Shop until you drop ... the independent way.

I love shopping. Shopping for clothes, interiors, homeware, food, presents for loved ones, presents for myself ... the browsing, the buying, the wrapping and the grand finale of the giving. The whole shebang!

The magpie that I am; I particularly enjoy shopping in antique, thrift and charity shops; there's always a hidden treasure or two, to be found. Covelli Tennant is always a source of inspiration; Janie Tennant & Sara Covelli share their extensive knowledge and passion for textiles; sourcing and producing bespoke pieces; decorative items such as vintage lighting, framed art deco wallpaper and gouache on paper dress fabric samples, rare framed scarves, upholstered furniture and cushions made from interesting found fabrics including 18th Century silks to African textiles from the 1930s. ‘Re-using, repurposing and restoring older pieces is what we should aim for in our throw away society’. Sara Covelli. I concur!

Shop online at covellitennant.com and decorativecollective.com.

Shown below is a prime example of Covelli Tennant stock: a late 19th century Tole Tea Canister Lamp. Hand painted with a charming Lesser Spotted Woodpecker below an oval cartouche ‘British Birds’ (includes the handmade silk Sari shade) £350.

Fisher London an antiques treasure trove on Grays Inn Road, London is my go-to antique shop. Hilary Fisher's beautifully curated shop is an absolute joy to visit; easy on the eye, expert knowledge and guidance, prices to suit all budgets and a glass of sherry offered upon arrival, not to mentioned its location which is only a 10 minute walk from Kings Cross, Chancery Lane, Holborn or, Russell Square tube stations.

The Pimlico Road went up, yet another, notch in October when 20a Pimlico Road became the London home of the Jet Collection by Whiteworks The walls are adorned with exquisite wallpapers, fabrics and more often than not, an art installation by some exceedingly talented artist. There are accessories to buy too; little vessels by Chloe Rosetta Bell and these fabulous rosettes (shown below) by Cherry Harrison. And if you are really, really lucky, you might meet a very beautiful poodle who commutes between the country and 20a Pimlico Road.

My lovely client, London based Grace & Flora is exhibiting at the Etsy Sellers in Richmond tomorrow, Saturday 30th November and at two venues the following Saturday (7th December) Trafalgar School Fair in Twickenham and Etsy Made Local, RHACC in Richmond. Although I can't get to these events in person, I'm looking forward to ordering some Grace & Flora jewellery from Kate's user friendly website. Something I've had my eye on for a while is a very pretty bow necklace (shown below) which I think, might just be going into my shopping basket ... slide across and you will see the beautiful recycled packaging the jewellery comes in - wrapping sorted too!

For those relaxed Christmas shoppers, on Saturday 14th December I will be selling cushions and various odds & sods at the Interiors Boot Sale held in the Cecil Sharp House in Camden, London. The aim is to come back with an empty car but by the looks of the line up, I might well end up going home with more than I came with ... The event is in aid of the Whitechapel Mission - a London charity, open 365 days a year, serving the homeless.

For those with a sweet tooth, Yorkshire based Bramper Biscuits is the one for you - see the gallery below for a taste of Zlatka's work. Get in touch via instagram to place your order!

Healthy types, look no further than the Lost Tea Company - order from their website or, visit Jack at one of the many fairs/markets he attends including the Wild by Tart Christmas Fair this weekend (Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December).

So there you have it - a few suggestions on where to shop independently, whether it's for Christmas, birthday, wedding, house present, new baby, or, for yourself.

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!

Georgie x