Wedding Dresses on a budget Under £100

Getting married isn't the cheapest thing ever, I am sure you can all agree to that! Some people, however, have a very limited budget or don't want to spend a lot on a dress.

So I decided to have a look to see whether it was possible to get some form of "Wedding Dress" for under £100...
A big challenge I hear you say? Well that all depends on what you are looking for and what you class as a "Wedding Dress"

The "Typical" Wedding Dress
I am sure you wouldn't believe me if I told you whilst doing your shopping at Tesco Online you could pick up a Wedding Dress for only £80! But it is true.

This Lace Wedding Dress is an Online Exclusive and available in sizes 6-16!



The 'Long' Dress

Whilst looking at different retailers online, there are many different "long" dresses that could be used as Wedding Dresses, either with a little imagination or just with the right Jewellery and hair.

Bridal Sashes and Crystal Belts are easy to pick up on Ebay for as little as £10 (or cheaper if you have time to wait from China) but it's all about starting with the basics, and having the vision of what you could turn it into.

This Split Maxi Dress in White from Goldie at Topshop is £59 and is great if you are wanting something long - but not too plain.

Whilst plain from the front, the lovely drop back with the bow is definitely something to look at. I reckon this would also be perfect if you were getting married abroad on a beach!

The sizing according to online is mainly 8-12.



This long open back Maxi Dress from Jovonna at Topshop screams "Beach Wedding" to me - or a Wedding at home if you are one of the lucky people who can go braless on their Wedding Day.

Available in sizes 8-12 and for only £55 this embellished high neckline with the chain dropping down the back is beautiful.

If gold isn't your thing (it isn't mine) this looks like it could be removable. But you could team it with a pearl or crystal necklace for backless dresses - just google "Necklace for Backless Dress" to see what you can find.

For me, this beautiful long pleated V Neck Dress from Miss Selfridge is one that would need very little work doing to it to make it a beautiful Wedding Dress.

The Gold Belt is detachable - so you could change it for something else - such as a crystal belt or bridal sash.

It looks elegant, and depending on the type of Wedding would fit in with something low-key - or not. 

Another dress that would also be perfect for a Wedding Abroad. This dress is also machine-washable, which is definitely a big plus when most dresses are dry clean only. 

Available in sizes 10-16 and for only £55.

Who says that Wedding Dresses have to be white?

If you are wanting a bit of sparkle for your big day, then take a look at this stunning beaded dress from House of Fraser. The Colour is Nude, but I think this would fit in perfect with almost a chilled out, vintage Wedding. 

This dress comes in Small, Medium or Large and is only £80! For all that beautiful beadwork its a bargain!

The "Short" Dress

Who said that Wedding Dress' have to be long? My personal favourite would be a 1950's tea-length style dresses, pretty similar to what I wear to photograph Weddings in! So for me, the idea of a Short Dress (but not too short!) is definitely something to consider.

This Ivory "Chloe" Bridal Dress from BHS is £85 and as you can see isn't too short with almost a below knee finish. The high neckline but the low back are beautiful too - not matter what your age!

Available in sizes 10 and 14-22 this is a lovely dress for anyone on a budget!





Planning a Vintage Wedding then check out some of the Chi Chi Short Dresses at Dorothy Perkins.

The one I have shown is a beautiful lace neckline cap-sleeved dress however they do similar short dresses that are without them. in the same style. My favourite part of this dress is the open lace back, which is beautiful.


This specific dress is only currently available online in a size 10 or 16 and is £66.99! 

Bargain!








No matter what your budget, you can always find something for it if you look close enough and use a bit of imagination. 

[WW] When Will I Receive A Written Contract?

Every Wednesday in the Wedding world is known as #WeddingWednesday - so every Wednesday I will try to answer some of the most common questions that I get.

When will I receive a written contract?

A written contract will be sent out to you within 1 week of you booking your Wedding Photography with Blue Lights Photography - generally sooner.

This written contract will state all the information that we will have discussed at your Consultation or over the telephone, and you will receive two copies. One to sign and return and one to sign and keep for your own records.

