ago!) and our range has become increasingly popular as customers realise the benefits of sheepskin over other less eco-friendly materials (if you would like to know more, you can read about our environmental policy here).

We have of course come a long way and in our latest Winter catalogue there is a total of nine sheepskin and hide coats to choose from with five of these being made right here in Great Britain. Where will you start?!

As our regular customers will know, the skins that we use in our coats are all by-products of the food industry which would have otherwise been expensively destroyed so you can feel wonderfully warm while ticking the boxes for choosing an eco-friendly option too.

Maybe you’re looking for that special something for your Christmas list (lucky ladies!) or perhaps you wish to treat yourself to one of the most sumptuous coats around, either way I thought you might like to see a couple of new-for-2011 styles to help you choose…

Pictured above is the stunning Wide Collar Toscana Jacket. This is such a distinctive coat; the honey colour makes it very different to other sheepskin coats on the market and it is feels absolutely divine to wear. This coat will definitely keep you warm as it is made from 100% Toscana Sheepskin and the cuffs and wide lapels add an extra layer to the coat to really keep the chill away.

If you would prefer a coat which is more light-weight but still winter-warm, the stunning Three-Quarter Cabra Coat would be ideal.

The concept for this coat was a result of the success of our Cabra Jacket which became one our best sellers. The longer length of the Three-Quarter Cabra Coat is supremely flattering and practical for every-day wear as well as for more special occasions. I hope that the images above show how beautifully this coat drapes – it really is something special! Being 100% Goat Hide, this coat will make you feel truly fabulous and it is sure to last through many a winter to come.

As a sheepskin or hide coat is sure to be an investment piece and we want you to be completely satisfied with the size and fit, we have introduced a ‘free returns’ policy which applies to all outerwear.

To view all sheepskin and hide outerwear, click here.

Behind the scenes at the Spring 2012 photo shoot

2011-11-08T12:00:00.007Z

As well as updating the Celtic blog and our other social media channels (Facebook and Twitter), I also help the Directors to keep track of the multitude of tasks involved in producing our product catalogues as creating five catalogues a year takes a lot of multi-tasking! So last month I went on location with the team for the Spring 2012 photo shoot to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes when shooting for a catalogue. And of course, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to take some candid shots to share with our blog readers!

As we have mentioned before in this blog, we are so fortunate to be based in Cornwall where our surroundings are wonderfully photogenic and varied. From beaches to cliff tops to deserted hamlets, there is always a pretty vista nearby. At this time of year, it is generally much quieter than over the summer months, so much so that we were almost alone on one of the beaches when we arrived.

Shooting so far ahead (the Spring catalogue won’t be out until February) means that we have to hope for the right weather. This time we were at the mercy of the wind which isn’t uncommon in Cornwall and was threatening the ‘spring’ feel of our shoot so we sought out as many sheltered spots as we could. We started off in and around Newquay, on Crantock beach and Towan beach before heading up the coast to Port Isaac (which fans will recognise as “Doc Martin” territory!) to take advantage of the quaint cobbled streets and traditional harbour. Luckily the rain held off while we were shooting although it was a bit chilly. I learned that photo shoots really aren’t the place for anyone to look stylish except for the gorgeous models! I wore three layers including my thickest coat and a woolly hat and was very glad to have done so when the brisk wind was blowing.

Here is a small selection of photos taken during the shoot;

Picturesque Port Isaac…

A local gentleman taking his horse for a walk in Port Isaac (they had just been down to the sea front so that the horse could have a dip!

Our very own Alfie trying to kickstart his modelling career by simply positioning himself in full view of the camera! (Do you recognise the Cable Slouch Jumper Dress which I mentioned on Facebook last week? It’s available online now…)

Oh Alfie! I don’t think you’re quite ready for the world of professional modelling just yet…

The weather teetered on the cooler, duller side of Spring…

And the waves took our model by surprise more than once…

Yet she still managed to keep calm…just!

As you might expect, none of the items pictured will be available to buy for a while (apart from the Cable Slouch Dress) so for the time being you will have to admire from afar!

To view our current catalogue online click here.

Our picks - 7 under £70

2011-11-03T12:00:00.001Z

With the shops full of brand new clothes for a brand new season (ourselves included with the launch of our new Winter catalogue!), you might be wondering where to start to kit out your winter wardrobe. To make life a little easier, here are some of our favourite picks from the new catalogue which are not only made from the highest quality natural fibres but are also great value for money – they are all under £70. I hope you like them…

Keep cosy on Bonfire Night in Great British knitwear from Celtic…

2011-11-01T12:00:00.027Z

It’s Bonfire Night on Saturday, a time when many of us will be wrapping up warm and braving the cold so that we can gather round an impressive pyre and gaze in awe at spectacular fireworks. While the temperature seems to be fairly mild at the moment, I have noticed a distinct chill setting in as soon as the evening comes, serving as a reminder that we are now rapidly approaching winter. Indeed with the clocks going back last weekend, we will very soon be counting down to Christmas!

Whether you are planning to attend a large fireworks display or create one in your own back garden, you might be thinking of what to wear in order to stay warm so that you last the duration and don’t miss the rocket finale. So I have picked out some of the new pieces from our recently-launched winter catalogue which will keep away the cold while you watch the show. For an added touch, as Bonfire Night is very much a British tradition, I thought I would shine the spotlight on Great British pieces…

Our Cosy Cocoon Cardigan is made from a sumptuous mix of Geelong and Angora so it is divinely soft and cosy. It is substantial enough to keep you warm without the need for a coat on milder nights and the neutral colour can be teamed easily with almost any shade…

The Boat Neck Slouch is a gorgeous jumper with extra details to make it really stand out. It is long enough to wear in the style of a jumper dress with a pair of leggings or thick tights (and your favourite sheepskin boots of course!). I love the striped hem, neck and cuffs as it makes this a really different yet very wearable piece…

Our Fairisle V Neck is a variation on our traditional V Neck Slouch which is one of our best sellers. The detail on the sleeves of this slouchy jumper gives it extra character and the soft linen colour is very flattering, especially against winter skin…

Of course you might also need some accessories to keep your extremities warm so you’ll be pleased to know that we have plenty to choose from. Sticking with the Fairisle theme, I recommend our adorable Cashmere Fairisle Fingerless Gloves (which keep your hands warm and your fingers free – ideal for holding sparklers!) and matching Cashmere Fairisle Beret…

Made from 100% cashmere, these cute accessories will protect your head and hands from the cold so you can enjoy Bonfire Night without as much as a shiver.

At the time of writing all of the above items are in stock in all sizes so there is plenty of time to get your favourites for Bonfire Night. As we are starting to get very busy however, you might prefer to opt for Next Day Delivery option to guarantee it.

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-27T12:20:00.000+01:00

Are you dressing up for a Halloween party this weekend? The historical celebration is thought to have originated with the Celtic festival Samhain in which people would wear costumes and light bonfires to ward off ghosts and ghouls. Nowadays it is better recognised as a time when children (and big kids!) carve pumpkins, dress up in scary costumes and go trick-or-treating.

Stepping into the supermarket this morning, I couldn’t help but smile at the Halloween themed goodies on offer. I noticed ‘decorate-your-own’ gingerbread witches, ‘slime’ favoured cookies and chocolate ghosts (perhaps I was in an aisle I shouldn’t have been in!). It was clear to see that while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Halloween is a significant date in the UK calendar.

So in true spirit of the occasion, the theme for today’s blog post is Trick or Treat but with a Celtic Sheepskin twist.

First for the trick; Rather than being a cheeky surprise, the trick of the two products in the image below is that they can both be reversed to give you two different garments for the price of one…

On the left is the Button Back Jumper which looks as gorgeous worn as a V-neck with a button front as it does worn how its name suggests with the buttons on the back.

The Reversible Cowl Dress has a thoughtfully designed buttoned strap which is easily removed so that the dress can be worn with a slash neck or a cowl neck; this is a brilliant day-to-night look – a good option for a forthcoming Christmas party maybe?

Now for the ‘treat’; two of our most luxurious products which would make much-appreciated gifts for a very special person in your life or even the most wonderful treat for yourself…

If you have seen a copy of our new Winter catalogue, you can’t have failed to notice the beautiful shot on the front cover of Amelie in our Hooded Toscana Coat (above left). This unequivocally stunning coat is available in a new shade of Snow-tipped Brown for this season and is sure to draw attention wherever you wear it.

Our Sheepskin Wrap Skirt (pictured above right) is surely a gift for the lady who has everything. The double buckle and close-cropped sheepskin create a truly flattering silhouette and make it a really special and unique piece. While this skirt is – in my opinion - most definitely a ‘treat’ at £365 it will be a much-worn and much-loved piece in any wardrobe for many years to come.

Witch’s hat is optional!

Spotted - Celtic Sheepskin all over the place!

2011-10-25T12:00:00.034+01:00

If you picked up a copy of The Telegraph Magazine last weekend you might well have spotted something familiar; none other than our Cable Boyfriend Cardi. For those of you who didn’t see it, it was featured in the Women’s Notebook section of the fashion pages on the subject of clothing befitting of a weekend in the country…

With a chunky but delicate cable knit and longline shape, this is an ideal cardi for all weathers and it will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish – definitely country chic!

