Andersen & Lauth (Reykjavik, Iceland)

As mentioned in a previous post, Reykjavik surprised me with its huge selection of indie and local designers who's boutiques were mostly situated on the main shopping artery of Laugavegur. And the most wonderful thing about Icelandic fashion was the variety: from bold and colorful, to quirky and fun, to dark and gothic - you'll find anything to suit your taste. Andersen & Lauth was one of the few labels that had a more traditional approach and a long heritage that stemmed from its history as the first tailoring house in Reykjavik, opened in 1908 by Ludvig Andersen. Over a 100 years later the revamped label (established in 1934) is still going strong, producing beautiful vintage inspired, romantic clothing in the best quality.

From the SS11 (top) and FW11(bottom) lookbooks (images: Andersen & Lauth)

Before I even had the chance to view the clothing up close, I instantly fell in love with the decor of the store, which already gives a strong indication of the collections you'll find there. Even though the boutique was very spacious, with racks only situated against the wall, the interiors felt warm and inviting. The details seemed to have been chosen with great care: large rustic tables, an antique looking sofa, beautiful cabinets and of course the most eye-catching element of all: the fake fireplace with the stag head above it. The garments are made with even more care. Most pieces are handmade and designed in the style and spirit of production methods of the 19th century. While Andersen & Lauth favors the Victorian era, the collections span a variety of periods, with the women's range generally featuring feminine draping, elfin silhouettes and elaborate materials. The menswear has a romantic dandy feel to it, while also incorporating the vibe of Reykjavik's eclectic music scene.

Loved these tree trunks in the window display.

Overview of the store from the entrance.

According to the company manifesto, Andersen & Lauth is a romantic journey through time with a strong belief that all women deserve beautiful things made with love and passion. Browsing through the pieces, this sentiment was evident and I was quite taken with the superior quality and the intricate details. There are basics of course, that include simpler cotton dresses, tailored trousers and fine knits. Among these, you'll also find items from the capsule 'Atelier' collection which is entirely handmade in Andersen & Lauth workshops and utilizes ancient techniques of embroidery or stitching. The official blog provides fascinating insights into the production process. The pieces reflect the company's love for old-fashioned workmanship and in some cases feature more traditional materials, such as vintage lace. But if you fear the clothing my look dated, no worries. The shapes and cuts are modern, timeless and won't leave you looking like your granny.

The boutique as seen from the back. The large wooden table featured basics and smaller items. Pastel shades dominated the racks.

The large wardrobe/cabinet was filled with knickknacks and accessories.

Beautifully embellished and embroidered pieces made by hand, from the 'Atelier' collection.

Most of the looks I sighted were from the SS11 collection, titled 'Poetic Couture', which mirrors the Andersen & Lauth aesthetic perfectly. I'm not really a 'romantic' type when it comes to style, but found myself falling for the pastel colored dresses and the delicate cardigans. The FW11 collection is slightly more up my alley with its chunky knits and dark sequined gowns inspired by the 20s flapper style.

Yes, I could live here. The gorgeous fireplace area (left) and the very spacious changing rooms (right image: Andersen & Lauth).

Select items were hung from walls like works of art (left) and more traditional artwork featuring old images of the shop/atelier and inspiration shots (right).

So many pretty clothes... with more embroidery and lace.

If you happen to be shopping with a guy, definitely head to the menswear store next door, which is filled with very cool suits, coats and jackets - all impeccably tailored of course.

A quick look at the menswear boutique next door (images: Andersen & Lauth).

The pricing is surprisingly decent, considering the handmade quality of the items. If you want a bargain, there's a 'vintage' store down the street which sells past-season collections for a fraction of the price. Yoox also stocks previous collections for a steal. Supposedly Andersen & Lauth is available in over 30 countries, though I couldn't find too many details on their official website, so keep your eyes peeled. Alexa Chung (who's snapped up a few nude colored dresses) and other celebs are already huge fans, so I'm sure the label will be popping up everywhere in the very near future. And if you're ever in Reykjavik, the boutiques are the best place to escape the cold and indulge in a bit of cozy warm retail therapy.

Cool stuff from the FW11 menswear range (images: Andersen & Lauth).

A home decor range is available as well, featuring mainly embroidered cushions and other smaller items (images: Andersen & Lauth).

Address: Laugavegur 7, 101 Reykjavik
Andersen & Lauth Homepage

The Oxfam Curiosity Shop @ Selfridges (London, UK)

Have you ever wanted to own a red carpet dress as worn by Scarlett Johanssen? Do you adore Colin Firth to the point where you'd just like to snuggle up in his cashmere sweater? Well, fear not... all of the above and more is now possible thanks to Britain's largest charity pop-up store, which opened its doors on April 1 in Selfridges' Ultralounge. Organized by Annie Lennox, the ten day event is in its second year running and includes items donated by celebrities such as Lennox herself, both Colin Firth and his wife Livia, Scarlett Johanssen, Jude Law, Dido, Florence Welsh, Alexa Chung and Elle Macpherson to name a few, as well as donations from designers such as Stella McCartney or Vivienne Westwood. In addition, sought-after samples and vintage pieces, both high-end and more affordable have been pulled from over 700 Oxfam shops in the UK and will be made available in the pop-up store.