Whilst your date is booked into our diary as soon as your Booking Fee has been paid, it is important to return the contract to us as soon as possible.

When we send out your Booking Pack we will also include a stamped addressed envelope for easier return also.

[Help] Pregnant and a Wedding Guest - don't get stressed!

Being a Wedding Photographer, I manage to see lots of guests at Weddings, but not only that - lots of pregnant guests. From those ready to pop - to the ones just starting to show. And let's face it - Weddings in the UK can be hit and miss with the weather.

I've had a browse and found some things that may just be your lifesaver for being pregnant in Wedding & Party Season!

This lovely V-Neck and Back Maternity Lace Dress is from Asda and is also available in Black.

I have seen many of these dresses, or similar around whilst browsing, within a massive difference in price range too! These are just £20! So if it's the only time you wear it you haven't lost a massive amount. You can find a similar lace dress, without the long sleeves in Teal from Dorothy Perkins for £28 or a similar one in Black from Red Herring  - but with a higher front neckline for £40.



One of the designs I see a lot at Weddings is Maxi Dresses! They help hide a multitude of sins, but also help keep you cool during the Summer Months if you are pregnant.

As most of the shops are stocking Maxi Dresses they are easier to come across, but you don't want something that is either too patterned or too plain.

That's why for me, thisEmbellished Maxi Dress from Asda for an entire £18 is a bargin, and could be one of your Summer Staples. Not just for Weddings but an evening out with friends.

Another beautifulMaxi Dress is from New Look this Black Maxi Dress has a beautiful crochet back in white contrast material - definately something that you won't find too boring and for £27.99 you'll be able to wear it for a chill out evening with friends.

Now this dress from Next is "The Ultimate Black Dress" and is Maternity Specific.

It definitely looks to be the Ultimate Dress. I can imagine someone buying this dress and it lasting them throughout most of their pregnancy - even if it gets shorter as time goes on - to team with leggings or jeans and you are on your way.

You can make this dress look as dressy, or as casual as you wish - and what more do you really want?

Oh go on then - a bit more colour! This Knot Front Jersey dress is £30 from Red Herring, and gives you a bit more of a pop of colour in that gorgeous Royal Blue Colour!

There are things out there that you don't have to look for in Maternity only shops - I hope I've managed to give you some ideas to make you still feel fabulous this Wedding Season. X

[#WOW] Meet Emmeline from Emmeline Illustration

Meet Emmeline, a #WOW winner for her Illustrations - having got a BA (Hons) Illustration Degree, she went on to set up Emmeline Illustration - here she goes on to tell us more.

How did you first set up the business?
I graduated with a BA (Hons) Illustration degree from University College Falmouth in 2010, and felt incredibly determined to jump straight into running my own business as soon as I could, making the most of that momentum and excitement after graduation. I have worked incredibly hard since then and earned respect within the creative industries.

How old is the business?
I’ve been professionally illustrating for around four and a half years now, and I've worked on seven published picture books in that time!

Did you ever think you’d be running your own business?
I always knew I wanted to be an artist of some kind (although my old schoolwork does mention that I wanted to be a ballerina AND a firefighter too!).  During my Illustration Degree I learnt a lot about freelancing, and after some practical experience in meeting with clients and agents in London and New York I absolutely fell in love with it!

Where are you based? Do you have a shop or are you just online?
I live and work in the North West of England, near Chorley and the wonderfully creative Manchester! I work from my studio on commissions, although I do have an online shop for selling prints and you’ll find my work stocked in the likes of the V&A, Waterstones etc

What’s been your biggest commission?
The last year was a big one for commissions, one of the biggest being my latest picture book ‘The Lavender Blue Dress’ with Cargo Publishing and Aidan Moffat.  The book’s been featured on BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, The Scotsman as well as a whole army of blogs - and it was fantastic to attend the launch and Q&A at Waterstones Glasgow last November.  2014 also saw me illustrate a health feature for Tesco Living magazine with an audience of around 5 million readers and the release of my illustrated cover of a new edition of ‘What Katy Did’ with Egmont Publishing.

Everyone has a favourite piece of work, what’s yours?
My latest work always tends to be my favourite, and I really loved illustrating this poster for Draw North West (a Manchester based creative meetup I attend).

