Tag Archives: jewellery

Hot on the Highstreet Week 164

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I search far and wide for cool concept stores when I travel abroad, so it seems strange that I would overlook those precious shops right here on the London high street.

Selling an eclectic mix of art, home and fashion pieces from internationally recognised designers and emerging talents Milk Concept Store in Shoreditch is every bit as great as it sounds. Luca and Nathalie launched the shop in 2009 because they wanted a successful and unique destination boutique in the heart of buzzing Shoreditch. The store is housed in the historical and iconic The Clerk’s House which was originally occupied by clerics from St Leonard’s Church.
The shop was named milk as they believed it was a simple and easy to remember title, that everyone can relate to. The milk merchandise includes clothing, accessories and shoes: beautiful furniture pieces, funky jewellery, and quirky shoes. Piero Fornasetti, the Milanese painter, sculptor and product creator is perhaps the theme of the shop, his work can be noticed in every detail.

The current collection shows the influences and inspirations of the owners, a personal treasure trove which they hope will appeal equally to their creative clientele. They hope to inspire. I loved the Repetto glow in the dark shoes, the Vanessa Baroni neon chunky jewellery and the lovely Philippa Long crisp tailored white shirts.
You can find Milk Concept Boutique store at 118½ Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JN.

The store is open 11am-7pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  On Thursday it stays open until 8pm, Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 10.30am-6pm.

Visit the website www.milkconceptboutique.co.uk to buy online and sign up for updates from the newsletter ‘fresh milk’!

Hot on the Highstreet Week 163

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When the sun decides to shine on London we all panic about how to make best use of the warmth. My preference for Sunday mornings has to be Columbia Road, the lovely East London street full of quirky things to discover. Obviously the fragrant flower market is the main reason to visit, but even if you don’t intend on buying a bunch it is great fun to wander through observing seasonal plants and magnificent flowers whilst listening to the cockney geezers giving their best spiel.

After picking up a bouquet and gorging on Italian brunch at Campania, there are a host of independent shops to eat up your loose change.

Choosing Keeping is a stylish ubercool stationery shop for magpies like me! It is all arranged in a systematic layout that is very attractive and tempting. The type of shop that can urge you to make a credit card purchase in the hope that you can make your office look more like Choosing Keeping. I loved the rainbow-coloured Sakura Coupy pencils, the neon yellow fountain pens, and the dinky Japanese miniature desk accessories.

Vintage Heavens sells gorgeous sets of teacups and saucers, plates, vases, and ornaments. Affordable and one-of-a-kind, it is perfect for kitting out a new home.

Two Columbia Road is a bit pricey but the spectacular vintage finds here are worth the dollar. We found wonderful art deco lamps and an old map of the world.

Suck and Chew is the shop to satisfy all your sweet-tooth childhood fantasies: liquorice, sherbet, and chocolates of every kind are presented in wacky retro jars and pots. Fill a bag with your favourite sweets and indulge while you walk around the flower stalls.

At Number 94 Columbia Road you will find a special little jewellery shop ideal for picking up a present or treat for yourself. When I visited I saw the ‘Wear it Out’ collection, and particularly loved the matchstick range from artist Petra Bishai.

If you need a caffeine kick there are plenty of hidden baristas to attend to your cravings. A blackboard stating “Coffee, any style” is the best for a creamy Monmouth blended flat white.

Tip for the day: take lots of cash, ATMs are hard to come by and the market traders don’t take card!

Hot on the Highstreet Week 160

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Annoushka started designing jewellery when she couldn’t find what she was looking for. A woman after my own heart she believes in jewellery that can be worn everyday rather than those too precious pieces locked away to preserve their glory. Jewellery should be loved and enjoyed… A notion all too clear in the playful but delicate jewellery designed by Annoushka. The wondrous designs adorn some of the top A-list celebrities, an indication of just how desirable these pieces are.

Alongside her seasonal ranges Annoushka has just launched a very unique bespoke service for customers in need of a one off piece. Let her help you create the jewellery of your dreams… Perfect for capturing and immortalising an important moment.

The mythology charms are among the most enchanting in Annoushka’s collection. She says they were”Inspired by a book of Russian fairy tales my mother read to me as a child, every amulet holds a story.” Ideal for wearing in a cluster or left to shine alone they are beautiful little tokens of affection or special memories.

The alphabet pendants are a small sparkling treasure you will keep forever.  18ct yellow gold rim surrounds a letter of your choice ornamented with tiny clear diamonds. The pendant initially reminded me of the showbiz lightbulb illuminated letters. My ‘M’ glistens subtly on my neck, and though it is a new addition to my favourite jewellery it has already become an everyday essential.

See more Annoushka jewellery and buy online here.

www.annoushka-jewellery.com