Pre-loved Clothing

February 26, 2023 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

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Sell your pre-loved occasion wear with The Lady’s Maid.

Selling unwanted or unworn items in your wardrobe is a sustainable way of recycling your clothing whilst making room for clothes you actually wear. Photographing, listing, packaging and posting is time consuming so let The Lady’s Maid take care of the hassle for you!

How it works:

Submit a brief description and photo of your items to The Lady’s Maid via email: info@theladysmaid.com. Please note I will prioritise dresses, formal day wear, and occasion wear (so no casual pieces) and favour classic, timeless pieces from recognised brands. All items must be in excellent condition. Knitwear will be accepted only if it is in excellent condition and from a high end brand. Any accepted items will be valued and selling prices agreed. Once the items have been posted to me I will take care of photographing them on a mannequin, writing descriptions and listing them for sale via my pre-loved instagram page @theladysmaid_preloved and via this website. Once a piece sells I will dispatch it to its new home and you will receive payment for the piece minus my selling commission (your earnings: 65%, my commission: 35%). Once an item has been sent to me you agree to leave it with me for a minimum period of 6 months. After that if it hasn’t sold you can request for its return free of charge.

Laurence Coste rose quartz earrings: £125 ; Stuart Weitzman Leigh suede heels in desert rose (Size: UK 6) £150.

Why choose The Lady’s Maid?

My commission fee is lower than most other clothing re-sale platforms and consignment stores who typically deduct 50% in commission fees. I also have an international social media following who favour classic, timeless style, and trust my style choices so your pieces will be seen by the right buyers rather than being lost in the big eBay sea.

For all enquiries please email: info@theladysmaid.com

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Top picks this week:

These two coats would be ideal for the Cheltenham Festival next month – a vintage tweed coat – £85 (no size label but would fit a UK Size 10/12) and a pink wool dress coat with burgundy grosgrain trim from Really Wild Clothing – £200 (Size UK 10). HT Hats Burgundy felt trilby trimmed with feathers – £90 (inner circumference approx 50cm).

The Cheltenham Edit

Featured ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

12 coats to cover up in style at the Cheltenham Festival next month

Top row L-R: Cordings, House of Bruar, eBay, House of Bruar, Latham & Taylor, Vintage tweed coat – The Lady’s Maid Preloved (email info@theladysmaid.com to purchase).

Bottom row L-R: Bella Freud, Monsoon, Katharine Hooker, Monsoon, Katharine Hooker, Karen Millen.

Wear it with:

The coat is the main event of the outfit at Cheltenham so you can keep it simple underneath – a merino roll neck paired with a tweed skirt is a good classic option. March weather can be topsy turvy so an extra thermal layer underneath is a good idea too.

Accessories:

I favour a traditional country look at Cheltenham but tweeds don’t have to be dull and old fashioned and can look stylish when worn with the right accessories. A silk scarf will add a touch of chic to the country look – I like this equestrian themed one from Holland Cooper or you could trim your coat with a faux fur collar. I love this chic burgundy felt trilby style had from Lock Hatters which would pair well with a tweed coat. A good pair of block leather heels is essential too – Fairfax & Favor have a wide range.

Hat matching:

Hats from left to right: Justine Bradley-Hill, Juliette Botterill, Camilla Rose, Sally Ann Provan, Sarah Cant.

Coat – Shrimps, Top – Cos, Earrings – Kiki McDonough, Hat – Rosie Olivia, Gloves – Mulberry, Boots – Fairfax & Favor, Skirt – Really Wild Clothing, Bag – Fairfax & Favor.

Christmas Style and Gift Guide

November 14, 2020May 3, 2021 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

I have selected some of my favourite British brands to feature in this Christmas style and gift guide. As most Christmas shopping will be done online this year I thought it would be a good idea to bring together some great British brands that complement each another into one virtual Christmas “pop-up” shop, and encourage people to shop from British independent brands this Christmas. Many milliners and designers, such as Camilla Rose, Bee Smith, Beverley Edmonson and Lisa Redman, have pivoted during the pandemic by introducing small accessories which are a bit more lockdown friendly than their usual flamboyant race day creations. I’ve also included a few beautiful occasion wear pieces by Laura Green, Suzannah London, Vaai and Lalage Beaumont, Claire Mischevani and Caroline Charles for those who are planning on dressing up for Christmas Day at home. There’s luxe loungewear and fancy flats from Sargasso and Grey, Yosuru, Ethereal London, Nuiami and Bombshell, for sitting room soirees. For more casual festive style, take a look at my top picks from Troy London, Really Wild and Guinea London for Christmas walks in the countryside. Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of sparkle, courtesy of Jennifer Gibson, Susan Caplan and Auree Jewellery. I hope you enjoy browsing and find something suitable to buy for yourself or to give to your friends and family and support small British brands this Christmas!

