Foodnotes: Finnieston

Foodnotes: Finnieston

Whipped Feta at Ox & Finch

I've attended a fair few Trade Shows over the years since starting my brand and in my previous working life. From my experience, no matter where in the world you are exhibiting, the thing that sustains you through those long Trade Show days is the quality of the food come the evening.  My recent trip to Glasgow is the best I've eaten on a work trip in quite some time! 

Food options are often dictated by where you're staying. Previously, when visiting Glasgow I have stayed in the centre of town. My Glasgow travel buddy on most occasions has been my mum - which was the case last month - and we've eaten in some nice places but nothing really memorable springs to mind.

Laura & Linda at Ox & Finch

This year, for ease we stayed right by the exhibition centre & for the first time we explored the restaurants of Finnieston. What a treat it was! After garnering recommendations from fellow exhibitors and customers, we went for three special meals in as many days! Sharing an array of small plates between us & not one was a disappointment.  The first night we visited Ox & Finch; the whipped feta, cod cheeks and skate are dishes I still think about...regularly, 4 weeks on!

Day 2 and the Finnieston is where we parked up. I think the mussels (Shetland's finest!)  were probably the best I've had and I rarely pass up on moules if they appear on a menu. Lastly, we chose Porter & Rye, known for its steaks but we instead went for a selection of small plates. The Barbary duck and spinach ravioli were enjoyed alongside an English sparkling Rose to cheers our last night in Glasgow and a successful show!  

I am already planning our next Glasgow trip....well, where we'll be eating at least!  

Design Your Own

‘Design Your Own’

launches at Top Drawer S/S 20.

Nixey_custom

At NIXEY we champion British craft & traditional manufacturing.  Since our infancy we have used Scottish tartans & tweeds in the design of our leather bags, which were woven in 200 year old mills.      

We are honoring the rich connection the British Isles has with the textile industry by offering our trade customers the opportunity to develop personalised bags for their store. Perhaps there’s a tartan which is symbolic to your establishment? Or a fabric native to your region or just a particular textile you like!   

Visit our stand at Top Drawer 2020 to create a digital rendering of your bag, picking your leather & fittings colour.  

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DESIGN YOUR OWN.png

Everyday Styling; Join me on a wardrobe adventure!

Since designing my bag collection, I’m rarely without a NIXEY by my side! It’s important that I road-test the designs & experiment with styling them.

I have always loved to wear things that are versatile & offer multiple ways of wearing (that’s probably why I developed a multi-way bag!). I’ve regularly worn dresses/jumpers/ tops the wrong way round because I fancy a change of neckline or a different fit (I know, it sounds strange but I stand by it - honestly, give it a go, it’s a game changer). I hate to have things that sit unworn at the back of the wardrobe & I enjoy playing around with styling items up & down to get the most from them.

Starting my own business has meant that I no longer go into an office requiring a daily ‘workwear’ wardrobe. However, being a mum to a toddler has brought with it a whole host of other ‘uniform’ requirements. In the first couple of years of mumhood I rarely deviated from t-shirts & denim (often with a NIXEY as a beltbag — the hands-free feature has been a life-saver on a number of parenting occasions!).

Practical.but unimaginative parenting attire!

Practical.but unimaginative parenting attire!

This year however, I realised I really missed being more adventurous with my everyday style. When life gets a little manic, it’s the quickest & simplest option to throw on something plain & easy-wearing. The trouble is, I found that doing this ate away at my identity a bit. Many of the clothes that I take most enjoyment from wearing have sat there patiently, waiting for ‘best’ but I don’t seem to have quite as many best occasions any more. So my new approach has been to wear that vintage silk skirt on a walk to the park on a rainy Thursday & dress it down with an oversized jumper & combat boots. Of course it gets dirty from the daily antics with a toddler but I’ve decided I’d much rather get the wear out of it, then stick it on a delicate spin & hope for the best!

I’ve started sharing my styling over on Instagram Stories. I’ve still always got a NIXEY with me so if you’re considering getting your own & want ideas on how you might wear it, or if you already have one & are seeking some extra inspiration then pop on over to our Instagram & give us a follow!

I ALWAYS love to see how you guys are styling your NIXEY too, so please do share your photos with @Nixey_Ltd.

