Back to the mothership…

My accessories will be celebrating their tenth anniversary next year! It's hard to believe how time flies. As a long-time enthusiast of statement accessories, I have a special story behind the collection for those of you who don’t already know. When my child was a toddler, she accidentally pulled down my favourite set of beads. Watching them scatter across the floor sparked an idea: I needed a baby-friendly piece that not only made a statement but also complemented my colour palette and jazzed up a white tee and jeans combo.

What began as a creative project on the kitchen table with a baby and toddler has evolved into significant growth, valuable learnings, and thousands of sales. My work has gained recognition in various magazines, including Trinny’s Elevator Pitch, Top Drawer, as well as at Retail Fairs and Trade Fairs. Prior to launching this collection, my professional background was in advertising, business, styling and photography, but I had never delved into retail and wholesale before.

While I thoroughly enjoy engaging directly with my clients, navigating the wholesale landscape has presented its own unique challenges. For the past few years, I felt I have been more of a passenger in this journey, despite forming incredible connections and expanding my reach. However, I realised that my brand truly flourishes when I can interact with clients personally, sharing my passion and expertise first-hand.

As I look ahead to 2025, I've made the decision to transition back to a more direct-to-consumer model, connecting directly with my audience through pop-up events and my online store. I have already established a wonderful customer base across the UK, and my new focus will be on expanding my colourful community. This shift will allow me the time to explore where my audience gathers and get creative with new product developments for 2025, which I am very excited about!

I hope you can understand my decision, and I look forward to you and I working together to spread The Colourful Edit brand even further!

Summer girls I’ve got you…

As a cool and soft, you will find that whenever you place mustard or dark greens near you, it won’t light up your face, little own the room.

So if you are finding it difficult to draw inspiration among all the golds and browns in the stores? Well, we are here to help!

Here at TCE we are always available to get you into your colours and make you shine. We are loving double denims, burgundy’s and pinks. Shine this season in your palette and don’t be drawn into the warm and rich tones of Autumn, as we know it’s they aren’t your best shades!

Winter Warming Coats

The main thing I’ve been chatting this week with my clients is the fact that when the weather turns, we all pull out our black puffers!

Now whilst I see the practicality in this, for keeping cosy, the school run, walking the dog, I just don’t see how else this would make you feel your best - unless of course you are a Winter palette or can carry of the black colour. Black is best suited to cool toned ladies with high contrast, so if you aren’t fallen into this category, and around 80% won’t, then come and take a look at my options for your season…

Let me know if you would like the details by emailing me Lauren@thecolourfuledit.com

For my warm and rich girls…

For my warm and bright girls 

For my cool and soft girls 

For my cool and bright girls 

Tyme Away

Cullercoats. 

We had a lovely short and sunny October break in Tynemouth. I booked it all a little last minute, as time has really snuck up on me this year. I thought I’d start writing about our little ticky tours because I felt inspired, and it may inspire you to take a Sunday jaunt to explore for yourself!

We stayed a couple of streets back from the beach, and on our first evening there, we had the Hunters Moon to witness. The kids just loved being on Longsands Beach. They don’t seem to pay attention to the time of year; you can find us up to our knees in water and sand at any given moment! The next morning, I wanted to catch the sunrise, so I took little Brisbane down for a long walk, and he met so many friends on the beach. It was beautiful just to hear the waves and watch the sunrise—my happy place.

The kids enjoyed scooting along the flat bike lanes, and we spent most of our time back on the beach. The girls and I went to Cullercoats and participated in a wild swim. We can confirm that it was freezing, but we made up for it with cozy hot chocolates and pastries! (Clearly, life revolves around food!). Cullercoats was the perfect setting for a sea dip, and I took myself the next day for a ‘chill,’ quite literally! I would never normally go on my own, but there were lots of groups nearby, which made me feel more secure in case of any dramas.

