about us

ABOUT SMITTEN
I started Smitten in 2002 initially making cushions, wall hangings and other items for the home, after a fantastic response to my first venture at the Bath Christmas market I opened our first shop in the centre of Bath.

Three years ago we introduced our women’s accessories range.
Whenever I went shopping for a new bag or bangle it seemed to me that I had two choices I could pay a fortune for something unique or see other people with the same item. The idea behind Smitten Accessories was to provide unusual and reasonably priced jewellery and handbags made in small quantities.

We have continued to go from strength to strength with the web site and new internet bead shop being this year’s project.

OUR SHOP
After the success of our first tiny but unique shop in Shires Yard, we moved to a much larger store in September 2006, then in January this year We moved to our beautiful and even bigger new permanent address at Margarets Buildings, between the Royal Crescent and the Circus.

We now open 6 days (open some Sundays at Christmas) a week and have a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help.

As the business has grown we have introduced several other ranges of unique and beautifully designed accessories made in the UK these compliment our in house designs. To give our customers the choice of buying British these items are marked with a blue price label.

Smitten’s diverse range of accessories are designed to suit most tastes we have several collections made outside the UK, we make every effort to research the ethics of overseas suppliers. Kerala Crafts is one such business operating a people before profits policy manufacturing banana fibre baskets handmade in Kerala India.

In addition to the range we are able to offer in our online store a visit to our shop you will reveal hundreds of beautiful accessories including leather bags by Monica Boxley and Emmerson, handmade Italian umbrellas, exquisite silk scarves by Salt and our new range of handmade Tiaras.  Please call for information on our bespoke wedding jewellery service.

Even though we have now become a Limited Company Smitten is still a business with the personal touch. And wouldn’t be what it is without the help of my smashing Mum and lovely ladies who run the shop whilst I’m away creating.

NEW MENS RANGE
Since our move to Margaret’s Buildings we have introduced our Smitten Men’s accessories range including ties, cufflinks scarves and a superb quality and economical selection of leather MAN bags

THE WEB SITE
We have had so many customers visiting our shop from other parts of the UK and abroad that we have decided to bow to public demand and go online although at present we are only able to offer a concise range, we will add new items as often as possible. All items handmade by us and other UK designers are clearly marked as such.

I have tried to put a collection together for the web site from some of our most popular designs and colours; these will change every couple of months. We hope you enjoy the site and find it easy to use. If you have questions about the site please email claire@smittenaccessories.co.uk

THE BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
For the past 5 years we have exhibited at the Magical Christmas market situated next to Bath Abbey. We showcase lots of new and one off designs as well as old favourites.

The market runs for 11 days from the last Thursday in November to coincide with the illumination of the Christmas lights. For more information on dates times and exhibitors visit www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Unfortunately we will not be exhibiting at the 2008 market; we are a bit busy with the new bead shop

THE SMITTEN BEAD SHOP
We now have an exciting range of beautiful beads and findings which will enable you to create your very own designs. Click on the bead shop on Smittens home page or the link above.

And now you can visit our beautiful real life bead shop downstairs at 7 Margaret’s Buildings

CONTACT DETAILS
Please see our contacts page for our new address

Happy browsing
Claire