Living
Shopping Savvy: Europe’s Best Independent Boutiques
Shopping local has never been more important. To inspire our next shopping spree, we ask insiders in 10 top European cities to reveal the local boutiques they love
There’s no point sugar-coating it: Times are tough for small shops.
If rising rent and increased competition from big chain brands weren’t challenge enough, many independent local businesses across the globe have been struggling this year in the wake of lockdown measures, changing customer habits and general economic insecurity. Now more than ever, it’s important to shop local and help small stores weather the storm. The fact that your shopping spree now counts as a good deed, well that’s just a plus.
To gather inspiration for our next trip to the shops, we asked top bloggers, influencers and insiders in ten of Europe’s best-loved cities to tell us about the independent local shops they love. And they didn’t disappoint: From milliners to chocolatiers, artists, designers, toy makers, jewellers and peanut butter purveyors, their tips tell of shop owners with a passion for what they make and curate.
Our hope is that their recommendations help you discover something special, or inspire you to take a stroll around the shops in your hometown and unearth a your own new local favourite.
Amsterdam
The Maker Store. Located in De Hallen (a historic former tram depot with stalls of top-notch street food and lovely little boutiques), the Maker Store is a collection of shops-within-a-shop offering only locally made goods and gifts. From Amsterdam-themed souvenirs to cool design and locally brewed liquor, you will sure be able to find the perfect gift or a treat for yourself! – Danielle de Lange of style-files.com
Anna + Nina. Founded by two friends (Anna and Nina) in 2014, this beautiful concept store is a treasure trove of jewellery, fashion and home decor items. In their three shops they sell various brands, as well as their own label of eclectic jewellery and fashion items, all inspired by their travels around the world. – Danielle de Lange of style-files.com
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Sukha. This beautiful, cosy store is located in the Haarlemmerstraat, a lively street with many lovely shops and eateries. ‘Sukha’ means ‘joy of life’ in Sanskrit, a suitable name that is reflected in their philosophy and products, which are ethically and sustainably made. From their store in Amsterdam to the ateliers in Nepal, Sukha believes in natural, good quality products that are kind to the planet and good for the soul. Their own label, Atelier Sukha, uses only the purest, most natural materials, ensuring they create timeless home goods and apparel that will last. – Danielle de Lange of style-files.com
Pansy. Located in the charming Czaar Peterstraat neighbourhood in eastern Amsterdam, Pansy is a combination of a cute little shop, an art studio and a creative workshop space. Among the vibrant, colourful interiors, you’ll find artworks, design objects, homewares and prints made by artists from all over the world. What makes it so unique is that, while there, you can also join creative workshops organised by owner Alina Tang, and create a piece of art all your own. – Tea Gudek Snajdar of culturetourist.com
[Photos courtesy Pansy]
Chocolatl. More than a chocolate bar shop, this is a place for people with discerning taste who want to experience chocolate just as much as they want to eat it. The owner is full of helpful information about the differences in types of chocolates, and he can also tell you why he hand-picked each brand he keeps in the store. Plus, it’s my go-to place for the perfect hot chocolate. – Sean and Jessica of awanderlustforlife.com
Oogst. This women-owned jewellery store in the Jordaan neighbourhood offers unique pieces with recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds. The goldsmiths behind the shop are true artists, and when you enter, it’s evident that you’ve walked into a gallery full of gold art. What’s extra unique is that they specialise in creating custom pieces and upcycling what you already have into a new piece of art. – Sean and Jessica of awanderlustforlife.com
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DIYS Soap. This is my go-to shop for skincare and haircare. All products are handmade in Amsterdam, and they focus on natural, organic, zero-waste products. I love going into this shop because it smells amazing, the staff is wonderful, and I just love their ethos. You can even put together some of your own products while you’re there! – Sean and Jessica of awanderlustforlife.com
