Bloggers at large – and hitting the shops

Keen to take a break from the serious business of dressage, Badminton bloggers Ellie Hughes and Emma Sewell decided to take to the shops in search of some stories – and bargains.
Here is our pick of the bunch:

For the outrageous country bumpkins and town trotters alike, we thoroughly recommend a visit to Where The Fox Hat. Located in the Country Living tent you can hardly miss the vast array of fluffy foe that have been reincarnated as super cool headwear. Owner Jonny Beardsall assures us that these furry gems are the height of fashion – from the London streets to the slopes of Val d’Isere.

From foxes to hounds; we just couldn’t walk past The Labrador Company stand in the Country Living tent without taking a closer look. There is nothing but Labrador print here – from cushion covers and armchairs to handbags and clocks complete with wagging tails – we know what we’ll be hanging on our kitchen walls after Badminton. The company, set up in November last year, is owned by Vicky Eaton, who designs all the prints herself. Apparently terriers will be getting the same treatment next.

Tweed is very definitely in; in fact it has never really been out. Up until now we bloggers have been window shopping, but that all changed when we paid a visit to GiliNix. Tucked away in the Country Collection marquee, Gillian Painter’s collection of tweeds, woven in Scotland and made in England, have been have been a hit with everyone. We even spied the owners of William Fox-Pitt’s ride, Macchiato, browsing the shelves donning their GiliNix tweed, bought last year.

If silver jewellery is your thing, check out Silver Experience in the Country Living tent. First-time exhibitors Lesley and Helen have made the trip from Edinburgh with their unique collection of hand-crafted sterling silver. We were left drooling over the silver bracelets, which are contemporary and would look great with everything. We will be back there before the end of the week.

We love belts; everyone loves belts. Estribos’ colourful wall will stop you in your tracks as you approach the Country Collection marquee. Not only are they stylish, but they work for waists of all dimensions. Made from the same leather as stirrups - estribos is Spanish for stirrup – they offer belts in 80 different designs. This company is no one-hit wonder, it has been selling hats for 120 years and leatherwork for 30 years. Seriously guys, belt up, you can never have too many, can you?