It is reassuring to know that it's not just us noticing how Celtic Sheepskin is ticking the fashion boxes across a range of trends again this season with the rise in popularity for sheepskin, cable knits and the “heritage” look to name just a few. In fact we have been mentioned in a wide range of publications both in print and online - and we feel a tremendous sense of pride each time we see a new mention; akin to a proud parent. Here are some other products which have been featured recently;

Our knee height Popper Boots in spice were featured in the Eureka magazine in an article about science in fashion. Specifically it mentioned the science of wool and how synthetic fibres quite simply can’t compete with the benefits of one of nature’s oldest fibres...

Marie Claire featured some of our accessories on one of their main fashion spreads featuring Autumn-wear. The Cashmere Rib Beanie and Donegal Scarf featured across a few pages proving what versatile accessories they are...

Over to social media now and we were delighted to see that Fearne Cotton had tweeted a picture of herself wearing her favourite slippers which just happened to be our Bootee Slippers! She also spoke about them on her show on Radio 1 saying how comfortable they are (so comfortable that she was wearing them to work!)…

Have you spotted Celtic Sheepskin in your favourite magazine or newspaper or being worn by a celebrity? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Keep it under your hat...there are some new sheepskin designs on their way this winter!

2011-10-20T12:00:00.015+01:00

As I revealed in last Thursday’s blog post, our Winter catalogue is being launched very soon and it will come just in time for snow if the recent weather predictions are to be believed!

Having held on to dreams of an Indian Summer after the wonderful warm weather earlier this month I conceded yesterday and decided that I need a new winter coat as it is now too chilly to go without – how quickly things change! I was pleased to see that there are plenty of stunning coats around this winter so shopping for one will be an enjoyable task.

With Christmas just over 9 weeks away, the tinsel-laden TV adverts have started to appear boasting gift ideas and furniture offers. While I would prefer not to jump on the Christmas bandwagon (or should that be sleigh?) just yet, I think now is an appropriate time to let you know about some of the winter goodies that Celtic Sheepskin has to offer.

You will be pleased to know that our Winter catalogue features some unimaginably cosy knitwear as well as knitted and sheepskin accessories.
On the subject of sheepskin accessories I can reveal that this includes nine brand new styles of sheepskin hat which are sure to catch your eye.

To whet your appetite, here are some of our favourite sheepskin hats which were so popular last year that we are offering them again…

From left to right...

Chevvie Hat – This is an elegant and versatile hat which is suitable for all occasions. I particularly like the side button detail.

Denver Hat- This is so snuggly and warm with side ear flaps and ties which can be fastened under the chin or over the top of the hat to vary the style.

Diesel Trapper Hat – This cosy hat is more lightweight than the Denver hat and can again be fastened or left loose to complement your outfit.

If you like these hats, they are available to order now. Remember to keep an eye out the brand new Sheepskin Hats which will be featured in the new Winter catalogue. If you would like to see our whole range of sheepskin accessories, click here.

Our Autumn Sale is now on - up to 67% off!

2011-10-18T12:00:00.008+01:00

Those of you who have registered to receive newsletters and details of special offers from us will have received an email at the weekend to give you the heads up about our Autumn sale which started on Saturday. Even if you haven’t signed up though, you can view the sales goodies on the Offers page of our website and you will notice that quite a number of products have been reduced by up to 67%; what better excuse to go shopping! While you’re browsing the website, if you haven’t already signed up but would like to, simply add your email address to the box at the bottom of any page and we will include you when we send out newsletters and special offers in the future.

The Autumn sale features products from a wide range of categories including lightweight tops and jackets at greatly reduced prices. As well as these, with the cold snap set to draw in this week I imagine that the Knitwear category might catch your eye if you are in the process of updating your winter wardrobe. So to help you choose I thought I would highlight some of the cosiest knits in our Autumn sale.

I don’t think that you can get much cosier than cashmere on a chilly winter day. So to give you an even warmer glow, some of last winter’s cashmere pieces are now reduced…
Our Cashmere Funnel Neck is a very easy-to-wear piece which works equally well with jeans or a midi length skirt and boots;

Our Cashmere Deep V Sweater Dress is certain to keep the chill away throughout the cold season and with knitted dresses being very much on-trend this season you will also tick boxes in the style stakes . As the V neck dips quite dramatically, you might prefer to wear this over another layer for extra warmth and modesty!

Moving on from cashmere, our Donegal Coatigan is made from Donegal-spun Merino which will keep you superbly warm. The Biscuit shade goes with just about everything too.

As mentioned previously, there are many other products available in our Autumn sale – click here to browse our offers page. I would fervently recommend being quick off the mark though as once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Winter is just around the corner and so is our new catalogue…

2011-10-13T12:00:00.006+01:00

The mornings are beginning to feel cold and dark, the leaves are falling off the trees and the clocks go back at the end of the month so I think it’s fair to say that that winter is on its way. I love this time of year as for me it marks the start of cosy evenings curled up in front of the fire and an excuse to drink steaming hot chocolate in a beach café while watching the waves crashing against the rocks (I love Cornwall!).

Another reason to look forward to the end of October is that it marks the launch of our new Winter 2011 catalogue! As a company, we are continuing to grow and evolve which means that we have quite simply too many products to feature in one catalogue over the Autumn/Winter period. In fact this season we have split the Autumn/Winter range across three catalogues in total including our brand new Christmas catalogue which I will tell you more about in November.

While I can’t reveal too much about what you can find in the new Winter catalogue (I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise!), I can exclusively show you, for the first time, what the front cover will look like…

Doesn’t Amelie look beautiful? If you think you recognise the coat, you would be correct as it is featured in our Autumn 2011 catalogue as well. It is our stunning and luxurious Hooded Toscana Coat…

At £1195 it isn’t cheap by any means but the Hooded Toscana Coat is a wonderful investment piece and I can’t tell you just how soft and flattering it is to wear; when I tried one on I really didn’t want to take it off!

We will be sending the Winter 2011 catalogue out in a few weeks’ time and you will be able to view it online as well. If you would like a copy and don’t receive it by mid-November, please get in touch by visiting the catalogue request section of our website.

We have listened to your feedback and now your favourite slouches are available in Extra Small!

2011-10-11T12:00:00.042+01:00

We have mentioned before in our blog that we appreciate feedback from you, our customers, as it helps us to continually improve our products and the service that we provide. You might already know about the reviews section on each product page of our website where you can read and add reviews…

If you follow us on Twitter or ‘like’ our fan page on Facebook, you might have seen our update on Friday informing you that, after listening to valuable customer feedback, some of our best-selling products are now available in an additional size; extra small (to fit size 6-8). You told us that you would love to see some of our slouchy items in a smaller size to flatter the frames of the more petite among you (lucky ladies!). While these pieces are designed to look slouchy, the extra-small size allows customers with small frames to wear them without looking swamped by the garment.

For those of you who aren’t on Twitter or Facebook, here is an overview of the styles which are now available in Extra Small…

Our Super Soft Slouch Dress is a wonderful Winter staple. Its boxy shape means you can wear it on its own as a slouchy jumper dress or with a belt for a more tailored look.

The Henley Slouch complements even the most casual of outfits; the dainty shell buttons add a touch of detail and the Geelong yarn feels soft and luxurious against the skin.

Our ever-popular 100% Geelong V Neck Slouch has become a wardrobe staple for many of you over the years; with new shades being added this season (Dark Natural, Grey Flannel and Swansdown) as well as the new XS size, there should be something to suit all tastes and sizes.

As you might expect, our product range is continuing to evolve as we grow and we are always interested to hear feedback from you, our customers. Don’t forget we have a customer comments section on our website as well as the product review pages. While we can’t promise to please everyone, we will certainly continue to do our best!

If you would like to become a fan on Facebook click here and to follow us on Twitter, click here.

The Jumper Dress – your flexible friend for Autumn.

2011-10-06T12:36:00.001+01:00

Flicking through the fashion pages in last weekend’s newspaper supplements it was clear that, despite last week’s heat wave, the Autumn/Winter styles are being showcased in abundance. While many of the main fashion spreads included wool coats and thick chunky knits in evocative autumnal hues of rust and burnt gold, I was most interested to see a spread in Stella Magazine on Sunday which featured jumper dresses as sophisticated day-wear. Being one of my favourite styles, I think that a jumper dress can create an easy yet different day alternative to the usual jeans and jumper at this time of year and can be easily adapted to create two different looks – dress or tunic.

I have picked out three of our current season jumper dresses which I think are ideal for this time of year when it can be hard to predict the weather and temperature. All three will provide a layer of warmth without stifling you and can be worn either as eye-catching dresses in their own right or as tunic style tops over leggings or opaque tights, depending on the temperature and occasion…

The Sleeveless Cowl Jumper Dress pictured above is ideal for warmer Autumn days. Being sleeveless, it looks great worn as one layer or equally over a long sleeved top as Amelie has done here (she is wearing a Cashmere Roll Neck underneath). I love the Peat colour of this jumper dress – I think it channels the trend for autumnal woody hues perfectly!

The Reversible Cowl Dress is just as adaptable; depending how you feel, it can be worn with a slash neck or a cowl neck – two dresses in one! The Midnight Blue shade is very easy to match with your favourite accessories too (Natalia is wearing it with a Sheepskin Bag in the image above).

The Superfine Merino Shirt Dress is a thoughtfully detailed dress with pretty buttons and a silky placket front. It creates a wonderful silhouette due to its fitted shape and waist-cinching grosgrain belt. I think this dress would work well with a pair of heeled knee-high or ankle boots for a sophisticated look. Made from 100% superfine Zque-certified merino wool it’s a truly special piece.

As the winter draws in, we have a selection of even cosier jumper dresses to pick from. To view our full range, click here.