Accessories:

Camilla Rose

Beverley Edmondson

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-10.56.50.png — Hand-made velvet corsage by Beverley Edmondson Millinery. Can be worn in the hair or as a brooch. **Use the discount code: LADYSMAID10 for 10% off.**

Bee Smith

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-14.39.00.png — Hand-made gold holly hair slides by Bee Smith Millinery. **10% discount available at Bee Smith with the code: THELADYSMAID**.

Lisa Redman

Jewellery:

Jennifer Gibson

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-11.43.20.png — 1940s pink crystal and pearl brooch by Jennifer Gibson.

Lily & Roo

Auree

Triple engraved disc pendant in 9ct yellow gold. Each pendant is engraved in London for you with your initial, or the initials of a loved one, name or date and in the font of your choice.

Susan Caplan – Vintage Jewellery

1980s Vintage Monet Regal Brooch. 22ct gold plated regal brooch. Features round-cut ruby red and clear Swarovski crystals and faux pearls.

**For 10% off at Susan Caplan use the discount code: LADYSMAID10**

Vaaii London

Hand-made brooch featuring red crystals and beads with antique gold bullion embroidery threads on raw silk with a felt backing.

Amelia Coates

Cornelia James

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.31.07.png — Beatrice merino wool glove by Cornelia James. Made from fine merino wool featuring anti microbial technology. Available with touchscreen option. Wide range of colours and other styles available.

Katherine Hooker

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.52.39.png — Merlot cashmere scarf, Katherine Hooker. **10% off at Katherine Hooker** **is available with with the code: LADYSMAID10**.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.55.48.png — Red fingerless mittens. Made in London, from soft wool and lined in cashmere. **10% off at Katherine Hooker with the discount code: LADYSMAID10.**

The Travel Wrap Company

Millinery:

Laura Cathcart

Sarah Cant

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-13.35.20-1.png — 3 of my favourite hats from the AW collection of Sarah Cant. **Quote @theladysmaid at time of purchase for for 15% off and free p&p** **at Sarah Cant.**

Dark grey peachbloom felt bow headband with gold overlay.

Felt and gold leaf headbands. **Quote @theladysmaid at time of purchase for for 15% off and free p&p** **at Sarah Cant.**

Camilla Rose Millinery:

Festive fedoras:

Deck Fedora. Burgundy peachbloom felt Fedora, finished with a velvet petrol blue bow.

**Discount code: THELADYSMAID for 10% off at Camilla Rose.**

Troy London

Troy x Brora Fair Isle Jumper in Almond.

My top picks from Troy for Christmas in the country:

The curlew cape in forest green; silk scarf in cream and burgundy; stock shirt in green; welly socks in burgundy.

Really Wild Clothing

Guinea London

Festive Style:

Laura Green

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-12.29.42-1.png — The most beautiful festive red angora wool “Hollie” coat by Laura Green – perfect for Christmas Day. I love the clean lines of the neckline with a simple double button fastening at the waist and chic pleating to the skirt and cuffs. **Quote The Lady’s Maid for 10% off at Laura Green.**

Vaaii London

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-12.54.54.png — Cross-stich silk velvet trousers and matching top by Vaaii London. This would be a great outfit for Christmas at home – comfortable but still festive with the gold embroidery and velvet fabric. **10% off is available with the discount code: THELADYSMAID10**

Winser London

Lauren Cape Wool Poncho. Available in several colours.

For 10% off at Winser London use the code: WINSER10ALICIA

Katherine Hooker

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-13.45.58.png — Capelet coat by Katherine Hooker. Made in London from a classic Blackwatch wool (also available in aubergine. Detachable capelet so can be worn without for a different look. **For 10% off full price items at Katherine Hooker use the discount code: LADYSMAID10**.

Suzannah London:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-14.22.58.png — Hunter Coat Dress, Navy Velvet; Marylebone Coat Dress Rosewood; Anna Dress Cherry Red.

Enter Ladysmaid at checkout for 10% off at Suzannah London

Caroline Charles:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-14.12.21.png — Burgundy wool crepe coat; faux fur hat; faux fur stole. **Quote THELADYSMAID for free p&p at Caroline Charles.**

Smart/Casual Festive Frocks

Navy & Ivy Shirt Dress, Brora; Rose Tartan Dress, Justine Tabak; Shae Cord Dress, By Iris

Claire Mischevani

Finola Coat – mauve Italian wool. Bespoke options available.

Lalage Beaumont

Velvet midi dress in starlight French navy.

Bombshell

More festive velvet pieces from Bombshell:

Smart/Casual Festive Frocks

Sargasso & Grey

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-13.51.26.png — Wide fit dark green velvet embellished flats by Sargasso & Grey. (Also available in navy). **15% off at Sargasso & Grey is available with the code: LADYSMAID15**

Yosuru Shoes

Elegant and comforatbale festive flats and low-heeled shoes. Use the code: THELADYSMAID20 for 20% off.