Some of the items up for grabs include Annie Lennox' s Alexander McQueen gown (left), Livia Firth's gown (center) and Carey Mulligan's Vionnet dress (right). The first two gowns are available online.

More stuff for sale, including Alexa Chung's Mulberry skirt suit (top left), Alison Goldfrapp's Miu Miu shoes (lower left), Vivienne Westwood dress (center), Vivienne Westwood bag (top right) and Elle Macpherson's Celine tote (lower right).

According to Oxfam: "All the money raised will go to fund Oxfam's women's projects across the world from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to Democratic Republic of Congo, West Africa and South Africa. These projects protect support and empower vulnerable women: campaigning against violence, empowering them to fight HIV and AIDS and offering the poorest girls the chance of education. The projects funded by the shop include a women's tailoring project in Liberia which Laura Bailey recently visited with Oxfam. The money raised from last year's event has helped to transform the lives of countless women already." Last year, more than 30,000 customers visited the shop in just one week, raising an amazing £250,000 for Oxfam’s work.

A huge selection of vintage goods...

I spied cute purses and a pair of Marc Jacobs sandals.

If you're nowhere near London, don't worry: some of the most coveted pieces, including the gown Livia Firth wore to the BAFTA awards to support husband Colin, a stunning Alexander McQueen dress donated by Ms Lennox or a sequined number from Kate Moss are all available online here. There's no excuse not to visit Selfridges if you are in London though, especially considering the great cause. I dropped by the store yesterday and even though I'm usually overwhelmed by vintage shops, the spacious and colorful sales area was easy to browse and had a fantastic selection of both celebrity goods and regular (i.e. less pricier) vintage fair.

The gents had a great choice of ties (right), while the ladies could choose from a multitude of scarves and knits (left).

Loved the colorful displays, which showcased the Michael Kors heels (top right) nicely.

So many clothes, so little wardrobe space... sigh.

In addition to clothing, there was a wonderful selection of scarves, ties, bags, shoes and even trinkets such as an antique Singer sewing machine (already sold... bummer), music records, books and homeware items.

The Singer sewing machine (left) was already taken, but lots of scarves and bags were still available.

Sick of clothes? There's always the record collection or retro radios. I quite fancied the picnic set (right).

Tea for two... or more with the lovely porcelain set (left) and more for the music fans (right).

Of course the biggest draw will be the celebrity donations. Even though I didn't have the funds to buy any of them, I made a point of touching every single Colin Firth item (both he and his wife donated a lot), realized that Dido has excellent taste in clothes (her Hussein Chalayan and Vivienne Westwood coats were very cool and in great condition) and marveled at how varied Annie Lennox's style was (everything from black and simple to bright and printed).

Pre-loved Hussein Chalayan coat from Dido (top left), two dresses from Annie Lennox (lower left), Stella McCartney top (top center), Colin Firth's overcoat (lower center), Dido's Vivienne Westwood jacket (top right) and Annie Lennox' s Shanghai Tang dress (lower right).

The cutest area was undoubtedly the little corner that actually resembled a small vintage shop. It was stocked full of the more glamorous celebrity items, while ScarJo's Dolce & Gabbana dress and Colin Firth's leather jacket fronted the space. Inside, a video showed some of the celebrities describe the items they were donating, while the walls and shelves were adorned with more goodies than I could take in properly.

How cute is this shop-in-shop? And more from Colin in the form of a leather jacket. Scarlett donated this lovely Dolce & Gabbana dress (boy is she tiny...).

Inside the shop... more celebrity gowns and memorabilia. The embellished dress (lower right) is by Stella McCartney.

Shelves filled with accessories (right), while a screen featured video clips (top left) and yet another Annie Lennox find: the iconic wet-look trench.

I might actually have to go back to browse a second time and if you're in London, you'll have the chance to peruse the selection yourself - until April 10. As mentioned before, all others can still check out the online auction. I've provided a small selection of what's currently available below...

From the online auction (starting left): Livia Firth's gown as pictured at the top of the post, Kate Moss' dress, Stella McCartney boots from Beverly Knight, Colin Firth's coat and a beautiful Alexander McQueen gown by Annie Lennox (as pictured at the top of the post).

More auction items (from left): Ashish dress by VV Brown, Termperly kaftan dress, vintage Chanel suit, Emma Thompson's Jaeger dress, Jude Law's Oscar tuxedo, Jane Shepherdson's Camilla Skovgaard heels.

