Vintage Shopping in Londontown

Well, well, well. I am sorry for the long silence. I have been across the Atlantic and have just returned from a trip to Ireland that was amazing. I had the best time of my life, in a gorgeous country, but have unfortunately come back with the world's worst case of the Irish Death Flu. The only time I have been vertical this week is for the two days that I went to work, both occasions being fine examples of why you should not work when you have the Irish Death Flu.

I was really excited when I landed back in London, to do all of the things that I did when I lived there last year, so I spent a lot of time lounging about in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. I also went to Hampstead Heath for the first, hopefully not last, time.

The best part about London for me, though, are the amazing markets. I could spend forever just walking around, seeing all the people dressed in devastatingly stylish outfits that seem to come together effortlessly. Londoners are masters at mixing and matching vintage pieces.

One of my favourite shops, off Brick Lane. They specialize in vintage

fabrics and the place is jammed packed. It's a dream. The people
who work there have always been absolutely lovely to me.

I like the Spitalfields and Brick Lane markets the best because the vendors sell handmade items and vintage clothing, the people watching opportunities are amazing, and there are some really great shops.

Beyond Retro is the largest of the vintage clothing places in the area and is pretty well known. They have a store in Brighton as well, and 2 (I think?) in Sweden. It's a magical place if you love vintage clothing from about the 40s to the 90s. I'm still kicking myself for not buying this deer printed 1970s cape/jacket. Ugh. Regrets. I'll just have to go back! :)

I did manage to score some Gunne Sax, which we never find in Canada, at least in my hometown. The skirt  I got was in pristine condition when I bought it, although I am sorry to say that a day of bike riding and cliff side hiking on Inis Mor later in the week did it no favours.

It happened to be antiques day at Spitalfields, which was a surprise. Oh, the wonderful things I saw: William Morris fabrics, stuffed foxes, adorable German wooden cutouts of fairytale characters. Had I a fortune and unlimited space, I would've bought so much. I did buy a few little things, including a gift for the co-author of this blog.

Absolutely amazing apothecary chest that I found on Portobello Road.

*Sigh* London. It's full of soooo many treasures.