Oh, we do love an indy store – especially when it’s this blooming pretty (‘blooming’ being the operative word when the window is filled with fab floral displays). Small but perfectly-formed, Sonia @ 48 is everything you’d want from a local lifestyle store and more.

Owner Sonia opened her little shop in the leafy village of Writtle after clients of her existing events business begged for a place to purchase her beautiful decorations and props. And, the rest is history! Now an established shop in its own right, it’s jam-packed with unique and covetable buys – both locally-sourced and beyond.

We’re talking everything from statement dresses by New Day Originals and Olivia & Gray handbags to oh-so-cute Wilberry cuddlies. You’ll also find super-chic homewares, jewellery, stationery and greeting cards – the latter being particularly handy if you need a last-minute birthday card *guilty*.

That’s not all. The little store regularly teams up with neighbour Robyn’s Nest to host special shopping events. Think fizz, freshly-baked cookies and exclusive discounts. We’re there.