Sheepskin for an Indian summer...

2011-10-04T12:00:00.001+01:00

Well who would have thought it was October! Judging by the uncharacteristically warm weather over the last week, it would be easy to believe that this was still summer. I certainly wasn’t complaining at the weekend as I was able to enjoy sunbathing on the beach and even a little dip in the sea (it was possibly the last chance to do it without shivering until next spring so I had to make the most of it!).

While the sun and warmth brought a welcome change, it also gave businesses that rely on tourism an extra boost which here in Cornwall is extremely important. Our local news last night reported a £20 million addition to the tourism economy this weekend. The seaside towns were particularly busy which was lovely to see.

You might wonder how the warm weather might affect sales for companies like Celtic Sheepskin whose biggest sales period is over the colder months. Well it turns out that while the phones were inevitably a bit quieter than normal for a September Saturday, the orders were still coming in thick and fast for winter woollies and sheepskin coats! Speaking to Jo in our factory shop, plenty of customers came in during the day to try on sheepskin coats and boots (taking a break from the beach perhaps!). Jo explained the Celtic Duffle Coat was particularly popular...

It might sound like a strange concept to be buying snuggly sheepskin in such hot weather but in reality it is quite a sensible idea. Following on from a post I wrote earlier on in the year when our very own Charlotte Cole featured in Prima Magazine talking about how sheepskin can keep you cool in the summer, a sheepskin coat is the perfect addition to a warm October outfit; it will keep you comfortably warm when the sun disappears to a cool evening, allowing you to continue wearing your favourite strappy top and not shiver.

Take the Sheepskin Waterfall Jacket for example…

This stunning jacket is made from close-cropped wool which feels incredibly light for a sheepskin coat yet will ensure you stay cosy on a cool evening.

As for sheepskin boots, I doubt I’m the only person who wears them almost all year round! Again, being made from 100% sheepskin, ours are suitable to wear in all weathers and temperatures and will keep your feet feeling comfortable however warm it is. Our Classic Shortie Boots are a great option if you like to bare your legs...

We hope you have managed to make the most of the surprise heatwave too. With the clocks going back later this month I imagine it won’t be long before we are all dressed for a big freeze!

SheerLuxe.com Online Shopping Awards

2011-09-29T12:00:00.007+01:00

We are taking the opportunity to use today’s blog post as a platform for self-promotion. We do hope you don’t mind!

Fanfares please…

We are very pleased to announce that we have been short-listed as a finalist in the Knitwear category of the Online Fashion Awards organised by SheerLuxe.com.

If you aren’t familiar with the site already, SheerLuxe.com is an interactive guide to online shopping which aims to help consumers find fine, fashionable, stylish and luxurious brands, products and designer goods available to purchase online. SheerLuxe.com contains a directory of over 1500 retailers including Celtic Sheepskin so to be short-listed as finalists is a great achievement in itself! Furthermore, it is down to you, our customers, who took the time to vote for us in the initial stages of the process so we would like to say a very sincere “thank you” to you all for flying our flag for us.

In case you are wondering why we think we should win the Best Knitwear category I’ve pulled together a few reasons why we are proud of our knitwear collection;

• Ethically-sourced products - including a certified Organic range of Merino pieces

• Pieces knitted from 100% natural yarns, which are wonderfully soft, warm, comfortable and flattering to wear

• Quality – knitwear pieces created from the highest-quality yarns and rigorously checked for quality & sizing

• Innovation - we constantly strive to bring you, our customers, new shapes, styles and yarns so that our collection continues to evolve

• Adaptability – we create pieces which can be worn throughout the year – even your lifetime - to ensure the best value per wear for you

If you would like to take part in helping us win the Best Knitwear award (and we would very much appreciate it if you could!), the next stage of the process is to complete the voting form online which is simple and quick to do. All you need to do it click on this link and register on the log in page (if you haven’t already) and then vote for as many categories as you wish by choosing your favourite from the corresponding drop down list and click on the vote button at the bottom of the screen. For ease of reference, the image below shows where you can find us on the page…

The votes will be counted on 30th October and we will of course keep you updated with the results.

Fingers crossed and thank you once again from everyone at Celtic Sheepskin!

Spring/Summer 2012 preview

2011-09-27T12:00:00.000+01:00

As most of my blog posts from the last few weeks have been about styling and wearing our Autumn/Winter collection, I thought today I would change tact and instead focus attention on a time which seems almost too far away to imagine - Spring/Summer 2012 (SS12).

With the international fashion weeks currently taking place, you might already have seen some images from the catwalk shows of New York, London or Milan where the new SS12 trends have been gracing the runways to an exuberant chorus of ‘oooh’s and ‘aaah’s and today marks the start of Paris Fashion Week. With so many fabulous designs, it can get a little confusing to decipher the key trends and styles so when I came across a helpful overview of some of the London Fashion Week shows on InStyle.co.uk I thought it was worth sharing.

Of course, my blog post wouldn’t be complete without a Celtic Sheepskin mention (it’s why you’re reading our blog after all!) so I have punctuated the images with some Celtic pieces which, as well as giving a nod towards the forecasted trends, can also be worn now…

Colour looks likely to play a bit part in SS12 as it has over the past few seasons, with the addition of pastel hues. Rather than complex busy prints, there seemed to be lots of simple colour blocking in London, with combinations of clashing colours within a palette of sweet ice cream hues;

You can create this look now with our Easy Layering collection of easy-to-wear bamboo and cotton tops which can be layered up or down to create different seasonal looks.
The Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Tee is a useful staple item which comes in Slate or - for some extra detail - Berry Stripe.

You could easily team these with a brightly coloured cardi or tailored trousers.

The next trend which stood out to me was Parka jackets and trench coats, which were worn with the female silhouette in mind, using belts (often handcrafted) to draw attention to the waist. Many were accessorised with earth tone shades including mustard (I noticed A LOT of mustard!).

You can easily channel this trend now with our Drapey Trench coat, which is as practical as it is on trend and is currently half price at £125!

The third trend which I loved was the slouchy cricket-style jumpers worn with miniskirts or tailored “cigarette leg” trousers;

I could suggest a fair few pieces of ours which would fit this trend but perhaps the most appropriate is our gorgeous (and very popular) Short Stripey Slouch…

Made from 100% single-ply Geelong lambswool, this flattering jumper is light enough to wear all year round and it would look particularly on trend with the sleeves rolled up for a preppy look seen at many London shows.

To see more images from London Fashion Week click here.

Accessorising this Autumn with Organic Merino

2011-09-22T12:14:00.001+01:00

If you believe the recent news reports, it looks like a cold winter will soon be heading our way (I have even seen predictions of snow for October in some reports. While it might be too early to tell for certain, according to our sales and support team, you, our customers, are already preparing for the cold snap by stocking up on winter woollies and sheepskin coats.

This week I revitalised my winter wardrobe and dusted off my sheepskin boots although, if truth be told, they were never very far back in my wardrobe after the summer we have had! While in Cornwall I am not quite at the stage of wearing a coat yet, I am about to start wearing a few knitted accessories to add a top layer on cooler days. I think that a knitted beanie provides just enough protection to keep the rain away (and it’s easier to store than an umbrella!) and arm-warmers are a brilliant alternative to gloves if you like to keep your fingers free. Teamed up with a brilliant pair of boot-warmers and maybe a snood to keep the chill off your neck, knitted accessories add a stylish finishing touch to an autumnal outfit.

As those of you who have seen our catalogue will know, we have plenty of knitted accessories to choose from. Our Organic Merino Accessories are pictured in our Autumn 2011 catalogue but the full range can currently only be found on our website so for those of you who have seen them yet, I thought you might like to see the designs in more detail;

The Organic Merino Accessories range is available in two stitch designs, Cable and Pointelle…

Both designs are available in three colours, Bitter Chocolate, Light Grey and Silver as a Slouchy Beanie, Armwarmers and Bootwarmers and the Pointelle Range also includes a Snood. As well as creating a top-to-toe accessories ‘look’ using all pieces in the same colour, I like the idea of mixing and matching pieces in different colours to coordinate with a variety of outfits. As the Organic Merino Accessories are available as separates rather than as a set it’s up to you how many of each style you pick. These designs also make ideal gifts.

I can reveal that the Organic Merino Accessories will be featured in our Winter 2011 catalogue which will be sent out around the end of October. With our knitted accessories always proving to be very popular, I would advise going online now to ensure that there are still plenty left in stock for you to choose your favourites.

Fashioning the Folk look

2011-09-20T12:00:00.012+01:00

With Autumn 11 now in full swing, I have been reading plenty about the latest trends to be gracing the high street. Having already written about how Celtic Sheepskin is channelling a couple of the most popular styles this season (namely Cable knits and Textures) I thought I would touch on the Folk trend which can be seen gracing the British high street this season.

Moving on from the Bohemian style of the summer, the new folk look is edgier and evokes an air of glamour. Kate Moss and Coleen Rooney are already embracing the Folk trend according to company.co.uk so it is likely that it will be around for a while…

If you are thinking about embracing this trend, one of the most glamorous ways to wear it in Celtic Sheepskin style is with a sheepskin gilet…

The Tie Front Gilet is deceptively light for a sheepskin garment making it ideal for wearing all year round. The vanilla wool can be teamed with any colour and really offsets the chocolate shade of the sheepskin.

Meanwhile, the Long Himalayan Gilet is thicker and features wonderfully shaggy sheepskin which just says ‘folk’ to me.