Mum and Dad had recommended Tynemouth Market, which turned out to be a lovely little day on Saturday. It’s been voted the best market in the UK, according to my friend from whom I bought some art. I have to say it was quite nice to walk around a market and not have to worry about setting it all up for a change. There was a mix of bric-a-brac, vintage items, artists, and some artisan makers present on Saturday, with more expected to come on Sunday. The food market was great too, and I had a delicious vegan shawarma.

The high street was filled with charming little shops, restaurants, and eateries. We try (we really do) to have just one meal out, as my kids literally eat adult portions, and as you can imagine, the prices start to add up!

It was refreshing to take this break. This year seems to have flown by faster than any other on record. It reminded me that coastal life is only an hour or so away, so I can stop dreaming about Australia and New Zealand and take off for some UK sunrises with my gorgeous wee tribe on occasion. And actually, the weather is the most fun part for us!

The Colourful Edit X Jigsaw

Delighted to have been asked to collaborate with Jigsaw Edinburgh - such an awesome brand and supportive team.

We welcomed a beautiful group of ladies, all eager to hear about how ‘colour’ can make a difference in the way we present in our day to day life.

After a client demo session, explaining the seasonal approach, I delved into how we can ‘bend some rules’ and have fun with colour. My trusty @thecolourfuledit wheel was very much a talking point and showing how this can be used to create your very own spin on personal style. Along with some mood-boards with Jigsaws AW selects. Using triadic colours, analogous colours, split complimentary and combining classics with a twist.

I always love chatting about my passion for colour, why we feel good in certain hues, why we resonate with a certain palette, the personality of your palettes and how we can boost our confidence, not just through colours, but our individual style and personal brand.

We all deserve to feel special, so thank you to everyone who came, coloured in with us, and thank you to Rebecca and team for such a warm welcome to @thecolourfuledit

Here are a few snaps from our colour and styling evening at @insidejigsaw George Street, Edinburgh.

Until the next time…

Lauren x

Piecing it together…

I have some exciting news to share…

I was asked to Partner with Jigsaw Edinburgh to host a Colourful Evening in their George Street Store.

If you have been following for a while, you will know that Jigsaw is a brand that I really admire, so needless to say I was delighted to have been asked by Rebecca, June and Team.

This event will happen on Thursday 24th October 2024 from 6pm, to 8pm. You can book a spot here.

The collection for the upcoming months is just divine, focussed on British Heritage and adding in edits, to your already lovely wardrobe. The rich and vibrant colours and fabrics depict the history of our British Countryside and add joy to shopping within your season or purchasing something classic.

While you enjoy a glass of complimentary fizz, Nicole and I will share our expertise on the power of colour in your wardrobe, using the new AW24 collection to demonstrate how to make colours work for you. As an added bonus, receive £30 off when you spend £200 on the night.

I’ve been playing around in store, with some gorgeous hues and have my eye on a few pieces already - check out my Instagram .

We will also be showcasing our Colourful Edit Accessories, and also joined by Pretty Pink Eco Jewellery - so you are in for some joyful, sustainable jewellery.

To give you a wee taster, I have popped together some seasonal style sheets below, for you to enjoy - especially if you already know your palette.

Obviously, I have mixed things around - as I like to mix my colours up and break a few ‘rules’.

I hope you enjoy - and remember if you spot anything, you’d be best to pop in for that special discount, and of course an evening out, with fellow colourful ladies!

Women’s Weekend…

After lots of interest, I look forward to running a series of 'workshops' around colour, shape and style. The first set is on 'personal style' and defining your own. It will be an insight and taster into my work, helping you become more confident in presenting your style to the world.

Working through your worksheet in a group setting and finish with knowledge and advice around;

• Which season do you fall into, and what colours do you wear to suit your complexion?

• Your style personality.

• How to dress for your body shape.

• Critical pieces for your wardrobe.

• Make-up and hair advice.

• How to wear prints and patterns.

• Making use of the colour wheel.

Provided: Comfortable environment, colourful tools, like-minded women, refreshments, expert advice, and 25% off accessories purchased on the day.

Take home: Worksheet, digital colour guide, new friendships, lots of ideas.