Essentiel Antwerp. Looking for colourful, sequinned, embroidered skirts, animal print dresses and hot pink metallic loafers to add a bit of fun to your wardrobe? Let this Belgian brand be your guide. Well-known for their collaborations with icons like Peanuts, this brand is a favourite of the city’s well-heeled crowd. Silk dresses and oversized cotton jumpers are the perfect ensemble to wear on your bike as you blend into the Mokum lifestyle, or sit canal-side at a café sipping your biertje. – Heather and Carly of twobitchinbelles.com
Locals. For those wanting to support local brands and emerging Dutch talent, you need look no further than Locals. Embrace the local lifestyle with scarves from POM (Piece of Mine), a brand by two Amsterdam-based sisters who take sustainability and eye-popping prints seriously. Pick up a leather cross-body bag from Legend, or Sticks and Stones – perfect for cycling. For those more into interior design, browse blue and white Delft-style tiles with a modern twist from Storytiles, or perhaps some throw pillows with your favourite canal ring houses flocked onto them. – Heather and Carly of twobitchinbelles.com
[Locals. Photo courtesy twobitchinbelles.com]
Hare Majesteit. You’ll know it just as soon as you see the sparkling baubles hanging from the window. On the shopping street of Overtoom, this shop is a godsend for the accessories-minded. Owner Monique sources her jewels from Italian, French, Brazilian, Greek and Dutch brands, and oversees every detail. Each customer is treated to VIP service: try on as many pairs of earrings as you wish, as many times as you wish – you’ll never feel rushed to leave the store. Ladies who prefer clip-on earrings, don’t shy away: Monique can take any pair of earrings and turn them from pierced to clips in a day. – Heather and Carly of twobitchinbelles.com
De Pindakaaswinkel. Looking to up your peanut butter game from smooth or chunky to something truly more exciting? For the love of all things peanut butter, jump on a bike and head to residential Amsterdam Oost for De Pindakaaswinkel. At this peanut-butter-only shop, you can experience coffee and sea salt peanut butter, date and cinnamon peanut butter, or even a Dutch favourite of stroopwaffel and cinnamon peanut butter. Can’t decide between all the gooey deliciousness? Now you don’t have to: they even have mini packs of six to ten tins to keep your peanut butter cravings sated, at least for a while. – Heather and Carly of twobitchinbelles.com
Athens
Koumpaki. Koumpaki is a cute shop in the neighbourhood of Psyrri selling jewellery, decorations, notebooks and other smart and useful handmade items. The playful character of the products, with their witty tag lines and funny sketches, make Koubaki a favourite of locals and visitors alike, who choose it for cute memorabilia and gifts for their loved ones. Perfect for novelty pieces or even everyday items that will make your day that much brighter! – Nikos Theodoris of greeking.me
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Ode to Socks. This independent shop in Athens is an ode to the footwear accessory that keeps us warm and stylish. Ode to Socks’ products convey different messages with a prominent Greek folklore element being omnipresent. The designer creates coloured socks, blouses and bags from high-quality Greek cotton, which is organic and recyclable. Regardless of your gender and style, you can’t help but fall in love with its incredible offerings! – Nikos Theodoris of greeking.me
Kolios. Athinas Street is the heart of the old market of Athens, and the central food market of the city. Among shops with tools and household items, the Kolios grocery (35 Athinas Street) stands out, with its artisanal halva and traditional baskets with rusks. For 30 years, the Kolios family has been collecting rare products from small producers from all over Greece: honey from the mainland and the Aegean islands, delicacies from Kalamata and Crete, lalagia from Laconia, fine organic olive oils of small production, plus sweets, pastas, rare cheeses, wines and other hard-to-find local products. It is definitely the most delicious stop in the heart of the market. – Antonis Iordanoglou of thegreektraveller.com
Zama. In addition to its rugged beauty and historical heritage, one of the things I love most about Athens is the selection of original specialty stores, often found hidden down back lanes around the city centre. Such is the case with Zama, a haberdashery store established in 1957 – the first to import zippers to Greece. It’s brimming with gorgeous adornments that will spruce up your wardrobe or make unique gifts. You’ll find everything from ruffled cuffs to vintage buttons and lace collars. – Anastasia Mangafas of whyathens.com
