Hot on the Highstreet Week 193: Redchurch Street

Blink and you might miss something on Redchurch Street. Every time I visit there are a host of new boutiques, cafés and shops to discover. When the sun came out yesterday Shoreditch was full of Londoners and tourists making the most of the dry weather and blue sky. After a stint at my favourite flower market on Columbia Road we wandered to Redchurch Street where East London shopping is at it’s very finest. Here’s my pick of the bunch:

Start your shopping at Labour and Wait where you can find classic homeware, stationery and utilitarian clothing. Your home will thank you!

Parisian perfume at Etat Libre D’Orange, trendy but sophisticated scents.

Shop and eat or vice versa at Cafe And, a clean cut contemporary venue with great design pieces and a lovely dining room.

Scandic simplicity rules at Hostem, where you can find a range of international designer clothing. The shop is filled with old furniture but feels alarmingly up to date.

Pasta lovers will delight in Burro e Salvia, Shoreditch’s first pastificio. For daytime dining and pasta making courses.

Recently the Redchurch community welcomed West London hit Aime. I love the carefully curated selection of designers, including the much coveted Isabel Marant.

Beautiful and obscure objects will overwhelm you at Maison Trois Garcons, which also houses a restaurant particularly popular on weekends.

For cool cuts visit Radio Salon, or for a retro up-do The Painted Lady does the best beehives in town.

Take a coffee break at Allpress Espresso, the caffeine obsessives who pour a perfect flat white and offer awesome homemade cakes.

Enjoy a healthy Peruvian brunch at Andina, I can recommend the Mini Chicharrones (Confit pork belly with rococo chilli jam) and the Choclo Corn Cake with fresco cheese, avocado and salsa. Wash it down with a freshly pressed apple or melon juice.

Can’t fit it all into one day? Stay overnight at Design haven, The Boundary Hotel.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 187: Best of January Sales

If you are brave enough to be heading out into the dangerous world of the post-Christmas sales here are some of the best shops to look out for and all the details you need.

1. Selfridges – online 25 December and in store 26 December, 9am-9pm, 30% off and more

2. Harvey Nichols – 26 December, 10am-8pm, up to 50% off

3. Liberty – 26 December, 12noon – 8pm, up to 50% off

4. Urban Outfitters – 24 December, 9am-9pm, up to 50% off

5. Westfield London – 26 December, 8am-11pm, up to 50% off

6. Dover Street Market – 27 December, 11am-7pm, up to 70% off

7. Gap – now on, 9am-9pm, up to 60 % off

8. Harrods – 26 December, 10am-8pm, up to 50% off

9. John Lewis – online 5pm 24 December and in store 27 December, 9am-9pm , 50% off

10. Browns – online 23 December and in store 27 December, 10am-7pm, up to 50 % off

Hot on the Highstreet Week 183

 

Whistles always used to be one of my favourite highstreet stores with a range of sophisticated but wearable clothes and accessories. But over the last year I haven’t been inspired by the collections of mediocre patterns garments and unexciting jewellery. I’m glad to say my confidence has been restored this winter with a wave of new chic clothes and wonderfully simple but stylish bags and shoes. The prices have risen slightly but this can be noticed on the pricetags of nearly every highlight brand.

My highlights this season? The perfectly cool, French inspired ‘Comme Ci Comme Ca’ jersey sweatshirt, grey with bold navy print across the front. A seriously comfortable, effortless item for any occasion… better worn baggy. I also love the classic clutches that feature every season in a variety of hues. The Rivington Clutch in the large size is my particular favourite. For a more personal touch visit Dover Street Market or St Christopher’s Place shop where they will monogram your initials for you.

Shop this season at Whistles here.