LOCATION: Larger Studio Space, FFR, Channel House, Channel Street, Galashiels.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
I have three workshops, and I’m offering a free place on each of these to a lady who may not be in employment right now (non-wage) or a new mum on maternity. If the timing is right, I’d happily welcome you on board.

If you know of someone who is looking for this type of confidence-boosting experience, please let them know to email me at lauren@thecolourfuledit.com to secure a space.

Lauren xx

BOOK NOW BY CLICKING HERE

Styling YOU

This is just a sample of one of my favourite style guides from last year. A little taster of my colour, shape, and style work, along with a follow-up document for my gorgeous client.

Based in Galashiels, in the Scottish Borders, 50 minutes from Edinburgh by train, The Colourful Edit studio is bookable for styling and colour analysis appointments.

Could you be a Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter and what does all of this mean in real life?

If you want to learn more about my styling services, give me a shout at lauren@thecolourfuledit.com

Step out of your comfort zone…

This would be popping down the phone (as I completely trust myself to capture my face on a selfie in good light with make-up) and leaving it in the hands of fellow women in business, Pro photographer - Becky from EnaMay.

I know some of you must be thinking, but you are never off the socials with your face! But I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about trusting someone to make you stand and feel comfortable in front of the camera!

Becky had come to shoot some family pictures for my lovely Dad’s seventieth! Happy Birthday, Big Al xx

And I’d asked her if she had any space for a ‘quickie’ through the week.

In true Lauren Fashion, I had run from one appointment to the next, with my dress and trainers on, make-up in my bag and hair curler things in hand. I met Becky in my studio, and we were off to a good start, catching up on the chat about the last few years whilst I was ‘making use of the curling wand’. Pretty badly to say the least :)

Becky and I share a similar story: we have lost a very close (and young) friend. We felt safe to chat about this and have a moment, then we got to work. Some of me think we were brought together by the powers that be.

Anyway, she did a lovely job of making me feel relaxed, and I’ll share some here, although if you follow me on socials, you’ll be seeing a few more pop up over time, as I have them in my ‘content library!’.

Oh, and my dress is pre-loved from Vintage Besoms in Galashiels—another ace WIB.

Time for you…

What do you like to do to create space for you?

I was recently invited down to the gorgeous Laggan as guest speaker to a wonderful group of woman. The event was called ‘Time for Me’ where the guest enjoyed a whole day of activities, which started of with Yoga by Jo, followed by my two hour stint on colours and personal style, then a gorgeous lunch together, Watercolours with guest artist Hazel, coffees & cakes,  and then finished off with a wonderful talk on nutrition and makeup by local artist Laura. Miller

The feedback was so lovely that the gorgeous ladies wanted a repeat of the day we all enjoyed!

We were lucky to have a complimentary overnight stay in the lodges with hot tub, and I extended this out to another night, as we felt so relaxed! Well, as quiet and relaxed as it gets with my lovely chatterbox sister-in-law Joanne :)

It got me to thinking, and I’m on a mission to create little pockets of ‘time out’ for other women. It’s so important. So … Watch this space!

Yellow in Force

On Friday, November 10th, I will join forces with The Big Yellow Force and many other talented small business owners. We will showcase our products down the catwalk to raise awareness for Endometriosis.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 people and can cause severe pain, internal bleeding, organ dysfunction and failure, and infertility. Becky, the co-founder of The Big Yellow Force(TBYF), is one of these ten.

TBYF are hosting a fabulous Fashion Show at the Victoria Hall in Selkirk, where they have sold 200 tickets. Ticket holders will be privy to some of the latest trends available in the Scottish Borders and beyond, enjoy shopping at luxury local brands and sample some fabulously made ‘The Curse’ Gin from Selkirk Distillers.

25% of my proceeds on any Colourful Edit accessories bought with YELLOW on the night will go to Becky’s chosen charity.

I will be helping backstage at the show, working alongside my stockists Kitty and Gus to show how to style our products, but I’m certainly not forgetting about all the fabulous guests in the hall!

