ALICE COLLINS

The Interview

At last the long awaited interview with one of our favourite suppliers Louise Collins of the amazing Alice Collins. I hope you will agree that it was worth waiting for.

Louise, what is your connection with Norfolk?

My husband Dean, of BB Adams Direct is a Norfolk Boy and although my business which is based in Leeds takes me all over the country I try to get home as often as I can.

Where did the inspiration for the brand name ALICE COLLINS come from?

It is my daughter's name and both celebrate their 24th birthday this year.

How would you describe the Alice Collins brand?

It is where Country Meets Fashion. A range of individual practical clothing that concentrates on design detail.

So who do you think that the Alice Collins Woman is?

The Alice Collins Woman has a busy but fairly casual lifestyle. She loves colour and wants a garment that is of good quality and fit. She is influenced, but not dictated to, by changing trends - wanting stylish but practical clothes.

What is it that makes this seasons collection so special?

It is a striking collection of tops in a combination of block colours and stripes from this seasons colour palettes - dusky blues and pinks, navy & white and the lovely jelly red, aqua and green. We are very proud of the lovely button and embroidery details on placketts & cuffs.

What are you wearing from it?

The 42 knots sweatshirt shown on the right. It is incredibly comfortable to wear and a very flattering cut. The Navy and White colour scheme makes it smart but casual and it will look just as good Crabbing in Cromer as it will at The Houghton Horse Trials where I hope to catch up with The Artichoke Girls in May.

....So What can we look forward to inWinter 2012?

A wealth of textured knitwear, tweed jackets with great button detail that can be teamed with quirqy shirts and The 42 Knots Club Range -  classic tops with a twist in navy and cream - great for daughters, mothers and grannies alike.

Louise and her team love to hear from their customers

If you have any suggestions, comments or requests please make them on this blog or contact Louise directly at louise@alicecollins.com

We love The Shirt

This season's 'must have' is the shirt. For my daughter and her friends the inspiration comes from Kate Middleton. Me I'm just having a Princess Di moment. I've even dug out the pearls!

Joking apart Andrea and I started putting together our shirt collection a couple of years ago in response to our customers who were beginning to tire of T Shirts and were looking for something a little bit moreish.

We have a lovely range of everyday ladies shirts made by British Label Grenouille which come in two shapes and several different cloths including non iron seersucker. They are virtually indestructible and sell for between £32 & £39.  For the mid- range we have Double Two.  Another very well established British label that is working hard - and I might add succeeding - in updating it's design base. These blouses are fantastic not only for everyday but also posh lunches and dress down dinners too - they retail at under £50. 

This season we are delighted to welcome BARILOCHE & TINTA. These shirts are exclusive (I am pretty sure not for long ) in Norfolk to Artichoke. The cloth is sourced in Italy and France and the blouses are made up in Spain. Bariloche is as you can see a ladies shirt - with a difference - look at the inset details. They remind me of Ralph Lauren but are on sale at a fraction of the designer's price. Tinta is a softer rouched style more a pastiche of Gucci & Chanel but at special price this season of £52 - much more attractive to the Norfolk Pocket!

HOW TO WEAR THE SHIRT

...with a pair of our Oscar B or Anna Montana Jeans for that on trend look.

' I have been told that you shouldn't wear patterns on the largest part of your body - which is my bust - can I still wear Tinta blouses?'

....of course, just make sure that you have a block colour like a plain jacket over if you are wearing it as a blouse.  The best look we think however is wearing them as an overshirt with either a block colour or monochrome underneath.  Andrea is wearing hers with a white vest and wide leg white linen trousers and as always looks amazing as the monochrome not only elongates her legs but makes her look thinner.

I am wearing the Bariloche (which I love) over a vest tucked out for a casual look and tucked into my belted straight leg Amazing Woman Jeans under a jacket, complete with pearls & pumps for my Princess Di 'homage'. Looking good!