The Attic Black Shop. You can’t leave Greece without admiring the beautiful handmade ceramics. The Attic Black Shop in the heart of Athens provides a unique collection of classical replicas, carefully made by expert potters and painters using ancient Athenian techniques in black glazing. The shop includes ancient toys and figurines, tableware and other glazed items inspired from Attic pottery of the 5th and 6th centuries. – Anastasia Mangafas of whyathens.com
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Giorgio Hatter. People in Athens still wear traditional hats, and an old shop on the small Voreou Street continues a family millinery tradition for over 50 years. The beginning was the opening of a hat store in Kalamata town (Southern Peloponnese) before the WWII, mainly making school hats. The current store in Athens opened in 1978 and is still a place where you can find stylish summer and winter caps, straw hats, genuine panama hats, elegant women’s hats, beanies, berets and more. The historical atmosphere and warm hospitality from the owners are quite rare things to find in a modern town. – Antonis Iordanoglou of thegreektraveller.com
Antique Books, Prints & Maps. Just a few hundred metres from the bustling Syntagma Square, the tiny antiquarian bookshop of the Kamarinou brothers is off the main tourist routes, located in a quiet place behind the Old Parliament, on Kolokotroni Street. The small shop hosts a unique collection of authentic antique maps, books and especially old prints, with themes from Athens and other locations in Greece, dating back centuries! Searching among old, original lithographs offers you another way of travelling in Greece: through time. Items can be framed there, with classical and elegant old-style wooden frames. This is a one-of-a-kind shop and a great place to discover. – Antonis Iordanoglou of thegreektraveller.com
Dagklis Confectionery. Poros island, Greece (2 hours boat trip from Athens): Walking on the busy main road of the port of Poros, with the yachts, tourist shops, cafes and Italian gelaterias, you may pass this small patisserie with its Greek signs, next to the steps that lead to the Hatzopouleios library. The old-style confectionery from 1976 keeps a unique ‘sweet’ tradition of the island, making local amygdalota (macaroons) and various small fine sweets – which historically the Poriot sailors took on their voyages because they lasted for a long time! In the small artisanal patisserie, you will find many rare flavours such as karidata (walnut & honey macarons), baklava, pasteli and many ‘spoon sweets’. – Antonis Iordanoglou of thegreektraveller.com
Berlin
SHIO Store. Reducing waste while creating something beautiful is the principle of upcycling. In every production step, the textile industry generates 10 to 20% waste. Thankfully, Berlin is home to progressive designers trying to change that. One of them is Kate Pinkstone, owner of SHIO Store in Neukölln’s Weichselstraße. For her timeless and modern designs, she uses garments that already exist and gives them new life by skilfully improving elements and cuts, thus turning them into pure and long-lasting pieces of fashion. – Claudi Sult of greenmeberlin.com
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Supermarché. Just opposite Kreuzberg’s infamous Görlitzer Park, you’ll find a colourful concept store called Supermarché – which is anything but a supermarket. True to their motto, “Better wear fair”, Supermarché offers organic fair-trade streetwear, sneakers, upcycled bags and ethically produced living accessories. This shop is also our go-to address for (nice-looking!) organic underwear. With their own label Hirschkind, the two owners produce tees and bed sheets, all screen-printed by hand (which happens just around the corner). To round off the selection, Supermarché stocks other eco-friendly Berlin brands, like Jyoti, Minga, umiwi or Little Sun, all making great gifts or souvenirs. P.S. Berlin’s famous package-free supermarket, Original Unverpackt, is right next door. – Claudi Sult of greenmeberlin.com
Standard Saubere Sachen. One of our best-loved little stores near the canal. The name says it all: the owners’ vision is to make sustainable, ‘clean’ fashion become the standard, so all products are made from sustainable, natural and fairly sourced materials. The focus is on pieces which make us look great for more than just one season. Apart from fashion, you can find a hand-picked selection of ingenious little items for the modern eco lifestyle, such as locally made liquors, cosmetics, coffees, teas, glassware and more. Every piece has its own story – and makes a perfect guilt-free gift. – Claudi Sult of greenmeberlin.com