I have popped together a style guide to all things Yellow! Please gather some inspiration for dressing yourself in Yellow from here, whether it be something that looks familiar to what you already have, adding in a pop of colour, shopping from local boutiques, or enlisting a Stylist to help you get event-ready!

If you would like a copy with clickable links, please email lauren@thecolourfuledit.com

The London Edit

This Summer, the Jamos (my family) embarked on a ticky tour to London. We have been a few times now to London, as our good friends live on the outskirts, a 40-minute train ride into town on the Central line. This time, we were responsible for house sitting, which will become ‘the thing to do’, especially when you have five people and a little dog to accommodate!

We drove down via Harrogate (for a two-night break), which was gorgeous, albeit a little rainy. We stayed in a magnificent cottage in Nidderdale, just outside Pately Bridge. Pately Bridge is a quaint little village with lovely green space and a bustling high street. Highlights for us were sampling the local delicacies, and I found out about a beautiful brand called Wildish, where obviously, I bought some gourmet goods such as a ‘wildish cap’, some vegan deodorant ‘wild’ and a speciality coffee - which was worth the wait for. My son, Mac, sampled the pork pie from the Butchers while the girls pottered around the bakers for more sweet treats.

We had such a super couple of weeks in London and spent every other day on the tube (well, I did) having a look around. Last year we did most of the ticky tour things, like the National History Museum, London Wheel, Buckingham Palace, Princes Di’s water fountain, Hyde Park etc. So this was the time for digging deeper into the suburbs, although I’d suggest google food reviews entirely led it!

Spitalfields Market, Percy Langley,
Crumble

Shoreditch
The Science Museum

Harrods

Anya Hindmarch

The Borough. Markets
Bank

Tate Modern

Fallow Restaurant
Liberty

Hamleys

Leigh on Sea,

FLEURS DE VILLES

I’m delighted to announce that The Colourful Edit Accessories shall be on display and for sale in the Royal Botanics of Edinburgh during the upcoming Fleurs de Ville Voyage.

The buying team discovered my products at my latest market in Edinburgh, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the connection. My designs sit so well with nature and the seasons; the textures will hopefully appeal to the crowd during the Edinburgh showcase from 15 September - 24 September 2023.

Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE is our 2023 floral series, taking visitors on a fresh ‘floral’ journey of discovery. Local floral artists create ​​floral mannequins and spectacular installations celebrating iconic global destinations' cultures, people and heritage – connecting the world through flowers like never before.

Fleurs de Villes – flowers of the cities. Connecting with each city they launch in, working with top local florists, designers, growers and nurseries to showcase that city’s world-class talent and create stunning displays of art. Fleurs de Villes showcases artful flower displays and starts engagement – with audiences viewing their events and the partners supporting them, from leading sponsor brands to local and national media and community-based groups.

You can buy tickets to the upcoming show and event by clicking here.

Fellow designer extraordinaire Mairi Helena will also be exhibiting her Rainfall Blooms collection. I have my eyes on some wallpaper for our living room! Not. a decision one can make lightly, given the talent and scope of the beautiful work she produces!

Here’s a little throwback to our S/S 21 shoot.. seeing as it’s still officially Summer! I love the designs against the backdrop of nature.

WHOLESOME WHOLESALE

Pre-Summer, I had a little flurry of local small businesses check in and ask to stock my wares—women in business who have created gorgeous retail spaces for their customers and go over and beyond in supporting local makers. I’m delighted to be part of their world and I think the feeling may be mutual!

Let me introduce to you;

Kitty & Gus Kelso - Curated by Rachel

Rachel has a gorgeous store in Kelso’s Horsemarket, filled with beautiful items to love and cherish. From homewares to fashion to accessories, you will undoubtedly find the perfect gift or quality for yourself. Rachel also has her own ‘made to measure’ on all things interior. Do look out for an upcoming Style event happening in collaboration with TCE.

