This is why I was super excited when Old English Company contacted me to see if I'd like to try some of their products. One look at their site and I knew I was going to struggle to just pick a few things and not end up filling my basket with extra lovely stuff.
There was so much to choose from, with stationery, prints, homeware and even gift wrap on offer, all featuring fun designs and brilliant quotes. Even better, the products are hand-lettered in England, using simple and elegant designs that are really striking. This meant that even the smallest product on their site has something special about it.
With so much to choose from, it ended up taking me a few hours, plus several discussions with friends and the husband, to pick out a few things. I ended up choosing a mug, a print and an enamel pin, along with a T-shirt from Old English Company's sister company, Letter Clothing Company - which you can read all about in a blog soon. I also chose three quotes, two about female empowerment - because who doesn't need more of that - and one of my favourite Emily Bronte quotes.
While they have some that are shaped like cats, Halloween pumpkins and pizza - all things that I love - I opted for a heart-shaped pin with the quote "She is fierce" on it - this one here - because it just spoke to me. Sometimes we all need a reminder that we're badass and this pin serves as just that.
I was actually surprised at the size of the enamel pin, as it was bigger than I thought it would be but not too huge. It means that the quote is easy to read and it will stand out even if I create a display with several different pins, however, it isn't so heavy that it pulls your clothes when you are wearing it, which is a big plus.
Not only does it look good, but it also has a rubber back to it rather than a metal one, so it actually stays in place and is less likely to spin around when you're wearing it. As I'm notorious for fiddling with my jewellery and accessories, this is a big plus, as it means it always looks great.
I've already started looking at the other pins I want, along with the enamel pin display flag.
Sometimes I find that when I buy cute quote mugs, they are actually smaller than expecting, making them a bit pointless for a caffeine addict like me. At the end of the day, if I can't fit a Tasimo caramel machiato in it, the mug is pointless. Luckily, my "She believed she could so she did" mug is standard size and so perfect for a morning cup of Joe.
The quote is printed on one side of the mug, so it's visible to others if you are right-handed, and the text is really clear. I was a bit concerned that the quote would easily rub off or scratch, as this has been my experience with other companies - especially as my husband has a way of destroying patterns on crockery when washing them up. However, I've used this mug a lot and it has survived even the most rigorous scrubbing, meaning it still looks as good as the day it arrived.
There are now a few mugs in my basket that I've picked out for people, while I'm also secretly hoping my husband breaks a few of the ones we have so I have an excuse to get some more.
What I really liked about it the fact that the lettering was lovely and modern. Other prints that I've seen using this quote tend to look quite old-fashioned, which just doesn't represent me and my husband. The font is lovely and flowing and really stands out on the simple background, especially on our blue bedroom wall.
There are three sizes to choose from with the art prints and while I was tempted to go big with an A3 one, I stuck with an 8"x10" one, as I knew finding a great frame would be easier. It also means I have space on the same wall for other frames and can probably convince the husband that we definitely have enough wall space for more.
Old English Company do have more than just pins, mugs and prints though, so if you're looking for modern and stylish homewares or a brilliant gift, check them out, as there really is something for everyone, every room in your house and every style. Just keep an eye on your budget, as it is so easy to get carried away and fill your basket up with everything you see!