The Toscana Bodywarmer features the same beautiful Toscana sheepskin which we use in some of our best-selling jackets. It is unbelievably soft and luxurious to wear and makes a statement when added to even a basic outfit.

These are all beautiful investment pieces which will see you through many more years to come. The wonderful benefit of a sheepskin gilet is that being sleeveless it can keep you warm without covering up the rest of your outfit. It is also ideal for the transitional time when it isn’t quite cold enough to wrap up in a sheepskin coat.
For those of you who prefer to shy away from the trend spotlight but will consider just a little wink towards the folk trend rather than an enthusiastic nod…

… I think the Hugo Bag above will fit the bill perfectly.

Getting to know....Jaki Law, Sales & Support Supervisor

2011-09-15T12:00:00.002+01:00

As our Autumn collection is already flying off the shelves, I thought it was time to introduce you to someone who you might come in to contact with if you call us to place an order; Jaki Law, our Sales and Support Supervisor. Following on from the theme of the other “Getting to know…” posts I asked Jaki a few probing questions…

How long have you worked for Celtic Sheepskin and what brought you here?

I started working for Celtic Sheepskin on 18th July 2011… doesn’t time fly! I was looking for a job where the company cared about its people, customers and the environment as much as I did so Celtic Sheepskin ticked all the boxes for me.

What do your day-to-day duties consist of?

The Sales and Support team is the first port of call for customer enquiries; as part of the team I take orders and provide product information to assist customers with their choices, as well as handling returns enquiries and resolving any issues. As Sales and Support Supervisor I also liaise with our delivery companies, ensure we are appropriately staffed, manage my team on a day-to-day basis and oversee the Customer Services department.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I love everything about it really as it is so varied! In particular it’s lovely to be able to talk to customers directly. I also love working with my team - they are a great bunch, all very friendly and knowledgeable about our products.

How would you sum up the new collection in one sentence?

I would sum it up as a collection of classic pieces with a stylish twist and complementary colour palettes which suit most people and make it easy to match with coordinating items.

If you had to pick your favourite item from the current Autumn catalogue, what would it be and why?

Oh that’s a hard one, there is so much I like… I think the Toscana Jacket is top of my list, it’s just so luxurious and classy. For something completely different, I also love the Cashmere Fairisle Beret and Fingerless Gloves too. That’s more than one item I know but there are just too many lovely pieces to choose one favourite!

What do you think are the most popular choices from the new collection (based on customers’ feedback so far)?

Our bamboo layering pieces are proving to be very popular with our customers, in particular the Bamboo Fluted Tee. Even though it is still only September, we are also getting a lot of interest in the Celtic Duffle Coat and the Three-Quarter Cabra Coat too – it isn’t hard to see why! And of course, our Celt boots – even after all these years they are still so popular.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a day, whose would it be and why?

I would probably swap with one of the girls in the factory shop for the day because, as I have said already, I just love talking to customers and it would be wonderful to do that face to face.

How long have you lived in Cornwall? What brought you here/kept you here?

I have been here for almost 4 years. I first came on holiday in 1975 and then every year after that. After a while I started coming twice a year and then more frequently and in the end I decided I should just live here. I’m so glad I did - I love Cornwall and everything it has to offer. If you haven’t been before you should visit (and it would be lovely to welcome you to our factory shop while you’re here!).

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?

I walk my two Springer Spaniels who both adore the beach. I read a lot and paint a bit, listen to and play music and I must say that I also quite enjoy a quiet glass of wine at my local bar as I lose myself staring out to sea.

Finally, what is your favourite quote which you like to live by?

What goes around comes around – simple and very true.

-Thank you Jaki.

Celebrating National Wool Week

2011-09-13T12:00:00.003+01:00

Last week (5th-11th September) was National Wool Week and it was great to see that there was an abundance of coverage online and in the national media, and there is even a Wool Modern exhibition being held until 29th September to showcase wool-loving designers including Mark Fast and Vivienne Westwood.

One of my favourite stories from last week was this one about a small herd of sheep who wanted to make their presence felt in Glastonbury.

National Wool Week is part of the Campaign for Wool initiative which was set up by HRH Prince Charles as part of his drive for universal sustainability. The initiative which promotes wool as an eco-friendly, versatile, fashionable and durable material is centered around “Wool Week” which last year involved the participation of over 70 fashion brands, half a dozen national department stores and almost 1000 carpet independents. You can read more about the Campaign for Wool here.

For a company whose main focus is on providing customers with a wide range of garments made from natural, sustainable fibres, it is probably not a surprise that here at Celtic Sheepskin we are ardent supporters of the Campaign for Wool initiative! Rather than only celebrating Wool Week, it could be said that we celebrate wool all year round as we have 29 new knitwear pieces in our current catalogue alone (this is the most we have ever offered in one catalogue). These garments are knitted using various yarns including Blue-faced Leicester (grown and knitted in the UK), Cashmere, Geelong and Merino.

Perhaps you currently only think of us for our sheepskin footwear and outerwear, if so I urge you to take a look at our Knitwear pieces too.

In recognition of National Wool Week last week, I would like to sign off today with some reasons to love wonderful wool over synthetic fibres (click to enlarge)…

Celtic Sheepskin is growing so we drafted in some extra help!

2011-09-08T12:00:00.016+01:00

As a result of the company’s continuing growth, Clare Whitworth has been drafted in for two months to assist in various areas of the company using the knowledge she has gained during the first year of her university degree in Business Management. As the daughter of the company Directors (and always willing to offer a helping hand), Clare has worked in different areas of the company over the years including sales, accounts and the warehouse. With a clear understanding of the ethos and workings of Celtic Sheepskin, she has been able to focus on areas which are likely to improve your experience as a customer.

Clare has divided her time between three main tasks;

Website Update

In time for the launch of the new season, Clare has refreshed the website with new content including our Autumn 2011 collection. This involved liaising with different departments to ensure the accuracy of the product images, descriptions and prices and of course choosing the images which show off the pieces at their best!

Clare explains “After a lot of organising, we now have a user-friendly library of images here filed by design number, day of the shoot the pictures were taken and product name and code so they are easier to locate and add to the website.”

Planning Spring and Summer 2012 catalogues

You might be just starting to think about Autumn but along with other retailers, we are already a few seasons ahead and preparation is underway for our Spring and Summer 2012 catalogues, in fact the first photo-shoot has already taken place! This year for the first time we will be creating two catalogues for the Spring/Summer seasons as due to our continuing growth we have even more to offer you, our customers.

Clare has been acting as an extra pair of hands with the multitude of tasks involved in designing the catalogue layouts and working out which products out of the many samples created are going into production. Clare told me “Working closely with Tracy, our Garment Technologist, we have decided exactly which products we are running and when we plan to offer them to you, our customers and this affects how we want the photos to look, whether it’s for cosying up in the depths of winter or layering up to keep out the spring chill.” You might be pleased to know that after a very positive reaction this season, our loungewear collection will be expanded to offer you more layering pieces and light seasonal garments.

Streamlining Factory Systems

Focusing on the production side of Celtic Sheepskin, Clare has helped to set up the content of our factory management system which has been installed to increase efficiency and production within the factory.

Clare explains “We are just starting to test the system from cutting, sewing, and gluing to checking and introducing the new scanners to the workforce. While we expect some inevitable teething problems, once it’s up and running this system should further improve our customer service. The system allows us to keep a closer eye on stock levels therefore avoiding a backlog of orders due to out of stock items so your order should be with you more quickly even during our busiest times! As data is being computerised, each member of staff is accountable for the elements they produce and computerised labelling also reduces the margin for error.”

Clare finished by saying “I feel I have gained valuable experience during my time at Celtic Sheepskin and hope that the elements I have tweaked will make for even more happy customers as the company continues to evolve”.

Your men can enjoy sheepskin footwear too!

2011-09-06T12:00:00.028+01:00

You might be aware that the Rugby World Cup starts on Friday for a month and will be played over 6 weeks with the final on 23^rd October (so my other half tells me!). While I will readily admit that I don’t know very much about rugby I do appreciate the game so I will be watching the England matches to keep in the loop. Fingers crossed we go through to the final!

Well, I couldn’t talk about rugby without a gratuitous picture of Jonny Wilkinson could I?!

While we are just edging into Autumn here in England, over in New Zealand where the Rugby World Cup is being held, the winter is just about to come to an end and it is still quite chilly. With rugby players on the brain and for any of the men in your lives, I thought today might be an opportune moment to showcase some of our men’s sheepskin footwear. It isn’t only us ladies who can benefit from a pair of warm, comfy sheepskin boots as the mercury drops…

Pictured above (left to right) are The Original Celt Boots and Classic Shortie Boots. As with all our boots, these are made from 100% sheepskin in our factory in Newquay and they are available up to a size 13-14. These styles are both machine-washable and even if they get muddy they will clean up nicely.

For after the match or a hard day’s work, I think every man should own a pair of our sheepskin slippers…

From left to right, Loafer Moccasins, Bootee Slippers and Sheepskin Slides. Apart from the Sheepskin Slides which are made for us in New Zealand, the rest of our slippers are made for us here in the UK, many of them in our Newquay factory.

Still on the subject of rugby, we are delighted to be sponsoring the new strip for our local under-15 rugby squad, the Newquay Hornets U15s for the second year in a row. This is a mock-up what the new strip will look like…

The Hornets as the club is more commonly known are based at Newquay Sports Centre (just up the road from us). I imagine that there will be many an occasion to stand on the sidelines on a muddy field over the next few months to watch a heated match or two.

