Unless you’ve been living under a not-so-fashionable rock, you probably already know and follow Studio B on Instagram. Started by fashion buyer Bethany Rowntree six years ago, Studio B was once an online treasure trove of a store that Bethany hand-curated, showcasing small and emerging fashion brands that she loved herself and knew her customer base would love, too. Fast forward to 2024 and Bethany rebranded the online shopping destination as a social-first platform, becoming a directory of fabulous pieces and brands that she shares daily with her 60,000 followers and ample Substack readers. With years of buying expertise under her belt and a loyal audience who can’t wait to see what she finds next, who better to share her favourite indie brands? Bethany, the floor is yours…
This is the story I’ve been looking forward to writing the most, and it's probably also the closest to what my latest Substack newsletter is about, which is revealing all my secret sources and special somethings! In this month's column, I'll be showing you a little selection of some of my most loved small and independent brands.
Oh, you're in for a treat! I doubt you'll have heard of some of these brands, and it's so nice to be able to shine a spotlight on amazing small designers and makers; having run my own business when Studio B was an online store, I know first-hand how hard running a small business actually is. This is the best time, in my opinion, for buying for autumn as well as the winter ahead, and there’s so much goodness dropping in stores. But remember to shop small too, look to secondhand and search those special sources. I’ve updated my below brand picks with some new collection highlights and added a few new sources for you too. Happy autumn and enjoy!
Shop Bethany's Favourite Independent Brands:
1. Ferrat Jewellery
Style Notes: Ferrat is a one-man brand with an ethos that just hits the nail on the head: To create quality-made jewellery without the outrageous markup, ethically made and built to last. I also love the fact it uses recycled silver as a base for the pieces. I have been an eternal gold gal, but silver is very much growing on me and I’ve started mixing up my metals.
Shop the Brand:
I’m imagining this necklace with knitwear.
Hello lover! Chunky stacking rings are on my radar.
Can’t not have a statement earring, teamed with something simple these elevate the whole look, for day, or night.
2. Louis Abel
Style Notes: On that note I’ve just recently discovered this Swedish jewellery brand and am all over the silver swirls (all come in gold too).
Shop the Brand:
So cute.
I also love the square version. A little bit 80’s, a little bit Greek inspired, and a whole lot of contemporary cool.
If I could buy just one piece of statement jewellery this season this might be it; I’ve become a little obsessed with swirl shapes recently, and this ring is inspired by whirlpools, symbolising strength and determination.
3. Sabina Sommer
Style Notes: This brand has my heart, and maybe a fair bit of my wardrobe too. I have a few fruity-print pieces from over the years and I can tell you that they’re some of my most worn summer staples. They’re colourful, cute and so comfy. And while I usually think of Sabina as more of a summer brand but the new autumn drop has really impressed me.
Shop the Brand:
This dress! Also comes in Sabina’s classic Alyssa style (that voluminous wrap dress).
Okay, and another dress, for a very berry autumn.
And this raspberry lace shirt I can see myself wearing so much this season (then once winter hits you can always layer a fitted turtleneck under).
4. Second Stories
Style Notes: Nicci, who runs Second Stories, is dropping a concise autumn collection soon under her own label but keep an eye on her monthly vintage drops too. She just did a brilliant Rugby Shirts edit, there’s a couple left here, and you can personalise with embroidery too to add a name or initials.
Shop the Brand:
This woven basket bag needs more attention, perfect for autumn in brown leather.
The Betty necklace I love too, inspired by Nicci’s grandmother. I’m thinking styled with cords and an oversized denim shirt for a retro vibe.
One of the aforementioned rugby shirts!
5. Stella Nova
Style Notes: Okay, this one might not be so small, but we rarely see the brand over here in the UK. When I had my online store I was actually one of the first UK stockists of Stella Nova, and I still highly rate its collections. There are a few stockists here now, and you’ll find the brand at some independent boutiques as well as on its own site (shipping is from Copenhagen).
Shop the Brand:
What did I say about buying now in prep for winter.
An investment piece but the most OMG biker jacket I’ve seen.
For that ‘nice top-n-jeans’ go-to look.
6. Back By Sundown
Style Notes: Jeanie works in small drops as everything is made to order by her own fair hands. She’s been introducing some check fabrics for autumn, of which I think we’ll see more of - be warned pre orders sell out in hours!
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Navy cord for autumn? Perfection!
A red dress is surprisingly versatile.
What a beauty!
7. Kindred of Ireland
Style Notes: This is my favourite Irish linen brand. Founded, and ran, by the loveliest couple Amy and Joel. They ran a two-month long London pop up during summer and the quality is absolutely beautiful. It’s classic, but modern, and pieces work for any season. You 100% have to try this brand.
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I think the shape of this skirt looks so high-end and I’ve worn mine so much this summer. I can’t wait to style her now for autumn with socks and loafers or midi length ankle boots with a chunky heel.
This coat is truly something special, definitely a treasure forever.
That green for autumn now, teamed with a suede jacket and knee boots (then bring her out for summer next year too).
8. Curate Rotate
Style Notes: I know I mentioned secondhand, I’ve got quite a few sources, but one I’ve bought from repeatedly most recently is Curate Rotate. The site, curation, art direction are executed so well by owner Melanie and let me just rave about the fact that everything is shown styled, and worn by a model who is a regular normal person. A mix of vintage and preloved brands, obviously stock mix changes very regularly, but here’s some of my picks right now...
Shop the Brand:
A beautiful brown jumper I know will work with so many looks.
If you're a size 4, you're in luck!
I love the retro-feeling button detail on these.
9. Stalf
Style Notes: A small brand I’ve known and loved for many years now, I have a pair of sweatpants and they are the comfiest things I’ve ever owed. Ran by Paris and her small team, everything is handmade in house in their pink studio in Lincolnshire. Collections have developed over the years and this new autumn launch I could take all of!
Shop the Brand:
Top of my wish list is these bloomer-like trousers.
The fabric comes in a very lovely looking dress too.
The overalls could look so cool too.
