1 AND LONDON
In a world bursting with fashion websites it’s an exciting thing when one stands out from the crowd for doing something a bit different. And AND LONDON is doing just that. The thoughtfully-curated collection of fashion and accessories from around the globe is the answer to all your holiday packing woes. It’s like an explosion of summer. There are colourful espadrilles to tread the cobbles on a Tuscan holiday, Navajo prints to wear while swaying with the crowds at festivals and chic beachside cover ups, all of which you won’t find anywhere else in this country.
Set up by designers Sophie Gaze and Tiff Bagnall, the duo found inspiration for AND LONDON while travelling for work. They constantly discovered fantastic designers, both established and up-and-coming, but in the most part, unavailable to European shoppers. Luckily for us, they set about changing that. And now work with small, independent companies and artisans showcasing their very cool wares to the UK. But the company’s support extends from just selling their designs, AND LONDON focuses on bringing to life the story behind the designers, merging culture with fashion, resulting in a unique and relevant platform.
“ We want to find our customers clothing that has a story to tell. However, it is also important to us that our collection is on trend and exciting from a design point of view. Above all, we look to work with designers who create wearable, affordable pieces that encourage you to try something new,” say Sophie and Tiff. And new it is.
AND LONDON’s feel is very much grown-up bohemian, all long flowy dresses, cool prints, colourful shoes and shades, and ethnic clutches. And if you’re having trouble choosing what to buy, use the team’s hand-picked edits to guide you. From the beach shop, to Riviera Chic or Day to Night collections, it’s style made easy. andlondonuk.com
2 OTIUMBERG
“Otium: withdrawing from one’s daily business or affairs to engage in activities that are artistically valuable or enlightening.”
Launched this month, Otiumberg aims to take the stress out of present shopping by displaying a cool collection of accessories at a very cool price point (all between £20 and £350). The online boutique sells designer accessories by already-known and up-and-coming designers from around the world, with the objective to make browsing for presents, or yourself, quick and simple.
It is the first place in the UK to stock brands such as Wonderlandsun, OdetteNY, Sunday Somewhere and By Philippe, and is also the exclusive online stockist of Mor jewellery; the handcrafted jewellery boutique on Carnaby Street. Other brands featured include collections by Zoe & Morgan, Sabrina Dehoff, Bellebas, Maria Francesca Pepe, Spektre, Buba London, Rianna Phillips, Astrid and Miyu, Le Specs and Davina Combe.
You can tell the team behind the launch (two London based sisters) have got taste – we’d trust any man to come away from the site with a successful purchase. otiumberg.com
3 FORMULA
The concept behind FORMULA was to pull together the perfect mix of classic modern staples and contemporary trends to create the ultimate day-to-night outfits. The site, which also launched this month, was set up by two women from Putney who kept hearing the same fashion gripes from their friends; that they couldn’t find versatile clothes that could be dressed up or down. FORMULA mixes established and up-and-coming designer labels in a work-to-weekend edit for women that want to invest in staple pieces for their wardrobe. The team has handpicked jeans, dresses, tops and skirts from known labels such as the likes of Mother Jeans and See by Chloe, and added emerging ones, such as Veja and Won Hundred.
Putting an emphasis on service, the team are always on hand to offer style advice, outfit recommendations or special delivery requests. They want to ensure your items arrive exactly as you want them. And each delivery comes in premium packaging, with a Formula bag and personalised note, which is a lovely touch. shopformula.co.uk
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