Good luck to the Hornets for this upcoming season and of course good luck to England in the World Cup!

Feeling the autumnal chill...

2011-09-01T12:47:00.001+01:00

In last Thursday’s blog post, I mentioned that for me the bank holiday weekend marks the seasonal transition into Autumn and, as predicted, there has been a distinct nip in the air. More than once this week I have realised that I have been under-dressed for the temperature, optimistically hoping to bare my slightly sun-kissed skin for just a little while longer!

So as of tonight I’m giving in! I have decided that it’s time to embrace the warmth and cosiness of a light jumper to keep the evening chill away. If I’m honest I’m looking forward to it; I love the luxurious feel of wool against my skin – it’s like a comforting hug!

If like me you feel ready to face the autumn, here are my suggestions for some seasonal Celtic fail-safes…

The Cable Pocket Cardi is a new design for us this season. The boyfriend length makes it effortlessly stylish and easy to wear and I think that the nod to the cable trend is simple but effective. This is a really useful extra layer and as the sleeves are only elbow-length, it is perfect for a changeable Autumn.

For something chunkier, I love our Box Cardi which you might recognise as we have sold it for the last couple of years. As it has been so popular, we are offering it again this year…

The glowing reputation of the Box Cardi seems to stem from its practical wear-with-anything design and according to feedback from customers on our website it is lovely and warm to wear too.

If you would prefer a jumper rather than a cardi (and let’s face it, it’s good to have the choice), you could wrap up against the chill in one of our best-sellers, the V Neck Slouch…

Another well-loved design, we have produced the V Neck Slouch in new shades for the past few years to give you -our customers- choice. In fact, more and more we are trying to offer more colours so you can find the perfect item for you. The colour in the current catalogue is Argent (French for silver) which like many of the colours we choose for our knitwear goes with anything. I love the V Neck Slouch because the flattering shape suits every figure and it is so soft and cosy – perfect for a chilly evening.

To view our complete range of lightweight knits, click here.

A Director's opinion - Kath Whitworth's thoughts on the new collection

2011-08-30T12:00:00.002+01:00

Hopefully by now you have had a chance to explore our new collection. You might have ear-marked your must-have items or even bought everything you like ready for the new season.

This week, I had the opportunity to talk to one of our Directors, Kath Whitworth about the new collection. As Kath is very hands-on when it comes to finding and selecting the pieces for each season, she is familiar with the entire collection so I asked her which items she would choose for herself…

Kath revealed that she has already bought the Slouchy Sunday Roll Neck which appears on the front cover of our Autumn 2011 catalogue…

After the success of last year when this jumper practically flew off the shelves, it is available again with the addition of a new colour. Kath said she loves how versatile and snuggly this piece is and how despite being a chunky knit, it isn’t too heavy. She also said it is very flattering and suits all shapes and sizes.

Next, Kath highlighted the Supersoft Slouch Dress as one of her favourites and said “this does what it says on the tin. It’s great for a cosy day at home and ideal even if you’re not normally a “dressy” person as it can be teamed just as easily with leggings”…

When talking about the natural fibres used in the collection, Kath said she was particularly impressed with the new bamboo and organic cotton layering pieces. This is the first time Celtic Sheepskin has offered a specific layering range to customers and it has been very well received so far. Kath said that she loves the quality of the fibres, particularly the bamboo as it very easy and tactile to wear. This range is definitely here to stay as the pieces can be layered up or down all year round…

Moving on to boots, Kath’s favourites are the new Himalayan Boots which she hopes will be very popular with you, our customers, as well!

The character of the Himalayan wool caught Kath’s eye last year when we created the Himalayan Coat and Himalayan Gilet and she thought it would be a great topper for our sheepskin boots. Kath described the Himalayan Boots as “more everyday than the Toscana Boots and not as flamboyant as the Mongolian Boots” – sums it up quite well I think!

Finishing off, I asked Kath if she had any predictions of pieces that would be big sellers this Autumn. While she pointed out that it is hard to say so early on in the new season, Kath picked out the Trapeze Hem Hoodie and the Cocoon Cardi/Shrug, both of which are mid-weight items which you can wear now and as the temperature drops…

Kath added that she felt that generally speaking, customers are ready for Autumn after the lack-lustre summer weather and that they want the luxury and cosiness of natural woollen fibres without the feeling of being too warm.

Our sheepskin slippers are becoming popular...

2011-08-25T12:52:00.000+01:00

It’s hard to believe that the August bank holiday weekend is almost upon us – how quickly time flies (dare I say it is *only* 4 months until Christmas?!). For me, it marks the end of the summer and a turning point from which I start to prepare myself mentally for cooler weather. Here at Celtic Sheepskin, we are getting busier and busier after the launch of our Autumn collection earlier in the month. I have already noticed this week that it is starting to get darker earlier and on gloomy days there is definitely an Autumnal feel in the air and it seems that many of you are feeling the same as the orders are coming in for cosy knits, sheepskin boots and warming layers.

I tend to accept that summer is over when I have to start wearing my slippers around the house again to warm up my feet! You might already know that we hand-make slippers on site at our factory in Newquay along with our sheepskin boots. In fact everyone in the factory is busy hand-crafting all sorts of slippers at the moment in anticipation of the high number of orders we receive at this time of year. You might be looking for a pair of sheepskin slippers to pamper your feet as the chill kicks so why not opt for a pair which has been handcrafted here in Cornwall. There are lots of different styles to suit all ages and tastes and they are all made from 100% sheepskin…
Firstly, our best-selling Bootee Slippers…

They come in 15 different colours and we even make Mini Bootees for children…

If you prefer a classic Mule style, these also come in 15 colours…

For a prettily-detailed twist, I think that our Ribbon Mules are adorable (and wonderfully comfy)…

All of the above slippers can be washed carefully in the machine; I recommend using our Celtic Wool Wash (the only product we have satisfactorily tested on our sheepskin footwear) on a cool wash, no warmer than 30 degrees.
I can’t talk about our cosy footwear without mentioning our gorgeous Dita Slippers!

If you have been watching Celebrity Big Brother, you might have spotted these being worn by Amy Childs (from The Only Way is Essex and This Morning) as she took her favourite slippers into the house as one of her ‘luxury items’. The style of slipper is modelled on a flip-flop with fluffy sheepskin insoles and straps, plus a dainty pink ribbon for an extra girly touch!

You can view our entire slipper collection here.

Who else ready to curl up in front of the fire now with a steaming hot chocolate and a good book wearing their cosiest sheepskin slippers? Roll on Autumn!

Autumn 2011 photo-shoot locations

2011-08-23T13:08:00.000+01:00

If you have had a chance to read through our new Autumn catalogue you will have noticed that once again we were able to take advantage of our beautiful natural surroundings by carrying out our photo-shoot in various locations across Cornwall.

Shooting for an Autumn/Winter catalogue in March can sometimes prove troublesome with the weather being unpredictable to say the least, although this can also work in our favour to give the shots a really wintry feel! For this current catalogue, the team had to hunt around for sheltered locations as for most of the week of the photo-shoot, it was – as they say here in Cornwall- blowing a hooley. There was a definite chill in the air, a fair amount of rain and more than a little sea breeze!

Luckily the team found some shelter from the elements around the north Cornish coast. For those of you who know the area, you might recognise some of the backdrops as Harlyn, Constantine and Booby’s Bay which is named after the sea bird often seen diving in the water there if you were wondering! With the bank holiday weekend coming up, these are all beautiful beaches which are worth a visit. Both Constantine and Harlyn beach have well-established surf schools if you’re looking for a bit of adventure or you might just like to relax in the sunshine or walk along the coast path above the beaches – see this link for a suggested route by The National Trust.

Here is a selection of photos taken on and around the north Cornish coast (click on each photo to see details for the featured products)…

As you can see, the landscape is stunning, with a mixture of golden sands, rolling cliffs and sand dunes which are just begging to be photographed!
The images below were shot in Port Quin, a hamlet which is nestled in a valley not far from Port Isaac. It is a beautiful place although there isn’t very much there, only a smattering of National Trust holiday cottages (perfect for a quiet getaway) and a little-used harbour. ..

View of Port Quin harbour from the coastpath

Port Quin was once a thriving fishing village until a great storm in 1698 destroyed the port’s entire fishing fleet and the village subsequently became deserted as the families of the fishermen relocated to Port Isaac. If you’re feeling intrepid (and fit – it’s quite hilly!) it is a lovely place to walk around – here’s one suggested route. It's worth knowing that there aren't any shops in Port Quin so you might like to take a picnic with you.

Over the knee socks – your legs will thank you!

2011-08-18T11:58:00.005+01:00

I love socks! I especially love cosy, tactile socks which are as attractive to look at as they are comfortable to wear and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. Luckily there is plenty to get excited about this season, not least because our Autumn 2011 catalogue boasts 2 brand new sock styles bringing the total to 7 different designs.

As the cooler nights start to make an appearance, I love my over-the-knee socks. As well as being ideal for pairing with skirts and sheepskin boots, they can keep your legs really warm under trousers. Here is a brief round-up of our over-the-knee ranges;

Firstly, here are our two new sock designs for Autumn 2011 - Lacy Over the Knee Socks and Damask Over the Knee Socks…

The Lacy Over the Knee Socks (on the left in the image above) are made from luxurious 100% merino wool so as you might imagine they are delightfully soft. My favourite shade is the bitter chocolate because they look particularly flattering. These socks are cosy enough to keep your feet, legs and knees warm all winter –fabulous!

