Thursday 17 June 2010

Back to the Retro Future


I'm normally not such a huge fan of the old rancid smell of vintage shops. It's nauseating. At times, completely repulsive and a huge deterrent in my ability to enjoy my time browsing through the racks of a shop. But my last visit to a certain vintage boutique made me feel quite open-minded about the whole experience. Yes, the smell of old clothes somewhat permeated the air above and around me, but taking it all in, I was more impressed by the quality of the garments than overwhelmed by the sweet smell of old clothing. Plus, it's always a nice surprise to leave a shop in London with only £40 less in your bank account.


Pinch your nostrils no more, zesties, as I am talking about London/Stockholm's one and only Beyond Retro, located in the West End and Brick Lane: the magical kingdom of retro shopping, and the best place to find a special something for a special occasion. Lately I've had quite a thing for vintage boots. I'm a big sucker for cool, riding-style boots, and I'm all about the summer dress-fall footwear combination. Check these out, for £35 or less.


Speaking of summer dresses, lately, and I don't know about you, I've been really eager to whip out that flowery summer dress from the dark corners of my closet. It's been just a tad too prickly outside though, and I haven't mustered up the courage or warm blood to slap one on. Here is an example of a summer dress, for less than £30, that will take you straight to the outdoors of California just by wearing it. Summer barbecue coming up, anyone? A chilled Margarita please, and some Mamas and the Papas as background music.


I've also experienced a sudden urge to acquire one of those awesomely cool felt hats - one with a feather sticking out from a silk ribbon on one side. The Bavarian-style one. Or just a simple English-style one like this one below. Gotta love the Alexa Chungness of this gorgeous piece of head-wear.


That's just it, isn't it? Alexa Chung shops here! Or does she? If not, does she even know that there are about a trillion denim shirts to choose from in this uniquely cool retro boutique? And that once you've got a denim shirt, well you pretty much got yourself an outfit. Oh, but smack something else on your toosh than a pair of leggings, please I beg you. There is nothing less sexy than a girl in just leggings.  Check out the rack on that girl! (or lack there of).


I mean, check out the denim shirts on that rack!


Beyond Retro - Vintage Shop
110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ
58-59 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JY

16 comments:

  1. Hello Emily,
    Great Blog. That does look like a big rack!
    I have an emergency question for London Zest. I need to find the restaurant with the best steak in L-town. Can you help? I have a client dinner tomorrow night and have to pick the restaurant...

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  2. Hi Chris, unfortunately London hasn't got too much to offer in terms of steak houses. I would recommend the Quality Chop house in Farringdon, Brinkleys, Sophie's Steak House or Notting Hill Brasserie. The last 3 are quite good for client dinners. The first one is the best atmosphere and the coolest crowd. Hope this helps!

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  3. I've just been told that Hawksmoor in Shoreditch is really great for steak as well.

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  4. kathy peck leeds17 June 2010 at 05:45

    Your writing is just so good - makes me want to look around for all the things you described. xo

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  5. i love your blog... and i like the idea of asking you for tailored advice. I might have to drop you a message the next time i have clients in town. Keep up the great writing! Best, Moody

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  6. so bookmarking this, thanks for all of your great finds :)

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  7. Hi Emily - I must admit I am not that great at vintage shopping - actually make that I am useless at it! This sort of place sounds ideal for me to break the mould...Lou x

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  8. Alexa Chung can probably make a bin bag look good!

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  9. Color me jealous. I haven't found a fabulous denim shirt at a vintage shop yet!

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  10. That looks like the best store! I need one in my neighborhood!! Or maybe not, I'd probably buy too much ;-)

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  11. I agree with you, the musty smell of old clothes makes me feel sick, but I love the look of all the pieces you show. I really must get a denim shirt!

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  12. Wow I remember the denim shirts! I have to agree...musty smell gets to me too. My friend was looking for choker necklaces on Thursday...I told her she may need to go to a retro store...too bad she'd have to fly across the pond for that one.

    Have a fab weekend!

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  13. nice post!!

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  14. I adore Beyond Retro and am often to be found rummaging. Recent scores include a long summer dress for £12, a cocktail types dress for a more spendy £18- but it's l ovely- and a wicked bag for festivals. The music is always great too- most recently I've heard vintage Blondie and Placebo covers- what's not to like?!

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  15. i will keep this in mind for a potential trip to london! oh how i would love to just move there.

    xx Niki
    http://ahautemess.ca

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  16. yay for Beyond Retro! I need to go back next time i'm in London. I feel the same as you about some of the ahem... 'smellier' stores!
    great post xx

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