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

Stella McCartney Boutique (London, UK)

As I'm writing this, I'm sitting here wrapped in a bunch of blankets, nursing a cold and trying not to feel sorry for myself (because let's face it, that's something men would do... and incidentally it was my man who passed it on to me). So in an attempt to distract myself from this misery, I've been thinking of beautiful things... preferably related to clothing or shoes. One such wonderful place was the Stella McCartney flagship I visited in London last month and which I hadn't had the chance to post about yet.

Like her other British female counterparts Luella or Vivienne Westwood, Stella actually put some thought into the boutique, which is why it's so much more pleasant to browse than the usual glitzy designer flagships that tend to resemble a hotel lobby. As everyone knows by now, aside from having a pretty famous dad, Stella has taken a cruelty-free stance with her collections, refusing to use furs and leathers (although some vegans I know like to argue the silk she uses still results in the death of a few zillion silk worms a year). And the same ethical thought has been applied to her flagship as well, which lacks any leather furnishings or furry rugs. I've always wondered if she was bothered by the fact that her Parisian flagship is located next to that of Rick Owens, which is filled with nothing but furs, leathers and even animal bones. In any case, stepping into the London store is like stepping into another world and the experience was made even more special thanks to her current FW09 'Bambi' campaign.

FW09 campaign

Like most people, I thought the campaign was quite adorable and seeing it again in the store window instantly made me smile. But if you thought that was it, well... Bambi & Co. seemed to have taken over the entire store. Cut-outs and stickers of these Disney characters could be found throughout the shop and as if looking at McCartney's beautiful collections wasn't already a treat, it was made even more magical by the fact that you had Thumper hanging out near the accessories or Bambi eyeing up the thigh-high boots worn by a mannequin. It could have turned out pretty cheesy, but as the Stella store has quite beautiful interiors - almost reminiscent of a private home rather than a store - the boutique took the role of an enchanted forest... filled with shoes, bags and clothes (i.e. the best forest ever).

Entrance/hallway featuring lots of Thumpers and one Flower. The windows (right) displayed jewelry and accessories.

Upon entering the store (and being greeted by three Thumpers and one Flower), you'll find stairs that head towards the first floor and an area to the left containing some of the current season clothes. The room's back wall, which is where some of the accessories and bags were located, was decorated with illustrations of trees and branches where more of Bambi's friends were hanging out and looking pretty happy surrounded by the totes and clutches. I was most drawn to the bright pink counter which held some pretty cool jewelry and elbow-length gloves.

Ground floor accessories area (left). Jewelry and gloves on display (right).

Walking on I found a bright and airy indoor courtyard with a rack containing more clothes. This lead towards every girl's favorite section: the shoe department, stocked with heels and plenty of boots, many of them thigh-high. The walls were adorned with vintage jewelry pieces (I'm guessing they weren't for sale), which were pinned to the floral wallpaper. Combined with the spacious seating area, the antique crystal chandelier and large number of windows, the area had a very nice cosy feel.

The indoor courtyard, featuring clothes in red, blue and white... and Bambi's pal Flower looking very coy.

The shoe area featuring many drool-worthy items (left) and jewelry pinned to the floral wallpaper (right).

I decided to head up towards the first floor, which is where most of the clothing could be found. The room I entered resembled a large living room - mainly because the center pieces consisted of two couches, a coffee table and a big fireplace at the far end. In fact, clothes only occupied one wall, so this area is probably also used as a greeting or reception lounge.

The spacious living room area.

The next room on the other hand was stocked full of the casual chic items Stella is known for, including chunky knits, thick wool coats and yet another center table which displayed hats, gloves and other accessories.

The adjacent room with more clothes ranging from knits to lighter silk pieces... and yet another Thumper hanging out by the fireplace.

Even the changing rooms had an individual touch - in fact, they each had a different design. And these were also one of the few areas that were free of Bambi & Co. (I'm guessing they didn't want to intrude).

Loved the butterfly changing rooms...