Lx

The 1834 Chestnut
The 1834 Chestnut
£165.00

From Loch Lomond, With Love  x 

Introducing Our New Lomond Bag

The new Lomond bags in Raven & London Tan, Sky Grey & London Tan

The new Lomond bags in Raven & London Tan, Sky Grey & London Tan

"The wee birdies sing and the wildflowers spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping"


- The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond
Song, first published 1841

View across Loch Lomond from the shores of the village of Luss

View across Loch Lomond from the shores of the village of Luss

The still waters of Scotland's largest loch have long inspired artists of every medium. 

We have chosen to name our newest addition to the NIXEY Collection after this magical corner of the world.

Made by the same Scottish workshop as our original 1834s, the shape of the Lomond is still very much inspired by the traditional Celtic sporran but with a modern twist.  Embrace this seasons love of the handle bag or add the all-chain strap to wear as a shoulder bag.

The stand-out hardware is reminiscent of a horse’s snaffle, a nod to Britain’s saddle-making history.

In the Lomond, we are proud to unite tradition with a sleek, contemporary elegance.

Love & Luss

View of Luss from the pier.

View of Luss from the pier.

In February I had the pleasure of visiting Luss, on the west bank of Loch Lomond.  

This gorgeous village is a picture postcard & a must for anyone exploring the Trossachs National Park.   Only a 50 minute drive out of Glasgow, it couldn't be further in feeling from Scotland's most populous city.   


Like a moment paused in time, stroll through the rows of perfectly kept cottages

with manicured gardens & coiling chimney smoke which line the lanes.   These idyllic homes were built in the early 19th century by Sir James Colquhoun to house the workers of the nearby slate quarries.  Each cottage is roofed with the local Luss slate.   Today, the Colquhoun clan is still very much linked to the village, working to preserve the area for the thousands of annual visitors & for future generations.

Loch Lomond Nixey Luss
The Shores of Loch Lomond & Luss Church at twilight.

The Shores of Loch Lomond & Luss Church at twilight.

Spend a night or two at the very special Loch Lomond Arms Hotel. Enjoy roaring fires, refined Highland hunting interiors, wholesome food cooked from local seasonal produce & a truly welcoming Scottish bar. 

In the days roam the tranquil, mysterious shores of the Loch, take a drive up to the totally breath-taking Glencoe & pop into Luss' local coffee houses & gift shops.  During our stay we had the pleasure of visiting one of our lovely stockists, Luss General Stores, a home of thoughtful Scottish gifting. 

Lovely Lorraine & Caitlin in Luss General Stores.

Lovely Lorraine & Caitlin in Luss General Stores.

Nestled in the heart of the village & run by Patrick Colquhoun, I spent the morning with Lorraine & Caitlin of the store's sales team.   A must if you're in the area,  Luss General Stores unites the very best of Scottish makers & designers under one slate-tiled roof.  From gin to luxury doggie accessories, customers can rest assured that they'll find that unique gift whilst in the company of passionate, friendly, knowledgeable staff.   Lorraine can even tell you all about the rare 11th century viking hogback stone in the Luss graveyard or the celebs who have been married at the church (Noel Edmonds & Kirsty Hume)! 

Luss General Stores have a great selection of Nixey bags including some exclusive Colquhoun & MacGregor tartan 1834s, contact the store for details.  L.G.S. will be stocking the new Lomond bags later this month too. 

A little Nixey family holiday snap on the banks of the Loch!

A little Nixey family holiday snap on the banks of the Loch!

Best of British Gifts For Christmas 2018

The season of goodwill is upon us. If, like me, you have a tendency to overthink gift-buying to the point where every drop of festive joy is sapped from the experience, then this one is for you. A selection of beautifully unique & thoughtful gifts, made by independent British brands.

Nixey_Mala

By Mala

A collection of concentrated pure perfume oils, handmade by Mala. A perfect gift for the scent-obsessor, these luxurious unisex fragrances contain the finest natural ingredients, from oud to jasmine to saffron. Vegan, cruelty free & long lasting, there is no need to re-apply Mala’s perfumes throughout the day as the scent will keep working with your body heat.

PedalShed

Beautifully made, stylish & functional a PedalShed saddle cover is a winning gift for the biking pro, Sunday cyclist or city commuter. Based in London, Katherine Pedersen perfectly unites thoughtful Scandi design with gorgeous fabrics, from tweeds to leather to upcycled textiles. There’s little wonder this collection is the work of a Dane! Created to fit many different saddle shapes, treat the cyclist in your life to a dry, comfortable & stylish ride this Christmas.

