Shopping

Saloon, EC1

Saloon
Keiko Kim-Hindley’s sweet little shop combines fashion with interior items, stationery and a bit of art. Her excellent eye for pieces that are original but wearable takes in less familiar finds such as Finnish label Ivana Helsinki and Parisian chic courtesy of Néologie, plus a few vintage dresses (£150-£200). The small selection of casual menswear includes the likes of Peter Jensen shirts and graphic sweatshirts by London-based artist Rachel Cattle. There is also an array of fantastic jewellery by independent designers, including cute charm necklaces by Emma Burgin and men’s silver jewellery by Jacey Withers.
Saloon, 23 Arlington Way, EC1 (020 7278 4497/www.saloonshop.co.uk) Angel tube. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 11am-7pm, Tue 11am-6pm, Sat 12noon-6pm. Feature continues

Santos & Mowen
Principally stocking DSquared and Dolce & Gabbana alongside smaller niche brands such as Andrew Mackenzie and Junk de Luxe, this small boutique avoids Eurotrash accusations thanks to its careful selection of pieces. The large range of clothes – from leather trousers through preppy, checked chinos to monochromatic, soft cotton T-shirts – throws up something for everyone. It feels a bit as if you’re rummaging through someone’s wardrobe. The place is a must-visit for designer-conscious, but less flash-fashion dressers with cash to splash.
Santos & Mowen, 10 Earlham St, WC2 (020 7836 4365/www.santosandmowen.com) Covent Garden or Leicester Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.

Sefton
Costume National, Miu Miu, McQueen and Comme des Garçons are prominent at this high-end boutique, while a good selection of Junk de Luxe and Yohji Yamamoto will please those with quieter tastes and a slimmer wallet. There’s a pleasing range of knitwear from John Smedley and Cash Ca and incredible elephant-print tops from lesser-known label Herion. Accessories include skinny, knitted block-colour ties, Thompson of London cufflinks and Tom Ford sunnies. The store itself is thoughtfully designed and arranged.
Sefton, 196 Upper St, N1 (020 7226 7076) Highbury & Islington tube/rail. Open Mon-Wed, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Thur, Fri 10am-7pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Sera of London
Burlesque is back in vogue and entering this ‘fancy ladies’ shop and interior decoration service’ is like slipping into a cabaret queen’s boudoir. Exotic wares such as ‘Rude’ satin corset lampshades with marabou feather trim (£680), intricately hand-etched kid gloves (£700) and frilly parasols designed by the original sex kitten herself, Brigitte Bardot, abound. Clothes come courtesy of Buddhist Punk and Pearl Lowe, who designs vintage-inspired lace pieces. Nothing is cheap, but £40 will buy you a whiff of the glamour in the form of Madame Sera’s scented candle.
Sera of London, 3 Lonsdale Rd, W11 (020 7467 0799/www.seraoflondon.com) Westbourne Park tube. Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun by appointment.

Shoon
Casual clothes, outdoor gear, books, babywear and gifts; the basement is devoted to a wide range of comfortable shoes from brands like Camper and Ecco.
Shoon, 94 Marylebone High St, W1 (020 7487 3001/www.shoon.com) Baker St or Bond St tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm.