Wee Birdy

Shopping in London: Eley Kishimoto's pop-up

I peeped inside Eley Kishimoto’s pop-up shop in Soho’s Kingly Street on Saturday morning, and was delighted to discover not only the current ‘60s jetset-inspired collection (one of my favourites), but a room full of discounted samples downstairs.

You might want to consider putting off your winter coat purchase until you’ve paid the shop a visit – there are some truly great pieces here, as well as some cute frocks and accessories. The best buys, however, are their signature hosiery in eye-popping prints (this season has some lurex mixed in for extra sparkle).

The shop is run by members of the South London design studio, so you will get lots of insider EK news and advice, and you’ll also find some of their Japanese License accessories that have never been seen in the UK before. Look out for their ‘Flash’ print adorning everything from Converse sneakers to umbrellas.

It’s quite accomplished for a pop-up shop, with Eley Kishimoto printed curtains in the dressing room and artwork on the walls. Now if only this shop was a wee bit more permanent, I would be a very happy birdy indeed. It’s officially open until the end of October, but there are whispers that it could be around a little longer.

Eley Kishimoto pop-up shop
8 Kingly Street
London W18 5PQ
Tel. 0207 734 5756
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Until October 31, 2009
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm
Thursday 11am-8pm
Sun Noon-5pm

Click here for more shops in Soho.

Shopping in London: A week of pop-ups

The Wish you Were Here pop-up shop opened in Newburgh Street on Saturday, bringing 12 new independent brands from New York's Lower East Side to London. It's the second leg of the trans-Atlantic shop swap, which saw 14 British brands pop-up in New York back in August.

I don't usually bang on about press goodie bags, but this one was packed with all sorts of American candy, like Jolly Ranchers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, as well as a can of Creaming Soda and a copy of the latest Nylon mag. All my favourites!

The shop is open in London until the end of October, with a month full of special events and parties. Check out my feature for full details (and my favourite picks) in this week's Time Out London magazine.

A week of flowers: Chelsea Flower Show

Been meaning to post about this lily-of-the-valley posy I bought from a flower stall on Earlham Street a couple of weeks ago. It was only two quid, and looked super-sweet in this ceramic paper bag vase (a birdy birthday present from my dear friend Gemma).

Top Bird loves: The Best Of Tatty Devine

I had a sneaky peek at the Spring/Summer 2009 Tatty Devine line-up this afternoon, and it's gearing up to be another winning kitschsy-cool collection with amazing attention to detail. There are some really sweet retro themes, including some rather lovely birds. Stay tuned for pics in the New Year.

In the meantime, Tatty Devine has launched its latest Best Of collection, featuring a carefully edited selection of their top 50 pieces. This year designers Harriet and Rosie grabbed a bunch of their favourite creative friends to model for the campaign, and awarded each person with their own "Best At". Here are some of my favourites, featuring Barbara Ryan (and the record charm bracelet), Mimi Berry (and the birdy brooch), Amelia Gregory (and the lolly necklace), and Eithne Farry (and the red squirrel pendant):

 

   

Harriet and Rosie say that "these inspirational people all work very hard at creating and organising fantastic things for all of us, whether it's making music, magazines, art and graphics, designing hats, handbags, haircuts and shoes, or leading the knitting revolution. They all wear Tatty Devine in their everyday life as well as when they're on show." It's a really lovely, heartfelt campaign, and shines a light on some of London's best independent creative talent. The Best of Collection is available now at their Brick Lane and Soho shops, as well as from the Tatty Devine online boutique.

Tatty Devine
236 Brick Lane
London E2 7EB
Tel. 020 7739 9191
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 11am-6pm
Tube: Liverpool Street
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

57b Brewer Street
London W1F 9UR
Tel. 020 7434 2257
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

London shopping: Beyond the Valley sale

Looks like it will be pop-up shop au-go-go in the Carnaby area over the next couple of weeks. While you're checking out Urban Craft Stars' pop-up shop, don't miss Beyond the Valley's countdown sale on nearby Ganton Street, starting Friday 22 August (just around the corner from the main BTV store). Prices start at £30 and will reduce further by £5 every two days until they're cleared. Most items are one-off or in limited supply. Well worth checking out.

From Friday 22 August to Monday 1 September only
2 Ganton Street
London W1F 7QL

Nearest tube: Oxford Street

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am – 7pm
Sunday 12.30pm – 6pm
(Closed Monday 25 August)
Cash and cheque only