Follow the Yellow Brick Lane
I recently made a trip to Brick Lane with my friend for the day. We started in Box Park Shoreditch, and after buying a huge box of Dum Dum Doughnuts (I doughnut regret this - sorry couldn’t help the pun!), we walked to Brick Lane which had much more to offer.
We checked out all the vintage shops in Brick Lane, and though there was an ever present musty scent (like someone’s grandmother), I felt inspired by all the garments taking me back to the 90s, all the way to current trends. I bought a vintage Burberry jacket for the mother, whilst my friend bought really cool and cute clothing for herself, channelling The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air vibes. Although too many to choose from, one of our favourite vintage shops was Vintage Basement.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vintage Basement’s Instagram account
Next we stumbled across an über-cute jewellery and accessory brand Freya Ma, with collections inspired by the sea and Alice in Wonderland. The jewellery pieces are perfect gifts for your quirkier friends and family. The design of the store was well-thought out and almost childlike with mock clouds hanging from the ceiling. There is something about this brand that makes you smile, and takes you back to favourite childhood moments. I purchased two really cute hair clips, they’re quite “in” at the moment. Sadly, I can’t give you the names of the products because the website doesn’t seem to give customers the option to see that an accessories collection exists, let alone buy it. In store they sell hair clips and bags FYI.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Freya Ma London website
Along the way, there are plenty (PLENTY) of places to eat in Shoreditch and Brick Lane. There are lots of restaurants, food stalls (including a vegan market…) and I hear Brick Lane offers some of the best Indian food! There is no shortage of places to stop and enjoy a nibble or cool beverage before continuing on your shopping journey.
We soon came across AOC Edit shop, and it instantly caught our attention. AOC stands for Absence of Colour and this is noted in their white and black clothes only. This brand was founded in Brick Lane in 2013 however the owner I believe has Nordic roots. Mysteriously, there wasn’t much information given on their site or other online forums/ articles. It would have been nice to have found out more information about the owner and what inspired her collection, but sadly nada…
My own photo
This shop was so hip on many levels; firstly, loved the brands’ style which is minimal and classical, but also inspired by punk. There were dainty shirts and simple dresses, but at the same time, you could purchase PVC cargo pants, or bondage inspired belts, to metal studded accessories. The girl who was working behind the counter was really sweet, and had some Gemma Chan vibes about her, but in a cool punky sort of way. AOC also sells fashion and phone accessories and homeware. I purchased the AOC Side Studded Bag which is a classical black, textured leather bag, but edgy and rebellious twists featuring side silver studs.
Walking along the shops, with my shopping bags swinging side to side (of course), I noticed lots of graffiti - both artistic and others, not so much. They were just as much of an attraction to the area and I noticed many people taking photographs, myself being one of those people. Right next to the AOC store, I found (in my opinion) the coolest one of a geisha (see below).
My own photo
Here are some others I took pictures of…
“Listen to your heart, your head will get you nowhere”
Weird alien lady - How I look and feel every Monday morning
Last but certainly not least, we ventured into Spitalfields market, which I’ve always loved. All three E.London areas of Shoreditch, Brick Lane and Spitalfields market, have their own style but each are worthy of visiting in their own right. If you’re looking for a nice day out with your friend, you don’t even need to spend any money and it will still be a good day out. Although, I highly recommend the Dum Dum Doughnuts - they were life (especially the Yum Yum).
Until next time xo