Thistle and Tweed - Curated by Catryna

A beautiful store nestled into Jedburgh’s High Street. Catryna stocks an eclectic collection of fashion, knitwear and gorgeous accessories. It is a proper hidden gem that you are certainly going to love. I’ve already taken a few clients in for a personal shop! I may have even made some personal purchases…

The Hub Innerleithen - Curated by Pauline

Community-driven and colourful in personality, this store and its owner have hit the nail on the head. Innerleithen is a gem of a place, and Pauline is making headway in creating unique Scottish offerings for locals and travellers. They are the ‘visitor centre’ for the Tweed Valley - a brilliant concept and I’m delighted to be on board!

The made up edit …

Did you know that as well as getting your colours in place for your clothing, we also offer advice at your session on make-up and hair. We look at your skin, hair and eyes and try to enhance all your natural features and add the flavour! Here are some examples of top celebrities in their seasonal palette and how they look harmonious wearing all the right make up for their face, then to the right, too heavy or the wrong colours… (although they aren’t really ‘wrong’ as they all look gorgeous and so I’m sure do you… but you get the drift!)

This Summer we will be holding evenings in colour, make up and style, so please get in touch if this is something you fancy looking into!

Lauren and Nicole xx

Life of a Lady

Last Sunday we spent the day at Kelso Races, Ladies Day. The Colourful Edit sponsors the ‘Queen of Style’ category, along with Claire from Inis. The prize was to win a styling session with colours, shape, style, make up and wardrobe advice, with assisted (if required) personal shopping within the beautiful Inis store. The winner has £650 to spend in store. So it surely was something to get dressed up for!

The day was peachy weather wise and there were so many gorgeous outfits to choose from (and many that we saw later in the day!). It’s always a difficult decision knowing that the ladies put in so much effort into getting their looks together. We jointly concluded that our Queen of Style was Jane Johnson, who is featured below in the ivory feathers, with a stunning fascinator. Gorgeous for Spring and stood out in the crowd with elegance…

A big thanks to Jonathan and Sherri for planning another fabulous day in Kelso. And my little fam club for keeping us all entertained through the day :)

Creation and manifestation…

WOW, Wow, wow. What a week.

The Colourful Edit accessories, made their debut in John Lewis Edinburgh store in association with the Great Brand Exchange.

Slowly recovering my feet from a week in retail! It’s been so worthwhile. Met some very lovely people, had fun with the girls and got to spend time in our bonnie city. It was pretty surreal chatting through my accessories to a wider audience.

Thoroughly enjoyed being present in front of new customers far and wide chatting through the brand, the sustainability factor, the community aspect, the local women making them, the thought process behind them. The power of COLOUR. I felt really very proud.

We also made it into the style squad showcase! And our designs are heading over the seas to Tasmania, America, Ireland and Dubai…

When I first started making my products, I used to tell people that one day I would be popping up in John Lewis.

Manifestation pays off lovely people!

A massive thank you to everyone who came to see me and support the brand. I have applied a 25% discount code across all accessories this week. So if you had spotted something you fancied, or want to design your own, now is your chance to take me up on the opportunity of this great discount.

Simply type MANIFEST at checkout …

LADIES, IF YOU FEEL ME SING IT LOUD…

This year I am working again with the gorgeous team at Kelso Races, looking to hand out the crown to this year’s Queen of Style!

The Colourful Edit and boutique clothing champions Inis are involved in a wonderful prize for our Queen, as well as best dressed couple (looked after by Humes Outfitters), best dressed male (The Schloss Roxburghe) and best vintage style (Edinburgh Gin). So it’s really in your best interest to grab a ticket for a wonderful day out!

I have been working behind the scenes on a little inspiration and mood board, where you can explore all the joy and individuality of YOU. That’s right. Instead of following the trend, or getting into a pickle over keeping up with the Kardashians, take a step back and have some fun with your style. Explore what you already have, look to friends and family, ask your local maker or designer for help, or rejig that outfit you’ve been meaning to wear again, but do it in a different light. After all, going out is supposed to be FUN!

I have taken the opportunity to use clothing and items from HURR, ‘fashions favourite rental platform’, founded by Victoria Prew, an industry lead in circular fashion. Using my colour and styling background I have created some inspiration for you to put your best heels forward.