Edinburgh
Life Story. Walking through Edinburgh’s New Town, you can’t help but stroll down boutique-filled Broughton Street. Here, a unique type of concept-store awaits. Life Story, is a small establishment and treasure trove of Scandi-inspired homeware and gifts. As soon as you enter from the bustling street outside, you are regaled with a stunning repertoire of Nordic-designed products and a calming interior. Life Story aims to please all the senses, serving coffees and teas along with a selection of vegan and gluten-free cakes, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the serenity before making your purchase.– Scott McGlashan of blublazerguy.com
The Method. Situated on a cobbled street of Stockbridge is this hybrid of lifestyle store and massage treatment space. The contemporary store sells an array of beautifully designed products, all aimed at restoring balance to your everyday life. From candles and interior fragrances, to skincare products and jewellery, it’s the perfect place to go if you are in need of some self-nurturing. The tranquil, light-filled space allows you to browse with ease. The addition of a treatment room means you can choose one of their many treatments available, aimed at bringing equilibrium between mind, body and soul. – Scott McGlashan of blublazerguy.com
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Grow Urban. Fountainbridge is a modern and up-and-coming area in Edinburgh, one that’s attracting a plethora of unique establishments. A charming new addition is Grow Urban, a small business that focuses on plants and botanical goods. The charming exterior of this historic building entices you in, and you’re greeted with an attractive, cosy space with warm hues providing the perfect backdrop to an outstanding selection of unusual plants. The store also offers locally roasted coffee, delicious teas and a selection of locally baked cakes. Here, you can sit in the midst of green foliage whilst enjoying delicious local produce. – Scott McGlashan of blublazerguy.com
Mint Fig. Mint Fig have gone back to basics, a delicatessen and small gift shop offering the finest of locally sourced produce for a busy modern family. From afternoon teas in a box to pre-prepared cheese boards, they provide everything you need in a hurry. A delightfully kitsch little shop, Mint Fig embraces ‘how it used to be done’ brilliantly. – Mairi Beaver of thisgirldoes.co.uk
I.J. Mellis Cheese. Mellis is a bit of a celebrity in Edinburgh. Offering the finest of cheeses and accompaniments to a huge fan base, the chain originated in the charming district of Stockbridge before expanding to Morningside, Glasgow and, most recently, St Andrews. The decor remains true to its roots: a rustic monger offering a huge array of wonderful slabs of cheese. Keep an eye out for the wine bar in their Morningside shop. – Mairi Beaver of thisgirldoes.co.uk
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Time and Tide. Time and Tide embody relaxed living: their homewares, furniture and textilesare the very antithesis of ‘fast living’. With several stores throughout Scotland, their shop in Bruntsfield is a haven of goodies – from the latest must-have cookery books to unique art. Whilst their boutiques aren’t cheap, the pieces they offer are exquisite and unique. To have a home filled with their goodies must be most peoples’ dream. – Mairi Beaver of thisgirldoes.co.uk
Snapdragon. Snapdragon is a nature-lover’s nirvana, offering a gorgeous array of botanical items, from flower arrangements to houseplants. The exterior of the store takes your breath away, its rustic vibe blending in beautifully to the artistic area of Bruntsfield. If you need an excuse to buy yourself a bouquet, find it and visit their simply gorgeous little store. – Mairi Beaver of thisgirldoes.co.uk
Maisie’s Boutique. Located about 30 minutes from Edinburgh, in the picturesque town of South Queensferry (home to three very famous bridges), Maisie’s Boutique is owned by two determined young ladies and is well on its way to making a name for itself. The winner of several business awards, the shop offers a magical array of cards, gifts and Scottish goods. A must for those visiting the city or looking for a wonderful day out. – Mairi Beaver of thisgirldoes.co.uk
