Painted Black (CLOSED)

Owner Amelia and her dog Rose can often be found behind the counter watching ‘The Good Life’ in this beautifully presented shop just away from the main thoroughfare of Crouch End. The shop sells predominantly clothes, accessories and a few curios – such as Derek the taxidermied crow who, as we went to press, could be purchased for £150. If that’s a little dear, evening classes in DIY taxidermy take place in store. With this and the animal skulls on the wall are taken into account, Amelia’s ‘no fur or leather’ policy can seem a little odd. Keen eyes can find real vintage rarities, such as the £250 Christian Dior ‘Beetlejuice’ suit and the stunning £115 Jean Varon mint-condition dress we spotted. There is also a small collection of men’s shirts and jackets, a variety of vintage cameras on display, old milk bottles and desk lights – including a cracking ’60s white and gold lamp discarded by local actor James McAvoy. Silly man.