What is your newest piece of work?
I’m working on a few projects I can’t reveal just yet, but my latest published piece is this children’s art trail booklet for The Museum Of Wigan Life and Wigan Council. It was great fun to work on, I adore museums!

What is the one thing people must know about your business?
I create illustration for both children and adults.  I’ve often been described as a ‘children’s illustrator’ because I've worked a lot with picture book illustration, but honestly I more frequently work with businesses looking for branding or advertising, or illustration for magazines! I love working for all audiences, and I don't think enjoyment of the illustration is exclusive to either group!

What is your proudest business achievement?
It would be easy to say that my proudest achievements were some of the awards I’ve won (most recently IPSE’s 15 for 15 ‘Top UK Freelancer’ finalist, Best Arts & Culture Blog in the Blog North Awards and Design Week’s Rising Star Award finalist), but really it's just the fact that I’m still here powering through as self-employed.  It’s definitely a hostile industry and I’m incredibly proud that I have been able to navigate it!

What do you do when you aren’t working on the business?
I’ll admit that it can be tricky to switch off from a creative business, ideas pop up all the time (and the working hours are sporadic!), but in my time out I love playing unusual boardgames, walking through forests, watching great films and boxsets and spending time with brilliant people.

What five words describe your business?
Creative, emotive, narrative-driven, unusual and passionate.

Any big plans for 2015 you can share?
Between some commissioned branding/advertising work and a rather exciting book cover I’m working on, I’m currently illustrating a self-penned graphic novel and reworking an old picture book idea. So keep an eye out for updates on those!

I’m also looking to keep building up my blog with more product and service reviews as well as more creative/freelance advice articles!


How can we find out more about you:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmelinedraws
Twitter:    www.twitter.com/emmelinedraws
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/EmmelinePidgen/
Website:  www.emmelineillustration.com
Email:      hello@emmelineillustration.com
Blog:        www.emmelineillustration.blogspot.com
Shop:       www.emmelineillustration.mysupadupa.com


Reading through this, I could just imagine some gorgeously illustrated Wedding invites / stationery - how my head is never out of the business! But would be totally unique and personal to you! 

[WW] Do You Charge a Travel Fee If My Wedding Is Out Of Your Area?

Every Wednesday in the Wedding world is known as #WeddingWednesday - so every Wednesday I will try to answer some of the most common questions that I get.

If my wedding is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?

As I am based in South Yorkshire, I do joke with people that "Has Car Will Travel" which is very true.

I have covered Weddings in Aberdeen and Shropshire before, however, most of my weddings tend to be within a 75 Mile Radius.

If your Wedding Venue is classed as being in "Yorkshire" then I will photograph it without any additional mileage as I cover the first 50 miles free of charge.

For Example (Venue Chosen at Random):

A Wedding at Rockcliffe Hall, County Durham would incur Travel Fee of £76.50
This is based on an overnight stay the night before the Wedding (not always necessary based on average premier inn price) plus additional mileage charge.

If you are getting married and would like a quotation that may incur travelling costs, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

[#WOW] Meet Katie from Little Big Sports

Today we meet Katie from Little Big Sports. A hands-on mum to her two children and has been running Little Big Sports for 4 Years. Today she is in our #WOW Spotlight so I will pass you over to Katie to tell you more.

Can you tell us a little about yourself as a person?
I am a hard working, determined, married mum of two wonderful children. Privileged to be able to combine running an exciting, growing business with being a hands-on Mum. 

How did you first set up the business?
My then, four-year-old son is the inspiration behind www.littlebigsports.co.uk  I set it up after seeing him struggle to play with an oversized and too heavy cricket bat. I created the website to help other parents find specially designed, age appropriate sports equipment for their children. True to the original insight, the equipment and clothing Little Big Sports sells has been carefully selected and is designed to suit different ages, sizes and abilities. It allows children to have maximum enjoyment and develop the skills of the game without wielding a cricket bat they can't lift, kicking a football that is too heavy or trying to reach a tennis ball that bounces over their heads. With the ultimate goal of helping make sport a normal and fun part of everyday life.