The Damask Socks (on the right) are made from 70% fine merino and 30% nylon and they feel really light and delicate. I think that the pretty pattern and cream or black colour choices would complement a simple outfit such as an understated shift dress.

To recap on one of our already-established designs, our original Over the Knee Socks are consistently fast sellers all year round and we have a number of repeat customers who keep coming back for more colours!

They are so snug to wear and the range of colours means you can find a pair to go with any outfit you choose. New for this year are the Duck Egg, Mole, Navy and Purple shades. These socks have sold out in the past as they are very popular so I would advise ordering them sooner rather than later!

While they aren’t technically over-the-knee length, I must mention our Stripey Cashmere Socks; they are beautifully bold with gorgeous contrasting stripes to make them really stand out. The knee length version would look great with one of our jumper dresses, such as the Supersoft Slouch Dress and being cashmere they are sumptuously soft.

The shade options include new Damson and Grey/Milk this season, both of which I love. The Stripey Cashmere Socks are also available in an ankle length for less chilly days.

You will be pleased to know that all of the socks I have mentioned are in stock and available to buy now. To view our complete sock range, please click here.

Cable knitwear is set to be huge this Autumn

2011-08-16T11:05:00.004+01:00

It’s official – Autumn 2011 has arrived! Our new Autumn catalogue started to drop on to doormats across the country at the weekend. Did you get yours? If you would like to receive a copy but don’t think you are on our mailing list, please click here to request a copy now. If you can’t wait, click here to see it online.

While I don’t have any intention of wishing away the summer, I can’t help but feel excited about the array of wonderful knits which we are offering this year and can’t wait to be able to wear them all! It isn’t just us talking about the new season either; browsing magazines over the past couple of weeks I have seen quite a few trend reports and ‘must-have’ lists for Autumn/Winter.

One of the key trends which is set to be huge this Autumn/Winter is traditional cable stitching. In Company magazine this trend has been mixed with paint box colours including bright green and hot pink!

While we might not have chosen such bright colours in our cable pieces, they are still just as eye-catching with their on-trend styles including oversized slouchy knits and chunky waistcoats. Here is a small selection of our cable woollies…
As well as boasting intricate cable stitching, the pieces in the above image all have something else in common; they are all knitted in the UK from home grown Bluefaced Leicester wool. With British Wool Week coming up in a few weeks’ time (5th-11th September – read more about the Campaign for Wool here), what better way to mark the occasion than with a cosy cable-knitted jumper or waistcoat made from one of the finest British yarns!

There are three chunky cable designs in our Autumn 2011 catalogue which are knitted using Bluefaced Leicester wool. Here is the first - the Longline Cable Tunic…

Our HR Manager and Press Officer, Charlotte Cole received plenty of compliments when she wore this during Fashion Press Week back in May (read more about that here). The combination of the wide neck and sculpted hem line make this a really flattering shape and I think it works well on its own or over a jersey top as Amelie wears it in the catalogue (page 60 if you would like a look).

For a contemporary twist on the traditional Fisherman design, I love the Stylised Fisherman’s Jumper…The name of this jumper should hopefully give you an idea of what to expect! This jumper has been modernised with a slightly longer back and shorter sleeves to reflect current trends while being comfortable and warm too. Again, the Stylised Fisherman’s Cable Jumper can be used as a layering piece or simply worn on its own depending on the temperature.

Bluefaced Leicester wool knits closely which makes it ideal for detailed cable stitching as it shows off the contrast between flat cables and raised twists. You can see this in more detail in the third piece from our new catalogue; the Chunky Cable waistcoat…

I love the style of this waistcoat and can imagine a myriad of occasions for wearing it. As an extra layer, it makes a change for the usual cardi or jumper option too!

As well as the Bluefaced Leicester pieces, we have plenty of other variations on the cable trend. Just type “cable” into the search box on our website and you can see what comes up for yourself!

Back to basics...

2011-08-11T12:22:00.004+01:00

It would be easy to get over-excited about our new collection, especially as the brand new catalogue - which is being posted out any day now - is full of enticingly cosy knitwear pieces and practical jersey layers.

This month marks the 21st anniversary since our Directors - Nick and Kath Whitworth - took on the business and things have certainly evolved since 1990. So in honour of this and to remind you of where it all started, for today’s blog post I am taking you back to our roots. And what better way to do that than to talk about our boots!

I know that many of our long-standing customers will know all about our humble beginnings and how we started life as The Original Ugg Company making sheepskin boots, but I am aware that some of you might be new or potential customers (hello and welcome!) so I thought it would be useful to recap on our background. To read more about our complete history, please visit our website.

Back in 1990 when they took on the business, Nick and Kath started with seven lonely pairs of boots! Since then, a lot has happened including the obvious name change to “The Celtic Sheepskin Company” (the UGG trademark is now registered to Deckers Outdoor Corporation) and the evolution of the company into one of the largest suppliers of sheepskin footwear and ethical clothing in the UK.

While Celtic Sheepskin is continually growing and progressing as a company, we are proud to still maintain our company ethos and roots with the majority of our manufacturing taking place in Great Britain (and the remainder mostly within the EU).

Our sheepskin boots are still hand-made in our factory on Treloggan Industrial Estate in Newquay, Cornwall. We have dedicated teams of cutters, sewers, gluers and checkers who each use their skill and craftsmanship to ensure that each pair of boots meets our rigorous quality standards.

Our new Autumn catalogue features 17 different styles of sheepskin boots including a couple of new designs. I’m not going to tell you about every single boot design because you can find that all out on our website but it is only right that I pay homage to our inaugural boot, the Celt Boot…

Our trademark Celt Boots come in two different heights, regular and calf, and 12 different colours;

Which colour’s your favourite? As well as being built to last from the softest pure sheepskin, these brilliant boots can be machine-washed (as can many of our other styles) using Celtic Wool Wash to brighten them up a treat! Better yet, when the soles eventually do start to wear down, they can be resoled as well.

I mentioned that there are a couple of new designs this season, here is the first of them…

I imagine that these Himalayan Boots will be as popular this season as our other cuffed designs, especially seeing as textures are set to be a big trend this winter (as I mentioned in an earlier post). They are a fun yet practical design which will keep your legs and feet warm and cosy.

Here is our other new style…

Our regular height Button Boots which we launched last year proved so popular with you, our customers, that we listened to feedback and decided to offer a calf-height version as well. You can wear these with the cuff worn up or down for different styling options but either way I’m sure you will attract a few envious glances!

Hopefully you can see why our boots are still so popular after all this time and why they put other cheaply made alternatives in the shade. If you need any more sheepskin boot inspiration, see our full range here.

Our new collection in numbers

2011-08-09T12:31:00.017+01:00

We are only moments away from posting out our brand new Autumn 2011 catalogue which will be the first of three seasonal catalogues in the lead up to Christmas. We hope you’re as excited as we are!

So for those of you who like to think in numbers, by way of an introduction we’ve pulled out some facts about the new catalogue…

...the number of pages (including the front and back cover) in the catalogue which will be weighing down your Postman over the next few days! This is 4 pages more than last year’s Autumn/Winter catalogue and there are still two more winter catalogues to come.

...how many boot styles we now offer (these are all handmade by us right here in Cornwall). This time last year we offered 22 different styles so you could say that we have honed our production in to focus on making more of your favourites!...the percentage of products in the new catalogue which are manufactured in Great Britain. The remaining 20% are manufactured as close to home as possible with the majority being made within the EU to reduce our carbon footprint as much as we can.

This is how many shearling and hide coats are available in the new catalogue – that’s one less than last year but there will be more to come in the next catalogue which will be issued as the winter sets in…

...new clothing sections in our catalogue; Easywear and Jersey Layering.

...brand new knitwear designs in this catalogue made from the softest natural yarns including Cashmere, Angora, Merino and Geelong lambswool.

...different colours to choose from in our Pointelle and Cable stitch accessories ranges; Bitter chocolate, silver and light grey.

...the number of colours, lengths and designs of socks you can choose from including our best-selling over-the-knee socks and some gorgeous new designs like our Damask socks. Some of these are only available online so don’t miss out!

..the number of knowledgeable sales and support staff who are on hand to answer your questions and take your orders over the phone – call 01637 871605.

Autumn 2011 - Sales and Support team favourites

2011-08-04T12:16:00.005+01:00

With the launch of our Autumn 2011 collection last weekend and the catalogue winging its way to you all very shortly, yesterday marked a special occasion in the calendar which all of our Sales and Support team love – the chance to view the new collection for themselves. Between you and I, part of the reason they liked it so much could be because they enjoyed a selection of Danish pastries as they heard all about the range (I am joking…although I am sure they were appreciated!).

Once the team had immersed themselves in the new collection (this took some time as it is of course our biggest range yet!) I took the opportunity to find out about a few of their favourite items. Each staff member chose something quite different proving that the styles and cuts created this season suit a range of tastes.

First to willingly volunteer to model for me was Lucy who was very quick to pick out the Hooded Toscana Jacket (a girl after my own heart!)…
Lucy really liked the shade of grey that the Hooded Toscana Jacket comes in and felt that it would complement her wardrobe. At £895 it was a key investment piece for Lucy which she would enjoy for many years to come. She imagined wearing it during a wintry blizzard and still feeling cosy and warm and pointed out that the length meant she could wear it every day or on a smarter occasion.

