So you may have seen them for yourself, pasted up in and around London, brightly coloured pieces of paper with a thoughtful message, or random sentence – that stops you in your tracks and makes you think or just laugh. You may even follow Notes to Strangers (NTS) on Instagram. Well, I do – and because of this, I came across that the creator behind Notes to Strangers Andy Leek runs NTS Walking Tours – and wanting to try different things and be more spontaneous in life I bought two tickets to go on a tour with the Hubby. I just thought it was an event I couldn’t miss and what a memorable experience it might be and I was not disappointed…
So on a rather damp and extremely windy Sunday afternoon, a group of strangers met across the road from the Tate Britain, a spot specifically chosen to start the walking tour as it’s here Andy started posting the Notes to Strangers – so a poignant place to start our journey, discovering new Notes to Strangers along the way that Andy had specifically written for the tour and see what discussions/conversations they triggered within our group.
Note One
I personally think that it’s quite true. We’re not talking about breaking laws, obviously, but bending the rules or pushing against societal norms might give you a bit of trouble, but it could also give you a memorable life and might actually be some of your best memories. There’s something to be said of those who don’t follow the crowd. Just because everyone else does something or because society says you must conform, doesn’t necessarily make it the right thing!
So very excitingly the other day the Joe Browns Spring catalogue appeared on my door mat! This is always a pleasant sight as you know that I have a love for all things Joe Browns. So obviously I thought the best thing to do would be to share a wish list with my lovely readers of all my favourite items… ok that would be the whole catalogue …so I’ve whittled it down to a more restrained list! Also doing this makes me feel cheerful – Joe Browns clothes never fail to put a smile on my face. Let’s hope my family see this (and are feeling generous… ;-P)
Enjoy!!!
Loving all the detailing on this gorgeous jacket – this would totally dress up a lovely pair of skinny jeans and a plain top. Great for mild spring days, that are a bit nippy first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Can imagine wearing this for a shopping trip or at lunch with the girls, but would be equally at home for an evening at the pub! (not that I get to do that often – instead this would be showcased on the school run!) Read More »
So cheekily a few weeks back I wrote an email inviting myself to Joe Browns, because you may have just about gathered I am a little bit of Joe Browns fan! Well a major Joe Browns fan to be totally truthful, I’m sure you’d never have guessed!
I suggested it could be quite nice to write about Joe Browns from the point of view of a mum. The fact that Joe does clothes that are fabulous, funky and just make you feel so good but are also practical enough to wear when running around after my two small people. The worse they could do was say “No”.
Initially I didn’t hear back from Joe Browns and I was sad – so I tweeted them and through the power of the internet I was put in touch with the lovely Emily and she said it was a great idea! Yay! So then I needed to sort myself out for a trip to Leeds.
So I travelled to Leeds with my hubby bless him, it was meant to be my sister – but unfortunately she couldn’t make it as she was poorly with a bad back – so seriously have to thank the hubby for driving (I’m such a wuss when it comes to motorways!)
So it came the day when I got to visit Joe Browns, to say I was excited is a bit of an understatement, it was like I was meeting a celebrity! I could barely contain myself!
We entered the head office and met the delightful Emily, walking through the offices and to my joy the ethos and décor were exactly as the website/catalogue put across! A motorbike here, a drum kit there, bunting and fun things written on the walls! Loved it!
So Emily led us upstairs to a cool area that they use for photographing clothes and there was a rack full of coats and dresses just for me to try on! I was beside myself and couldn’t wait to try them on! Chatted with Emily for a bit and then she left us to it!
So here you go, the wonderful clothes I got to try on, I’ll let the photos do the majority of the talking, but I was like a kid in a sweet shop…
All for me!!!
1. Funky Funtime Fur Collar Jacket
I love the little details, such as the beautiful lining and the gorgeous buttons. Loving the fur collar for extra cosiness. I normally like a coat to cover my bum, but I would happily wear this jacket – great with some skinny jeans and knee high boots!
2. Statement Coat
Absolutely adore this coat from it’s beautiful floral lining, to the lovely colours and tulip shape. I own about five Joe Browns coats and would very happily add this to my collection any day! It really does make a statement. This was a favourite of the Hubby’s too!