How old is the business?
Just over four years old. 

Did you ever think you’d be running your own business?
I wanted to but until Little Big Sports I hadn't stumbled across an idea that had potential and that I was passionate about.

Where are you based? Do you have a shop or are you just online? Based in beautiful Kent. Little Big Sports is just online at www.littlebigsports.co.uk

What is the most popular product sales wise?
The biggest seller is the Zoggs Fabric swimming cap. Much better alternative to the silicone alternative that was only available when I was a child! 

Everyone has a favourite product - what is yours?
I love the Zsig garden tennis set we sell. They are at a great price, are portable (we often take ours to the park with friends) and are genuine fun for all the family, even Grandma! 

What is your newest item / product?
Delighted to now be selling the complete range of Paceman cricket bowling machines. They are an amazing product and are the only affordable bowling machine for juniors on the market. We really recommend them for any cricket loving child or Dad!! 

What is the one thing people must know about your business? 
Little Big Sports is the UK's best website for sports equipment and clothing that is age appropriate for children.

What is your proudest business achievement? 
The amazing customer feedback I regularly receive about my products and customer service.

What do you do when you aren’t working on the business?
Spending time with my family and friends. Watching my children play sport and running!

What five words describe your business?Motivating active children. Award winning.

Any big plans for 2015 you can share?
Coming soon is an amazing range of Outdoor wooden play equipment

How can we find out more about you:
Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/littlebigsports
Twitter:        https://twitter.com/littlebigsports
Pinterest:     https://www.pinterest.com/littlebigsports/
Website:       www.littlebigsports.co.uk
Email:     littlebigsports@gmail.com
Blog:            http://www.littlebigsports.co.uk/blog/
Telephone:   0800 023 5247


I personally cannot wait to see what outdoor equipment they are going to bring out - do you struggle finding age appropriate items for your little one?

[WW] Have You Shot A Wedding at My Venue Before?

Every Wednesday in the Wedding world is known as #WeddingWednesday - so every Wednesday I will try to answer some of the most common questions that I get.

Have you shot a wedding at my ceremony and reception venues? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance? 

Surprisingly after almost 6 years in the Wedding Industry, there are still local venues which I have not yet photographed. 

This is how I work, if I have not photographed your Venue(s) before:

Church: If you are having a Church Wedding then please let me know, when you know, when your Wedding Rehearsal will be taking place. I will aim to attend this so I can speak to your officiant regarding photographs during the service but also things such as confetti.

Venue: If I have not photographed your Venue before then we will discuss whether to do your Pre-Wedding shoot at your Venue or alternatively, when you have your last meeting with the coordinator, I will meet you before, or after this meeting to discuss which parts of the venue you like, want to capture, what will work if it rains etc.

[#WOW] Meet Steph from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Today we have Steph telling us all about Don't Buy Her Flowers - a fairly new company but a fabulous #WOW winner. She's a mummy to two and wife to Doug. Here she is to tell you a bit more about what she does.

Can you tell us a little about yourself as a person?
I'm married to Doug and have two children Buster (4) and Mabel (2). I have 5 siblings and come from Stroud in Gloucestershire, now living in London. I'm ashamed to say I behave like a toddler when I'm hungry.

How did you first set up the business? 
I have started the business from home. The idea developed after I had my first baby and was given more flowers than I had vases for. I think having babies is a rollercoaster - it's awesome but at times it's exhausting and terrifying, so it's important to give a new mum some TLC. I started to put together packages for friends that had babies and leave food on their doorstep if they lived near, and they were so overwhelmed that someone had thought of them. When I looked into it I found 96% of new mums are given flowers and most 3 or more bunches. When you think about it, it's pretty crackers that you'd give a new mum another thing to care for, but there aren't many alternatives out there and people want to give something. I couldn't get the idea out of my head and realised I could turn this into a business.

How old is the business?
4 months! I started in November 2014.

Did you ever think you’d be running your own business?
Definitely not! I couldn't shift the business idea from my head, and that combined with juggling the nursery run/work got me thinking. The fear was creeping in that the juggle will only get harder once the kids start school, and doing something for myself suddenly seemed like a real option. Now I'm doing it, I already can't imagine anything else.

