PrettyRacoon Clothing is all about wearable, everyday clothes. Designer/owner Andrea Winkler is inspired by the idea of the t-shirt and creating something that is wearable for everyday use but at the same time producing something unique and drastically different to your average tee.

Andrea’s tops and t-shirts are a flamboyant mixture of Victorian and ‘country girl’ themes, bold shapes and oversized prints. For example, the Owl Top (above left) is a Victorian inspired top made from heather grey cotton, with silk screened silver owl print. And the cute Kitten Print on the right has been silk screened onto an American Apparel t-shirt.

For further details check out www.andreawinkler.com.

The Simone Williams collection has something to suit every fashionable woman - from cutting edge denim street wear to sophisticated evening wear.

Growing up in Hackney, East London, Simone Williams began designing at a young age, making dolls’ clothes for her school friends. From dolls’ clothes to ladies wear she is gradually making her mark on the London fashion scene. The use of leather strips and belts integrated with other fabrics has become her signature look.

The full collection can be viewed at www.simonewilliams.com. Details of where to shop, both online and off can be found on her Stockists page.

I started my Christmas shopping back in August. Roughly translated this means that I came across a couple of items, thought, “Ooh, I know who’ll like those,” and I haven’t bought a thing since. Nor have I bought or written any Christmas cards and the panic is now setting in. You’d think I’d learn, but no, I seem to fall into the same trap every year.

As luck would have it I recently received a newsletter from Anita Grant. 5th December marked her company’s first birthday and to celebrate they’re offering free delivery on orders over £50 until the end of January. I bought one of the Goodie Box Samplers earlier this year and the products are wonderful. They are all made from the finest natural ingredients and include yummy sounding concoctions such as deep condish treats, hair butters and skin smoothies.

As part of the sampler box I received two Lippy Pucker lip salves. Priced at £2.75 to £2.95 each, they would make great stocking fillers. And to make it even easier you can order online from www.anitagrant.com and your gifts will be delivered direct to your door.

We first featured Summer Shere? back in July. Their limited edition women’s clothing combines fun, sassy styling with urban chic.

They have recently launched their winter collection - City Senorita and I’m delighted to blog about them again. The collection features warm, chocolatey tones with a dash of Flamenco red and bright pink. Soft suedes and denims have been embellished with bright ruffles, trims and hand painted designs. European and South American influences are evident throughout.

The full collection is available at www.summersheree.citymax.com.

Priscilla Jones has been producing contemporary stitched textiles since completing her degree in Embroidery in 1997. She draws her inspiration from a variety of sources - exploring identity, memory, time and historical textiles and fashion.

When I first came across Priscilla’s website, the piece that immediately drew my attention was the mixed media Gloves wall hanging. Created from a number of different fabrics, thread, buttons and a variety of stitches, the result is an unusual and very beautiful piece of art.

As well as producing wall hangings, interior fabrics and greeting card designs, Priscilla also creates 3 dimensional pieces. Again she uses a variety of materials in her work - wire, thread, fabric, paint, wax, and stitch. Take a look at the extraordinary mixed media Teapot (above right).

Further info is available at www.priscillajones.org.uk. And if you live in or around Lancaster, you can check out The Edge Gallery which Priscilla owns with her husband Ian.