3. Inspiring Coat
Great coat – like a purple version of the coat I am wearing this winter season which is red (which I am wearing in the photo, with Emily, at the end of this post)! Loving all the different panels, very inspired!
4. Highland Fling Jacket
Adored the lining of this jacket, the jacket itself was a size too large for me so was a bit boxy and I felt I should be jumping on to my horse! haha!
6. Ultimate Longline Cardigan
I love, love, love this! I am hoping I have been a good enough girl and Father Christmas will bring it to me!!! A girl can hope can’t she!?!
It has gorgeous embellishments and was extremely comfy. A portable duvet you can look good in, and still able to keep up with my kids!
There’s a black version also available with slightly different embroidered embellishments, but the chocolate one has stolen my heart.
7. Luxurious Jacquard Coat
Trying to look super cool with my posing! Yet another gorgeous coat. It’s amazing how good a well made and fitted coat can make you feel better about yourself. I think this one has a sophisticated and elegant air about it.
8. Checked Biker Jacket
I liked the off centre concealed zip on this jacket. They’re so good with their detailing!
11. Striking Coat
Check out that beautiful lining. Fabulous button detail too.
12. Baroque Velour Dress
I completely adore this dress – definitely another one on my wish list to Father Christmas. The deep blue colour of the velvet and layering of the skirt, just gorgeous. It was extremely comfortable to wear as well. I didn’t want to take it off!
Got to check out the twirl factor!
13. Out of this World Dress
Something a little different. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this dress on seeing it in the Joe Browns catalogue, I was little ambivalent. Once I tried it on, I was sold. I love the timeless Peter Pan collar, the incredibly detailed pattern, and the fact I feel you could wear this during the day comfortably or dress it up for an evening out! It really is a testament to its name.
14. Flattering Feminine Flocked Dress
A very easy to wear dress, I already own a similar version in purple, which incidentally I wore for my mummy Christmas night out!
Twirl time
15. Christmas Cracker Dress
Something a little festive. I really would love this dress to wear on Christmas day, comfy, cosy and cuddly. Good length sleeves on me too, which is a great plus point!
16. Kalisi Dress
The colour of this dress is beautiful and the detailing very elegant, but I did personally feel I was in a negligée and think I would be too self conscious to wear it out! I do have quite long arms as well, so the sleeves were a bit short for me.
17. Butterfly Jacquard Dress
Considering how many photos I got my hubby to take of me in this dress, you may have guessed it was a personal favourite! I can’t decide between this one and the Baroque velour dress as to which takes the number one spot. Both were so utterly gorgeous. Think they would have noticed if I’d tried to sneak them out though! ;-P
Double twirl for the butterflies
I was extremely lucky to be able to have the chance to try all these wonderful clothes on, so I have to thank Joe Browns for having me and especially to the wonderful Emily for putting up with this mad blogger mummy!
With the wonderful Emily! This was in one of their meeting rooms – how awesome is that wall? Plus, I am of course, wearing one of my Joe Browns coats!
She also very kindly gave me a goodie bag, which I wasn’t expecting, so was a lovely surprise. I got a beautiful necklace, scarf and good old sweeties.
So beautiful!
Subsequently I have become a Joe Browns affiliate – so if you do want to buy some of their clothes, which I highly recommend, please come through my site!
I really do love the clothes, each piece is a statement, it’s more than trendy and following the latest fashion it’s about allowing your own personality to shine through. Timeless pieces that get noticed, I have had so many lovely comments about my Joe Browns coats (always a nice little ego boost). I believe they have something for everyone, whatever your shape and size. All the items I have make me feel good (and hopefully look good) when I am running around after my small people, so they are totally practical too! It’s a winning situation all round.
The party dresses are there to make you feel glam on a (childfree) night out, when you want to bring out your inner yummy mummy! It’s amazing what a good outfit can do for your self esteem! I know they make me feel better – and watch out for the Joe Browns sales and outlet, you can grab yourself a bargain, and they cater for men too!
I just had the best time, striking my best model poses – it’s probably lucky for them I live 4 hours away from Leeds!!! 😛 xxx
Please like, share and comment on this post – it’s much appreciated!
***This is not a sponsored post, all thoughts and views are my own. Though subsequently to my visit to Joe Browns I have become an affiliate***
Jog on Mum 