inspiration monday

I don't know about you but my fire was burning overtime this weekend. The temperature has definitely taken a dive, reminding me that Winter is well and truly on it's way.  In theory, I love Winter - crackling log fires; a flurry of end-of-year parties and get-togethers; the possibility of snow (so enchanting... in theory); and of course, dressing up in all the wonderful winter fashion.

I love pouring over the fashion mag's and catwalk shows, deciding which 'Look' appeals to me this year - do I go for Gothic glamour, perhaps invest in some burgundy leather?(oxblood red is the new black this year).  It all looks so warm & inviting, so.....chic. I can actually imagine casually sweeping up snow drifts dressed something like this: 

Source: Uploaded by user via Zulita on Pinterest

or perhaps looking tantalisingly windswept, yet cosily wrapped up against the elements in cashmere - maybe a little chilly but not too bothered by it:

Source: acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com via Juliana on Pinterest

Then the harsh, biting cold of reality slaps me hard in the face and I end up resembling this, more cocoon than couture:

Source: so-much-more-than-nl.blogspot.com via Juliana on Pinterest

This Winter, I hope to get the balance between fantasy & reality right. Elegant, cool, warm & comfortable. Something like this:

Source: fashioncatalogtrend.com via Stephaniee' on Pinterest

Happy Monday everyone! Here's the quote for this week:

Source: mycrazy-beautifulife.tumblr.com via Liz on Pinterest

playful glamour .....

One of the problems of ordering collections so far in advance is that you can forget what's coming.  However, that's also an upside, it's exciting when the cardboard boxes start arriving - so deceptively plain on the outside but filled with tempting delights!  

The Malene Birger Christmas Collection has been arriving - think playful textures, dresses and blazers of woven tinsel, shimmering houndstooth, seductively sheer silk blouses with lace panels and sequined stripes and, ... you get the idea.  It's glamorous evening-wear that's fun to dress up in.  Here's some of the outfits we can't wait to get into:

Have a wonderful weekend everyone 

- dress up, have fun, chill out, be safe & see you Monday!

-X- 

Today I'm wearing ....

What I'm wearing by mannaboutique featuring sequin pants By Malene Birger, Black Chain Top By Malene Birger, Black Jumper By Malene Birger - all available @ Manna, Navy Bag Sophie Hulme (new stock expected in soon),  boots Miss KG, Lipstick Tom Ford

Wednesday, time to add a little sparkle to get me over the hump of the week. Today I'm wearing one of my favourite colour combo's - navy & black, added to that I'm also wearing sequins as day-wear and...I Know...I'm breaking a couple of comfort boundaries, but hey some boundaries are meant to be crossed!

The oversize jumper dresses down the sequins while I'm running around during the day, and if I do happen to go out after work - I just slip that off and I'm good for cocktails with the girls!

   

too school for cool

Sometimes I will plan my outfit choices in advance - it doesn't happen that often though, as to be honest, I'm just not that organised, and it's usually only for important meetings. Most days, my goal when getting dressed, is to be comfortable - if I can manage to look effortlessly cool at the same time, it's a bonus!

My go-to label that oozes coolness without sacrificing comfort is American Retro. Parisian chic with an edgy street style, you can't beat it. Here are some of our favourite pieces in store at the moment: 

this coat & jeans combo is amazing

Vogue loves American Retro too - these jeans look great with denim!

Russian Elle magazine is also rocking American Retro.  

FYI these jeans are actually really flattering.  The dark patterns on light background have a slimming effect on the thighs - something I am all for even if it is an optical illusion!

Great layering pieces are a must for everyone's wardrobe, this navajo style cape/poncho not only keeps you warm but also kicks your look up a notch in the style stakes.

animal instinct

It's Monday.....if you're anything like me, then Monday mornings require a little inspiration to make getting out of a cosy bed somewhat bearable.  I want something comfy, cosy & a little wild to tempt me.  So I'm thinking animal print - tasteful animal print, it is only Monday after all!

This By Malene Birger outfit ticked all the right boxes

For those of you with a philosophical nature, I leave you with this weeks inspirational quote from Emily Dickinson:

"not knowing when the dawn will come, i open every door."

Go forth Manna peeps, make the most of your week and open those doors! 

go figure

Welcome to Friday everyone, the weekend is only a few hours away and to kick it off, have a look at the 2nd new brand we've adopted ...... Stop Staring!

The brand is aptly named - the dresses are definitely attention grabbing, once in one you can't help but stand a little taller and channel your inner Mad Men goddess! This brand is the leader of original retro chic dresses that embrace and flatter a woman's form. Bring a little vintage inspired chic into your wardrobe with these figure enhancing beauties!

the two dresses shown above are in store now, the silver number below is coming in for Christmas but is currently available in store in black.

Enjoy the weekend & see you Monday

x

fall in love .....

This week we welcomed two new labels to the Manna family. Both delivering impeccable attention to detail, amazing fit and high quality fabrics & finishes,  be prepared to fall in love with this selection of dresses, designed to make you look like a real woman......

1st up - as previewed on our Welcome post, meet Bastyan! Designed by Tonia Bastyan (Tonia created one of the most successful Designer labels of the 90's as one half of the duo Press and Bastyan).  The fit & feel of these dresses is amazing! They cinch in, flare out & artfully drape exactly where you want them to ....

all available in store now!

Stop by tomorrow to meet the 2nd in our new line up - retro inspired Stop Staring!

Welcome!

Welcome to Manna! It’s been 7 years since we first opened the doors to our little boutique in Jersey so we thought it was about time to open the ‘virtual’ door and share our style inspirations with a wider community.

At Manna we only represent brands we believe in,valuing ethical production and quality maintenance.  It is our mission to offer our clients one of the best edited collections from some of the most coveted and hard to find labels in the fashion industry. This careful selection process ensures that the labels we bring to you are fresh, unique, and, for a limited time,  still “below the radar”. As with all good things however, they don’t stay secret for long, many of the brands we started nurturing 7 years ago are now high profile labels.

So if you like sophisticated luxury with a hard smack of edginess - watch this space.....

Bastyan