Wilbur & Gussie

Free snowflake brooch with the code: TLMXMAS

The House of Bruar

The Cambridge Satchel Company

Brandy leather and green tweed traveller bag.

Luxury Loungewear:

Nuiami

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-10-at-14.48.53.png — Bordeaux cotton striped pyjamas; Birdsong cotton pyjamas; Voyager cashmere hoodie, cashmere joggers. **Use the code: THELADYSMAID10 for 10% off and free UK shipping at Nuiami.**

Ethereal London

For the Little Ladies:

Hannah Sophia England

Long-sleeved tartan smock dress with detachable collar. Matching accessories available.

Gifts benefitting charity:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-12.11.20.png — Rowfant rainbow charity hoop earrings, Auree. £95.
100% of profits goes to baby bank charity Little Village.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-08-at-13.02.24.png — Damascus silk scarf by Rory Hutton, £90. Made in Italy and inspired by tiles from the old city of Damascus. 20% of profits are donated to Hands Up foundation.

Signed copies of Wardrobe Wisdom From a Royal Lady’s Maid: How to dress & take care of your clothes by Alicia Healey. Free Total Wardrobe Care anti-moth oval sent with each book. Can be used to freshen your wardrobe or as a bookmark! 10% of profits are donated to Mind.

Stocking fillers:

Bamboo and organic cotton robin gift socks from Thought Clothing.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2020-11-09-at-11.00.25.png — Teal cotton face mask by Vaai London. Made using left over fabric from previous collections at Vaai. Other colours available. £15. **10% off with the code: THELADYSMAID10**.

Get crafty with a Christmas decoration craft kit designed by milliner Bee Smith Millinery: gingerbread man, brussels sprout and Christmas pudding available. £8 each. **10% discount available with the code: THELADYSMAID**.

Ceramic wardrobe hanging infuser and natural anti-moth essential oil gift set from Total
Wardrobe Care.

Christmas cards by Locky Lobster Art. **10% off at Lucky Lobster Art with the code: Ladysmaid10.**

Mallow & White Hand Sanitiser. 70% alcohol hand cleanser + sanitiser, made from a bespoke blend of anti-bacterial essential oils, including tea tree and peppermint. Winner of 2020 “Best Hand Sanitiser”, Beauty Shortlist Awards. **10% off with the code: Ladysmaid10**

An English Christmas, edited by John Julius Norwich.

Gold foiled red leather personalised notebook.

Happy shopping! 🎄

(N.B. this guide contains some affiliate links)

Pandemic Pyjamas

November 9, 2020January 26, 2021 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

A round-up of my favourite pyjamas to make staying home in lockdown a little more comfortable and chic. Some of these are too good to save for sleep 😉

Under £50:

If you want a premium look on a budget – buy just the trousers and wear with a T shirt/top you already have:

Under £75:

Bordeaux brushed cotton, British Boxers, £71.10

Under £100:

Pink bloom brushed cotton pyjamas, £95, Bonsoir London (20% off available to new customers)

Over £100:

Saraswathi organic cotton pyjamas, Luna & Noon, £120

Monkey print cotton pyjamas, Desmond & Dempsey, £150

Leopard print cotton pyjamas, Desmond & Dempsey, £150

Powder pink stripe cotton pyjamas, Honna London, £120

Navy silk pyjamas, £475, Katherine Hooker

Pale pink Irish linen pyjamas, Loom, £147

Appleward silk pyjamas, Olivia von Halle, £420

And what to wear over them:

If pyjamas have slipped into your working-from-home uniform wearing them with a cashmere poncho knit will elevate/disguise the look a little so that you can open the door to the DPD man and they will be none the wiser that you haven’t properly got dressed ;). I’d go for a neutral poncho style or knitted gilet – super comfortable to wear and much more chic than a dressing gown.

Merino wool and cashmere poncho, £145, Iris and Ink

Stay At Home Slippers

November 4, 2020 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

With heels a distant memory for most, this winter will be all about the fancy flat and the house shoe. Here are some of my favourite cosy slippers to motivate your feet to stay at home for Lockdown 2.

Faux fur cross sliders, £35, The White Company

Velvet bow slider slippers, £55, The White Company

Tartan trimmed faux fur mules, £39, Barbour

Sweater Weather – Fair Isle Knits

November 1, 2020November 2, 2020 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

With a winter lockdown looming, cosy comforts are on my mind. I’ve always loved the timeless and traditional look of a fair isle jumper – there’s something reliable and nostalgic about the classic pattern, making them my top pick for the wardrobe this winter when we are all in need of a sweater hug.

The island of Fair Isle, where this distinctive style of knitwear originated, is one of the most remote Scottish islands with a population of only 65. I imagine the people of Fair Isle are a hardy self-sufficient bunch for whom lockdown would be barely noticeable. So if you fancy adopting the style of a stoic Fair Islander, then here are some of my favourite knits for all budgets.