Monday 11 December 2017

Create the perfect Christmas Eve with Studio...

It’s the night before Christmas and all through the house, nothing was peeping… Except the kids who won't go to bed!

Whether you're a parent or a big kid who gets excited when Santa is due, Christmas Eve is the most exciting night of the year. But what can we do to make this magical night even more special?


Monday 20 November 2017

Go All Out!

Tis the season… to sparkle!


The Christmas adverts have officially hit the TV, so that can only mean one thing - the holidays are coming!


Although we're all looking forward to the grub and the gifts, we all know it's the parties that make Christmas so fabulous.


From sizzling sequins to jumpsuits, miniskirts and floor sweeping maxis, Christmas is the perfect excuse to go all out and get dolled up.


Whether it's your work's Christmas bash or you're out catching up with friends, here's our top picks for getting set for the glitteriest time of the year!



Dress to Impress!
Tis the season to feel glamorous, and what better way to turn heads than with a fabulous frock!

Whether you're seeking a trusty LBD or a glittery gown, we have a huge choice of seasonal dresses for all kinds of occasions.

Top Picks:
Club L High Neck Sequin Fishtail Dress
Get set for your red carpet moment this festive season with this sparkly floor sweeping fishtail dress!




Be You Kimono Sleeve Wrap Front Crushed Velvet Dress
Make the most of the crushed velvet trend with this stunning kimono dress, perfect for family events or hitting the town.

Be You Kimono Sleeve Wrap Front Crushed Velvet Dress



TFNC Remy Sequin Dress

Sparkle this season in the Remy Sequin Dress from TFNC, the ultimate dress for anyone who loves sophisticated sequins.




Step into Christmas… 
From the highest of heels to subtle boots and flats, we have loads of festive footwear available for you to strut your stuff this season.

Top Picks:

Be You Glitter Lurex Sock Boots

Add a little sparkle to any outfit with these gorgeous heeled lurex boots!




Be You Stud Heel Ballerina
Choose comfort without scrimping on style with these chic studded ballerinas.




Baby, it's cold outside!
Beat chilly December weather without covering up this party season! We have a huge collection of gorgeous layers to add extra style to any outfit…


Top Picks: 

Barney's Leather Jacket
Add a rock and roll edge to any outfit with this genuine leather jacket from Barney's. 



Be You Hooded Fur Jacket
Wrap up in this luxurious faux fur jacket, complete with a hood for keeping your fabulous locks dry!

 Fur Jacket








Thursday 16 November 2017

Studio Confidential - Julie Goucher


When it comes to houses, it's the finishing touches that make it a home…
From cushions to duvet covers, curtains, bath mats and more, there's loads of creature comforts available for you to add your personal touch.

At Studio, we have a talented bunch working in our buying department to bring you the best homeware bits on offer - including Julie Goucher, one of our buyers.

Julie's got an eye for the latest styles and trends. She loves to experiment with gorgeous patterns and textures so you can find interiors to suit.

Here's a little bit about Julie, her inspirations and top picks for the Christmas season!


Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into your current role…
I started in retail at the age of 15, initially working for a department store group in their flag ship store. I was then asked to join the buying team and worked there for over 30 years, buying across most home and gift areas.  

I joined Studio six years ago and I’ve loved working in this growing business.  My hobbies are travelling and shopping and I’m lucky enough to be able to do both of these as part of my current role.

Tell us a fascinating fact about yourself/embarrassing incident/memorable moment…
I have too many embarrassing moments to discuss, many of them making my colleagues laugh. I have a great sense of humour and I am known for my loud laugh.

My first trip to the Far East was in 1990, nearly 30 years ago, and I have seen the East develop so much in this period.  Although I have travelled there many times, I still get a real buzz when I step off the plane. The innovation in that part of the world is endless.

Which designers do you admire and why?
A huge proportion of the bedding and bathroom ranges for Studio is unique to us and we work with many designers both in the UK and overseas. Each season before we travel we put together our trend pack to take inspiration from. 

The inspiration for the trend packs originates from the catwalk, following designers such as Chanel, Gucci, DG and Ted Baker. Home trends now run hand in hand with fashion!

How would you describe your own style?
Fun!

