The current lockdown has created many issues surrounding animal adoption – with related charities in desperate need of support now more than ever.
Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home, for instance, has been forced to place all adoptions on hold – temporarily pausing services until the risk to staff is minimised.
COVID-19 has caused endless complications, and it’s been thanks to generous public support that charities have stayed afloat.
Local animal lovers Bryony and Adam are two people who’ve been doing their bit to help – but in quite a different way.
In December 2020, the couple decided to launch Squisho – a pet-themed clothing and merchandise brand designed to help animal organisations.
“Squisho is the brand with a heart, creating eco-friendly products while supporting well-deserved charities,” said the couple, who were determined that the brand should support its local community.
“Bryony’s family dog Albert was a huge inspiration.
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“He was rescued over 10 years ago, which is why supporting charities and rescue centres is so important to us.”
With sales from the aptly-titled Albert collection, 5% of profits are donated to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home, which has been helping the city’s stray dogs since 1893.
Squisho is also donating to Ragdoll Rescue UK with the Mushu collection, supporting the care and rehoming of cats across the country.
The brand initially began as an experiment by Bryony and Adam during the second national lockdown.
“After both being made redundant in March 2020 and being on furlough during the second lockdown (after thankfully finding new roles), we had a lot more spare time,” they said.
Through sheer dedication and working long hours, the duo have built up the company from scratch – with “random hand-drawn digital doodles of dogs and cats” eventually turning into embroidered designs.
Squisho’s good intentions also extend to sustainability – with the company going to great lengths to ensure that clothing is ethical and packaged with recyclable materials.
“We make our products sustainable and eco-friendly as we feel like we have to play our part in looking after the planet,” said the founders.
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“The clothing industry is huge and with fast fashion, we believe it is important for people to start considering where their products are coming from and what they’re made of.”
Although Squisho is still in its early months, the brand is committed to expanding its collection while continuing their support for local charities.
The future sounds exciting.
“We’re hoping to launch our kids range at the start of March with new designs and new greeting cards,” Bryony and Adam stated.
“We’re also looking to expand on our current adult collections with new designs and styles.”
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Squisho’s entire pet-obsessed collection can be bought on their website.
You can also follow their Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date with exciting new launches and discounts.
Style
Best dressed at Parklife 2024 as heavens open for day two
Daisy Jackson
The weather has well and truly turned on Parklife, but that’s not stopped the best-dressed in the city pulling out all the stops.
As the festival enters its second day and the sunshine is replaced by classic Mancunian drizzle, the most common accessory is the classic plastic poncho.
But beneath that you’ll spot trends like crochet two-pieces, hot pink skirts, football shirts, paisley-print mini skirts, fishnets, and plenty of cowboy hats.
Outfits seem to get brighter, bolder and more creative every year and this year is no different.
Brands that dominate include the affordable fast fashion retailers like Shein, BooHoo and PrettyLittleThing, among a few vintage finds.
Parklife is now entering its Sunday line-up, with headliners like Doja Cat, Kaytranada and TSHA performing today.
Let’s just hope the rain clears up enough for all of these gorgeous festival-goers to be able to whip their coats off again.
The best-dressed at Parklife 2024 – day two
Love these neon tassels, shaggy jacket and cowboy hatA sheer camo two-piece and cute butterfly crop topCrochet sets and cowboy hatsThis pink-and-orange combo with the blue hair is divineThe best-dressed couple at Parklife 2024These gorgeous girls nailed the Parklife briefObsessed with the holographic pink pants and sports jersey with mini skirtThese tiny ruffle skirts with chunky leather boots and jackets were a 10/10 lookHere come the ponchos…Now THIS is how you do uninhibited festival fashionTop-to-toe paisley paired with some very sensible walking shoesEasy guy to spot in the crowd hereAll-over denim made our list of the best-dressed at ParklifeHot pink fits at Parklife 2024A small shout-out for our new The Manc Group hoodies…
Everything inside the Sephora VIP goodie bags worth more than £1,000
Daisy Jackson
Sephora opening in Manchester has been causing a bit of a stir, with more than 2,000 people queueing up this week to try and nab a free goodie bag.
And while the presents being handed out to the public are pretty impressive, it’s nothing compared to the VIP goodie bags given out at the store’s official launch on Wednesday.
A number of celebrities, influencers, press and other special guests were invited to have a sneak peek of the huge new shop at the Trafford Centre before its official opening to the public.
At the glittering celebration, VIPs were given a glimpse at the huge range of products on offer inside Sephora’s first UK store outside of London.
Those in attendance included actor and TV presenter actor Katie Mcglynn, TV personality Caroline Thomas, actress Alex Fletcher and radio one presenter Natalie O’Leary, Real Housewives of Cheshire, Love Island personalities, and professional footballer Courtney Duffus.
Special guests of Sephora were then sent home with the goodie bag to end all goodie bags, stuffed full of full-sized cult products.
And having totted up the value of everything inside, we can confirm that each goodie bag is worth more than a grand (£1092.93, to be exact). Wowsers.
Olaplex No.3Viral hair product minisBrazilian Bum Bum CreamJust a few of the cult items inside the Sephora VIP goodie bags. Credit: The Manc Group
Viral products inside include Makeup By Mario lipstick, Olaplex, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Glossier You perfume, and MorrocanOil hair treatments.
There are also TikTok sensations like the Dr Jart Tiger Grass treatment, which comes out of its tub green but magically turns beige on the skin, cancelling out redness.
And Tarte’s take on the revolutionary tubing mascara, which comes off your lashes with only water and a wipe, was also chucked in.
The most high-value items in the Sephora goodie bags were an Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream worth £64, Caudalie’s brightening serum at £52, and a Neom candle for £38.