In this episode, we’re joined by two absolute gems of the design world - Sarah Spires and Rachel Perkins - the creative duo and big-hearted energy behind Everley Studio.

Before launching Everley, Sarah and Rachel spent years inside retail working for some of the biggest names on the UK high street: Next, George, F&F, and Laura Ashley. Between them, they’ve designed across womenswear, menswear, kids, knitwear, swim, and everything in between. They’ve lived the fast-paced, slightly chaotic, always creative world of in-house design and now they’re pouring all of that experience into Everley Studio, their thriving independent design business built on collaboration, flexibility, and genuinely great vibes.

Everley Studio brings together a talented crew of designers who partner with brands to build thoughtful, commercial, beautifully crafted ranges. Their model offers businesses the flexibility of project-based support while giving their team the freedom to work in a way that sparks creativity a win for everyone involved.

In our conversation, Sarah and Rachel take us behind the scenes of their journey, sharing how they first got started in design and the twists and turns that shaped their careers. They open up about the unique (and sometimes emotional!) dynamics between buyers, designers, and merchandisers, what truly makes a great buyer–designer partnership, and the moments that put those relationships to the test. They reflect on the buyers they loved working with most not naming names, but highlighting the skills and behaviours that set those collaborations apart and explain why trust, communication, and compromise are the secret sauce behind every standout range. Sarah and Rachel also reveal what inspired them to start Everley Studio, what they’ve learned while building a creative business from the ground up, how AI is influencing the future of design without ever replacing the human touch, and even share a look at the trends they’re already spotting for the seasons ahead.

We also dive into the emotional investment designers bring to their work, how they handle feedback, where creativity meets commercial strategy, and how the industry is shifting toward more flexible, adaptive ways of working.

And of course… we end with a bit of retail therapy!

Our Three Key Takeaways:
1) The Power of Relationships:
Success in design and retail hinges on strong, collaborative partnerships between buyers, designers, and merchandisers. Trust, open communication, and understanding each other’s pressures and perspectives are what turn good ideas into great products.

2) Flexibility and Adaptability:
Fashion is evolving fast. Everley Studio’s agile, project-based model shows how embracing new ways of working creates opportunity, resilience, and space for creativity to thrive.

3) Embracing Technology - Without Losing the Human Touch:
AI is transforming design, speeding up processes and unlocking new possibilities. But creativity, intuition, and emotional connection still sit at the heart of great design. The future belongs to those who can blend innovation with humanity.

This episode is packed with industry insights, honest reflections, funny stories, and practical advice for anyone navigating the world of fashion desig

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We’re so excited to welcome Alex Standley to the podcast this week!

Alex has spent over 15 years navigating the high-stakes, fast-paced world of fashion buying at global giants like Marks & Spencer and Amazon - from trend-spotting and category strategy to negotiating those all-important big meetings.

After a successful career in buying, Alex made a bold leap into entrepreneurship and founded her own personal styling company, helping high-performing women align their wardrobes with their leadership goals, confidence, and visibility. Basically, turning closets into a strategy for success.

Alex and Lynsey first met when they were both buying for the fashion accessories department at M&S - so it’s extra fun to have her on the podcast sharing all her stories!

In this episode, we chat about how she first knew fashion buying was her thing, her career journey and the highs, lows, and unexpected twists along the way, the categories she loved buying most, the challenges she faced, the brands she’s currently admiring, why she started her styling business, and her proudest moments since. Along the way, Alex shares memorable travel stories, insights on sustainability, the transition from corporate to running her own business, and the moments that really shaped her career.

Three big takeaways:

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Change and Growth: Alex’s career demonstrates the value of stepping out of your comfort zone, whether it’s taking on unexpected responsibilities early in your career or making bold moves into new industries and entrepreneurship.
2. Align Your Work With Your Values: She also proves how aligning your work with your values- whether it’s sustainability, intentionality, or empowering women- can guide your career and business decisions.
3. Relationships and Adaptability Matter: And finally, she reminds us that relationships and adaptability matter: from negotiating deals to learning new skills, success is all about strong connections and being open to learning.