Where are you based? Do you have a shop or are you just online? 
I live in St Margarets, London and the business is online.

What is the most popular product sales wise?
The Care Package is our most popular product - there's a choice of magazine, tea, flapjack, truffles and a choice of scarf and the aim of it is to encourage mum to take 10 minutes to herself. This is the one that causes most tears from recipients!

Everyone has a favourite product - what is yours?
I love that you can add COOK vouchers to any of our packages. I really wanted to work with COOK as I think giving new parents food is such a great and practical gift - everyone is tired and cooking falls to the bottom of the priority list, but new parents definitely need good nourishment and energy! COOK are absolutely the best at what they do so we went and pitched to founder Edward Perry and, as a Dad of three, he loved it and agreed to work with us.

What is your newest item / product?
I introduced The Mother's Day Package for all mums and grannies and it's been really popular - you can add wine, Champagne or ready-mixed gins to the package (or have it without booze) and the feedback has been awesome. I'm keeping it on as a regular package after Mother's Day. 

What is the one thing people must know about your business?
New mums absolutely deserve some TLC and our packages allow you to give that to someone you love.

What is your proudest business achievement?
The feedback from recipients. When someone leaves a review or contacts me to say that the person that received the gift cried when they opened it, I know we've got something really good. They love the packaging and the products but the concept - about caring for new mums and making them the focus - is being so well received and I'm bloomin' proud of that. People are buying the packages for birthdays and get well gifts, or just to cheer someone up, and that's happened organically so that's exciting. 

What do you do when you aren’t working on the business? 
Not a lot at the moment! I have two days in the week with my kids and three days with them in nursery so evenings and any spare hours at weekends are mostly taken up with the business. My favourite thing to do currently is to have no plans and stay very local - I need my little family to be a priority in anytime I'm not working so the social life has taken a bit of a back seat, but that's ok. We're building a future. And I'll fit in a blowout with my girlfriends soon!

What five words describe your business?
Thoughtful gifts for new mums

Any big plans for 2015 you can share?
At the moment it's just to stay focused! We've had brilliant feedback from recipients, sales are increasing week on week and we've had press coverage saying the packages are 'what women want', so it feels like we're off to a flying start. 

How can we find out more about you:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dontbuyherflowers

Twitter: @StephieDoug

Website: www.dontbuyherflowers.com

Email: steph@dontbuyherflowers.com

Blog: http://www.dontbuyherflowers.com/sisterhoodandallthat/

Telephone: 0203 371 8406

I think this is such a great idea! And I have heard rave reports about people who have received Cook vouchers too - especially mummies who have babies on SCBU or in hospital. 

[WW] How Many Weddings Have You Photographed?

Every Wednesday in the Wedding world is known as #WeddingWednesday - so every Wednesday I will try to answer some of the most common questions that I get.

How many weddings have you photographed? 

To date, including the last Wedding, I have photographed 141 Weddings. These Weddings have been a mix of big Weddings, and Little Weddings. Town Halls to Marquees.

I have photographed Weddings with only 4 people, and even a full party of 14 or even over 100 and more guests!

No matter what - I absolutely love photographing Weddings.

DBS: It's only a piece of paper.

Today I am going to tell you something that may surprise you, but I want to educate you.

As you know I photograph children and babies in my Barnsley Photography Studio - and I don't have a CRB/DBS Check.

Are you shocked? Surprised? Do you think I should have one? I'm going to tell you something else that may surprise you.

I don't need one.


In December 2012 the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) came into force following the merger of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). 

It is not lawful to ask someone if they have a DBS/CRB Check unless they meet a specific criteria.

To be eligible for a DBS Check the position must be:

• Listed in the Rehabilitation of offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Orders 1975 - this entitles to the position to a Standard level check, and if
• Prescribed in The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations entitles the position to an Enhanced level check.

A photographer is not listed in this legislation and therefore as a standalone profession is not eligible for the checks to be carried out against them.

