Hello!
It's been a few months since I closed the shop, and this is my first proper hello since.
Saying goodbye to the shop
After ten years, closing the shop was one of the biggest decisions I've ever made. My heart wasn't in it the way it used to be. With two little girls, I no longer had the time for the shop or the constant buying trips, and the stress was starting to take its toll. Once I'd made the decision, it all came together so quickly, with the lovely Nicola from Cranfields taking over the lease. Not once have I felt it was the wrong decision.
Your kind messages, and the crowds at our closing down sale, completely blew me away. Thank you for ten wonderful years of showing up, trusting my eye, and loving beautiful, unique things as much as I do. 💖
Back in Jaipur 🌸
Of course, I couldn't stay away from India for long. I recently went back to Jaipur for the first time in a year and a half: two weeks of fabric sourcing, sampling, placing orders, sunshine, good food and my favourite guest house.
This trip felt different. When I had the shop, I bought everything I loved because I had shelves to fill. Now I'm building my own collection, which meant slower, more considered decisions. Exciting and a little scary!
What's next for Annabelle's
Annabelle's is now online only and ships New Zealand-wide. Every piece is designed by me, from choosing the fabrics to the silhouettes and styles, and made with the artisans I work with in Jaipur, many of them hand block printed. The range includes dresses, PJ sets, robes, and cosmetic and travel bags, all in 100% cotton.
With a new direction, it felt like the right time for the branding to evolve too. I wanted something a little softer, more personal and unique to this next chapter. Both the flower and the Annabelle's lettering have been hand drawn, which felt especially fitting alongside the beautiful handmade fabrics I'm working with in India. You'll see the new look on our swing tags, website and Instagram. 🌸
The new arrivals are starting to land, and I can't wait to photograph them next week and share them with you, so stay tuned!
We're also open for wholesale. I'd love to see Annabelle's on the shelves of like-minded boutiques, gift stores and concept shops. If you own a store, or know one that would be a lovely fit, email me at shop@annabelles.nz.
My tips & hidden gems for India 🇮🇳
I had so much lovely feedback on my recent Instagram post sharing my India tips, and so many of you have asked for recommendations, so here they all are in one place. I've been travelling to Jaipur for 18 years, and these are the places I go back to every trip. Your tour group or Google will cover the forts, palaces and temples. These are the hidden gems you won't easily hear about.
Before you go
- Go with a tour group. India can be chaotic, so having someone organise transport, stays and food takes the stress away. Then use your downtime for the places below. Or go with a group of friends and figure it out together!
- Stay in a guest house. Skip the big chains. A boutique stay is more authentic and personal: The Johri, Niravi, 47 Jobner Bagh, and Mizpah in Delhi, to name a few. If your budget allows, the big palaces are incredible, but for value for money, a little guest house or boutique haveli is just as special.
Jaipur
- The vegetable & flower markets. Go early. 6am is so quiet and lovely in the old town.
- Tuk tuk food tour with the women-led Pink City tours.
- Bhawani Singh Road. Start at Ecru. The whole road is full of fabulous shops.
- Bar Palladio. Italian vibes, sit outside. Great food and even better drinks 🍸 The shopping area next door is worth a look too.
- Anokhi shop & café. An institution and a must visit. The café is great when you're craving a decent coffee and salad.
- Jaipur Modern. A great café with a fab concept store attached.
- The Johri. Delicious vegetarian food and cocktails in the old city.
- Half Light Coffee Roasters. Coffee just as good as NZ ☕
- Lassiwala. A MUST. Even Babu, my driver, can't resist.
- Polo Bar at Rambagh Palace. Ultra luxe, with colonial-era charm.
- Nehru, Bapu and Johari Bazaars. The old city bazaars. Get amongst the hustle and bustle.
- Amber Fort. Not a hidden gem, but a MUST on any trip to Jaipur.
Delhi
- Khan Market. A high-end market with everything: pharmacies, doctors, restaurants, shops and nail salons. When you crave some calm, this is where I go.
- High tea at The Imperial. A reason to visit this beautiful colonial hotel.
And my no. 1 packing tip
- Pack light cotton. Jaipur is warm, and breathable cotton is the most comfortable thing to wear. (Our block print dresses were made for it! 😉)
Any questions about India, just send me a message. I love giving recommendations, because in a place like India it can feel like finding a needle in a haystack!
Thank you for sticking with me through this new chapter. I'm so excited for what's ahead.
Annabelle x