What are your golden rules for choosing interiors?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. You need to put your own stamp on your home! 
Look for inspiration from our catalogues and website, as we’ve a huge range to choose from!

What upcoming trends do you see emerging in the near future?
Florals are still very strong with some geo influences being applied.

What are your favourite products from your range?

I love our beautiful percale bedding which is available in 12 on trend colours. It has an easy-care finish and perfect for a good night’s sleep!


Our Christmas range of bedding is currently flying out with some styles already sold out. Take a look at our Selfie Elfie bedding, this will give all the family a real laugh!


Anything with Pugs is also a big seller and we have several available but be quick as they are selling fast!


Our range of Christmas light up cushions are really popular and sold extremely well last year, so this year we have increased the selection.





What’s your favourite emoji and why?
Definitely the smiley one!  



For more home inspiration you can shop our vast range of homewares here...

Thursday 9 November 2017

Sleigh at Secret Santa This Year...


It’s that time of year again when workplaces around the UK are gearing up to partake in the national institution which is Secret Santa. Deciding on a gift that will be awesomely amusing, yet invariably cheap can sometimes be no mean feat, but we here at Studio are here to help.


We have some amazing gifts that will delight your colleagues, friends and family members alike with something to suit every personality and every budget. Here’s a taster of some of our favourites…


Chocolate Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts at Christmas are the vegetable that everyone loves to hate but these brussel sprouts have a bit of a twist. They are made entirely of chocolate!

 Chocolate Brussel Sprouts

Tinder Tactics
Is the recipient of your Secret Santa gift a disaster when it comes to dating? If so, this handy guide to online dating is the perfect choice!

Tinder Tactics

Beard Baubles
What do you buy a bearded hipster? Beard baubles of course! Nothing says Christmas like festive facial hair…

 Beard Baubles

Might Be Water, Might Be Gin Water Bottle
This quirky yet practical water bottle will be adored by any gin lover and will be the talk of the water cooler.

 Water Bottle



3D Motion Face Mats
These are fabulous for adding a little fun to the office Christmas party!

 Face Mats


Glow Toilet Bowl Light
This is a great gift for the guy at work who needs to improve his aim.

 Glow Bowl


Personalised Wine Set
This will delight any wine lover and it’s available in red, white or rose… Perfect for pleasing every palate!

 Personalised Wine Set

Hot Chilli Challenge
Dare your mate to spin the wheel and take on the hot chilli challenge. Can they take the heat?

 Hot Chilli Challenge



Mermaid Blanket
There is always someone who is perpetually cold so this mermaid blanket will be the gift that keeps on giving!

 Mermaid Blanket



Bluetooth Selfie Button
This is the ideal gadget in order to take the perfect selfie. Strike a pose!

 Bluetooth Selfie Button


For more inspiration simply sit back, relax and peruse our Secret Santa Shop at your leisure, you’re bound to find something that will make the Christmas workplace a fun one!

Happy shopping! 

Friday 27 October 2017

Half Term Halloween Fun




'Tis the season to be… SPOOKY!
Halloween is upon us, which means it's the perfect time to get the kids together for some good old-fashioned Halloween fun!

From scary food oozing with slime, to apple bobbing, costume competitions and all-round spookiness, we all love Halloween.

This half term, let your ghoulish side out and let the kids take part in some freakish fun…

Here's a list of eerie Halloween half-term ideas:

Pumpkin Carving
Gather the kids and partake in one of the most traditional Halloween past times around. Pumpkin carving has been enjoyed for generations, and not only is it fun, it's also cheap - win win!

All you need is a pumpkin, a marker pen and a knife (adult supervision required).

To make it more fun, why not turn your pumpkin carving into a competition? Or test out your skills by carving your favourite creepy characters.

Here's some simple ideas that work amazingly well:





Bake Spooky Treats 

If you consider yourself an apprentice Mary Berry, Halloween is the perfect time to let your creative juices flow in the kitchen.

From doughnuts shaped like spooky spiders to chocolate monster cookies, kids will love your terrifying take on classic cakes and biscuits.

Here's a few recipes for you to follow, ideal for even amateur bakers!

Easy Peasy Mini Doughnut Spiders

 Easy Peasy Mini Doughnut Spiders


Chocolate Monster Cookies

 Chocolate Monster Cookies



Trick or Treating, of course!
Whether you're getting the kids dressed up for a night of trick or treating or you're the one dishing out the candy, October 31st is fun for all!  