If an individual is regarded as working in "Regulated Activity" then enhanced and barred list may ensue. In order to meet RA, an individual must meet another set of criteria. In relation to children this must be teaching, training, supervising or caring for them.

The role of a photographer does not meet the aforementioned criteria either.
This means that not only is it unlawful to ask a photographer for a DBS/CRB check - it's actually not possible. The DBS are aware of organizations unlawfully requesting individuals to undergo a check, where there is no legal entitlement to do so.

So what happens if your photographer tells you they have a DBS/CRB Check?

Don't instantly think that they are lying, they may work part time in a job that requires one (teaching, nurse etc) but their DBS/CRB only covers the for the Job that is listed on the DBS Check. 

When I worked in a Nursery I was Ofsted approved to work with under 7's but that is not something that I can use in marketing due to the length of time since the job - and that it was related to only that job.

If you go to the shoot alone and have to pop out to the car, or to the loo - then if you feel uneasy having your child(ren) alone with the photographer - ask for a break and take your child(ren) with you. 

Always trust your gut feeling - we all understand - but please remember it's not legally able for us to have a DBS/CRB Check.

My own personal view of the DBS
For me, a DBS checks criminal history to make sure vulnerable people are not put in danger. It shows what you have been charged and convicted of. It doesn't cover anything else. This is why when "high-profile" cases are on TV a lot of people are shocked that they weren't stopped sooner - but there was no reason to.
A DBS could be printed and show clear, and you could be arrested for something 3 days later after receiving it - but you still have a clear DBS.
Personally, trust your gut feeling - that's generally a better judge of character for me than a piece of paper.

I hope this makes a bit more light regarding DBS/CRB and photographers remember - there is nothing legal for you to require one - and it's unlawful to ask someone for one.

It's a Myth! Newborn Babies sleep lots!

Being a Newborn Photographer isn't always as easy as it looks. When parents come into my Barnsley Photography Studio they expect that their little one will be good and fast asleep for the entire session - I mean, newborn babies only sleep and feed don't they?

Wrong! They do a lot more too!

Not all babies like to sleep. Some babies like to time their growth spurt or alertness right for the time of their newborn session. Some even make sure that their day is going to be the day they get belly ache too!

But these are all the things that I am used to as a trained Newborn Photographer.

Whilst I love sleepy newborn babies, if they are awake, content and almost ready for a feed I will take some awake shots before we give baby a feed and let them drift off into a lovely sleep. Most babies, dependant on age, will sleep eventually. Afterall the squishy poses that most people like I need the baby to be sleepy for.

Some babies amaze me with their gaze, focus and tracking of the camera whilst they are awake, especially as they aren't meant to be able to focus so far in front of them.

Just remember - that when you come in for a newborn shoot - whilst we advise that newborn sessions generally last between 2-4 hours, some babies can be super duper sleepy and be in and our within 90 minutes - but in general - be prepared and get comfy - if you little one likes to be nosey you may be in for a long ride. But it's ok - just ask for the wi-fi code!

[#WOW] Meet Wendy from Little Buttons Boutique

Today we meet Wendy who runs Little Buttons Boutique full of organic clothing ranges which was set up after her little boy Joshua was diagnosed with Eczema. Living in Glasgow with her partner Martin as well as Joshua, Wendy is a #WOW winner and is here to tell you more about her business.

Can you tell us a little about yourself as a person? 
I live in Glasgow with my partner Martin and little boy Joshua who’s 5. Josh was actually the inspiration for my business as when he was a baby he suffered with eczema. Research into how to help soothe his skin led me to discover the benefits of organic cotton which is extra gentle on little ones’ delicate skin as it’s grown with much less chemicals than conventional cotton so less likely to irritate and trigger skin conditions. To be honest, I’d never come across organic clothing before but there are so many fantastic ranges out there I was so glad I discovered it! Not only is it lovely and gentle on skin but the fabric breaks down much slower than ordinary cotton so it’s exceptionally hard wearing and washing brilliantly too making it perfect for children! 