Indie Shops on Cockburn Street. Edinburgh is famous for the two-mile-long shopper’s paradise of Princes Street, full of high street brands and big names. However, you need to also discover the joy of some of the city’s hidden gems. First stop is Cockburn Street, home to some amazing independent stores and cafés. Our favourite is Eden, which sells gifts, cards and amazing homewares. No tacky tartan items to be seen, it’s perfect for grabbing a souvenir of your time in Edinburgh. We also love Cookie, with its range of vintage-style and eclectic clothing, as well as Pie in the Sky, the home for eclectic pop culture merchandise. – Steph and Michael Whyte of fromthewhytehouse.com
[Cockburn Street. Photo courtesy Steph and Michael Whyte of fromthewhytehouse.com]
Toys Galore. If you’re heading out of town a little, we highly recommend going to Morningside. There are so many amazing independent stores in this area, and it’s easily accessed by bus. Toys Galore is an independent toy shop that has a massive range of items, and brings back the joy of visiting a good toy store. It is the friendliest toy shop in the city, and the staff are really helpful at making sure you find the perfect toy. – Steph and Michael Whyte of fromthewhytehouse.com
Rua. Another shop in Morningside, Rua has a beautiful selection of local products, gifts and souvenirs, including Edinburgh artwork, candles and books. There are so many shops like this in Morningside; I love getting little quirky bits from my travels rather than the same ‘tourist tat’ from every tourist shop on the Royal Mile. There is something in here to suit every occasion and every budget. – Steph and Michael Whyte of fromthewhytehouse.com
Lisbon
Ler Devagar. This bookshop in Lisbon’s hipster-ific redbrick LX Factory, is one of the city’s most popular bookstores and one of its best. That’s partly because the building it’s housed in – a former printing press – is so unique, but also because Ler Devagar has such a great selection of books. Be sure to check out its carefully curated table of English-language books about Portugal. – James Cave of portugalist.com
Molly & Jack. Molly & Jack is a unique Lisbon boutique that sells luxury cosmetics, beds and accessories… not for humans, but for pets! If you’re looking for an organic shampoo for your dog, perhaps with moisturising aloe vera extract, or maybe a cat carry bag that’s made with 100% leather, this is the shop that you need to visit. – James Cave of portugalist.com
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Mercado 31. My favourite part of Lisbon is Graça in Penha de França, as well as the iconic Arroios on Almirante Reis’ western hill, from Lisbon’s Chinatown in the south, to green and spacious Alameda in the north. Young and multicultural, it’s full of places to eat and drink, alongside cosy galleries and cool co-working spaces and shops. Mercado 31 de Janeiro (closed on Mondays) is Lisbon’s best market and a perfect place to start and to shop locally produced specialty products like olive oils, salt from Tagus’ many salinas, chocolate, honey and other goodies for foodies. Around noon, the few lively restaurants set up tables between the food stalls to make room for producers, sellers and professional customers who eat their lunch here before going home. – Thomas Tingstrup of tingslisbon.com
Mitó Creative Site. From Mercado 31, if you continue via R. Alm. Barrosso and R. Pascoal de Melo to Rua de Arroios, you could arrive in time for lunch in one of the many cosy restaurants that are scattered between small shops, offices, groceries and galleries like Mitó Creative Site. A lively creative hub with a quality selection of ceramics, jewellery, painting and installations for sale, we have bought several pieces for our rooms during one of Mitó’s many events. – Thomas Tingstrup of tingslisbon.com
Armazém das Malhas. About a two-minute walk from Mitó, you’ll find this classic fashion shop –run by the same family for three generations. The ambiance, classic style and super quality craftsmanship you find here is like travelling through time. Buy quality shirts, blouses, accessories and other items you can’t find (or afford) at home. A true hidden gem. – Thomas Tingstrup of tingslisbon.com
[La Di Da Di. Photo courtesy Thomas Tingstrup of tingslisbon.com]
La Di Da Di. For vinyl lovers (and wine lovers, too) La Di Da Di is an absolute must. This bottle shop/wine bar/record shop is the perfect stop before you climb to Lisbon’s highest and best viewpoint, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. – Thomas Tingstrup of tingslisbon.com
Altmann-Zuzarte. Unless you stop for a coffee at Tings Lisbon, and shop for cashmere or custom-made accessories at Tings Ting inside, you’ll reach our fifth pick, just a two-minute walk down R. da Senhora do Monte: Altmann-Zuzarte’s small workshop that designs unique pieces of gold, silver and silk jewellery from special cuttings of amber, dinosaur bones and other gems. – Thomas Tingstrup of tingslisbon.com
