London Fashion week is in full swing and the fashion-pack has endless shows, fabulous hotels, and A-list parties to attend. But what?s a girl to do when she?s on the non-stop show circuit and in desperate need of finding her higher-hippie-self? Why, take a well-deserved bohemian break, of course! Our hit-list of caf?s, boutiques and bonafide hot-spots will help the gypsy in you find your true moment of zen.
London Fashion Week Boho Breaks Guide
PEBBLE LONDON
If you?re in the mood for a new boho-bauble, look no further than Peter Adler?s shop, Pebble London. For years this incredible stacked to the gills boutique situated in Sussex Gardens has been outfitting modern-day gypsies in search of tribal treasures from Africa, India, South East Asia, Afghanistan and South America. This collection is so vast you?ll need an afternoon to sift through the incredible assortment. Choose from a jumble of wood, coral, amber, silver, semi-precious stones, feathers, and even iridescent beetle-wings. A favorite of editors, stylists and designers the world over, Pebble London has a selection that cannot be matched, hands down.
Pebble London
Address: 191 Sussex Gardens, W2 2RH
Phone: +44 207 262 1775
DISHOOM SHOREDITCH
Paying homage to the old, nearly extinct Bombay caf?s, Dishoom Shoreditch serves up a mix of traditional Indian curries, street treats, spicy Biryani and delicious Naan breads. Not only is the food highly rated among the gastronomy set, the kitschy atmosphere makes you feel as though you are enjoying a boisterous meal in the middle of Mumbai. The breakfast menu has some healthy choices but the regular?s go-to morning meal includes the Bacon Naan Roll and a cup of Chai. Hang out on the Verandah where the atmosphere is filled with the scent of sandalwood incense while sipping one of their world-class Julep cocktails.
Dishoom Shoreditch
Address: 7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE
Phone: 020 7420 9324
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am to11 pm, Sat 9 am to 12 am, Sun 9am to 11pm
MATTHEW WILLIAMSON
A trip to Matthew Williamson?s Mayfair store is a must for any die-hard boho babe. Don?t take my word for it, just look at his roster of celebrity devotees, all with serious Gypset credentials, Jade Jagger, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Poppy Delevingne among them. Known for his free spirited, psychedelic use of color and print, Williamson?s beautifully embellished and sexy clothing, mad cap accessories collection and bridal collection can be found here under one roof.
Matthew Williamson
28 Bruton Street
Mayfair W1I 6QH
44 20 7629 6200
Hours: Mon-Wed 10 am to 6 pm, Thurs 10 am to 7 pm, Fri & Sat 10 am to 6 pm
BLAKES HOTEL
The Anouska Hempel designed and curated Blakes Hotel in South Kensington is a dream respite in the middle of London. Offering every A-list service imaginable, the d?cor is reason enough to make this your temporary home. The Director?s Double suites, if you are lucky enough to find one available, are an incredible study in extra-sensory environments. From the antique gilded swan beds that feel almost like a harem?s lair to the spare safari-inspired suite decorated with raffia trunks, antique urns and oversized linen floor cushions, the Blakes Hotel provides many shades of ethnic delights. If you?re attending the shows, take advantage of their Front Row at London Fashion Week package with special rates, in-room manicures and a healthy breakfast to start your day off right.
Blakes Hotel
Address: 33 Roland Gardens, SW7 3PF
Phone: +44 0 207376701
PAPER DRESS VINTAGE
If vintage is your thing, then a stop by the Shoreditch shop Paper Dress Vintage Bar & Boutique is a must, and not just for the selection (which is amazing and spans the 20th century up to the 1980?s). Paper Dress Vintage is more than a place to find great vintage pieces, including their own line of vintage renditions, it?s also a scene. Hang out there for coffee and cake at the Coffee Shop or if you?re shopping a little later in the day, grab a beer with wearing your new Biba at the bar. If you?re in town for fashion week, get ready to rock out at their London Fashion Week Party featuring girlie rock n? roll band Death By Sexy and Ariana & The Rose on September 13 (see the full deets on their website). The boutique regularly hosts wild, themed parties with great bands and quirky happenings in their shop windows. Paper Dress Vintage is a unique place that goes way beyond your average shopping experience, it?s a celebration of fashion, music, art and most of all, fun.
Paper Dress Vintage
Address: 114-116 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AH
Phone: 020 7729 4100
Hours: Mon 10 am to 9:30 pm, Tues 10 am to 10:30 pm, Wed-Fri 10 am to 11:30 pm, Sat 11 am to 11:30 pm and Sun 12 pm to 6 pm
Take a Boho-Stroll through PORTOBELLO MARKET
One of the best and most popular street markets in the world is Portobello Market. Open 6 days a week, although important to note - the antiques and bric-a-brac stalls, located near the Notting Hill subway station, are only open on Saturdays. The market is a hub for seekers of food, antiques, cheap and cheerful fashion, ethnic goods and odd bits and bobs. Vintage and young designers clothing can be found in the ?fashion market? area, Westway.. Long considered one of the most diverse, vibrant markets in Europe you will find plenty of fashion and design folk searching the stalls for inspiration and amazing finds, just like you.
Portobello Market
Located at the corner of Westbourne Grove & Portobello Road
Hours: Mon-Wed 9 am to 7 pm, Thurs 9 am to 1 pm, Fri and Sat 9 am to 8 pm
When you?re in London, channel the city?s madcap spirit with a gorgeous pair of Jade Jagger?s diamond and ruby Indian-inspired dangling earrings or a stack of her rose-cut diamond rings for a decadent touch of the exotic.
Shop London on L-Atitude
Top: Fuchsia Agate & Blue Long Necklace, Bottom: Grey Agate & Beaded Long Necklace
Main image: Purple Delphine Delafon Bag, then clockwise: Red Sonia Bolero, Vera Clutch