UNIQLO Archives - Style&Minimalism

Best Vintage Shops In London

**Belstaff** Roadmaster Jacket in Navy Blue (vintage) | **Baukjen** Thompson Striped Shirt* | **Paige** Verdugo Skinny Jeans in Black* | **Woman by Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers in White | **Radley** De Beauvoir Tote Bag in Black* | **UNIQLO** Cashmere Scarf in Light Grey | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Bijoux Star Stud in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Bijou Pentagon Stud Earring in Gold* | **Littionary** Tiny Dot Stud Earrings in Yellow Gold

I like new clothes as much as the next person but I also love a good vintage find and we’re lucky to have so many great vintage shops in London.

In the summer I picked up this Belstaff Roadmaster wax jacket in one of my favourite haunts in Notting Hill, a little shop that’s been around for years and is a major treasure trove of vintage clothes, shoes and accessories, Retro Woman (there’s a Retro Man a few shops down). It’s one of the few vintage shops where I have to decide which piece I’m going to buy as I stumble out of the changing room, arms laden. Last time I was there I tried on pieces from Joseph, Equipment and Nicole Farhi, all reasonably priced and in good condition. They have a brilliant selection of sunglasses, too.

Goldsmith Vintage is the best place I’ve found in London for vintage Levi’s. It’s pretty much opposite Electric House.

Best Vintage Shops In London

Retro Woman | 20 Pembridge Road, London W11 3HL
Beyond Retro Soho | 58-59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY
Beyond Retro Cheshire Street | 110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ
Goldsmith Vintage | 253 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR (great for Levi’s)
Rokit | 42 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9HZ

A Few Nights In Marsanne

**IRO Paris** Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | **ATP Atelier** Rosa Sandals in Black | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | Vintage Belt | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

**AYR** Slip Silk Camisole* | **Mango** Denim Skirt | **Mango** Leather Sandals in Tan | **Hush** Spanish Dancer Scarf* | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

**UNIQLO** Stripe Linen Shirt | **Topshop** Straw Boater | **Super by Retrosuperfuture** Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana*

Red Print Dress (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Robert Clergerie** Vicolek Raffia Wedge Derbies | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles)

**Topshop** Straw Boater | **Ace & Tate** Rae Sunglasses* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Bijou Star Stud Earring*

**Joseph** Silk Shirt in Navy with Cream Piping | **Levi’s** Vintage Denim Skirt | **Penelope Chilvers** Valenciana Espadrilles | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

**Solid & Striped** Anne Marie Swimsuit* | **AYR** The Always Short*

**Second Female** Off-The-Shoulder Top* | **Mango** Denim Skirt | **Penelope Chilvers** Valenciana Espadrilles | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Super by Retrosuperfuture** Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

There’s something about the village of Marsanne that I fell utterly in love with the first time we visited, over a year ago. We arrived at 11pm in the dark, stayed just one night and left the next morning after breakfast but I knew it was somewhere I wanted to spend more time. When we were planning our “mini-moon” around the South of France it was a given that we would spend at least one more night at Le Clos Marquise, with its wonderful owner Sylvie. If I could adopt Sylvie I would, she’s like a long lost French aunt who is not only an excellent host but a wonderful chef, too. When we first visited, Le Clos Marquise had only been open a month, now its four rooms are booked up well in advance. It’s such a special place, I know we will return again.

On this occasion we stayed four nights and ventured beyond the beautiful walled gardens. In the centre of the village is a wonderful little restaurant, hotel and shop called L’Atelier à Marsanne. At first I was confused, should I order lunch or scour through all the amazing homeware pieces in the shop. Dan was there to help me see sense, so we sat down and ate first. I ordered the most incredible (and huge) plate of scallops tartare with fresh nectarine. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so many scallops in one go, it was delicious. After lunch Dan and I looked through the Jars ceramics I’d had my eye on in the shop and picked out a few pieces for us and a few to take home for friends. I’ve been using the bowls and mugs we bought nearly everyday since we got back.

Can’t wait til our next visit to Marsanne.

Accommodation
Le Clos Marquise | L’Atelier à Marsanne

Food & Drink
L’Atelier à Marsanne | Le Globe | Les Aubergistes

Postcards From The Camargue

**UNIQLO** Broderie Anglaise Top in Black* | **Mango** Buttoned Denim Skirt | **ATP Atelier** Rosa Sandals in Black | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **Missoma x Lucy Williams** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold

We started our honeymoon in The Camargue, an area of France defined by its salt plains and marshlands; famous for its white horses, flamingoes and bulls. The Camargue is very different to anywhere else I’ve been in France, once affluent due to the salt industry, which sadly is not what it once was. There are beautiful houses but many of the villages are a little like ghost towns, even in mid-summer. The beaches however are incredibly busy.

For us, it was the perfect spot to unwind after the wedding and parties we had at the château. I was quite ill at the time with a chest infection which I still haven’t managed to shake. The peace and quiet allowed us both to readjust to a more relaxed state of mind and set the mood for the rest of our trip.

Accommodation

Chambre d’Hôtes en Camargue 4 (via Airbnb)

Spring To Summer

**ME+EM** Leather Bomber Jacket in Soft Mink* | **UNIQLO** Breton Stripe Long-Sleeved Dress | **AYR** Sleeveless Shirt in White)* | **Baia** Leather Bucket Bag in Duck Egg Blue* | **Diemme** Garda Slip-ons* | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Nixon** The Time Teller Watch* | **Brandts Jewellery** Daisy Ring in Rose Gold | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring* | **Sophie Wallgren** Marta Bracelet in Gold*

Transitioning from spring to summer can be difficult, you leave the house when the sun’s out and it’s a rather pleasant 18°C and then the next thing you know it’s down to 12°C before you’ve even reached lunchtime. Choosing the right layers and fabrics is important for getting your trans-seasonal wardrobe right. A leather jacket over a summer dress is one easy way. Leather can be light but warm and the beautiful taupe colour of this leather bomber by ME+EM is perfect for a summer wardrobe.

Cotton is great for layering, it’s breathable so if it does heat up you’ll still feel fresh. I avoid synthetic fabrics 90% of the time, I never feel very comfortable in them and this I find is especially important in warmer weather when they can make you feel clammy. So you won’t be surprised to find that both the shirt and dress I’m wearing here are cotton.