Sometimes pictures speak louder than words… 

Buy Me

and Me

No, Us!

Us too!

There are some shopping experiences you can’t buy online. This little shop is in Cascais, Portugal, in case you’re wondering.   The nice man behind the counter will happily talk to you about global warming, cooking and Porto while you wait for the rain to stop…there are chocolates on the counter too…

A company called Claus is reponsible for the soap and their unique art deco packaging.

If you’re ever in the neighbourhood, look for:

Á Antiga Portuguesa, Rua da Saudade no2 -2750-482 Cascais

From the freshly cut wildflowers at the entrance to the groaning wooden stair-case and Tudor facade, shopping at Liberty of London is a retail experience like no other.

The building iself was designed by father and son duo, Edwin T. and Edwin S. Hall.  The Tudor style was a product of the 1920′s flair for all things Tudor-esque.  The shop was constructed to sit within three light shafts that became the main focus of the building.  Even today, when you enter Liberty you’re compelled to crane your neck skywards. Arthur Liberty, the store’s founder had advised the designers that he wanted the store to feel like you were walking around your own home.  Each one of the light shafts was surrounded by smaller rooms to create a cosy feel.  The original rooms had fireplaces and some still exist to this day.  The ceiling lights produced the perfect surroundings for displaying Liberty’s plush quilts and woven rugs.   The store’s latest edition, The Scarf Room is testament to the building’s clever planning.  Beneath the heavy, rustic rafters, you can browse a light-filled hall of  floaty scarves of every description – from Liberty’s trademark floral whimsy to the latest offerings from Givenchy, Matthew Williamson and Fendi.

Look out for: The commemorative plaques on the stairwell that remember the Liberty workers who lost their lives during the Blitz.

Look closely. Can you tell what it is yet?  No it’s not an old yellowing copy of the Metro.  It’s a leather clutch. And it’s MINE. Love it. Love it. Love it.  It’s by the label Etui, Topshop’s new vintage collection of bags.  It has an optional gold chain,  an inside pocket with a golden heart-shaped zipper, oh and it’s handmade in London.  The selection that’s currently on sale in Topshop, Oxford Street includes an assortment of floral, paisley and oriental style purses, clutches, satchels and briefcases.  The best thing about the bag is that as it ages, it will crinkle and crease just like a real-life newspaper.  The articles printed on the exterior and interior are completely authentic and legible too. There was quite a frenzy around the display on Friday, so take my advice and snap one up while you can!

The scarf/hat merger has translated well from the  catwalk onto the high street and must-have versions are popping up all over Topshop, Penneys and H & M.

So how do you wear the snood?

The beauty of this posh hoody is that it can be worn either as a full and chunky scarf or nonchalantly pulled halfway over the head in the style of a loose veil.  Complete the ice queen look with extra-long gloves or arm-warmers in soft lambswool, angora or patterned knits.

Face Hunter

Street Peeper

This week the pavements of Camden, SoHo, Sodermalm – next year the biggest story on the catwalks of Paris, Milan and New York.   These days style spys are out in force in cities everywhere, as designers look more and more to the streets for inspiration for their next collection.  Sites such as Style Scout, Street Peeper and Face Hunter might as well re-brand themselves Muses ‘R’ Us.  From elegant head-to-toe vintage forties to chaotic clashing and downright whimsical eccentricity, these snapshots of random passers-by will change the way you look at your whole wardrobe.

Alternatively…avoid the crowded stalls altogether…get yourself down to http://www.pretaportobello.com/ for a selection of the latest labels.  You can even haggle with a stacey-esque market stall lady! All you have to do is guess what price she has in her head…be warned though, you only get three attempts!!!