Luella Boutique (London, UK)

While I tend to opt for black or more muted shades when it comes to my wardrobe, Luella is one of the few designers who's whimsical, cute but never tacky outfits make me want to wear something pink and ruffled. There are tweed creations out there that just make me cringe or girly dresses that make the average gal look more like a cupcake than an actual person, but somehow Luella has always managed to keep a certain balance in her collections.

Spring/Summer 09 runway (images: style.com)

Having graduated from Central St. Martins, Luella Bartley pursued a career in journalism, before starting her own label 10 years ago. Her goal was to design "the kind of clothes you can get drunk and fall over in". Always wearable, but never boring, even the girliest pieces had a certain edge and quickly became coveted pieces among both fashion insiders and women seeking a flattering outfit, with retail collaborations (e.g. Target and Urban Outfitters) making her a household name. Her runway collections always put a smile on my face and the current Summer 09 range is the perfect example of how something that at first glance looks so ladylike slowly reveals a kookier more psychedelic side as seen from the asymmetrical detailing and modern tailoring.

I had somehow always failed to visit the Luella flagship (which opened just under two years ago) and I made a point to go this time, mainly because I wanted to see the entire range in person and because currently this is the designer's only standalone store in the world. The boutique definitely didn't disappoint and was every bit as quirky as her designs. While most designer flagships tend to be big, bold or incredibly sleek, this one is very cosy and welcoming. Those not familiar with this designer would probably not even realize they were in a high-end boutique (until they see the price tag).

Just like the clothes, the store seems to mirror the combination of English sophistication and cute bizarre colorful touches. The walls are adorned with your typical country club memorabilia such as photos of horses and baroque oil paintings. Yet sitting right beside these items, was a big bunny rabbit... I'm guessing it got lost on it's way to Wonderland? In any case it was sporting a very chic fuchsia Luella bag. Old solid wood furniture was filled with odd trinkets (some Luella, others just completely random). Another more modern table in the middle of the front room was adorned with pirate stickers and displayed a good selection of smaller accessories.

The great thing about the darker wood furnishings was that the bright summery colors of the current collection stood out so much more. I didn't even know where to begin. I'm a huge fan of the Liberty print and a good portion of the current season's dresses, blouses and skirts feature my favorite pattern. While most flagships in London seem to have at least eight SA's in-store standing around waiting for you to try something on (why is that?? I've never witnessed an abundance of sales staff like I did in London), there were thankfully only two that were visible during my visit.

I was happily browsing and already thoroughly enjoying myself when I reached the back room. The 'country club gone wrong' theme continued here... I'm not quite sure what caught my attention first - was it the wooden fox in the fireplace or the bright turquoise horse's head (not real of course) in the changing room?

A large table in the center showcased a range of bags and shoes, all equally vibrant and cute. Footwear is the latest addition to the Luella range and I must say the heels featuring the big hearts in the center would probably brighten up any outfit.

If anyone out there is ever in a bad mood and needs their spirits lifted - I suggest you visit this store. Those outside of London should head on over to the next best thing: the online shop (deliveries can be made worldwide). Just as wonderful and quaint, but without the memorabilia, it's still bound to make you smile.

Address: 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HB
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-18:00, Thu: 10:00-19:00
Luella Homepage and Online Shop

Leam (Rome, Italy)

Getting your designer fix in Rome isn't really difficult, especially if it's Italian brands you're after. I was directed to head to Leam thanks to a fellow blogger (the lovely fglovesbags) and unlike most boutiques, this one has an extensive range of labels you probably won't find elsewhere in the city. What makes it even more worth visiting is the fact that we're not talking about one store, but five in total: Leam Donna, Leam Uomo, Leam Limited, Baby Leam and Leam Outlet. This post will cover the main Leam women's boutique, Leam Limited (a slightly cooler women's section) and the outlet division.

Starting with the main store, you could be mistaken into thinking Prada and Cavalli is all you'll find here. To be honest, that thought crossed my mind at first and browsing the shoes didn't reveal anything special. Moving on to the bags, I started getting nervous (where were the Balenciaga bags... where??), lots of Fendi - the last thing I needed after visiting the Palazzo - more Prada and too much Gucci. All logo-ed, all very bling and all incredibly colorful. The store design was what kept me going though: I loved the way the mannequins were placed throughout the boutique and having a mezzanine between the two levels gave the whole area a more interesting structure.

Having passed the mezzanine (more Fendi bags), I got to the second level which is where I found a very sizable selection of this season's ready-to-wear. I was pleasantly surprised to find other brands as well: Diane von Furstenberg dresses and tunics occupied one entire rack and there was a good range of Marni on the other side of the room. Missoni, Pucci and Dior were all represented in addition to Miu Miu, Valentino and any other big name you can think of. Definitely your one-stop place for all that is luxury fashion.

By contrast, Leam Limited, situated right next door, doesn't scream opulence, though the goods found here are equally expensive. The shiny modern hallway leading to the front door is lined with mannequins while the interior is striking in its cool minimalism: instead of comfy sofas, you'll find big rocks to sit on from where you can enjoy whatever the two video projectors happen to be displaying on the back walls.

The slightly elevated floor in the middle would have reminded me of a boxing ring if it hadn't been for the very artistic-looking red shelf snaking its way across this area. The collection here consisted mainly of Balenciaga (including 2 current-season bags I saw for the first time in person), Issa, Luella and Yohji Yamamoto, as well as items from more local design talents such as Ermano Scervino and Cesare Paciotti.

(images: 2tr architettura)

Of course none of the products sold come cheap, so Leam was clever enough to set up a standalone outlet store across the street. And I must say, this is probably one of the tidiest shops of its kind. Items are clearly labelled and categorized by garment or accessory type, starting with jackets and dresses in the front and continuing with jeans, tops, shoes, trousers, skirts and blouses towards the back. This is also where you'll find last-season shoes and bags.

I sighted Balenciaga jackets and ankle boots, beautiful Chloé dresses and Mulberry bags - from 40-70% off. Everything was in top shape and a lot actually came in 'normal' sizes. Menswear and items for children/babies can be found in the basement. The only negative thing: if you're shorter than 5'9" you might have trouble accessing the clothes on the upper rack.

So there you go: three very individual stores called Leam and all worth visiting for slightly different reasons.

Address: Via Appia Nuova 30-32, 00183 Rome
Via Faenza 10-12, 00182 Rome (Leam Outlet)
Leam Homepage