Hopefully you get a little inspired and if you need any further help on event wear, pulling an outfit together, adding in accessories or mixing colour, you know where I am!

Wishing you all a beautiful summer of friendship, laughter and colour!

Lots of Love,
Lauren x

Ladies Day at Kelso Races, is Sunday 28th May

COOL AND WARM

This is Rachel from REW.

We met through colour, and a love for exceptional products 🫶 Rachel’s friend Alison put us in touch❤️

It’s been around a year Rachel that has stocked my designs and I had a lovely trip down last Summer to North Wales (which on a sunny day reminded me of NZ).

Rachel is ten years ahead of me on her business journey, is an incredible fashion designer and is a wonderful sounding board for me when I’m feeling a little stuck, confused and dazed as to the world of retail. Because as we all know, it can be rewarding, but it can also be very challenging, especially being a one woman band up against the big guns, comparing marketing budgets (or mass departments!😩😂)

My designs seem to go down an absolute storm in Wales(and beyond), and it’s thanks to Rachel promoting and talking about them with confidence and joy! Rocking the styling, with her collections, they just look epic!

You can check out Rew over here…

And here are some of our holiday snaps to entice you into a wine and a dip!

#teamwork #collab #rewclothing #thecolourfuledit #wholesale #stockist #northwales #addcolour #colourfulaccessories

TCE x JOHN LEWIS x GBE

If you have been following my social pages, hopefully you will be just as excited as me for the week that is next…

The Colourful Edit Accessories are popping up in John Lewis Edinburgh for a week.

We will be in the Fashion Accessories Department of John Lewis Edinburgh from Monday through until Sunday. The position of our pop up spot is on level two, amongst the silvers, golds and wedding hats. We will hopefully be your alternative to jewels and crowns and I invite you to come in and chat colour, style and even bring with you a few pieces from your wardrobe you wish for me to match in. I also welcome any boutique shop owners from across the nation and globe and shall have my product catalogue at the ready to chat ‘shop’! In for a penny, in for a pound and all that!

This year my brand turns eight. I’ve been self employed for ten years, with the former two being in Australia. When I started the business I had dreams of my products being stocked in John Lewis, so for me, this is actually a ‘moment’. But all the moments have been moments really, from sitting making into the wee hours in the very early days when I had two little children, to taking my third to my first pop up shops, growing my incredible community in the Scottish Borders, opening my own concept studio where I run private styling sessions, the 300 plus colour analysis, attending Country Living, getting my first stockist, being featured on Trinny Woodall’s Elevator Pitch, popping up in EGG on George Street, raising money for the NHS through my rainbow collection, meeting Holly Tucker, wholesaling at Top Drawer, you name it, i’ve been there and tried it in this ever evolving world of retail and change. I’ve also grown very attached and protective of my pieces, so to have this opportunity to chat about ‘my’ product at a national level is another boost to my confidence as a Founder.

The story is a simple one to tell as I’m fully encompassed. The accessories range have been designed by myself, and I now have a team of wonderful local women who make for me. I source my colours at the start of each season, never buying in excess. I look at customers through the eyes of a colour stylist, so I am able to tell which colours are to suit, or will match in with wardrobes well. The products are made by hand, from materials that would have otherwise gone into landfill, so we repurpose, forming part of the circular fashion economy. I have been telling my story for eight years and when I first mentioned ‘recycled and sustainable’ people would often turn the other way and I wonder, still, are people interested in the sustainability side, because we all know that people ‘seem’ to be saying they are, but in reality, is it happening? I really hope so.

Enough work chat Lauren… What will we have with us I hear you ask?

Well, we will have our delicious colourful range of neckwear’s, earring’s and keyring’s and I will be on hand to deliver mini sessions in colour analysis seasonal advice. I also have my friend Alison from Manchester coming up on Monday 3-8pm for some colourful chats.

If you have managed here to the bottom, thank you for reading. If you could spread the word to friends and family that would be very sweet of you.

Lots of Love,
See you next week hopefully!
Lauren xx