Selfridges Auction Homepage
The Oxfam Curiosity Shop Homepage

Initial (Hong Kong)

Most Hong Kong high street labels usually have the same characteristics: they'll be heavily inspired by Japanese fashion or they'll aim for a more Western vibe, especially regarding the interiors which will have a vintage touch. Initial is unique in the sense that it combines the two and goes beyond just clothing and accessories, with a concept that builds around the idea of a 'lifestyle brand'. As such, depending on where in Hong Kong you happen to be, you may stumble across an Initial boutique that includes a hair salon or a cafe. But even if like me, you end up in the Central district and come across a store without the added services, you're still in for a treat.

A selection from the FW10 lookbook (images: Initial)

For starters, when I visited Initial near Central's hip Lan Kwai Fong area last month, the boutique was hosting a mini-exhibition of sorts, that featured work from French artists Anne-Valrie Dupond and Rebecca Campeau who use regular materials (such as cardboard or textiles) to create statues and busts of real life and fictional characters. This display may have seemed out of place in any other setting, but in the middle of Initial's shabby chic interiors, the puppets almost looked like they were part of the decor. Then again, the first thing that caught my attention when I approached the open plan entrance of the store wasn't the statues, but the charming retro bikes placed outside, along with an antique wooden door and an assortment of dried flowers by the Japanese company 'Display Museum'.

Some of the items found outside the store entrance: retro bikes, an old door, dried flowers and a very lovely fur coat/vest.

The somewhat creepy Fabric Puppet Exhibition.

It's easy to ignore the clothing in this store as almost half the retail space seems to be dedicated to home decor items and other trinkets, which fill the left part of the shop area making it resemble a flea market or a very charming antique store. Of course nothing you find here is actually vintage - items are sourced from independent or artesanal suppliers from Japan, France or the UK to name a few. And when I did manage to tear my eyes away from the statues and knickknacks, I finally got around to appreciating the clothes as well. Though Initial claims most of its clothing to be Japanese inspired, the fashion here spans various styles ranging from girly and bohemian to edgy and grungy. While some of the slouchier knitwear or maxi dresses have a distinct vintage feel, other outfits, such as the blazers from the premium range, are a lot preppier, while the 'Initialing' range offers a selection of smart suits, skirts, blouses and other workwear.

Overview of the store which featured a large 'lifestyle' area (left) and the clothing section (right).

Some of the cool basics surrounded by vintage inspired decor, such as the jewelry cabinet (lower right).

But as is often the case, accessories end up being the biggest distraction, with entire cabinets full of jewelry or shelves filled with cool leather boots and bags that steal the show. The pricing is decent enough, especially during the time I went as sales were still on. Even without, you'll get a good deal though I'm not certain how durable the items are, as some of the clothing's materials are comparable to those of other lower end retail labels. Boots and bags however did seem to be of a better quality than what equivalent brands offer.

The very dangerous shoe corner which featured temptations such as the hairy boots or the shearling booties.

Some of the trinkets in the decor area, including old postcards (lower left), candles (top left) and an antique sewing machine.

Lastly, I gave myself enough time to look through the tempting selection of furnishings and decor items, which ranged from scented candles and perfumes, to funky porcelain cups, vases and even a selection of old postcards.

Overview of the 'lifestyle' area with an impressive selection of goods, such as the horse statue and crystal bottles.

Cute porcelain pieces I found: decorated tea sets and a jar in the shape of a mansion (left).

Definitely a fun browse if you're bored with the endless similar looking chain stores or luxury flagships you see around Hong Kong and what's even better: this one actually has its own store front and isn't part of a mall, as is the case with so many other outlets around the city. Initial has over a dozen boutiques throughout Hong Kong and there are more to come, so check one of them out if you're ever in the area.

A more classic collection courtesy of 'Initaling' the workwear line (images: Initial).

More cool stuff from Initial's 'lifestyle' range (images: Initial).

Address: 17-19 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sun: 11:30-20:00
Initial Homepage

Orla Kiely (London, UK)

A few years ago, I caught my friend V. obsessively clicking her way through eBay and I was immediately intrigued, seeing how (at the time) this lady rarely bothered to shop online. It seems she was searching for a bag from a then unknown designer Orla Kiely (V. is a bit of a bag addict), who's pieces she had come across while still living in London. Any excuse to shop is a good one, so I joined her in her quest to find the perfect tote for the best price possible. I was immediately charmed by the colorful prints and retro styles that appeared on my computer screen, while V. ended up purchasing a signature pear print canvas bag on sale from the official online store.

SS10 campaign photos (images: Orla Kiely).