London
Arty Globe. As someone who’s obsessed with London, I can’t emphasise how happy the discovery of this little shop made me. Hartwig Braun is a talented artist who uses his architectural background to create unbelievable city landscapes. His pieces afford the highest attention to detail – you can find every building you know on them. Don’t want a painting? Choose from the amazing variety of kitchenware, scarves, notebooks, cushions or currently trendy face masks. – Dasha of discoverwithdasha.com
Watch House. Absolute coffee heaven. This is the place you go if you want to satisfy your craving, get the nicest beans in town or grab any coffee-making tools to enjoy the drink at home. Consisting of six boutique ‘houses’, each venue is unique in its design and history. One thing they all have in common: the concept of ‘Modern Coffee’. These guys will set a high benchmark for you. – Dasha of discoverwithdasha.com
[Arty Globe, Watch House and Rough Trade. Photos courtesy Dasha of discoverwithdasha.com]
Rough Trade. Are you a music or vinyl fan? Welcome to musical paradise! These guys have two amazing shops in the UK capital. The stores probably offer any music you could possibly be looking for, no matter how old or what style it is. My little tip: listen to the new releases from the CD players hanging on the walls in Rough Trade East, and pay attention to the amazing staff’s picks! – Dasha of discoverwithdasha.com
James Smith and Sons. Every Londoner needs a brolly, and I like to buy mine from James Smith and Sons, Europe’s oldest umbrella shop. A Victorian time capsule, it’s remained relatively unchanged since it opened its doors in 1857. Gents might like the Sherlock Holmes or the Polished Maple. Ladies, check out the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Parrot. I can’t guarantee this brolly will fly you over London’s rooftops, but I reckon Mary Poppins would be rather taken by it. – Scarlett Roitman of diaryofalondoness.com
Alice Through the Looking Glass. Head over to Cecil Court, only a hop, skip and a jump from Leicester Square, and often referred to as Bookseller’s Row. Here, you’ll come across Alice Through the Looking Glass, a shop which specialises in Alice in Wonderland memorabilia including first edition books, ‘curioser and curioser’ objects, chocolates and stationery. – Scarlett Roitman of diaryofalondoness.com
[Photo courtesy Alice Through the Looking Glass]
Kabiri. Are you looking for a unique, priceless jewellery item? Kabiri, owned by Nathalie, is an independent jewellry shop in Marylebone Village. Nathalie curates a selection of high-quality jewellry designs from around the world. You can be sure you are getting a stunning and special piece that will last a lifetime. – Stephanie van Houten of stephelsewhere.com
Pandora Dress Agency. Located in a quaint street across from Harrods, the Pandora Dress Agency sells beautiful pre-owned designer clothes. If you’re looking for a truly high-quality, unique piece to bring home, look no further. Everything is priced relatively affordably, with frequent promotions and sales. Don’t forget this gem when you’re shopping in Knightsbridge. – Stephanie van Houten of stephelsewhere.com
Madrid
El Moderno. This concept store located in Malasaña, the coolest neighbourhood of Madrid, showcases an original selection of pieces for a beautiful home. From art and illustrations to furniture and storage solutions, it’s the best place to find good-quality curiosities in a cosmopolitan space. Here, well-known and up-and coming-designers and creative minds meet to offer customers a wide range of treasures at very different price points. It’s a great place for souvenirs, too. A must-visit while in Madrid, if you ask me.– Jessica Silva of comeintotrend
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Miseria. Just metres away from Museo del Prado, Miseria supports environmentally friendly design, offering fashion collections from a wide variety of Spanish designers. The pieces are only sustainable and organic, but also timeless and of very high quality. This is my personal go-to when looking for an original piece that I can wear literally forever. And as a bonus, they let artists use the store’s walls as a canvas for original illustrations and art, offering customers a monthly art expo while they shop.– Jessica Silva of comeintotrend
