Black Friday 2023: An Exclusive Black.co.uk Discount, Barbie Pink, Kate Loved Handbags & More!

Hello and a very Happy Thanksgiving to our friends across the pond,

It's time for our annual Black Friday post, with sales and savings opportunities from brands favoured by the Princess. First, however, I'm delighted to welcome timeless British accessories brand Black.co.uk back to the blog again this year with an exclusive discount for Chronicling Kate readers! Once again, director Toby Logue, is offering readers 30% off all orders. 20% will be applied automatically + an additional 10% by entering discount code HRH10 at the checkout.

With an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, the British family-run business was founded in 2006 and in turn supports artisanal families who pass their skills down through generations. 

Below, Toby sourcing cashmere on the ground in Italy. Sharing more on the trip, he noted, "Italy’s reputation as one of the world’s premier producers of cashmere is built on centuries of textile experience and the delicate and professional handling of first class raw material. Coupled with the softness of the water used to treat the yarn in the mills of the northern Italian city of Biella in the Piedmont region, and with creative design flair, these skilled manufacturers produce beautiful, divinely soft cashmere garments. Much of our Italian cashmere accessories are produced in Liguria by two small family run workshops based an hour’s drive from each other".

More on the inception of the business from founder Paula Reeves:

'It was born out of a series of events that changed the course of my life. A diverse business career in television journalism, marketing consultancy and restaurants ended abruptly when, at the turn of the millennium, I became seriously ill. It was five years before I was well enough to consider embarking on a new project; one which would be fulfilling, creative and constructive. But what could that be? 

An inspirational trip to India acquainted me with the beauty and luxury of hand spun, hand woven pashmina ring shawls and the artisan skills involved in producing them. The ring shawl, named because even a shawl 2 metres x 1 metre can pass through a wedding ring so fine is the cashmere, is the jewel in the cashmere crown. Each one is unique. Each one is special.

The discovery of these exquisite ring shawls heightened my awareness of the importance of preserving unique skills passed down through generations; skills which risk being lost in a world of mass produced and cheap merchandise. Championing the ring shawl, as we do, is win-win. It helps sustain the livelihoods of the families who make them and it brings the most beautiful luxury shawls to discerning customers who might not otherwise find them.

So the seed of a new enterprise was sown. As it germinated so too did the importance of working with people who care deeply about their craft. The acronym BLACK, representing Black Luxury Accessories Crafted & Keenly Priced has been our watchword when sourcing products and selecting companies with which to work. Most often we gravitate to family businesses with whom trust and partnerships enable fruitful relationships to thrive.

Our selection criterion is based on luxury that lasts, not fashion that fades. With cashmere ring shawls as the cornerstone, we have built up superb collections of luxury accessories and gifts for men and women balancing classic, timeless styles with chic contemporary designs, all expertly crafted.

Black is very much a family business with shared values for excellence in product quality, and customer service with a personal touch. Toby Logue, my son joined the business in 2010 and runs it jointly with me. Toby’s influence has led to a greatly expanded men’s collection and enhanced website design. However lovely our products, we would be nothing without loyal, appreciative, happy customers.

We strive to deliver the best customer experience possible through fast, efficient delivery, beautiful packaging and helpful advice. There is no better reward for us than delighted customers. To you we say thank you and hope we will continue to please.'

Among an array of striking pieces, I was immediately drawn to the 'Unexpected Trilogy' wraps. Designed exclusively by Black, the pieces are inspired by "botanical beauty and graphic forms", pairing "flowers and ferns with geometric lines". Below, the wrap in Red Rose against an ivory and black background. 

The Unexpected Trilogy wrap in Green Fern Print Cashmere and Silk.

Also designed exclusively at Black, The Toile de Jouy Trilogy - inspired by by the classic French Toile de Jouy designs. The brand notes: "Literally meaning cloth from Jouy in France, Toile de Jouy depicts rural and pastoral landscapes and figures for which its 18th century factory was famous; in one colour on a neutral background". Below, the scarf in Blue Toile Cashmere and Navy Toile Cashmere.

A specialty from the brand is their wearable, versatile and effortlessly stylish glove collection. From elegant driving gloves to autumn/winter, there's a varied selection in stock at present. (From L-R), the Harlequin Long Leather Gloves are crafted in Italy from buttery soft nappa leather in an attractive trio of berry, vibrant pink and fiery orange. The Black Leather Flower Gloves with purple detailing are a very striking pair and the Cognac and Black Leather Driving Gloves are the very chic accessory you didn't know you needed hitting the road :) We also see a pair of Navy Quilted Leather Gloves, Fuchsia Pink Cashmere Mittens and Long Silver Grey Cable Wrist Warmers.