Years later Orla Kiely has become almost a household name thanks to numerous collaborations, expansions of her flagship stores and increase in stockists. I will admit that a lot of the stuff really isn't my style, which explains why I have yet to buy any of the clothes or accessories, but I'm always tempted by some of the homeware items - by now V. has of course even purchased the wallpaper. And since she's getting married this year, I thought it would be a good idea to scour the main flagship in London to see if I could find any potential wedding gifts.

A selection from the SS10 lookbook (images: Orla Kiely).

Fresh out of design school, Orla Kiely's career began in 1993 when she was commissioned by Harrods to design a range of hats. The Irish designer began working on a handbag collection in her spare time and four years later, a capsule line for UK department store Debenhams led to the founding of her own company, which to this day is still privately held by both her and her husband. Collaborations with Tate Modern, Marks & Spencer and most recently Target (to name a few) have since cemented her success and in 2005 the first flagship store opened in London's Covent Garden. Her rise in popularity wasn't just attributed to the cute retro-inspired collections but Kiely's ability to expand into other categories where she could apply the iconic stem or pear prints. Which explains why you can pretty much deck out your entire house with Kiely's products and if that's not enough, there's also stationary and even camping equipment available.

Retro looks all around... the wood paneling added a homey touch.

A selection of clothes near the wall and some of the smaller accessories I found on shelves.

Even during a brief phase when I was obsessed with prints, Kiely's versions were a bit 'too much' for me (I have this aversion to looking like wallpaper), but I was always charmed by her adorable collections of clothes with their girly vintage aesthetic. Browsing any of her stores is a very fun experience though, even if you're not a huge fan of her style. Once you've entered the boutique, it's like stepping back in time and you feel like you're in another world. The London store has two entrances and the one I chose led right into the bag and clothing area. The interiors have the same retro vibe as her pieces and the cozy setting gives the impression you're in someone's living room. Wooden floors and walls, printed rugs, patterned wallpaper and even an old-fashioned TV complete the look.

The signature stem-print on wallpapers and wallets...

Those who love her bags will undoubtedly head straight to the small selection of purses in the far corner. I started browsing a rack of clothes - some with prints of course, but many were kept fairly simple and could easily be integrated into any wardrobe without giving the impression you were a former cast member of 'That 70s show'. I spied some cute shorts, cropped jackets and striped cardigans - along with the more colorful items such as the knitwear with a sailboat print or a ruffled floral dress.

An overview of the basement corner filled with bags and clothes.

More bags along a glass wall and luggage items near the stairs.

To see more, the next step is to head to the basement which houses the largest retail space of the store. When I arrived another shopper was already eagerly trying on different bags near a glassed wall section that displayed a range of the colorful totes. I once again started with the clothes and was quite enamored by a simple white dress (yes, she does those too) and a plain silk crepe number in turquoise. Even the sailboat prints were starting to grow on me, though I'm not sure I could pull them off just yet.

Mannequins sport some of the key SS10 looks with more on display along the red wall.

The very cozy seating area (left), one of the sailboat print dresses (top) and the quaint changing rooms with their sunflower chairs (bottom).

The area was once again reminiscent of a living room with a large couch and coffee table in the middle of the room surrounded by cupboards containing smaller accessories and stem-print mannequins sporting key looks from the SS10 collection. Aside from the classic canvas print bags and leather purses you'll also find a range of luggage items near the stairs. I noticed that even the changing rooms had the most adorable wallpaper and sunflower print chairs. Although I didn't see any more furniture items this time around, they do exist and tend to be custom-made. I once sighted a pear-print armchair which V. of course promptly wanted to buy because "it matches my handbag", but unfortunately the pricing wasn't as compatible. Nevertheless if you want to add some Orla Kiely spice to your house or apartment, there are plenty of options...

More smartly dressed mannequins and yet another wall of bags.

Going up another set of stairs at the opposite end of the room I ended up in the homeware department, which is also where the second entrance of the store can be found. This is where you can peruse everything from bath towels, mugs and bed sheets to lamp shades, cushions and doormats. Rolls of wallpaper were available as well, although my attention was captured by the cool retro bike (not sure if it was for sale) which had a travel bag slung over it. A glass panel on the floor allowed you to view the basement area below one more time, just in case you do feel like you missed something.

Bed sheets and towels on display behind a colorful bed (left & top right) and a closer look at the colorful mugs (right).

The front of the homeware section with its glass panel floor (left), a few notebooks (top) and a cool retro bike near the window (bottom).

Orla Kiely items can easily be found throughout the world and she has 16 flagships in total - 12 of which are in Japan where she's reached near cult status - with plans to open more. Stockists like Anthropologie carry her line as well, but if you're in immediate need of her colorful retro designs and prints, the best place to shop is probably the official online store which ships globally and where you'll also find past-season pieces at a reduced price.

More from the SS10 lookbook (images: Orla Kiely).

Address: 31 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DD
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-18:30, Sun: 12:00-17:00
Orla Kiely Homepage & Online Shop