Press

November 9th 2008 / Winging it in the Sunday Times Style magazine by Sarah

The Sunday Times Style magazine featured some of our handmade designer cushions recently.

Betty & Jeff stocks a fantastic range of homeware items including cushions by British designer-maker Selina Rose and limited edition prints by Catherine Colebrook.

March 18th 2008 / The Fashion Issue - Make Her Day by Sarah

The fashion issue of Northside Magazine, the quality magazine for Leeds and Harrogate, has featured our stunning pink bow clutch bag by Katherine Emtage. The piece is designed and handmade with a gorgeous pink harris tweed and a matching pink harris tweed corsage is also available.

February 28th 2008 / A fine range of accessories in Fashion Extras magazine by Sarah

A stunning review of Betty & Jeff was featured in Fashion Extras magazine this month. We discussed the benefits of running an online boutique and featured the work of Nicola Morrison whose contemporary jewellery designs consists of an eclectic mix of textured components made from precious metals. The textures she creates on the components are based on a range of inspirations including the work of Japanese textile artists and the Japanese textile company, Nuno Corporation.

Nicola creates textures on metal through rollprinting a range of different papers including handmade paper from Japan and paper doilies.

December 14th 2007 / York Press: Boom and Bust? by Sarah

ENTREPRENEUR Sarah Jane Robertson set up her online boutique (Betty & Jeff) seven months ago.

The 23-year-old, who lives in York, did not have the time to set up an actual shop, as she works as a graphic design consultant by day.

An internet boutique was a low risk solution to furthering her interest in fashion and showcasing young designers.

The designers would not have to pay anything to get their work seen, and she would not have to invest heavily in setting it up, she said.

Because she is targeting a niche market, she had not expected to generate much interest. But she has been surprised by the number of people who have visited www.bettyandjeff.co.uk, bought from it and signed up for her newsletter.

She knows online shopping can lack good customer service, so makes an effort to keep in touch with her customers.

She organises events too, so people can touch and feel the products.

"I think it's important to listen to your customers. I'm very conscious of that because you don't get the experience online that you get in shops," she said.

"Because we're targeting a very niche market then we can reach more people through the internet.

"If we had a shop then there is a chance that we might not be doing as well, but then we might have more regular customers."

Sarah thinks the internet market will only grow stronger.

"You're going to get stumbling blocks and there is a lot of competition out there, but many long-term opportunities too. Now is the time to reassess the market and make sure you keep up-to-date with current trends, keep working hard and watching the market to make sure you don't go stagnant."

Sarah doesn't think internet traders are a threat to the high street, however.

"A lot of high street traders now are launching online - not as a replacement for their shop but to have another dimension and to give shoppers alternatives."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

December 9th 2007 / News of the World: Cool Clutch by Sarah

Looking for something a little different? Then add some colour to your party outfit with this cute hot pink clutch and really stand out from the crowd. Check out the featured product on News of the World.

November 20th 2007 / Handbag.com loves our Harris Tweed by Sarah

The editor's choice section of handbag.com has featured our fantastic Harris Tweed Man Bag in Hunting Macleod. This funky bag, originally designed for male customers, is popular with women too. It's a very strong, easy to carry bag, that looks wonderful as well. The Munro is also lined in the same Harris Tweed and comes with a 125cms long (measured from one top of the bag to the other) leather strap - designed to be worn across the body. The closure is a leather buckle and strap and the bag has a generous pocket inside.

Fancy grabbing one for yourself? Click here to pop it in your basket.

Handbag.com was the first women's website to launch in the UK and is currently this country's market-leading lifestyle site. The website aims to provide a glossy, stylish take on matters that women love like fashion, beauty, celebrity, gossip, going out and staying in.

October 9th 2007 / The Bag Lady loves our tote bags! by Sarah

The Bag Lady, an online blog focusing on handbags and accessories, has featured one of our new and 'gorgeous' tote handbags from Emma Burton:

"This floral cord tote by Emma Burton is gorgeous, the raspberry pink shade will add an accent of colour to any outfit while the tough cord fabric makes it perfect for everyday use. The oversized floral bow sets it off and adds some interest. I can imagine wearing this with jeans and a cute granny cardie for a country walk followed by Sunday roast. You can buy the tote from Betty and Jeff for £89."

You can also purchase a similar handbag in Duck Egg for only £64.00.

July 28th 2007 / When High Street offerings become 'samey'... by Sarah

You can always count on Betty & Jeff when High Street offerings become 'samey' according to Northern magazine 69-247. Get onto their online edition, page 27, to check out our feature. Or if you want to go straight to the designers they loved visit Katherine Emtage, Emma Burton and Nicola Morrison.

June 11th 2007 / Website of the Month: i-on Edinburgh by Sarah

i-on Edinburgh voted Betty & Jeff 'Website of the month' in their June edition:

What is it?
A newly launched shopping website from 23 year old entrepreneur Sarah Robertson - an avid supporter of promoting specialist, UK designers. The site houses an eclectic mix of talented British designers' exclusive, avant-garde handcrafted artefacts.

Why we rate it?
Limited edition collections and one-off items of jewellery, hand bags and man bags, textiles, and homeware; all carefully selected, quirky and tasteful designs. It features artists such as Emma Burton, who previously worked for Alexander McQueen and previously sold her textile designs to DKNY, and Rebecca Holland whose work has adorned the Tartan Week celebrations in New York, as well as some of the UK's most talented and fresh graduate designers.

Added perks
Most products are made to order and certain artists can be commissioned to create a truly unique gift.

Ease of use
Browsing is simple, with the categories clearly labelled, alongside prices and background info on the designer.

Delivery and returns
Delivery dates from designers may vary depending on their own timescales. 14 days to return the item for a refund or an exchange.

May 27th 2007 / MUST HAVE! by Spectrum Magazine by Sarah

According to the fashion section of the Scotland on Sunday's Spectrum Magazine you have to check us out if fighting your way through the high street leaves you cold! They especially love Katherine Emtage's Pink Tweed Corsage, which they branded their 'must have' item.