The final area in the boutique is probably the most unique one. This section, located right above the shoe area, resembled an old-fashioned boudoir and featured large cabinets full of glass bottles and Stella's organic skincare range CARE. Her lingerie line was on display as well and could be found in the far corners of the room, but I was too busy testing out all the products in the cabinets to fully appreciate the sexy underwear. Even though this room had no windows, the warm light (from yet another chandelier) and the dark purple walls made this a very welcoming room.

The boudoir area with yet another fireplace and a TV showing the latest runway show (left) and one of two large cabinets displaying skincare items (right).

Some of the chic glass flasks in the cabinet (left) and the 7-day knicker set (right).

Bambi seems to be digging the perforated thigh-high boots... as am I (left). Other items in the hallway included the neon-lit "Love Me" sign and a colorful painting (right).

This is one of those boutiques you don't just want to visit, but would preferably like to move in to. At least I did and I almost didn't want to leave. I think most brands could probably learn a thing or two from Ms. Stella, because this was one of the least intimidating designer boutiques I've come across. The staff members were very friendly, but didn't follow you around. In fact, I was free to browse at my own leisure and was never watched. The setting is of course what makes the entire experience less corporate and more personal. And any store who's designer has the humor to plaster it with images of Disney characters, is a winner in my book. A very refreshing change to brands that take themselves too seriously.

FW09 RTW collection (images: style.com)

Address: 30 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QR
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-18:00, Thu: until 19:00
Stella McCartney Homepage & Online Store (US only)

Merci (Paris, France)

Main entrance in the courtyard.

There aren't a lot of ways to shop guilt-free these days. Items on offer can either be overpriced, badly produced, linked to dubious labor practices or just so trendy, you'll never wear them beyond a season. The answer to all this could be vintage shopping. Or better yet: going to a charity store. Even if whatever you buy ends up at the back of your closet, at least you'll know your money went towards a good cause. The only problem with this (at least in my case), is that charity stores aren't as wide-spread in mainland Europe. I've always admired the UK for having an Oxfam, Salvation Army or Red Cross in every city or town, stocking everything from boots to porcelain cups. France? Forget it... at least until recently.

Entrance to the flower shop.

Merci is a very unique way of saying 'thank you', at least when it comes to this store which opened its doors in March. Because the French like doing things on a grander scale, Merci isn't just your average tiny little charity shop in a backstreet. It's a luxury concept store, over 1500 m² (approx. 16 145 sq.ft) large that sells you anything you could possibly need, whether it's a book or a roll of yarn. The founders Marie-France and Bernard Cohen (who also created, then sold the luxury children's wear label Bonpoint) have gotten in touch with designers, artists, musicians, actors, stylists, authors and famous friends who have kindly donated items from their own collections or crafted special pieces to be sold there exclusively.

Cafe/library entrance.

Some pieces are vintage, while others are brand new and either come from current collections or have been designed just for the store. The thing you need to know is that designers who are offering their goods on sale here are foregoing their profits, so all the brand new items will cost you around 30% less than the normal sale price. In turn Merci will donate 100% of their profits from goods sold to a foundation benefiting impoverished children in Madagascar, one of the poorest regions in the world and a cause close to the heart of Madame Cohen, who has traveled there several times. Her goal is to give young children (especially girls) the chance of an education so that they can one day have a career.

Courtyard decorations included greenery with bird cages (left) and a red Fiat (right).

What's even more amazing is that during the sale season (which thankfully ended yesterday), Merci slashed their prices even further. So in addition to getting already cheaper items for an almost wholesale price, you got another 30-50% off. Regardless of how much the stuff costs though, Merci is worth a visit, just for the store alone. Tucked away in a back yard, you won't immediately detect the main entrance, but instead see two different storefronts: one for the cafe and the other for the flower shop. Between these two, you'll find a gate that leads to an inner courtyard, where Merci has placed the first vintage item: a red Fiat Cinquecento, occasionally loaded with goods but currently only covered in green foliage. I'm pretty sure this item isn't for sale though.

Overview of the ground floor (left) and skylight (right).

Smaller home decor items (left) and eco-friendly plates (right).

