Market-ing

Again, it's been a little while, but here I am again.
I've finally got some time off work- a whole week! I feel like Christmas and Birthdays have come all at once.
So I'm filling this week with all the things I've been wanting to do, that I used to do when I was at university and had all that spare time (students, you really do have a lot of free time..!). Plus all my friends are away (thanks guys! well jel.)

Yesterday, I visited a couple of old haunts which I realised I haven't been to for about 2 years.
One of these was Covent Garden.
'What!?' I hear you say? Yes, I live in London, I work next to Covent Garden. But when you work there everyday, you actually don't get to SEE it.
So that's what I did, I visited Covent Garden.
I had a fab time wandering around the flea and antique market at the Jubilee Market Hall. There were so many great stalls. I'm a massive fan of vintage jewellery so I was in my element with many of the stalls there, and there were some of the highest quality designer pieces I have seen in a while, from Chanel and Dior to Trifari. They were exquisite to look at and were safely banked in my mind memory for when I'm earning millions ;)

One stall I found had some great vintage designer treasures, including a Balenciaga logo bag (next on my wish list!), but it also had an array of French Sole ballet pumps all new and waiting for new owners.
Much to my disappointment there were none in my size, however, there was a pair of denim boots. They fitted me perfectly, were brand new and were a bargain £45. (RRP £200, check the website ladies!).
I couldn't have been happier with my new boots, and I will certainly be a returning customer, as the stallholder is a regular.

Boots: French Sole
Scarf: Silk from Camden Market

I then spent the afternoon at Camden Market. This place used to be a regular stop for me. Alot of my friends weren't really into Camden, so I'm quite used to roaming the market streets here by myself.
I have to say though, that when I got there, I was disappointed.
Where had all the good stuff gone?
Granted, it was 2 years since I had been here, and there had been a couple of fires in this time, and of course things change, but really?
I have never seen so many stalls with the same mass manufactured stuff. My heart sank as I went around the stables market, as this as my favourite part, just seeing printed t-shirt after printed t-shirt.

After I really thorough search I finally found a cute little stall that satisfied what I was after. It had great dresses and tees that were wardrobe staples, but in the end I decided on a scarf. A simple black scarf. I know it sounds boring but I find that what I tend to do is see basics in black, white and grey, and I shy away from them because I always think I have loads of things like this. It turns out I don't so I decided to get something I both needed and wanted. (Isn't that a first!).

All in all, I was happy with my day out marketing around, but couldn't shake my disappointment with Camden. I hope that it will rise again to be the individual place it used to be, and that this is just a phase...

What are your thoughts? Are markets not what they used to be?

Peridot London

It's that time of year again where I have to start getting my head down and learning a years worth of work in 2 months. So naturally, instead of revising for exams, I had a day out with a good friend.
I got a message the other day from my friend, Jade, about the Peridot London S/S preview customer event, so she emailed and we got put on the list to attend.
We first saw Peridot at Vodafone London Fashion Weekend (February 2013), and have loved their designs ever since.
I didn't really know what to expect, so was going with an open mind.
We met at Baker Street station and headed towards the location. Once we got there, we buzzed up, and were greeted inside by two lovely girls. We took off our coats, had drinks and began to browse.
There were some fantastic colours, bright oranges and greens, as well as deep navy.
There were some great staple pieces- white shirts with a twist like a layered bottom or textured panel. I was loving the "Neville" shirt dress- navy with green detail pockets (S/S13 collection), but the length was just a bit too long for me (basically, I am too short).
Jade was taken by an amazing orange blazer. It was a longer line blazer, with super soft lining. A piece that really makes an outfit go 'pop'. (from the S/S13 collection)
There were also a few pieces left from the A/W12 collection, and these stole my heart (and money!). I saw the "Isaac" jacket and had to have it. It was so timeless but stylish. Short length, baggy arms, and a fur collar. 100% wool, with silk lining. What more could you ask for? Oh and of course in black.

My second piece was this "Salsa" silk shirt. It's just what I have been looking for. Straight cut, which usually doesn't fit me but this was great. It hangs really nicely and looks fab with a statement necklace. The sleeves are bracelet length so there is a real opportunity to wear with statement jewels.

Jade bought some fabulous "Lady" cat eye sunglasses. They had a vintage edge to them but are super on trend and will stay stylish for years.

Overall, our experience at Peridot today was lovely. The girls who helped and looked after us were so nice, and couldn't do enough to help. They offered really great advice with the clothes too.
This is a brand that really knows their image and is comfortable with its culture. Peridot has its collection available to buy online and at Dover Street and Notting Hill (for UK buyers), but I really hope they get their own store soon as I'm sure it would be wonderful.

'Like' Peridot London on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeridotLondon?fref=ts

View their collection: http://www.peridotlondon.co.uk/