My next model in the making was Maria, who noted the Wide Rib Cowl as her favourite…
I love this piece. Maria has a very petite frame but unlike many poncho garments, I think this style flatters rather than swamps her. Maria said she loved how the Wide Rib Cowl could be thrown over anything to add a warm, snuggly layer. She picked out the flattering neck style and softness created by the hints of angora in the yarn.

Just as keen to show me her favourite piece from our new collection was Naomi who selected one of the new shapes from the range, the Cable Square Neck…
Straight away, Naomi expressed her love for the striking square neck and on-trend cable stitching of this gorgeous knit. Naomi chose not to wear the Cable Square Neck for the purpose of the photo as she was feeling a little bit shy but you can still make out the modern, flattering shape– Naomi thought it was a beautifully fitted garment and I must say I agree.

Last but not least, I asked Jaki, our new Customer Service Supervisor for her thoughts on her favourite piece. Jaki only started with us last month so has been getting to grips with all our products over the past few weeks. Out of all of the products she has seen, Jaki has picked out the new Bamboo Cowl Back Nightie…
By the time we were able to get outside, the good old Cornish wind was truly blowing so it looked like this wonderfully light nightie might blow away! Jaki pointed out that the lightness of the Bamboo Cowl Back Nightie was one of the reasons she liked it so much, along with the longer back which she felt was very flattering and easy to wear, adding how soft the bamboo felt.

I didn’t manage to photograph the whole Sales and Support team as, besides the phones ringing, some were making the most of their annual leave before the winter rush but thank you very much to the ladies who have featured in today’s post . Now you might know who you’re speaking to next time you ring in with an order!

The new Loungewear collections for Autumn 2011

2011-08-02T12:06:00.005+01:00

Did you take the opportunity to browse our website over the weekend? If so, you couldn’t have failed to notice a freshly revamped home page launching our Autumn 2011 collection! The first of our Autumn/Winter catalogues will be dropping on doormats from 12th August but if you really can’t wait, you can preview the new catalogue online by clicking here.

Let’s not forget that it is still only August (is it just me who thinks this year is flying by?!) so chunky cable knits and cosy jumper dresses might not be featured on your clothing shopping list just yet! You might be interested to know however that there are many pieces which you can treat yourselves to and wear even before it gets cold and wintry with the launch of our new Jersey Layering and Celtic Easywear collections. These pieces are ideal for lounging around or layering up over summer vests and tees.

Jersey Layering

The Jersey Layering range is made up of soft, light fibres – namely Organic Cotton and Bamboo – which lend themselves to being worn all year round. For example…
The Bamboo Box Tee makes the most of the current trend for asymmetry with a longer back and a single patch pocket on the front. Being bamboo, it is UV-protective and anti-bacterial so it will keep you comfortably cool during the last of the summer days. The Bamboo Box Tee comes in three colour designs so you can take your pick or choose them all!
As you can see, this lovely little Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Tee is great for layering up in the colder months but right now it will stand confidently on its own with your favourite jeans or skirt. I love the fold-back cuffs and the slightly longer back; the shape is very flattering. I predict this one will sell out very quickly!

Celtic Easywear

The Celtic Easywear pieces are created from slightly lighter yarns than our other knits, including Geelong lambswool and Cashmere. These pieces are designed for relaxation and lounging around. For example…
This Muscle Back Pointelle Vest is available in 3 colours to complement your wardrobe. The pretty pointelle stitch and sporty back add a unique touch to the design to make this more than just any old vest! It is made from cotton and modal so it is super-soft and would work as a practical base layer on a chilly day.
I have picked out the Henley Slouch as one of my favourite pieces from the new collection so far! I can picture wearing it as an extra layer at a late summer barbeque (over the Pointelle Vest perhaps?) and then as a snuggly downtime top for a weekend at home. The tiny shell buttons give a pretty and delicate touch to the Henley style and the Geelong lambswool is soft and easy to wear.

As you can probably tell, I am very excited about these new additions to our clothing range and I hope you are too. You can order these items online now for delivery in only a few weeks’ time so plenty of time to prepare for Autumn.

Autumn 2011 - Trending textures

2011-07-28T12:05:00.004+01:00

We might be experiencing a little glimpse of summer here in Newquay this week but in the office we are in the throes of Autumn with the online launch of our new Autumn 2011 collection. Of course, your catalogue won’t be far behind, with delivery starting in a couple of weeks’ time but this will be your first opportunity to see our exciting new range. Without giving too much away, I can confirm that it is our biggest ever collection and is practically overflowing with gorgeous knits and comfy cardis for you to snuggle up to over the colder months.

Over the past few weeks, my email inbox has been inundated with daily updates and summaries of the predicted popular trends for the upcoming season. As I scour the images of catwalk shows and high street previews, one of the prevalent trends for this Autumn/Winter is one that we like to think we do quite well – textures. Many of the glossies are highlighting chunky boyfriend cardigans and raw cut sheepskin gilets and jackets as must-have items and – of course - we couldn’t agree more!

Here at Celtic Sheepskin, we are dedicated to creating wearable pieces from some of the best natural fibres around. There are many variants of wool to choose from and this season we have selected yarns to keep you warm even on the coldest day such as cashmere & geelong and also fibres which help regulate body heat (useful as the outside or inside temperature fluctuates) such as superfine Merino. Read more about our wool choices here.

To give you a hint of what’s to come, I have picked out a few pieces which highlight some of the lovely textures which you will find in our new collection…

First off, here's our Cable Boyfriend Cardi...

Judging by the number of times I have seen similar items on the fashion pages I predict this cosy cardi style to be very popular this Autumn/Winter. As well as being bang on trend with its traditional style cabling, our Cable Boyfriend Cardi is also effortlessly suitable to wear over pretty much anything! You could layer it over a t-shirt or rollneck jumper or perhaps wear it over a dress with a belt.

Moving away from cosy knitwear for the moment but in keeping with the textured trend, sheepskin is set to make a big impression again this Winter season according to catwalk reports. Being such a tactile texture, it truly lends itself to being layered over contrasting fibres as our model has done with the cashmere rollneck in this image…

This Tie-Front Gilet is such an easy-to-wear piece as the close-cut wool makes it very light for sheepskin. The on-trend camel and chocolate shades work with most colours and the gilet can be dressed up or down to your heart’s content. A flexible friend indeed!

Now for a texture which adds a bit of textured pizazz to your wardrobe…

Aren’t they wonderful?

These Himalayan Boots are sure to catch the attention of anyone who sees them and I think they are irresistible. The sheepskin cuff is bound to keep your legs snug even on the chilliest days and the boots are made in our factory in Cornwall to our usual design so you can be sure that they will fit like a glove and protect your feet from the harsh elements as well.

Are you excited yet? There are many more textured pieces to discover within our new collection but I want to leave some delights to discover for yourselves. For the time being, we hope you enjoy exploring the new range.

Celtic Sheepskin Summer Sale - our favourites

2011-07-26T11:37:00.005+01:00

Following on from our last blog post on Thursday, did you manage to have a look at our sale items over the weekend? Some of the items have been flying off the shelves but luckily for you, as of this morning there were definitely plenty of bargains still to be had.

In case time is not on your side today, we have shortlisted some of the pieces which most grabbed our attention last weekend. For those of you who have browsed the site already, you will have noticed that many of the sale items are current season stock so it goes without saying that you might well need to be quick off the mark with these goodies! I have to say at this point that it has been a difficult decision for us to pick just a few items as there were just so many to choose from but we have whittled it down to four…

The Topsy-Turvy Knit has been one of our favourites from the Spring/Summer collection since we first saw it and now it is reduced to just £26 which we think makes it more than a bit of a steal!
The reason we love this top is down to the little details – it has lacing on one shoulder, stitch detail on the other and an asymmetric cut which all together make it a really interesting piece.

For something completely different, we have picked out the High-Waisted Skirt…
This skirt will be a wise choice for the coming season as it combines the ever-popular high-waisted look with the midi length which has been seen everywhere over the summer. It’s a great casual skirt and at nearly 60% off it is a bargain!

The third piece we have chosen is the Ocean Batwing with Snood…
This is a particularly special buy as in addition to being reduced by nearly 60% it also comes with its very own matching snood! We particularly love the Ocean colour and soft merino feel of this jumper.

Last but not least, in preparation for the inclement months ahead, (and just as useful right now for that matter!) we love the Hazelwood Waxed Jacket…
We think this is much more stylish than some of the waxed jackets on the market and of course it is equally as practical. We love the length as it makes it wearable as a day-to-day jacket as well as a useful waterproof.

So have we managed to whet your appetite with our choices? As I mentioned earlier, these offers won’t last for ever and once they’re gone, they’re gone…need I say more?

Exclusive announcement – Celtic Sheepskin Summer Sale!

2011-07-21T12:00:00.002+01:00

Over the past few weeks I have noticed that I can’t walk past a shop window or browse a shopping website without seeing big signs screaming “Sale!” everywhere. It’s a perfect time of year to treat ourselves to something new with the added bonus of it being that touch cheaper than usual.

In the past, we haven’t held our own specific sales as we genuinely believe that the prices of our products reflect the quality of craftsmanship and the yarns & fibres that we use. Having said that, we think it’s only right that we should be able to offer you - our customers – a little bit of a treat so I am very excited to announce that we will be launching a Summer ‘11 sale this weekend!

