We Catch Up With Belle & Bunty Creators About All Things Fashion
What’s one thing better than finding a stylish woman to follow on Instagram for outfit inspiration? When you get two fashionable folks teaming up for double the inspo on the same account. Here, we sit down with designers Alice and Hannah of @belleandbunty to chat about everything from their business and sense of style, to their top London recommendations.
How did your shared Instagram account start?
We had already been working together for a few years on our brand Belle & Bunty, when Instagram started so we used it primarily to show a more personal side behind our label. Being a content creator or ‘influencer’ on Instagram wasn’t even a thing back in 2012 so we just posted things we liked and places we went in London, which morphed into OOTD’s, outfit flatlays. As we share very similar fashion taste our ‘twinning’ outfits were a natural progression.
How would you describe your sense of style?
Very British, fun & feminine, with a twist.
How do you stay ahead of fashion trends?
We’ve both worked in the fashion industry for 20 years so can spot themes bubbling away, but living in London is also a great source of inspiration. It’s such a melting pot of diversity. Visiting theatres and galleries for inspo as well as people-watching at cafes is one of our favourite ways of spotting a new trend. We also constantly research new stores and labels and keep an eye on what brands are putting out.
Are there any upcoming trends you’re particularly excited about?
We’re always excited about the change of a season and coming up with new ways to style our wardrobes whilst sprinkling in some new ideas to make it all feel fresh and new. The rich shades of burgundy and brown feel very luxurious for autumn/winter, especially in tactile fabrics like suede, leather and mohair. Plus, they look great with our much-loved pinks and leopard print. As long-term Chloé-girl wannabes we are also VERY excited about the return of boho.
We also have our eyes on gorgeous large tote bags from brands DeMellier and Manu Atelier, bejewelled with a heap of fun bag charms which is another cute trend we’re loving.
What are the key elements of a signature Belle & Bunty outfit?
We always talk about ‘balance’. Whether it’s the proportions of an outfit or the masculine and feminine elements, we like a contrasting mix. For example, baggy shirts tucked into a cute mini, tailored trousers with a pretty bow top tucked in, a midi dress with a chunky boot and an oversized blazer. For us, it’s all about an interesting combination to give your look an edge, not too matchy or obvious!
Who are your favourite designers + brands and why?
We are Chloé girls through and through. We bonded over our mutual love of the chic and playful Chloé aesthetic at university. We Also love Ganni for its fun factor- the prints, colours and silhouettes are always smile-inducing and fun to wear. You also can’t beat a great frock- we always feel our best in dresses from brands like Realisation Par and Rixo.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
No day is ever the same for us. From running our bridal business, seeing brides in our London boutique, and managing the production of the dresses and fittings, to shooting and editing content in and around London for our Instagram account.
Its always busy and we love that everyday is different.
What books, podcasts, or other resources have influenced your personal and professional growth?
We both love a variety of podcasts. ‘The Diary of a CEO’ for great business and health advice. ‘Working Hard/Hardly Working’ with Grace Beverley for interesting business stories, ‘Parenting Hell’ to laugh at the everyday things you come across as mums,’ & My Dad Wrote a Porno’ for some hilarity! We also love the incredible life stories told on ‘Desert Island Discs’ too.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
No day is ever the same for us. From running our bridal business; seeing brides to be in our London boutique & managing the production of the dresses and fittings, to shooting and editing content in and around London for our Instagram account, it’s always busy and we love that every day is different.
What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials that every fashion-forward individual should own?
1. A go-to dress that you can wear from the school run to the bar with a simple accessory switch-up.
2. An oversized man’s style blazer that can smarten up even the most casual outfit but also tone a dressy look in the evening.
3. Gold hoop earrings, we both wear these pretty much every day, come rain or shine!
4. A pair of gold heels that can elevate any outfit, throughout all seasons.
5. A classic pair of jeans that you feel great in that can be dressed up or down!
We have lots more fashion tips and advice in our newly released Style Guide, including finding your personal style and where to find inspiration, how to tackle trends, and a wardrobe checklist – all in a downloadable guide to keep on hand on your phone or device so it’s easy to refer to when getting dressed and also when you are out shopping!
How do you manage to maintain a work-life balance while running a successful business and Instagram account?
It’s all a bit of a juggle but we are managing our own schedule so that really helps to keep a balance. It’s all about prioritising and being organised, over the years that we have worked together we have learnt to be really efficient and productive with our time so that we can also balance our family lives. We both understand the juggle of kids, work and home lives so are in the same boats which really helps.
Over the years that we have worked together we have learnt to be really efficient and productive with our time so that we can also balance our family lives.
How has your content evolved since you first started, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
Initially, we would post three times a day including our breakfast, coffee, colourful London doors aswell as our outfits – all of which were quickly snapped and posted, usually with a funny filter and photo border. Nowadays, we try to be informative and high-end with our content, so it’s much more time-consuming to create!!
As for lessons learnt, we would say if you are posting online then don’t take things too personally, you do have to have a slightly thick skin and shut out all the noise. Also, don’t just post for the sake of it – it’s really ok to take breaks, we all need digital detoxes now and again and Instagram will still be there when you come back.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own fashion Instagram?
Just go for it! There’s room for everyone as each person and account has their own style and take on thing. Plus, you will never know what may happen until you start uploading so give it a go! Lastly, be patient. Despite the stories you hear, it’s very hard to go viral and much better to slowly build a genuine following so don’t expect it to happen overnight.
How do you handle negative comments or criticism on social media?
We are quite lucky in that we don’t get too much criticism or negativity, maybe because there’s two of us? But, depending on what the comment is, we will try to either see it from their point of view and acknowledge it, or if it’s just plain silly, then we will ignore it.
We’re both old enough and experienced enough to laugh it off but sometimes we do reply with a little sassy response.
Onto London recommendations…
What’s your favourite London neighbourhood, and why?
We both live in North London and love it because it’s so green & has a villagey feel. Being relatively close to Hampstead Heath is great for early morning dog walks and swims in the ponds. Islington is great for a mix of shopping. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to independent cafes and restaurants too.
How about London-based boutiques?
Wild Swans in Angel always has a brilliant selection of Scandi brands – think lots of joy-inducing colours and patterns. Dinny Hall jewellery is also local to us in Islington and we pop in for gorgeous hoop earrings or treats on special occasions.
Finally, tell us about your favourite London foodie spots:
Citro, a gorgeous Italian right by the Heath.
The Broadwick Soho for a glam night out.
The Dirty Martinis at Kettners.
Polpo Soho for an informal, fun dinner with friends, you must try the zucchini fries & aioli.
Sourdough Sophia for great coffee & brownies in a pretty pink setting.
Cahoots for a fun, unique experience like stepping back in time.
The Nest in The Treehouse for excellent views of London