To make sure there's no tricks thrown your way, take a look at our tantalising and terrifying range of Halloween sweets available…

After all, as any kid will agree, there's nothing better than free sweets!

 Spooky Sweets

You can shop our full range of chocolate and sweets here...


Get Creative with Halloween Inspired Arts & Crafts
If your kids are arty, it doesn't take witch-craft to think up of fun ways to get them creative this Halloween!

As long as you don't mind a little mess, your kids can get crafty with a range of cost-effective projects, including balloon pumpkins, toilet roll monsters or simply drawing their favourite beasts and ghouls!

Take a look at handprint vampires, they don't need to be Picasso to create these simple yet scary Draculas.

Handprint Vampires

Handprint vampires


Check out more spooky craft ideas here...

 Spooky Crafts


And if you're short on craft supplies this art tub from Crayola and our range of personalised coloured pencils are great to get you started...

 Crayola Art Tub

 Personalise Pencils


To top off the Halloween fun, we have a wide range of spooky items available to help you unleash your dark side this Halloween.

From home décor to cute and creepy teddies, there are loads of bits and bats on offer to make Halloween night memorable for your little ones. Here are our top 5 Halloween picks...

Nocto Bat 

 Nocto Bat


Grim Reaper Teddy 

 Grim Reaper Teddy

Skull Bedding 

 Skull Bedding


Vampire Teddy 

Vampire Teddy

Kids Fancy Dress Outfits

 Kids Fancy Dress Outfits



Happy Hauntings!





Tuesday 10 October 2017

Studio Confidential - Rhianne Almond


Each week, Studio Confidential gets up close and personal with our fashion savvy staff, giving you top tips direct from the industry. From fashion to homeware, we’ll bring you fresh, fun and fashionable gossip direct from Studio HQ, sharing tips and stories not to be missed!


This week we're chatting with Rhianne Almond, one of our creative minds!


After studying Product Design at York St. John's University, Rhianne became a full-time member of the Studio team. Over two years later, she's still loving every minute.


Tell us a bit about yourself…

I work as part of the Creative team here at Studio, I love working with my team of friends. After finishing university, I had a few odd jobs, but this is my first proper design job.

Tell us something fascinating about yourself

I love tattoos! I've designed a few of my own and stuck them on the internet thinking nothing would come from it, but now there's a few people with my designs as tattoos. The furthest away is Canada which is amazing.

I also queued for over two hours to meet Doug the Pug from Instagram once, he's my fave!

Onto the fashion…

As a creative person style comes as a part of the package, how would you describe your look?

Colourful, bright, quirky and a little bit unusual. Although some may say weird haha!

Who would you turn to if you needed fashion advice?

Vivienne Westwood, her style is so striking and unusual.

What is your biggest fashion fail?

Remember those parachute pants from the 90's? Say no more. Cringe!

What is the one item in your wardrobe that you couldn’t live without?

My handbags! As long as you’ve got a nice handbag, you can carry anything off.

What were your favourite trends of the year so far?

I’ve loved the rock style: Oversized t-shirts and dresses, as well as anything with orange and black contrasting prints!

How many followers have you got on Instagram?

310! I post a lot of fashion and food, you can never take enough photos of food!


Who is your fave instagrammer?

I love Luanna with http://www.le-happy.com/ I think her hair colour is amazing! 



Finally let's finish with some fashion advice, name a few of your favourite pieces from Studio

I've noticed a lot of pug and animal products at Studio, I love anything pug because of Doug! Love the 3-Piece Pug BagSet, it would be great for weekends away.



But my main style steal has to be the Barbie Logo Bag it looks exactly like the Moshino brand but at a fraction of the price. I love it, it's so different and such a statement piece.



Thursday 17 August 2017

Moving to University Checklist...



Summer is finally here, which to all of you college students means results day is just around the corner! If you’re amongst the thousands heading to university this September (depending on your results of course!), it’s massively important to get yourself set for flying the nest. From decorative bedroom essentials to all the kitchen equipment you’ll need to rustle up some grub. At Studio, we’ve come up with an essential checklist of everything you need to prepare yourself for moving away from home for the first time - taking away a few of the nerves that come with moving to a whole new city!