Alex demonstrates the power of embracing change and growth, showing how stepping out of your comfort zone early (and later!) can lead to amazing opportunities. Whether you’re curious about the inner workings of fashion buying, thinking about a career pivot, or looking for inspiration to bring more purpose to your work, this episode is full of practical wisdom, personal stories, and actionable advice.

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Julia Darlington, we shift from her remarkable career journey to the future of the retail industry and the work she’s doing now to shape the next generation of female leaders.

With decades of senior experience across some of the UK’s most iconic retailers, Julia brings a clear-eyed, forward-thinking perspective on what’s changing, what still needs to evolve, and how retailers can prepare for the market of tomorrow.

We unpack the role of AI and digital innovation in the retail landscape, the cultural and structural changes the industry still needs to make, and the opportunities ahead for brands and teams who stay curious and adaptable.

We also dive into Julia’s coaching business why she started it, the gap she set out to fill, and her mission to empower ambitious women rising into senior and C-suite leadership roles. Julia shares the challenges she sees most often, alongside the mindset shifts that create real confidence and momentum.

The episode closes with her grounded, practical advice on what it takes to succeed in buying today — whether you’re early in your career or stepping into a leadership role.

What We Cover in Part 2:

• The future of retail & the role of AI
• Real-world examples of AI-driven innovation
• What still needs to change in retail culture & leadership
• Why Julia launched her coaching business
• Supporting ambitious women into senior and C-suite roles
• Challenges women uniquely face in the retail industry
• Her advice for succeeding in buying right now
• The mindset shifts leaders need for the future

Three Key Takeaways from Part 2:

1. AI is reshaping retail and the opportunity is huge.
From product development to forecasting and customer experience, AI is already transforming how the industry operates. Julia breaks down what’s changing, what it means for teams, and why now is the moment to lean in rather than fear it.

2. Retail still needs cultural and leadership change.
Julia reflects openly on the shifts she’d still like to see in the industry from the way teams are supported to how leaders show up and why these changes are essential for the future of retail.

3. Women in retail need tailored support to rise and thrive.
Through her coaching work, Julia helps ambitious women navigate the jump into senior and C-suite roles. She shares the patterns she sees, the barriers that still exist, and the mindset shifts that unlock confidence, clarity and momentum.

You’ll love this episode because it blends big-picture retail insight with practical, human advice.

If you’re curious about where retail is heading, exploring leadership, or wanting to understand how AI will shape the next decade this conversation is packed with clarity, honesty, and inspiration.
Julia brings a rare blend of expertise, warmth and vision that will leave you thinking differently about your role, your career, and the future of our industry.

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In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we’re thrilled to welcome Julia Darlington a woman whose career spans some of the UK’s most iconic retailers including M&S, French Connection, Habitat, Coast, Tie Rack, Arcadia, and Accessorize (and breathe!).

Julia began her retail journey back in the 1980s, giving her a front-row seat to the industry’s evolution over several decades. She brings a wealth of experience, insight, and perspective and is a passionate advocate for female empowerment within the sector.

In this episode, Julia walks us through her fascinating and non-linear career path: the early roles that shaped her, the pivotal moments that shifted her direction, and the lessons she learned as the retail landscape transformed around her. She shares honestly about the highs, the setbacks, and the serendipitous opportunities that gradually led her to the work she’s doing today helping women build confident, fulfilling careers in retail.

Whether you're starting out, experiencing change, or feeling ready for reinvention, Julia’s story is a reminder that the best careers are rarely linear… and always shaped by the courage to keep moving forward.

What we cover in Part 1:

• How Julia first got into buying - From her earliest steps in retail to what initially sparked her interest in product, customers, and the buying process.
  
  
• Her early days in the industry - The roles that set her foundation and the reality of working in retail in the 1980s.
  
  
• Career journey highlights - Light-touch on her path through some of the UK’s most recognisable brands.
  
  
• How retail has changed over the years - From processes to pace, from customer expectations to team structures.
  
  
• Key turning points & personal reinvention - The promotions, challenges, and defining moments that influenced her long-term career direction.
  
  
• Setbacks that shaped her confidence - How she navigated difficult periods and used them as catalysts for growth.

Three Key Takeaways from Part 1

1. Careers aren’t linear - and that’s a strength.
Julia’s journey shows how detours, challenges, and unexpected opportunities all play a vital role in shaping a resilient, fulfilling career.

2. The retail industry evolves - and so must we.
From the 1980s to today, Julia has witnessed huge shifts in customer behaviour, product development, leadership culture, and team dynamics and she shares how adaptability has been essential.

3. Confidence grows through both the highs and the setbacks.
Some of Julia’s most defining moments came from difficult periods, teaching her how to rebuild confidence, embrace reinvention, and stay open to new paths.

This episode is inspiring, encouraging, and full of the kind of wisdom you only get from someone who has seen retail and herself evolve over 40+ years.

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This week on Retail Reflections: Shein’s still stealing headlines, Clarks and Walmart double down on marketplaces, and B&Q delivers paint faster than you can make a cuppa. M&S takes Percy Pigs down under, Vinted’s value goes sky-high, and Ocado launches a menopause aisle. Plus: wine bars go digital, Boden lands stateside, and Tom Daley knits Team GB into Olympic history. Retail’s never been busier - or more fun!

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In this episode of Buying & Beyond, we sit down with Stevie, Head of Buying at Hobbs, to explore her inspiring journey through the ever-changing world of fashion retail. From her early days at the London College of Fashion to leading buying teams at two of the UK’s most iconic high street brands - House of Fraser and Hobbs. Stevie’s career story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Stevie opens up about how her early internships shaped her understanding of the industry, sharing honest reflections on the importance of saying yes to opportunities, learning from setbacks, and building confidence in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Along the way, she recalls some of her most memorable buying moments - from navigating last-minute product challenges to the satisfaction of seeing designs come to life on the shop floor.

We also dive into how the role of the buyer has evolved - from hands-on product selection to leading teams, managing suppliers, and driving sustainability. Stevie shares how she approaches supplier relationships as genuine partnerships, grounded in trust, communication, and shared values. She also discusses how mentorship and culture play a vital role in shaping positive, motivated teams and fostering the next generation of retail talent.

And of course, no conversation would be complete without a few laughs - including Stevie’s hilarious and humbling “retail therapy” story from the pandemic years, your have to tune into to hear that one- trust us it's a good one and relatable to most parents juggling a full time career and parenthood!

Whether you’re an aspiring buyer just starting out, or a seasoned professional looking to reconnect with the heart of retail, this episode offers a thoughtful, inspiring, and often funny look at what it really takes to thrive in fashion buying today.

✨ Three Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Early Experience: Internships and entry-level roles are invaluable for building resilience, gaining perspective, and discovering where your strengths lie.
   
   
2. Relationships Drive Results: From suppliers to team members, great buying is built on trust, communication, and shared purpose — especially as sustainability becomes central to every decision.
   
   
3. Leadership Is About People: The best leaders in retail balance creativity with empathy, creating cultures where ideas, mentorship, and collaboration can truly thrive.

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• Shein: An update on Shein’s recent controversy in France
• UK High Street: The recent nationwide crackdown on organized crime
• B&M: Leadership shakeup following an accounting error
• Greggs: Launching new “bite-sized” store formats
• The White Company: New partnership with Zapp
• Toy sales: Resurgence post-pandemic due to 'kidult' trend

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This week’s Retail Reflections covers a mix of uplifting and challenging stories from the retail world. The episode opens with the positive news of Nobody’s Child achieving B Corp status, highlighting their commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. The conversation then shifts to the controversy surrounding Shein and other online marketplaces, as the French government investigates the sale of inappropriate products and the resulting protests at BHV’s Shein concession.

We discuss the evolving landscape of Christmas advertising, with a focus on the emotional storytelling of John Lewis, the classic festive approaches from Morrisons and Lidl, and the glitzy, celebrity-filled campaigns from Debenhams and Boots. We also spotlight the creative SheerLuxe Christmas gift guide video.

In retail developments, Asda’s major store refurbishment in Harrogate signals a trend toward experience-driven supermarkets, while M&S and Clarks are both experimenting with new formats. The episode wraps up with reflections on consumer confidence heading into the holiday season and the enduring appeal of festive traditions.

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