20 Shopping Secrets

PEBBLE

Peter Adler, the man behind Pebble, lives and breathes all things tribal. His beautiful discoveries come from Africa, India, China, Afghanistan, The Philippines and Indonesia.  It is stuffed full of authentic goodies and flamboyant accessories, from Masai bangles to Egyptian beads.  The shop feels like you have visited a museum of beautiful and one of a kind treasures.

0207 262 1775

 

THE BEAD SHOP

This store has over 4,000 different types of beads to choose from, with prices starting at 5p a bead. Great for those hoping to funk up their summer outfits and customising bikinis.

21 Tower Street, WC2

(0207 240 0931)

 

TIN TIN COLECTABLES

Located near the entrance of Alfie’s Antique Market, you will be stopped in your tracks by this amazingly chic stall. The vibe is ladylike: hats, handbags and gloves.  Perfect for all things elegant and sophisticated.

G38-42 Alfie’s Antique Market

Church Street

NW8

 

JESSIE WESTERN

This shop is run by two sisters and they regularly head to Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado to bring back fabulous Native American trinklets.  Great if you’re looking for something truly exotic and different.

82 Portobello Road,

W11 (0207 229 2544)

 

GADJO DALO

This eclectic store is packed with pieces from all around the world.  The stylish owner, Jacqui Allmond-who also runs two stalls in Portobello market-is a walking advertisement for her unusual wares.  A selection of Brazilian beads, earrings and even sequinned capes will be found here and reasonably priced too.

531 Battersea Park Road

SW11 (0207 585 1770)

 

ARTHUR BEALE

If you are loving the nautical trend at the moment, then this is the place to come to stock up on all the latest sailor goodies.  This specialist shop was established 100 years ago, provides roping detailed clothing, anchors, boating plimsolls and stripped woolly hats. 

194 Shaftsbury Avenue

WC2 (0207 836 9034)

 

 ASASHI

This is the place to go if you love anything oriental, whether that be Japanese kimono or obis. Asashi have their own, more wearable range of the obi’s which are fabulous. A must visit.

110 Golborne Road

W10

(0208 960 7299)

 

ANNIE’S

You can really feel the past in Annie’s which is an affordable vintage store.  Go on a Saturday to get that real market vibe or in a weekday for a bit of breathing and shopping space!!  It really is a hidden jem (one of my favourites)

 

BABY CEYLON

This shop has simple kaftans, dresses and smocks which can be dyed any colour you like. A great place is you are prone to abit of home dying and customising, and also if you love your summer basics.

 

BATTERSEA VINTAGE FASHION FAYRES

These bi-monthly events see over 70 stallholders selling wearable vintage clothes.  Look out for fashion editors and designers seeking out inspiration for their piece of work. A great place to have a look at and embrace fashion.

Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill

SW11 (0208 325 5789)

 

LEGGE & BRAINE

Jewellery that has a twist is what you’ll find in here.  These designers are fascinated with symbolism. For example, one of their collections is based on animals with eyes that have ‘mythical meaning.

Email: Leggeandbraine.com

 

ARJUMA AND GILLANI

Every Friday and Saturday this costume-jewellery stand is full of earrings sourced from around the globe.  And the great thing about this shop is that most pieces are under £10!

Located at the entrance of Portobello Road Arcade

W11 (0209 248 8995)

 

FRED BARE

Fred Bare millinery is available at most department stores, but in this old-work shop you can see the work in progress.  Think stripped flat caps, cotton floral cloches and straw trilbies.

18 Columbia Road, E2 (It is only open on Sundays) Fredbare.co.uk

 

ESPADRILLE

A fabulous shop for all of those who can’t get enough of the stripes in their life. Whether you are after a chair or a beach bag, there is an endless selection to choose from.  Check out the espadrilles and grosgrain ribbons which make great belts and decoration on clothes.

32 Parsons Green Lane, SW6

(0207 736 5454)

 

OK CASION

Rumour has it to head straight for the back of this duty store to find piles of jewel coloured kaftans from Afghanistan.  Also look out for the ‘Chapan’ coin covered coat.

245 Portobello Road, W11

 

THE COSTUME STUDIO

The ultimate fancy dress shop, this huge warehouse is stuffed full of every kind of historically accurate outfit.

159 -161 Balls Pond Road, N1

Costumestudio.co.uk

 

THE GIRL CAN’T HELP IT

Sparkle Moore is a blonde bombshell who has based her look on Jayne Mansfield and sells the kind of clothes that her icon would have worn. Her pencil skirts, tulle prom dresses and leopard print trenches will make you feel like the ultimate pin up.

Alfie’s Antique Market, Church Street

NW8 (0207 724 8989)

 

OG2

The one-man design company provides what every girl is looking for; the perfect dress.  Duro Olowu’s empire line kimono/kaftan frocks in clashing, ethnic prints are ultra wearable and highly original- the secret is in the eye catching fabric combinations.

367 Portobello Road, W11

 

PAST CARING

The bargain hunter’s playground, especially for those with a passion for the Sixties and Seventies.  Twice a year the shop reduces all sale stock to just £1, what better reason to go!!

76 Essex Road, N1

  

 

SAMINA

Gorgeous ancient Indian Jewellery, including rubies, emeralds and diamonds, which once belonged to maharajahs.

174 New Bond Street, W1 (0207 495 7482)

 

TEMPTATION ALLEY

An Aladdin’s cave of ribbons, sequins and trims.  Enter a world of unique bits and bobs that are perfect for revamping and customising your wardrobe.

359-361 Portobello Road, W10 (0208 964 2004)

 

 

Kyrsty Hazell