18
Friday
Jan 2013

Butler & Wilson

Posted in Stores

I first came to know of Butler & Wilson through a friendly vintage jewellery dealer who had an assortment of fabulous brooches that I was eyeing. He told me the story of how the company was founded in 1969 and has grown over the years into an internationally recognised British brand. It was a favourite of Princess Diana who was often photographed wearing various brooches from their collections. Upon further exploration on my part I learned they have two physical locations in London and they do not disappoint. Practically every piece is adorned with swarovski crystals and they run the gamut from feminine floral earrings to statement necklaces dripping with skulls. My favourites in the shop are of course all the animal pieces they carry! (I am wearing one of their pieces here.) In addition to jewellery they have an amazing assortment of clutches, vintage dresses (mostly all which are covered in sequins…..amazing) and a bridal accessories line. Definitely worth a trip if you are looking for a little sparkle to jazz up an ensemble, or need a gift for the hard to shop for woman. Cheers!

www.butlerandwilson.co.uk

First location address: 189 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JN

Telephone: 020 7352 3045

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm (Wednesday 10am to 7pm & Sunday 12pm to 6pm)

Second location address: 20 South Molton St, London W1K 5QY

Telephone: 0207 409 2955

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm (Thursday 10am to 7pm & Sunday 12pm to 6pm)

20
Tuesday
Nov 2012

Burger & Lobster

Posted in Restaurants & Bars

When I first moved over to London a lobster roll was something that just did not exist. I sometimes joke with my British friends when we are discussing products or foods that have yet to make it across the pond from the USA, not to worry….. Crystal Pepsi? Oh you’ll probably get it in about 10 years. So it was to my absolute delight when Burger & lobster opened about a year ago in Mayfair, followed by one in Soho, and now their newly opened third location in Farringdon. The premise is simple. You can order a burger, a lobster, or a lobster roll all priced at £20. All are served with a simple green salad and a side of chips (french fries that require some serious restraint). On the number of times I have frequented the restaurant I have only ordered the lobster roll. I promise to branch out soon, but why mess with a good thing. My favourite of the three locations is the one in Soho (they also take reservations for parties of 6 or more). There is a nice openness to the space that does not make you feel quite so claustrophobic as all the locations tend to be quite packed. They have a large lobster tank and if you want to branch out from the menu you can order a 10lb lobster for £150 to share with your dining companions (maybe). I recommend showing up early, adding your name to the list at the door, leave your mobile number, and be ready to scoot when they ring you up with a free table. Cheers!

www.burgerandlobster.com

SOHO: 36 Dean St, W1D 4PS, Open Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10:30pm

MAYFAIR: 29 Clarges St, W1J 7EF, Open Monday through Saturday 12pm to 10:30pm, Sunday 12pm to 5:30pm

FARRINGDON: 40 St John’s St, EC1M 4AY, Open Monday to Friday 12pm to 10:30pm, Saturday 4pm to 10:30pm, Closed Sundays

23
Tuesday
Oct 2012

Columbia Road Flower Market

Posted in Stores

One of my favourite places on a lazy Sunday is Columbia Road Flower Market. It makes me feel as if I am stepping back in time to the when vegetable and fruit markets were the main source of shopping in London and men and women loudly hawked their wares, “Three for a fiver…. who’s buying?” If you are an insomniac like me it is best to get there early (they are usually assembled by 8am) if you want to steer clear of the crowds. It can become very congested and the space is tight. However if you do go later in the day the florists are more eager to sell off their goods so they slash prices and you can walk out with an armful of flowers for a few pounds. (Things tend to wind down around 3pm.) There are some great independent stores that line the road as well that are definitely worth checking out before you take your leave. Cheers!

27
Thursday
Sep 2012

Mint Vintage

Posted in Stores

This has become one of my favourite little vintage shops in London. The staff do a great job of editing the selection of men’s and women’s clothing to pay homage to the trends of the current season (without the high street price tag). It is a perfect place to start if you are looking for something specific be it plaid trousers, leather shorts or a new silk scarf. It is located in a fabulous area, The Seven Dials, so be sure to take an afternoon to wander the other great vintage and independent boutiques that are intermixed with high street chains such as Reiss, H&M, COS, etc. If you can not make a visit in person as luck would have it you can peruse their selection on the ASOS marketplace. Happy shopping! Cheers!

http://www.mintvintage.co.uk/

Address:

20 Earlham Street

London WC2 9LN

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 78 36 3440

Hours: Monday through Wednesday: 11:00am to 7:00pm, Thursday through Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 6:00pm

06
Thursday
Sep 2012

Maison Trois Garcons

Posted in Stores

In keeping with my French inspiration from my little getaway to Nice recently I wanted to share this little gem of a store that some of my favourite gentlemen are behind. They are the dynamic trio that are also the brains behind Les Trois Garçons and Loungelover. If you have been able to frequent either of those fine establishments you will know that they have a keen eye for sourcing vintage pieces and mixing and matching them with more contemporary pieces in imaginative and inspiring eccentric ways to create truly unique interiors. It is just our luck that they are willing to share some of their finds with us! Maison Trois Garçons is a lifestyle shop filled with a collection of pieces ranging from furniture, to home decor, bits and bobs, jewellery & an edited selection of vintage clothing all sourced from their worldly and local travels. I love to pop in every now and again as stock is always changing and peruse the goods and imagine that glorious day when I will have more space and am able to fill it with beautiful vintage pieces. If you are looking for a certain piece, or you feel you could use a little help in decorating your space, you can even hire them to work their magic. Fabulous. Check out their website below for a glimpse at the inside of the store. Cheers!

Website: www.lestroisgarcons.com

Address: 45 Redchurch St, London E2 7DJ

Telephone: 0787 964 0858