Nixey_SaraTiara

Sara Tiara

A Sara Tiara headpiece is a gift for the ethereal soul in your life, who brings a little magic with them wherever they go. Sara & her team of milliners create each masterpiece from feathers, beads, shells & vintage fabrics in their Poole atelier. Visit Sara’s beautiful store in the beating heart of Portobello’s antique market & find ‘The One’ among her collection of one-of-a-kind designs.

Nixey_Casadeloil

Casa de L’Oil

Your resident foodie will love the work of Simone & Tim from Casa de L’Oil. Based in Suffolk & Southern Catalonia the couple produce outstanding olive oils from their Catalonia olive grove.

The ideal habitat for olive trees is said to require sun, stone, drought, silence and solitude.

It’s clear from the taste that Casa de L’Oil have found this habitat for their olives. Flavoured with a beautiful selection of fresh ingredients, including Spanish oranges & wild herbs, their Gift Selection will make a welcomed addition to any food-lover’s kitchen.

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And From Us…

If you can’t add a touch of sparkle to proceedings at Christmas, when can you? If someone you know lives by this mantra then our 1834 Evening Bag is for them. Custom made, the all-chain strap and tassels are threaded by hand with studded suede ribbon. Exclusively online & by order only, email me for details.

Made With Love.

Lx

5 Reasons Why Autumn Is The UK's Best Season

A wise friend summed it up:

Autumn never disappoints

A moment with Maple in Christ Church College Gardens, Oxford

A moment with Maple in Christ Church College Gardens, Oxford

Summer’s sun is inconsistent, Winter’s snow is inconvenient & Spring’s showers are inevitable. Autumn however, carries no expectation & then out of nowhere those halcyon days return, where the sun is low & the leaves burn bright.

Reason 1. A Fresh Start

The British school system instils the sense that Autumn is the start of something new. A new pencil case may no longer be on the cards (although a new pair of shoes definitely should be!) but a shiny new feeling can still be raked out from beneath those fallen leaves. 

With My 1834, in Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum

With My 1834, in Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum

Reason 2. Wardrobe Champions

Hands up if your summer wardrobe is packed away before the first conker hits the ground? Us British girls know that when it comes to fashion & this time of year, we’ve got it nailed. The Italians can keep the Summer with their effortless Milano style: structured yet soft silhouettes in muted colours, set against skin the colour of a Toffee Crisp.  We’ll take Autumn thanks, all the best things we’ve invested in get to come out & play in Autumn – the trench you dreamt of for a decade, that trusty jumper dress, THE boots, that timeless bag that reinvents itself time & again, finding a place on your arm every year.  See our Autumn Essentials for our loves this season. 

Reason 3. Holidays Are Coming

You may be more Oscar the Grouch “Christmas is a bummer” than “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day”, but there is something reassuring in the predictable & even Oscar can admit that Christmas is nothing if not predictable.  The loaded “who’s spending Christmas where” conversations are in full swing, Sky’s Christmas channel is running & is anyone else imagining the smell of mulled wine as they walk past anything resembling a market, like the local greengrocer’s stall? It’s happening, Christmas is in the offing. 

Winter approaches Oxford Botanic Garden

Winter approaches Oxford Botanic Garden

Reason 4. A Cosy Corner

Kings Arms, Oxford

Kings Arms, Oxford


Following on from the mulled wine chat, the great pubs of the British Isles come into their own at this time of year.  Currently & sadly we are seeing 3 pubs a day close for good in this country.  Get down your local & support our wonderful pub culture.  Sign the @LongLiveTheLocal petition to protect these pillars in our modern communities.  

Reason 5. Seasonal Produce

Harvest’s abundance brings out the best in Britain’s rich pantry.  Duck for that Sunday Roast with a twist; squashes, parsnips, celeriac for those Autumn slow-cook dishes; apples & blackberries for the crumble, damsons for the gin.  For a well constructed seasonal menu, check out The Magdalen Arms in Oxford, if you’re in the area. 

Catch while you can…

  • Some of our beautiful architecture is set ablaze at this time of year, check out Oxford’s Christ Church college.

  • Visit a botanical garden & see the last hurrah of the flowering annuals & the delicate fading of the perennials, preferably shrouded in an Autumn mist if the weather plays ball. 

Christ Church College, Oxford

Christ Church College, Oxford

Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden