3 engagement ring styles we’re loving right now, shop 20% off now through July 22

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Diamonds Direct 105 3 engagement ring styles we're loving right now, shop 20% off now through July 22
A dream. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Whether you’re getting ready to pop the question, or dreaming of saying “I do”, the bridal collections at Diamonds Direct are sure to put a sparkle in your eye. Keep reading for a look at the most popular ring styles. Plus, you won’t want to miss Diamonds Direct’s Summer Showcase, now through to Saturday, July 22 for 20% off engagement rings and more.

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We’ll take them all, please! (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

1. Oval centers

There is nothing not to love about a classic oval cut. If you’re on the hunt for simple elegance, an oval solitaire will never go out of style. Looking for a little more pizazz? Try an oval center with trapezoid cut diamonds on either side for an extra gorgeous look.

2. Emerald centers

We have been dreaming about these rings. For brides looking for a classic, yet modern piece, you can’t go wrong with an emerald center.

Our favorites: We couldn’t keep our eyes off of this yellow gold setting with round-cut diamonds on the band AND a hidden halo (left). For a trendier look, an emerald center with a bezel halo was another winner (right).

Shop the designer: C. Gonshor

Check out the Diamonds Direct website for full details on their offerings.

3. Three-stone settings

Diamonds Direct 105 3 engagement ring styles we're loving right now, shop 20% off now through July 22
Glamorous. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

For those who love glitz

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Expanding Bridgnorth shop moves above cellar where owner started out

Director Cara Pelucci, manager Becky Ray and Jess Edmonds
Director Cara Pelucci, manager Becky Ray and Jess Edmonds

Urban Angel began 16 years ago when Cara Hickman started selling shoes and handbags in a cellar beneath a popular Bridgnorth gift shop.

Expansion saw the opening of a High Street store soon afterwards, but now the clothing and homeware shop has returned to its roots by taking over the entire unit where Cara used to rent out just the cellar.

“When I started playing at shops, as I like to call it, I rented a cellar at 29 High Street and started selling shoes and handbags,” recalled Cara, who says she had been a stay at home mum for ten years before starting the business.

“I only started it because at the time I though that there wasn’t anywhere decent in Bridgnorth to buy shoes from’,” she added.

She eventually opened a shop on 12 High Street, but after continued success found that had became too small for Urban Angel.

She said: “We moved to selling ladies wear and it has been going really well. We went from employing two staff members to nine, inlcuding my daughter Ruby who is 16 this year and who comes in every Saturday.”

But she added that it became clear that number 12 High Street was not big enough any more and she began the hunt for new premises, but did not have to look far.

Late last year, when Cara heard gift shop Tea and Roses above the former cellar where she used to work was leaving, she approached the landlord with an eye to relocate down the road.

“I’ve come full circle, but the new shop is so much bigger,” Cara said. “We must have 8-10 times the space of our previous unit, which has allowed us to start selling coffee in

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Famous family boutique shoe shop returns to Cheltenham’s Promenade

Just over 18 months since it closed its shop
on Cheltenham’s Promenade after 46 years of trading, up-market boutique Keith Scarrott
Shoes is back.

The family business, run for the last 18 years by the founder’s daughter, Sophie Scarrott, grew its online
business by 400 per cent through the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of its Cheltenham shoe shop to become a digital-only business.

But with Cheltenham Festival fast-approaching and many fashionable racegoers turning their sights to what to wear to the famous event, Keith Scarrott Shoes has announced a return to its old home at 8 The Promenade for a three-week pop-up shop.

‘I have to admit, this was dad’s idea. He still has most of
the great ideas,’ joked Scarrott, whose business is known for its own design, Italian-made shoes and boots – and has now expanded into trainers to
cater for its blossoming online following, too. 

‘We always promised we would continue to do pop-up shops. I
think since we left The Prom we have done five of those now; three in John
Lewis in Cheltenham, which were great.

‘They have not been able to accommodate
us this time, but we luckily still have a really good relationship with our
former landlord, the premises happened to be empty, and the agent, KBW, has been brilliant in making it happen for
us.’

She added: ‘Operating online is a very different business,
but we still have our loyal customers and we know people still like to meet and chat to
us and to see what we have in stock, to hold those items in their hands and try them on before they buy
as well.

‘We have always traditionally had lots of ladies from Ireland
come over for the racing and come in to see us, so

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Longtime Kanellos Shoe Repair shop in Edgebrook closes doors – Nadig Newspapers

Photo by Rob Mandik

by BRIAN NADIG

The Kanellos Shoe Repair shop at 6325 N. Central Ave. in Edgebrook has closed after more than 50 years in business, as the owner reportedly is terminally ill.

 “This business has permanently closed,” a note posted on the window says. Customers were given multiple opportunities to pick up their shoes, and any remaining shoes have been discarded, the note said. “There are no more shoes.”

“Owner has terminal illness and is in final stages,” the note said.

A note was taped to the storefront glass door: “I am so sorry! You and your shop meant a lot to Edgebrook. Thank you.”

On the Nextdoor social media platform, many residents are paying tribute to owner Peter Kanellakis.

“I’ve been going there since I was a teen. Mr. K could fix anything. Belt boot, luggage — you name it. Such a loss for Edgebrook,” one resident said.

Another posted, “Growing up the daughter of a shoe repairman, I had an appreciation for Mr. Kanellos’ work and dedication. Not too many have the talent. It’s truly a lost art.”

The thread on the store’s closing includes many comments about what some described as inappropriate images posted in the shop, including of women in bikinis from various magazines. One resident said, “A business open to the public needs to be welcoming to all members of the public.” Others have said that the images were unavoidable “in case you’re popping in with kids. Quick service.”

Another responded, “I have been using his services for over 32 years, and his craftsmanship has far outweighed the pictures on the wall. Simple answer: if you’re offended, go elsewhere.”

 

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The story of a family furniture shop in Grantham town centre

Ruth Crook of Grantham Civic Society has told the story of a Grantham family from the 1800s and their furniture business in the latest Then & Now column.

George Harry Neale was born in Grantham in 1858. He grew up on Inner Street, Spittlegate, with his boot and shoe-maker father, his mother and siblings.

In 1891 his siblings, still living at home, now in Oxford Street, were involved in the furniture trade.

Neale's furniture (58151777)
Neale’s furniture (58151777)

William was a cabinet maker, Albert a furniture traveller and Adeliza a furniture shop assistant. In 1901 they were living above the shop, Atlas House at 77 Westgate, with George, who was now widowed.

He remarried in 1903 and had children of his own.

Their advert in the Grantham Journal in 1897 said: “We are the makers and supply direct from our factory to the people.”

Neale's <a href=furniture shop is now occupied by Kitchen and Coffee in Westgate. (58151843)” data-root=”/_media/img/” data-path=”4A3LUXLLLKYPLYMWUIST.jpg” data-ar=”1.33″/
Neale’s furniture shop is now occupied by Kitchen and Coffee in Westgate. (58151843)

Prices started at: “Trunks 3/11, chairs 2/9, bedsteads 13/6, tables 8/6, dressers 25/6, beddings 13/6, carpets 4½d per yard, linoleums 1/- per yard, bedroom suites 4/17/6, drawing-room suites 5/10/0, glass, china and earthenware, hardware and hollowware.

“The largest, cheapest and best furniture stores in the Midlands.’



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Save 30% on celebrity-approved activewear now

Shop this limited-time Outdoor Voices sale for big savings on sporty dresses, leggings, shorts and more.

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

If you’ve been itching to try out Outdoor Voices’ line of instagram-famous and celebrity-approved activewear, now’s your chance. The cult-favorite athleisure brand is dishing out rare discounts on leggings, shorts, tops and more—but only for the next two days. 

Shop the Outdoor Voices sale

Through tomorrow, August 8, you can save 30% across all categories at Outdoor Voices. Included in the sale are tons of top-rated men’s and women’s styles and outdoor-voices-review” referrerpolicy=”no-referrer-when-downgrade” data-t-l=”:b|e|inline click|$u” class=”gnt_ar_b_a”some of our all-time favorite pieces. For even more savings, enjoy free shipping with all purchases of $75 or more. 

One top-notch pick is the Outdoor Voices exercise dress, down from $100 to just $70 at checkout. Available in tons of fun colors and patterns, the lightweight dress features adjustable straps and built in spandex shorts with convenient side pockets. When we put the popular dress to the test we especially loved the athletic fit and moisture-wicking qualities, making it a perfect choice for yoga, Pilates, hikes and other low-impact activities. 

The All-Clad VIP Factory Seconds sale is back: Here are the 10 best deals you can shop now

Back-to-school deals: Shop 55+ best back-to-school sales at Amazon, Target and Best Buy

Great for running errands or hitting the gym, the Outdoor Voices Relay 3-inch short can be yours for just $33.60 right now—a savings of $14.40. Made with quick-drying fabric, the popular shorts come in an assortment of modern shades and feature a hidden zip pocket so you can keep your most valuable items close. While the loose-fitting shorts do not include an interior liner, voices-review” referrerpolicy=”no-referrer-when-downgrade” data-t-l=”:b|e|inline click|$u” class=”gnt_ar_b_a”our tester said they were “unbelievably lightweight

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