Laundry Industry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

(image: Cathy Cunliffe)

Amsterdam isn't a big city, but a very busy one. If you're not dodging the numerous bikes, you're likely to be dodging swarms of tourists, regardless of the time of day. But the one thing I've always detested in the Dutch capital, has been high-street shopping. The main area, starting at the Dam down to Kalverstraat and across to Leidseplein is a nightmare - crowded, cramped and the shopping nothing special (unless you really feel the need to visit another H&M or Zara). There are of course exceptions, mainly a few local footwear stores, which are better visited early in the morning. And then there's one of Amsterdam's coolest fashion labels: Laundry Industry.

(image: Laundry Industry)

The biggest boutique, situated on a busy side street off the aforementioned nightmare-district is an oasis for those wishing to escape the bustle on the sidewalks. The company behind this brand made a great effort when it came to choosing the interior design: dark wood floors, bare-bulbed industrial chandeliers illuminating the high ceilings and clothes neatly aligned on steel racks allowing enough spacing between the items to make browsing easy. In fact, it's the spacious setting that allows you to admire the clothes properly, instead of having to pull out every piece individually just to have a look. Even during the sales you won't find messy tables or tightly packed shelves.

The clothes themselves can be described as sophisticated urban streetwear: chic and minimalist but very wearable. Everything is on-trend, but without trying too hard. The emphasis is more on good quality fabrics and flattering cuts. FW08/09 had a good selection of black basis, simple dresses and animal print accessories. For SS09 it's more about soft layering in neutral chiffon and bold-colored tops. The prices are what you'd expect from a high-end retailer, ranging on average from 80-400 EUR. As the label's popularity has soared, they now also have boutiques in other cities around the world, so if you aren't in Amsterdam anytime soon, you'll likely find their products in your country.

(individual images: Laundry Industry homepage)

Address: Spui 1, 1012 WX Amsterdam

Opening Hrs: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat: 10:00 - 18:00 , Thu: until 21:00
Sun 12:00 - 18:00

Laundry Industry Homepage

Van Ravenstein (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

(image: Eve McQueen/shopgirl.nl)

While this boutique is also situated along the 'Nine Streets', it couldn't be any different from Exota. Instead of quirkiness and vintage charm, you'll find lots of sleek white minimalism. The shop windows rarely feature more than one dummy - usually they will showcase one of the current season's handbags draped in front of the white walls.

This is also probably one of the most expensive shops in the area, so don't expect to find too much under the 200 EUR price-range. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend shopping designer brands in Amsterdam (unless you really can't help yourself) Van Ravenstein not only offers current season Balenciaga and Givenchy, but also a very good selection of Belgian and Dutch labels (Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Spijkers en Spijkers, Klavers van Engelen, Veronique Branquinho and of course Viktor & Rolf). If you do happen to find yourself in this shop, make sure to check with the staff if they still have some old season stock. I managed to find some limited edition accessories from previous collections (dating back to 2005!) when I was browsing a few months back.

(image: Michael Thieberg)

As the clothing range offers both international and more local designs, you will find anything from classic evening wear to avant-garde futuristic jackets and coats. There are usually 2-3 sales assistants who won't bother you too much, but are helpful enough. On certain Saturdays, the boutique will offer some discounted items in the basement area, so it's worth popping in, just to see if you can snag a good deal.

Address: Keizersgracht 359, 1016 EJ Amsterdam
Opening Hrs: Mon: 13:00-18:00, Tue-Sat: 11:00-18:00,
Thu: until 19:00, Sat: 10:30-17:30
Van Ravenstein Homepage

Exota (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

(image: Exota@hyves)

From time to time, I'm going to dedicate a few posts to my favorite shops in Amsterdam, my previous hometown of 2 years. While most might associate this fine city with coffee shops and the red light district, you're better off heading straight to the Jordaan area for a romantic stroll along the canals. And while you're there, you might also want to check out the 'Nine Streets" lined with little boutiques and speciality shops.

(image: Exota@hyves)

My first stop (starting North) is usually Exota, which some mistakenly still refer to as a vintage store, but actually sells new items - in particular their own label 'King Louie'. I have bought many many (day) dresses here and most of them are patterned. In fact you'll probably have a hard time finding something without a quirky design or retro print. But as the Dutch love mixing different materials and patterns, Amsterdam shopping offers everything from timeless basics to borderline kitsch.

(image: Sophie Reitsma)

All items in this very cute store are grouped according to type of apparel (tops, outerwear, skirts and dresses), with shoes and other accessories scattered about on the floor or on the large table in the center. You'll find more dresses towards the back, as well as a few discounted ones near the changing rooms. During the sale season, all tops and skirts are placed in different plastic bins, so only come here if you like to rummage. Other brands in stock include Scandinavian brands nümph and S'NOB, as well as UK's French Connection. There's also a fairly decent selection of children's clothing (incl. own label 'Petit Louie') towards the front. This store is usually quite busy, but lots of fun, especially as you'll have to parade whatever you're trying on, in front of the big mirror outside the changing room. If you don't like this idea, don't forget to bring your own compact mirror with you!

(image: Eve McQueen@shopgirl)

If you want more, Exota also has a second store (no. 13) directly opposite the original boutique. This section includes even more women's clothing, as well as a small selection of men's apparel.

Address: Hartenstraat 10 & 13, 1016 CB Amsterdam
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-18:00, Thu: until 21:00
Sun: 13:00-17:00
Exota Homepage