Speaking of winter warmers, take a look at the cosy collection of snoods knitted in Italy from high quality yarn by clicking here.

Made in the UK from merino wool, we're showcasing the Dress Stewart Tartan Cape, the Oceanic Blue Merino Wool Cape and the Almond and Ivory Reversible Cape. We also see the Black and Ivory Double Layer jacquard turtle neck poncho, It's also shown in navy and grey and burnt orange and ivory.

The Ribbed Grey Cashmere Slouch Beanie Hat makes for a fabulous stocking filler. We also see the hat in Sky Blue.

With festive gifting planning firmly underway, the brands Swarovski Wraps make a stunning addition to any evening look. I've had the piece in black for almost a decade and can attest to both its longevity and quality (not to mention the sparkle factor). It's a splendid evening accessory. We've discussed the summer of Barbie on the blog this year (especially during our Styling Kate series) so I was delighted to see the Swarovski Pink Barbie wrap included this year. To view all available colours please click here.

On that pink note.... take a look at the Majestic Magentas Two Tone Wrap, the Lavender Blush Gossamer Cashmere Shawl, Super Luxe Rose Basket Weave Scarf, Barbie Pink Slouch Beanie, Parchment and Ballet Pink Socks and the Barbie Pink Shaded Cashmere Wrap.

And finally, from the women's collection, the ever-popular wardrobe staple - the classic Leopard Print Scarf.

The Mens Collection is curated with incredibly dapper pieces. From the Red and Green Paisley Manorola Italian Scarf to the Black Watch Tartan Scarf (a tartan much loved by Kate!) there's a wonderful number of gift options available. 

Click here to view the men's collection in full.

Additional details:

UK Shipping - Free with order £95+

International Shipping - Free with orders £150+

Extended returns - January 31st 2024

If purchasing, don't forget to enter HRH10 at the checkout.

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The De Mellier London Black Friday sale offers 20% off with discount code BF20. The brand are offering Free Worldwide Shipping & Returns.

Below, Kate's beautiful De Mellier London Nano Montreal in toffee smooth. 

The piece is described as: "a petite structured cross-body bag with a removable/adjustable cross-body strap and tubular top handle. A perfectly proportioned statement piece, The Nano Montreal can fit most small to regular-size phones and some additional small handbag essentials like keys, cards, etc".

The Princess also owns the chic piece in navy.

For every bag purchased, DeMellier funds lifesaving vaccines and treatments aimed to save the life of a child in need, in collaboration with charity SOS Children's Villages. The funds are administered through SOS Children’s Villages’ medical programmes in countries such as Somalia and Zambia, where currently 1 in 6 children do not live to see their 6th birthday. A Bag, A Life is a permanent initative at the brand. The Princess had the opportunity to see first-hand the work of SOS Children's Villages in Pakistan in 2019. 

One might say DeMellier has the royal seal of approval. Both Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Sussex own the brands Mini Venice bag. Pippa Middleton and Princess Beatrice have also been spotted carrying DeMellier styles.

More from a 2019 Evening Standard article:

'When Harvard-educated Llusia-Lindh decided to launch DeMellier in 2010, she wanted to do something that empowered women on both sides of the company, and so for every bag sold, DeMellier funds a set of lifesaving vaccines aimed to save the life of an orphan in need in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages, a permanent charity initiative that, as a mother of three, is very close to Mireia’s heart.

The British Royal family does the most amazing work to support emerging British brands are the best possible ambassadors given the quality of their work and their global reach. We have been very fortunate that different members have chosen to wear some of our bags, helping raise the awareness of our brand in different countries. Something for which we will always be grateful.'

The Vancouver style is another beautiful and versatile piece in the collection. Below, the bag in Black Croc effect.

The Vancouver Tote is described as: "The iconic magnetic double-bar gold-plated lock is both a statement piece and practical fastening for the bag. The Vancouver Tote is the perfect practical everyday work bag and fits a 13” laptop and other work essentials - making it an ideal carry-all tote. The Vancouver Tote can be worn over the shoulder, in the crook of your arm, or held by hand with the elegant and soft leather handles". It is crafted from sustainably sourced leather.

And a look at the brands Midi Skye Wallet.

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Click here to view the Really Wild Clothing sale.

Kate's Monica Vinader Siren earrings are discounted by 30%.

Kate's Missoma rhodochrosite gold mini pyramid charm hoops are reduced from £89 to £71.

The LK Bennett sale includes 30% off everything. Kate's Floret pumps can be seen here. Also: All coats are half price today. View them here.

And J Crew are offering up to 50% off almost everything. 

Please feel free to share any Kate related deals in the comments!