Having been privy to some insider information, I know that there will be some brilliant bargains to be bagged, so much so that I have already starting making a list of my favourites. I can’t say too much just yet but I can reveal that there will be a widespread range of end-of-line knitwear and lightweight clothing as well as sheepskin jackets for those of you who would like to prepare for the colder seasons (sheepskin is once again set to be a huge trend this winter).

So when’s this sale going to happen?

Well, all you lucky newsletter subscribers will be the first to know all about it on Saturday when you will receive more information directly to your email inbox! To ensure you’re in the know for future offers, you can subscribe to our newsletter via the website (there is a link to do this on every page of our website).

Incredibly our sale will include pieces from our current Spring/Summer collection as well as Autumn garments at prices reduced by up to 70% - amazing! While I can’t say any more at the moment, suffice to say it will be worth the suspense…

Looking ahead to the not-too-distant future, I am also thrilled to let you know that our new season lines are starting to fill the warehouse shelves ready for our website and catalogue launch over the next few weeks. The website will be having a refresh and - as I mentioned in my last post - the new Autumn 2011 catalogue is practically bulging with natural Knits and luxurious Loungewear.

With three Autumn/Winter catalogues to come over the next few months and our inaugural sale this weekend, all that’s left for me to say today is…

Happy shopping!

Behind the scenes at Celtic Sheepskin - by Caitlin Merrin (Year 10 student on Work Experience)

2011-07-19T10:41:00.004+01:00

Never did I think I would have the opportunity to witness what goes on behind the scenes of such a thriving fashion company as Celtic Sheepskin, but last week I was lucky enough to have the chance!

I've always had an interest in the industry so when it came to finding a week-long placement for my work experience, I knew fashion was the direction I wanted to go in.

When I took my first step into the offices at Celtic Sheepskin last Monday, in all honesty I didn't really know much about the company and how the products are produced. I just thought that maybe some of the processes such as sewing and packing were carried out on site; in actual fact, I couldn't have imagined the scale of production that goes on here! All the sheepskin boots, slippers and flip-flops are made in the factory on Treloggan Industrial Estate, Newquay. Each pair goes through a rigorous process to make sure that it meets the high standards expected by their customers. This process includes cutting, sewing, gluing and, most importantly, checking the product thoroughly for any imperfections before it reaches the shelves.

The majority of Celtic Sheepskin's products are made in Great Britain. Keeping production in this country means that Celtic can retain control of the quality and excellent finish of their products that we know them for - this is what they pride themselves on. The company also works in a sustainable way; minimising waste where possible; for example all their sheepskins are a by-product of the meat industry and using organic fibres in their products results in less damage to the environment.

I am so thankful to everyone at Celtic who took the time to take me on and show me the ropes in such a diverse industry! The media sometimes portrays the fashion world as cruel and spiteful, but that certainly isn't the case here. If anyone has any interest in fashion and is looking for ideas for work experience, I would definitely recommend Celtic Sheepskin. I was given a valuable insight into what actually goes on and I can't thank everyone enough :-)

Here are some photos which I collated during the week…

-Thank you Caitlin. It was lovely to have you on board for the week and we are glad that you learned a lot.

The new Autumn '11 catalogue will soon be in your hands...

2011-07-14T09:51:00.010+01:00

While most of you are probably thinking of summer sun, warm light evenings and more barbeques than you can possibly squeeze in, here at Celtic HQ we are in the throes of Winter! The monthly glossies are already writing about Christmas and we had our press day back in the middle of May so I for one am almost ready to don my dressing gown and slippers and curl up in front of a log fire (and with the ‘summer’ weather that we have had lately, I don’t think I would look much out of place.

With just under a month to go before the launch of our Autumn 2011 catalogue, I was very lucky to have the opportunity to sneak a peek at the finished product earlier this week and dare I say I think this could be our best yet! We are producing three different catalogues for the coming season with one being released as we head into the depths of winter and another strategically timed for Christmas!

As you can imagine, the contents of the Autumn catalogue are still very much a close-guarded secret and I wouldn’t wish to spoil the surprise for you of seeing the gorgeous garments on offer. With our clothing collection expanding year-upon-year, we will be offering our largest range of knitwear yet with over 40 gorgeous knits, many coming in various colours and new clothing sections as well. All will be revealed in due course! And to top it all off, the new products will be going live on our website even before the catalogue is launched so you really don’t have much longer to wait at all!

As an exclusive taster of what’s to come, just for you, our avid blog readers, for the first time I can reveal our front cover (drum roll please)…

So what do you think?

I must stress that apart from the Shortie Boots, the items featured in the image above are not available to buy just yet but rest assured that we will let you know the moment they are available! The beautiful knit pictured is our Slouchy Sunday Roll Neck made from a fine mix of merino and angora to make it unbelievably soft jumper. The Small Postman’s Bag is made from 100% sheepskin and I think it is likely to be as popular as our other across-the-body bags as it is the perfect accessory for any occasion. What a cosy looking-outfit!

With pieces like these just for starters, I’m sure you’ll agree that this catalogue is worth the wait. In the meantime, just to whet your appetite, here are some of the Cornish vistas captured during the photo-shoot…

Picturesque Cornwall - Park Head

2011-07-12T12:14:00.004+01:00

With the summer holidays just around the corner I imagine that some of you might be planning to head down to Cornwall for a family getaway, especially as stay-cations (going on holiday without leaving the country) seem to be THE choice of break for many people.

I feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country as Cornwall, surrounded by unspoilt sandy beaches and stunning scenery. It would be easy to take it for granted but rest assured I most definitely do not! In fact last weekend I made the most of the summery weather and went walking with my other half around one of the lesser-known National Trust sites on the north coast of Cornwall; Park Head. I took a few photos which show just how beautiful it is…

Park Head is an area situated about 8 miles up the coast from Newquay, between Bedruthan Steps and Porthcothan. It is managed by the National Trust but is free to visit and, better still, to park. It is signposted subtly from the road on the left if you are heading up the coast towards Porthcothan.

The walk that we took started from the car park and through a couple of fields (all on public footpaths I hasten to add!). As we came through a kissing gate we were met with the most beautiful view out to sea…

Isn’t it just stunning? I love the way the sun reflects of the turquoise sea and the craggy rocks in the background. If you look closely, you can just make out Newquay in the distance.

As we carried on walking, we met a few fellow ramblers, some of whom were fully kitted out with Nordic poles and picnic hampers! As this was quite a spontaneous decision, we were somewhat less organised and made do with just walking boots and light layers!

I love the rugged yet green landscape in this part of the county. We saw some beautiful flowers which dotted the headland with splashes of colour…

The coast path took us right around the headland where we could see far up the coast towards Constantine.
It then wound around and down into the valley. As the footpath opened out into a field at the edge of the valley, there was a herd of cows in the distance. We started to head up the hill past them to reach the main road and while we were slightly nervous, the cows looked nothing more than a bit curious!

After a short walk up the road to the car park our ‘hike’ was over. It was just over 2 miles but we walked at a leisurely pace, sitting down on grassy banks on a couple of occasions to take it all in!

Park Head is such a beautiful place to explore and is suitable for a family expedition as while the ground is slightly uneven in places, there are many clear paths as well.

If you are thinking of going on a coastal walk to Park Head or somewhere similar, I don’t mean to sound patronising when I say this but I would advise dressing suitably for the occasion. I saw a number of people struggling to negotiate uneven ground in flip-flops! My suggestion would be to invest in a sturdy and supportive pair of walking boots...

Our Sheepskin-Lined Walking Boots are water-resistant and unbelievably comfortable, and they have a deep rugged tread to tackle uneven and slippery areas.

Hidden gems...

2011-07-07T11:20:00.004+01:00

In preparation for Autumn/Winter, I was having a sort through of our press samples room the other day (which I might start referring to as Narnia because it seems to be the home for a gamut of Celtic goodies which I didn’t know were there!) and I came across some ‘hidden gems’; We sell some products exclusively via the website meaning you won’t find them in our our current spring/summer catalogue so it’s possible that you won’t have come across them before or you might just be thankful for the reminder!

These ‘gems’ might not have the spotlight of the catalogue but that doesn’t mean they don’t shine! So to save you time searching for them yourselves, I thought I would show you a brief round-up of my finds…

Here is my first find - the Crossover Deep V Tank…
As the model so expertly demonstrates in the image above, this top works as a brilliant beach cover-up. I love how the strategically-placed crossover section of the tank channels the cropped top trend which is gracing the fashion pages this season without the need to reveal too much flesh. And as the seasons change it will also provide an extra layer over a long sleeved tee or jumper dress.

The second piece I came across was the Fine Merino Cardigan…
I found the silver version of this cardi and straight away I pictured wearing this on a summer evening over a strappy vest top. It would look lovely twinned with a billowy skirt or simply with a pair of jeans. It even comes in four different colours (the others are black, charcoal and midnight blue) so there’s no reason why you couldn’t find one to match any outfit!

Finally, the third ‘gem’ which I discovered and felt I needed to draw your attention to is the Koffi Bag…
This lovely bag caught my eye because I think it’s one of those styles which will go with everything. In my opinion a handbag should have the space to carry everything a lady needs for the day or night (à la Mary Poppins!) and the Koffi bag definitely ticks that box. It also has a pocket divider to keep some organisation going within the bag – something which I for one always struggle with (yes, I am one of those people who ends up emptying out the contents of their bag every time they are looking for something!). The easy-to-wear colour means that this isn’t just a seasonal bag – I think it will look great all year round.

If any of my picks catches your eye, they are all available on our website. Why not have a browse and see what other undiscovered treasures you might find :-)