How did you first set up the business?
When Josh was a year old I was made redundant from my full time josh as a Service Delivery Manager with Hewlett Packard where I had worked for years. Martin is a submariner in the Royal Navy and spends a lot of time away from home and I was lucky enough to be in the position to be a stay-at-home mum for a few years until Josh started school. As Josh got older I started thinking about setting up my own business selling the fab organic clothing which I’d discovered. Working from home would make it much easier to juggle Josh’s childcare needs with work, especially with Martin being away a lot. My sister thought it was a great idea and decided to invest and help me set up the business so the idea for Little Buttons Boutique was born! After well over a year and a half of loads of research and working with designers and suppliers the website was launched in June 2012. Since launching I’ve built up and amazing customer base and have got to know lots of our customers really well. Part of the business idea was to provide a personal service rather than just be another faceless website and it’s worked out wonderfully as we’ve got to know so many fantastic people, including customers, designers, suppliers and fellow businesses too. At the moment we’re purely online and ship both UK and worldwide, with lots of customers in Europe and America especially. 

What is the most popular product sales wise? 
We have two best sellers at the moment, one of them being Frugi as they have just launched their new Spring/Summer 2015 collection and it’s proving incredibly popular. All of Frugi’s clothes are made from organic cotton so are beautifully gentle on skin as well as washing and wearing brilliantly too. They’re ethically made and Frugi also donate to a percentage of their sales to various charities so I love the ethics behind the brand too. The other most popular range is Blade & Rose leggings. Our customers love these fantastic quality leggings for both boys and girls which feature unique designs on the bottom and are lovely and comfy for little ones to wear as well as being super cute too! 

Everyone has a favourite product - what is yours?
It’s so hard to choose! I absolutely love the softness of the Frugi clothes and I’m also loving one of our newest ranges Maxomorra which is a fab Swedish label featuring fun, unisex prints on organic cotton clothing. Josh is a big fan of the new Ghost and Tractor print this season and is like a little walking Maxomorra advert! 

What is your newest item / product?
We’ve recently added Cuddledry Baby and Toddler Towels to the website. This fantastic award winning range was created by two mums back in 2006 to make bath time easier, safer and stress free. The products have just won the Mumsnet Award for No1 baby gift for the 8th year running and we find lots of our customers buy them to take to baby showers as a unique, fun and most of all useful gift for new parents. The innovative Baby Apron style towel keeps adults dry from bath time splashes whilst leaving both hands free to safely bath and lift slippery babies, while the Toddler Dress Up Towels are amazing quality and a big hit in my house! They’re super soft, luxuriously thick and highly absorbent too.

What is the one thing people must know about your business?
The one think I’d like people to know is that when they’re buying from Little Buttons Boutique they’re buying top quality items and I only stock ranges I use for my own little boy. I also try to provide a personal service and am always on hand via social media or email to supply advice regarding sizing, styles or just have a chat! 

What is your proudest business achievement?
There are loads but two of the main achievements are 1. Winning the Jacqueline Gold #WOW award as it’s amazing to be recognised but such a successful lady as a woman in business and 2. Having designers get in touch as me to stock their ranges as it means I’ve built a successful website and business which designers and brands whom I admire wish to be a part of.

What do you do when you aren’t working on the business?
At the moment, between work and family life all my time is taken up! My little boy is in school now so I’m lucky to be able to work during the day and the majority of my spare time is spent with family or catching up with friends. 

What five words describe your business?
Ethical, organic, quality clothing, friendly

Any big plans for 2015 you can share?
This year is all about expansion and the plan for this year is just to continue adding top quality brands. I’m looking at adding a Nursery section to the website which will hopefully include organic bedding, toys and accessories, as well as being in talks with some fab European designers with a view to bringing their collections to Little Buttons Boutique later in the year so watch this space!

How can we find out more about you:
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/LittleButtonsBoutique
Twitter:     www.twitter.com/LittleButtonsUK
Website:     www.littlebuttonsboutique.co.uk
Email:     info@littlebuttonsboutique.co.uk
Blog:           www.littlebuttonsboutique.co.uk
Telephone: 07828 057 960

Such a fab idea - especially if your little one has Skin Issues! Wendy has arranged a fabulous 10% discount code to use on her website how lovely is that? Use code BLUELIGHTS Please let us know what you buy!