It’s easy being GREEN at ARKET, the latest store launch from the H&M Group. Photo by Sophie Osborne

I can’t remember the last time I felt this excited about a new chain store launch. Hailing from the stable of one my ultimate High Street heroes, H&M (I still call it Hennes), I’ve been awaiting ARKET‘s arrival to UK shores with excitement; signing up to the Mailing List as soon as I heard the first whispers of the concept online.

I made it down to the shiny new store on Regent Street, London at the first opportunity. It didn’t disappoint. I’m already planning my visit to the newest (& even bigger) Long Acre branch.

One of the fewer printed designs in an on-trend yet timeless floral. It has sleeves! Just add a chunky boot & a biker jacket or blazer – done. I can’t find this style online or in store yet but will update when I do but have found a blouse in the same print (scroll down) SOURCE

Campaign images (via Refinery29) were my first real glimpse of the merchandise & I instantly felt a little weak at the knees at seeing the bold, blocked colour-ways & easy elegance of the styling. Many of the pieces are those often elusive, essential & everyday items with added eco credentials & conscious craftsmanship. I’ve written about my loyal affections for H&M Conscious (HERE) & the Group has certainly delivered on this front. AND SOME.

NB: This is not a Sponsored post, it’s more of a ‘public service announcement’!

The deceptively simple exterior of ARKET Regent Street, London. Just a skip & a heartbeat away from my favourite Department store, Liberty. (SOURCE)

The merchandise does ALL of the talking here. Don’t be fooled by the minimal Nordic decor, this is a store that is filled to the brim on every floor with an incredible & curated edit of brands that seamlessly sit alongside the ARKET wares.

The name itself is derived from ‘Market’ & will have a rotation of Seasonal pieces. Think of it as a boutique, (mostly) Organic Farmers’ Market for your wardrobe & home crossed with MUJI. It reminded me in essence of Colette in Paris (R.I.P), yet all at High Street prices – even complete with its’ own on site Cafe.

The ARKET Manifesto

The Knitwear process: The conscious creations have their story told through informative, artistic & tactile visual merchandising. This is a huge plus point for me & as consumers we need to be more informed about our purchasing habits & their environmental impact. This stuff matters. Photo by Sophie Osborne.

I’ve always endeavoured to buy sustainable pieces where possible & when my budget has allowed, yet the H&M initiatives have made this entirely accessible for all.

My informed interests became more of a passion after I attended a ‘Fashion Ethics Party’, hosted by local Cambridge lingerie brand Ama-Ella, where I learned about the creation of their Organic Cotton line & heard from a panel including Karen Larsen, a Responsible Sourcing Expert & Sustainability Advisor. You can read some eye-opening statistics on my post (HERE).

(Indie &) POP Picks

Via Refinery29

Red may very well be the colour of the Season & one I’m a huge fan of, yet I’m feeling all things GREEN in every sense of the word.

The genius 2-in-1 Field Jacket (1) is my Top of the Pops. It’ll be the perfect replacement for the throw-on khaki jacket that I found in the New Look sale for £8 many moons ago*. Made from recycled plastic bottles, it has options to layer it to create a padded jacket – perfect for the British climate & Mum duties. A Parka is always a good idea.

1. Mighty morphin’ power jacket/parka(£89)

2. Chic on the outside yet roomy enough for all of my bits (£150)

3. Green Goddess 80% Recycled Wool Jumper (£55)

4. Burn this Oakmoss Candle & buy one for a friend (£17-27)

5. Mr O is a big Vetiver fan. Grassy fresh yet musky Handwash (£10-17)

6. Field coloured field notes…Deskstore Notebook x2 (£7)

7. Hey buddy! Medium Glass Vase (£5)

8. Good for trinkets too, Leaf Plate (£18)

9. Ducharne Floral Crepe Blouse (£59)

Links

1. Field Jacket (£59) – also available in a corresponding Liner & as a Parka
2. Flap Leather Crossbody in Dark Green (£150)
3. Wool Jumper (£55)  – also available in 4 other colours
4. Oakmoss Scented Candle (£17 for 120g) – also available in Cade & 210g sizes (£27)
5. Vetiver Hand Wash (£10 for 300ml) – also available in Oakmoss & Geranium & 500ml sizes (£17)
6. Deskstore A5 Notebook x2 (£7)
7. Medium Glass Vase (£5) – large range of sizes & styles available
8. Bordallo Pinheiro Leaf Plate (£18) – other sizes available
9. Floral Print Crepe Blouse (£59) 

(Indie &) Pop Petit Picks

ARKET Children: Clean & colourful store merchandising & easily accessible   fixtures & fittings. The Staff were incredibly helpful & took the time to find items that I’d seen Online but couldn’t find in store. Photo by Sophie Osborne

ARKET has a superb range of Children’s Clothing, Accessories & Toys. The store itself is incredibly family orientated (thank you Scandi culture!) Easily navigable aisles for buggies & prams, clearly displayed  & easily accessible stock all with a in-house Cafe making for a dream of a shopping experience with little ones in tow.

No store in my experience is immune from the throwing of a tantrum, but at least here there’ll be no frowning from staff or fellow shoppers & offers plenty of distraction on each floor.

Play: A great edit of toys, games from the likes of independent brands Maileg, Steiff, natureZoo, GOKI, Hevea & figurines by Bullyland. Many displayed at small person height! Photo by Sophie Osborne

I’m going to play ‘Colours of the Rainbow’ with the colour-blocked merchandise & ‘Name that Animal’ amid the figurines with my daughter before stopping off at that Cafe for a ‘Beets Salad’ & Earl Grey (for me) & Crudites followed by a ‘Nordic Cookie’ (for her). Alright, I’ll probably have a Cookie too.

1. The most adorable knitted bonnet

2. To keep little fingers toasty

3. Super soft organic tees

4. The essential Breton Stripe

5. I think I can persuade my pink lover to wear a sweatshirt now

6. Did I already say essential?

7. BIG bath time fun

8. Ray of sunshine Wellies

Links

1. Cotton Cashmere Helmet Cap (£10)
2. Merino Mittens (£10) – also available in grey
3. Organic Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt (£10) – available in many colours & patterns
4. Striped Organic Merino Jumper (£39)
5. Crew-Neck Sweatshirt (£17) – available in 5 colours
6. Cotton Slub Jersey Top (£12)
7. Hevea Kawan Jumbo Rubber Duck (£27)
8. Tretorn Wings Rubber Boots (£35) – available in 3 other colours

“THIS little piggy went to ARKET, I urge you not to stay at home!” Maileg Little Pig 

So, what do you think? Will you be heading to ARKET soon? All of the items featured in the Indie & Pop Picks are currently available Online. I might even try out one of their recipes over the Weekend *stomach rumble at Apple Crumble*.

P.S. If you sign up to the Newsletter (HERE) you will also receive 10% off your first purhchase! I got in there early so I actually received 20% off on my first visit 🙂

S x

*The buttons are missing & despite it’s price-per-wear being approximately 1p, it’s starting to look more than worse for wear; I’ll be donating it at an H&M recycling station as soon as this ARKET one is mine!