Ekseption. My all-time favourite shop in Madrid is Ekseption, a true gem when it comes to shopping. The boutique, located in Calle de Velázquez, is where I usually get inspiration for new original trends. They have a beautiful selection of clothing and accessories that suit a very feminine, classic style. I usually get a piece or two from their art selection as well, to give my home an extra splash of elegance and originality. For anyone living in or travelling to Madrid, do yourselves a favour and add Ekseption to your shopping list. – Julia Mariano of juliaamariano
Mimoki. Mimoki is a magical boutique in Madrid. When you think of Spanish elegance and guests at a royal wedding, you probably think of beautiful headpieces – and it’s here that I’ve found a hidden source for original headpieces, hats and headbands with unique designs, carefully handmade in the workshop (located under the store). Mimoki makes custom headpieces on request, too, and specialises in bridal pieces. They have a selection for sale and for rent, which is perfect if you’re only coming to Spain for a special occasion. – Linda Sharkey of lindaksharkey
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Salotto. Salotto, located in Marbella, is full of surprises – it’s one of those places where you have to buy a thing or two, even if you don’t need anything. From the moment you walk through the door, it instantly takes you to Ibiza, Morocco and Córdoba with its decorations and accessories. The store is loaded with boho styles, and the walls are covered in an infinite variety of handcrafted baskets and wicker home décor, with Arabian bags and accessories, a selection of white dresses and even Andalusian patio decorations (walls covered with flowerpots and flowers). – Linda Sharkey of lindaksharkey
Paris
By Marie. When shopping in Paris, you must visit the By Marie boutique, filled with an incredible selection of clothing, jewellery and accessories. This beautiful concept store has unique hand-selected, rare pieces, making their shop one of a kind. Discover gorgeous pieces that combine the traditional Parisian-chic look with a bit of Saint-Tropez influence mixed in. – Diane Coletta of petiteinparis.com
[By Marie. Photos courtesy Diane Coletta of petiteinparis.com]
Les Trois Chocolats. This boutique with handmade chocolates prepared on the premises, is named in honour of three generations of Japanese pastry chefs and chocolatiers who trained in Paris. Sano Emiko infuses her delicate chocolates with Japanese flavours like matcha tea, mirin, wasabi, smoked sakura and miso, and embosses the tops with beautiful flower patterns. The shop offers gorgeous individual pastries and makes a killer hot chocolate in winter. – Richard Nahem of ipreferparis.net
Melodies Graphiques. Located in the Marais district, Melodies Graphiques celebrates the art of fine stationery. The 30-year-old-plus boutique is a haven for paper mavens, with handmade papers, writing tablets, note cards and postcards. They also sell an extensive collection of calligraphy accessories including quills, ink pens, nibs, inkwells and over 30 colours of ink. Make sure to check out the journals with hand-carved wood covers. – Richard Nahem of ipreferparis.net
[Melodies Graphiques. Photo courtesy Richard Nahem of ipreferparis.net]
Pot Paris. Jean Desplas and his partner scoured France to find only the best potters and ceramicists for their newly opened shop. The resulting well-curated collection includes vases, planters and flower boxes made of terracotta, porcelain and earthenware, and they can easily ship worldwide. One can also customise your own pot or planter with four various models, sizes and colours to choose from. – Richard Nahem of ipreferparis.net
Atelier Saveurs. A stone’s throw from the Palace is of Versailles, about an hour from Paris, Atelier Saveurs is an upscale boutique featuring mostly locally sourced products including olive oils, chocolate, liqueurs, jellies and jams, soap, cosmetic and skincare products, plus a unique jasmine-flavoured macaron, exclusively branded for the boutique. The shop also stocks a full collection of products using Toile de Jouy prints, which are featured on tote bags, pillowcases, slippers, teacups, lampshades and clothing. – Richard Nahem of ipreferparis.net
[Atelier Saveurs. Photo courtesy Richard Nahem of ipreferparis.net]
Merci. If you’re shopping in Paris – and who isn’t? – then make sure you stop by this artfully curated boutique. The high-end, three-storey concept store is easy to miss from the street, but once inside, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful homeware, clothes and accessories, from vintage finds to designer pieces. If you must leave the store with only one item, it would have to be one of their signature Merci tote bags. You’ll be happy to know a percentage of your money goes to supporting education initiatives in Madagascar. Don’t miss the cute red car in the courtyard (a perfect photo opportunity) and the Merci Used Book Café. – Stephanie van Houten of stephelsewhere.com
