Surrey Frills shops local in Cranleigh
No one fuses fashion and rural splendour quite like the Surrey Hills. When it comes to local gems, in this pocket of the county we really are spoilt for choice. The landscape goes without saying – an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – we say come for the scenery, stay for the style!
In a globalised world we set off to spread a little independent spirit. Self-proclaimed style stalkers with serious shopping addictions, we made it our mission to shout about Surrey’s independent style credentials. What happened next…? We created Surrey Frills to share the county’s best sartorial secrets. Our mission is to ensure our boutiques are cherished, celebrated and shopped. From the relaxed decor and cherry picked collections to the concierge service, shopping local is the ultimate treat. Cranleigh wears it’s heart and beauty on it’s sleeves. It’s charming high street is adorned with colourful floral and painted pebble displays; the community pom-pom tree is a wonderful example of local creativity.
As well as it’s flourishing art scene and convivial ambiance, the village boasts a thriving independent vibe. Unique boutiques, delicious eateries and cozy pubs add to the village’s indisputable allure.
First stop, Manns of Cranleigh…a one-of-a-kind department store that has won aplace in the hearts of shoppers and developed a reputation for first class service. Manns is home to the unique, the everyday and the luxury. Oozing charm from it’s many nooks and crannies, the store offers a universal yet seamless shopping experience.
We met up with Sheri and Ellen from the Buying team to uncover the secret to the store’s long term loyalty. ‘We aim to offer a ubiquitous apparel and accessories collection- ageless and enduring’, explains Sheri. Here, you will find hard-working basics such as Great Plains and practical and stylish Joules. For chic and pared back wardrobe staples, we spotted some of the best Scandinavian fashion brands to have on your radar such as Ichi.
Great for accessories too, we love the glamorous and fun totes and headbands from British brand, Powder. Lesser-known brands such as My Doris Jewellery- charming and delicate pieces at great price points -’ideal for a gift or little treat-me pick me up’ says Ellen. Relaxed and reliable, Sloggi underwear offers contemporary lingerie shapes designed with precision and comfort. We recommend the Robell trousers -ultra-flattering and super comfortable – choose from a rainbow of colours and prints to suit every taste.
Bringing Mediterranean vibes to this quintessentially English village is newcomer, My Best Friend’s Wardrobe boutique. Local ladies Francesca and Sian take extra care to source super-special pieces customers will love. Exuding a soulful artistry, crisp white blouses and pretty camis sit alongside gorgeous gowns-echoing the breezy watercolours and glamour of palm tree-fringed beaches and sunset soirees. Heaven!
The styles are feminine and flattering -we spotted midis, maxis and minis- a uniquely broad offering in a landscape of identikit style. The boutique’s exquisite, elegant decor and cheerful, friendly vibes make My Best Friend’s Wardrobe one of our favourite fashion boutiques in Surrey.
Head next door to one of Cranleigh’s coolest offerings, One 40. Behold- Surrey’s answer to Libertys. Offering a personality packed collection of fashion, lifestyle, art and food in effortless style, this shop delivers the ultimate curation of products. There’s something for everyone, even the person who has everything!
Having been in the Graham family for three generations, One 40 has evolved as a destination department store whilst maintaining that much-loved local boutique feel. Richard and Elaine have done the hard work for you; creating an emporium of alluring and unusual items.
With a passionate drive to exceed expectations, Elaine stays ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion. Brands include Five Jeans, Yaya, Soya Concept and Part Two, Scotch & Soda. Natural World Plimsolls are always a bestseller and this Summer is no exception, choose from a choice of colours.
Tags displaying ‘i’m the last one’ resonate the true independent spirit at One 40-buying in small quantities for that exclusive, one-off factor. In addition to bringing you beautiful pieces that’ll inspire a lifetime of love and use, One 40 has a superb cafe offering fresh locally sourced ingredients.
For the best and beautiful brands in childrenswear, you can’t beat Bella and Ben. From fanciful tulle to traditional and trendy, this children’s boutique is your go-to for pint-size partywear and elevated basics.
Just like kids in a candy store, we were wide-eyed with the variety of children’s footwear at Cockerill Shoes. The colourful energy and cheery colour pallet of tiny trainers is super impressive. Neons, pastels, embellishments and light-up craziness sit alongside box fresh white plimsolls- a sarto ial feast for any child.
Just outside Cranleigh village you’ll find Smithbrook Kilns, a collection of independent shops and workshops including Rosanna Clare Handmade Accessories. Fusing a love of leather and a passion to reduce waste, Rosanna Gethin created her eponymous brand; a sustainable range of beautiful, luxury leather goods including expertly crafted bags and accessories. Much of the leather she uses has been discarded from the furniture industry, or is ‘upcycled’ from unwanted items like leather jackets, whilst new leather is sustainably sourced from Italy, Spain or Belgium. All of Rosanna Clare’s leather bags, jewellery, homeware and gifts are hand-made in her studio using traditional artisan skills and years of technical knowledge.
So there you have it – our sartorial selection of Cranleigh’s finest. The passion, the knowledge and the expertise of these independent brands and businesses is why we continue to celebrate and champion them. We hope you will too.
We love discovering small and stylish independents, designers and creatives so if you or someone you know would like to be part of the Surrey Frills Hub – find out more at: www.surreyfrills.co.uk