Bedroom
Like living at home, your bedroom is your own personal space, giving you a place to relax, unwind and concentrate when exam periods roll around. When it comes to the essentials you need to make your room a home away from home, it’s all about packing comfortable additions to make your blank canvas of a student room feel like a comfy haven of relaxation - the perfect place to recover from inevitable hangovers and binge watch your favourite box sets while the work begins to mount…

Bedding: Duvet, Pillows & Mattress Protector
Many student accommodations don’t come with bedding included, so it’s important to bring it all with you when you move. Whether you want to go budget or bring along the plushest quilt on offer to be the envy of your flatmates, we have loads available to meet your sleeping needs.

Duvet Set
A duvet set is the perfect way to add a little personality to your room; whether you want to go for your favourite colour or a jazzy print to brighten up your space, Studio has loads of bed sheets available to suit you.

Bedroom Accessories
On top of your essentials, why not bring along some extra homeware to add extra personal touches to your space? Cushions and throws will instantly uplift any room while adding extra warmth and comfort for cold days, while picture frames will showcase memories and add to the overall feel of your room. Remember to take a lamp with you to save getting up to turn the light off, and invest in some storage boxes to avoid clutter taking over your limited space!


Kitchen  
Whether you’re a good cook or going solo for the first time after relying on your parents for the past 18 years, we’ve come up with a list of kitchen essentials to help you avoid the typical student diet of Pot Noodles and beans on toast!

Cutlery
Cutlery is a kitchen essential, but it’s best not to splash the cash, as they are inevitably going to get lost, broken or stolen. 

Pots and Pans
Unless you’re planning on becoming the microwave master, you’re going to need some pots and pans to get yourself cooking. Even if it’s just boiling a bit of pasta occasionally, it’s best to get a good set of pans to add a little variety to your diet!

Dinner Sets
Whether you want to share with your new flat mates or have enough crockery to avoid doing the washing up for a while, a dinner set is the ultimate essential for anyone heading to university. The 16-Piece Stoneware Matt Dinner Set includes plates, side plates, dishes and cups, giving you everything you’ll need for less than £30!

Appliances
Obviously, you’ll be provided with a cooker and microwave, but to make cooking a little easier, why not take a few extra appliances to cut out the fuss of cooking? The Giani 4 Portion Grill can cook everything from chicken and steak to cheese and ham toasties quickly and easily, perfect for rustling up a quick meal between lectures or for when you just can’t be bothered. Other essential university appliances include toasters, toastie makers and kettles, so you can invite your friends around for a brew while you gossip about the antics of the night before.

Cooking Utensils
Don’t forget about your cooking utensils! Spatulas, peelers, tin openers, bottle openers, colanders, mashers and whatever else you may need are ideal to have in the cupboard, you never know when you might need them!



Bathroom
If you’re lucky enough to have an en-suite or you’re stuck in a shared bathroom, it’s best to bring along the essentials...

Towels
There’s nothing nicer than getting out the shower and wrapping yourself in a nice fluffy towel. Even though your towels won’t be as soft as when Mum washes them, they are definitely a university essential.

Bath Mat
To avoid flooding out your bathroom on a daily basis, take a bath mat to university with you to add a splash of functional style, while saving yourself from the peril of puddles!

Bathroom Accessories
To keep your bathroom tidy and organised, make sure you take along some bathroom accessories. At Studio, we have a range of different sized bathroom sets for sale, which include a variety of items like; pedal bins, toilet brush and holders, toilet roll holders, soap dishes, hand lotion dispensers, vanity mirrors, soap dishes and toothbrush holders.

Weighing Scales
To make sure you don’t pile on the pounds as your takeaway and alcohol levels begin to rise, take a pair of weighing scales to university with you so you can battle the bulge!

Laundry basket
Instead of letting your dirty washing build up on the floor, make sure you add a laundry basket to your university checklist! To add a little style to your bathroom, our Geometric Laundry Basket is the perfect choice.



The list of university items may seem daunting, but the more you organise in advance, the less time you’ll have to spend in Wilko when you arrive! So, get yourself onto Studio to make the most of our university bargains, so you have more time to get out and have fun.