Centre Commercial. The place where style meets sustainability, Centre Commercial stocks environmentally friendly collections from a range of ethical brands such as Patagonia, Veja and People Tree. The store is minimalistic in design, with stark white walls and the clothing as the centre of attention. On your way out, stop at the famous bakery Du Pain et des Idées, and walk along Canal Saint Martin. – Stephanie van Houten of stephelsewhere.com
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Aujourd’hui Demain. Are you on a plant-based diet but craving good cheese while in Paris? Look no further than Aujourd’hui Demain to satisfy your cravings. A 100% vegan concept store, Aujourd’hui Demain is a dream for any vegan in Paris looking for food, clothes or just some good oat milk coffee – a rarity in France. Buy a fresh baguette from the bakery next door, and eat your cheese with it along the Seine or below the Eiffel Tower. As a non-vegan, cheese-lover myself, I can attest I regularly have cravings for this boutique’s cheese! – Stephanie van Houten of stephelsewhere.com
Rome
Gav 29. In splendid Olgiata, Rome’s most exclusive residential district, Gav 29 is a young shop (only one year old) born out of a spirit of fun: two friends made a bet to see who could spot new trends first by attending trade fairs. Gav 29 is anything but standard, populated by many original products thanks to the two owners who firmly believe in the importance of a physical space, where a simple mirror can make the difference! The selection of brands is highly curated, including historical or niche Italian brands such as Missoni, Hanita, Beatrice .b, Neirami and Positano. – Selvaggia Capizzi of dontcallmefashionblogger.com
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Interno30nove. Interno30nove is a haven where design meets fashion in a contemporary atmosphere. The owners, Chiara and Gioia, are always looking for brands that represent both them and their customers and by showcasing new additions every week, they make shopping a there unique and ever-changing experience. ‘Made in Italy’ is the golden thread for the entire collection, featuring brands such as Vicolo, Dixie, Souvenir, Anonyme and Isabelle Blanche. Interno30nove is also a point of reference for accessories, such as jewellery and leather goods. Be sure to check out the original and and customised bags of AMAHRA, the niche brand by one of the owners. – Selvaggia Capizzi of dontcallmefashionblogger.com
Stockholm
Wos. Located on a busy street in Stockholm’s cosiest neighbourhood, Södermalm, this boutique gathers the creations of unique and interesting designers from all over Sweden. Perhaps you fancy a one-of-a-kind ring, or a cool handbag from some up-and-coming designer? Pretty much everything is handmade, and you might find the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. – Elin Ullenius, @elin.ullenius
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Jus. Jus has been an important meeting place for design lovers since the early ‘90s, featuring international fashion brands, such as Comme des Garçons, Helmut Lang, Ann Demeulemeester, alongside Swedish designers like Diana Orving, Ewa Larsson and Martin Bergström. An eclectic mix of great style. – Elin Ullenius, @elin.ullenius
Paper Cut. Offering a unique, handpicked selection of magazines, books, stationary and film, this store is located on Krukmakargatan 24-26, next door to Nitty Gritty and Uniforms for the Dedicated. Here you’ll find the smartest coffee table books on everything from Nordic architecture to ‘cabin porn’ and other interesting topics and titles to grace your home and elevate your mind. – Elin Ullenius, @elin.ullenius
Andra Varvet. The neighbourhood of Högdalen is authentic Stockholm, where you’ll find the typical Swedish fika places (coffee shops), and stores selling pretty much anything you’d like. And then there’s Andra Varvet, a second-hand shop filled with books, weird machines that no one knows its purpose, and a small room filled with old records. This is the place to go scavenging – you might find a diamond in the rough like high-class shirts from exclusive brands, or just a colourful tourist t-shirt from Gran Canaria. – Elin Ullenius, @elin.ullenius
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