Recycled bags and flower pots (left), some interesting mugs (right).

The first time I walked into this converted factory, I was stunned by how bright and airy it was. The biggest source of natural daylight is the big skylight in the main area, while palm trees and other plants give the impression you could be in a greenhouse rather than a retail space. It's also the least cramped place I've ever shopped in and the numerous staff members are probably one of the friendliest you'll come across in this city. The front area of the ground floor sold mainly smaller home decor and other items such as vases, pots, barbecue grills and a large selection of eco-friendly disposable wooden cutlery and plates. I found a few recycled bags and purses, but the biggest draw is probably the section towards the left.

Annick Goutal perfume section (top and lower left) and the neon lit room (right).

Cohen, who's late sister happened to be Annick Goutal, managed to get the company to donate several scents which are on offer. Instead of selling them in the usual fancy flasks, they are sold in simple glass bottles, though consumers are urged to bring their own containers which can be filled with their favorite perfume. The benefit is that you'll save 40% off the store price. Another great deal.

Jewelry housed in cabinets and glass domes (top image: farawaytrends.com).

I was also fascinated by the fine jewelry, which was housed in various glass cases, some of them resembling displays of art. There was also an area filled with purple neon light, currently shut off, but I was told this section usually displays clothing.

The vintage clothes section.

Heading towards the right side of this floor, you end up in another large room. The first thing I saw was a small collection of vintage pieces under a staircase, mainly formal wear including robes from Dior or YSL, though one rack also held some casual pieces such as vintage Levis or Adidas. Shoes were placed neatly on the ground, with bags and belts displayed on a rack nearby.

The designer section.

Some interesting wall decorations along the stairwell.

The main clothing area is where you'll find the majority of the (new) designer pieces, including Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, Barbara Bui, Azzaro, Acne, Jerome Dreyfuss and many more who are waiving their profits for a good cause. Some of these are exclusive store-only items, such as the famous YSL safari jackets, which have been reissued in khaki and white. There was also an impressive selection of menswear, and the old-school couches, vintage furniture and other memorabilia made it a fun place to browse.

Menswear (lower image: commeuncamion.com).

The upper level contained mainly furniture, as well as some stationary, a haberdashery corner and a room for children's wear.

Furniture on the upper level (left), along with some beautiful art (right).

Fell in love with this two-seater (left) and more furniture (right).

Overview of the remaining upper level area (left) and stationary + suitcases (right).

The haberdashery section (left) with a nice selection of colorful buttons (right).

The children's section with a very cute elephant (left). View of the ground floor from above (right).

The first few times I came here, I never realized there was a lower level as well. This is the place to come if you need household and kitchen items, whether it's a broom, a few light bulbs or a salad bowl. Towards the back you'll find the restaurant, with a wonderful view of the back garden.

Lower level kitchenware (left) and cantine (right).

But the most cosy place to sit and have a drink or snack is probably the library on the ground floor, which has been designed to resemble an old-fashioned literary cafe. Entire walls are covered in second-hand books, with prices ranging from 3-10 EUR. Tables and chairs can be found in the main area, surrounded by more books, a perfect place to dive into a novel and enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

The library (left) leading into the cafe (right).

And finally, if you suddenly feel the urge to recreate the look of Merci's interiors, but can't redecorate your entire apartment or house just yet, head over to the flower department, where you'll find everything from potted plants to impressive floral arrangements courtesy of the very talented florist.

The area on the left leads right into the flower shop.

Throughout the store, you'll find 'merci' printed on the wall, under which several names or companies are listed, a way for the owners to thank those who have provided the goods on sale. If you haven't noticed by now, this is the ultimate place to do some guilt-free shopping. My friend V. is currently in town for a visit and this is the first place I dragged her to. Some might be suspicious of the fact that a charity store could be so big, clean and design-oriented, but to be honest, it's probably a smart move to get people to shop here in the first place. A small dingy shop, that's cramped full of stuff is less likely to get this much attention or a lot of visitors, so I say: a brilliant idea and merci beaucoup!

Address: 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00
Merci Homepage