Shopping in London: Portobello Market

Before leaving Toronto I did a lot of reading and research on what London had to offer in terms of shopping. Knowing I would be by myself the week I was in London, the last thing I wanted to do was end up alone in a dodgy area. I also had the benefit of having a lot of Twitter followers who are quite familiar with London. Between their recommendations and the tour books I read I had a rough wish list of places to visit before I even left home.

 

One of the places that was at the top of my list was Portobello Market in Notting Hill. Not usually one for flea markets, the write ups and recommendations from people made me feel like this was a must see. I was told I had to go on a Saturday as that is when clothing is the main attraction. So off I went. Figuring out of my own what tube station to get off at (Notting Hill Gate) and then following the crowd to the entrance of the market I was pleasantly surprised to see the wide variety of wares for sale. Booth after booth of clothes, accessories, antiques, food and art, even if I wasn't interested in shopping the atmosphere and variety of products would have made it worth the trip.
I didn't have anything in particular in mind to buy, I really didn't know what I would find when I got there. I found I got caught up in the atmosphere though and pretty soon I was trying on dresses over my clothes, trying to judge the look and fit through some tiny mirror someone held up for me and turning over 13 pounds for a nice dress I have yet to wear but hope to this summer.

My finds at Portobello Market, 1 dress, 2 scarves, 2 pairs of earrings. Total spent: 24 pounds

It felt like this street went on forever and even though it was late afternoon, the crowds were still out in full force. I walked the entire street to have a look at everything being offered and then on my way back to where I started picked up a few more items. I bought 2 scarves, one for 6 pounds and another for 2 pounds, and 2 pairs of earrings that were 2 pounds each. I could have bought a lot more but it was only my first day of shopping and I wanted to save some money for later in the week.

 

In addition to Portobello Market, the retail shops in the area were also open and they had some cool things as well. I was drawn to a Kurt Geiger store with all their shiny shoes on display as well as the Allsaints Spitalfields store where the walls of antique sewing machines on display made for some very cool decorating.

 

 

All in all I loved my afternoon in Portobello Market. If you get a chance to go leave lots of time for the market itself, you don't want to rush through it and then take some time to visit the regular retailers in the area. I also walked around taking pictures of Notting Hill. The homes were so stunning!
Here is my favourite one, I loved the colourful townhouses:

Chances are if I find myself back in London I will definitely be back at Portobello.

Portobello Market is also known for great antique shopping. If that is something you are interested in its worth a visit. Here is a website for more information:
http://www.portobellomarket.org/

My London Shopping Adventures

Last year I was fortunate enough to have a friends wedding to attend in the UK. When comtemplating how long I was going to stay, (only go for wedding or stay on extra days), one of the main reasons for using up all my vacation time in one shot was I wanted to see London, England. It was never on my wish list of places to see but being so close to the city and hearing such good things about London from others, I felt I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And since you never know what life has in store for you I figured I should take advantage of already being in England, bite the bullet and fork over the cash to add a week's stay in London post wedding events. After having experienced this fabulous city I can say it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Of course at the top of my list was seeing what London had to offer in the way of shopping. Also mindful of the very expensive exchange rate (1.6 to every Canadian dollar) I wondered if there was anything I would be able to afford. I should never even have questioned this. For London being the great city it is, shopping truly exists at every spectrum of budgets. I did a variety of shopping from street markets, to high streets to department stores and found great things everywhere.
My next series of posts will outline in detail all of the great areas of the city and shopping destinations I saw. I'm sure there are many I missed which is why I hope to get back some day. It's worth it to make trips to London just for the shopping which you know I would gladly do if I can get it to fit my budget.

Update: Not A Shopaholic Wish List

http://notashopaholic.blogspot.ca/2011/04/not-shopaholic-wish-list.html

Remember back in April 2011, I did the Not A Shopaholic wish list? Link is above in case you don't.  I was unemployed and not able to go out and do much of anything. I was thinking of all the things I wanted but had no money for. Mostly as a therapeutic exercise I created this wish list as incentive and motivation to get me out of the situation I was in. I haven't thought much about it since then until I realized I have accomplished some things on the list. I thought you might want an update on things I've knocked off the list. It will never be completely done as I am always thinking of new and expensive things I want to buy. It's the expensive ones that are trouble. They take a lot of planning and saving to acquire. I also like a deal so I try to find the least expensive way to get the things on my list.

Here is a current update to that list from more than a year ago:

1. Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress - sadly this still remains on the list. Its funny because I thought when I started working again this would be one of the first things I would get. Hopefully this will be checked off in the near future. I am planning a trip to Woodbury Common outlet shops where DVF has an outlet. I am confident my first ever DVF dress will be found there at a somewhat reasonable price.

2. Smythe blazer - another piece still unchecked from the list. I have been keeping my eye on the Smythe options at Holt Renfrew but so far nothing has caught my eye. This is an ongoing pursuit.

3. Art from Celeste Brunel - Yea, this one I actually did! I bought 3 beautiful photographs from Celese that now hang proudly in my living room. I never knew art would add so much dimension to a living space. I love, love, love these photos and am so glad I chose the ones I did.
Her full catalogue of pictures is available through her website. Please have a look and support Canadian artists.

My living room with Celeste's photographs

4. Michael Kors - I was in love with Rose Gold watches and Michael Kors had some of the prettiest. Since writing the original post, I have given this some thought and will likely go with the Fossil brand over Michael Kors. Fossil is more affordable and just as nice. I have long been a fan of Fossil and am pretty sure I can get just as beautiful a watch. 

From Fossil.com: Stella Watch in Rose Gold $125 US

 

 

5. Toy Watch: This is one of the first things I did get once I had a job and income again. I was fortunate enough to be able to puchase this one wholesale plus shipping. I ended up going with a bit of a smaller style than I originally planned and its perfect for me. I get so many compliments on it. People really like the combination white and silver band which is one of the things I loved about it. I tend to wear this watch a lot in the summer obviously, but am surprised at how much I wear it in Fall and Winter. It really does go with anything.

 

 

From www.ToyWatchCanada.com

 

6. Mirrors - After many many years in my condo with only the bathroom mirror to see what my outfits look like I finally invested in a full length mirror. This functional and decorative mirror is now on my bedroom wall. Thank you Ikea for this affordable find. Thanks to Dad for putting it up for me.

 

Ekne mirror $49 Ikea Canada

 

7. Running Shoes - I did buy a pair of good running shoes and started running. It took me awhile to get going. I am now up to 20 minutes on the treadmill. Running outside is a bit harder so working on getting that time up. I hope to do my first 5k run sometime next year.

8. Home Internet - Done! Got this shortly after starting work and I wonder how I did without it for so long. Even better news is because I have Rogers internet, I am able to watch my beloved Toronto Blue Jays play games again.

 

9. New Car - This one I just accomplished this year. A new or used car is a major purchase and requires a lot of research. I probably did more than the average person because I despise buying things I am not familiar with and cars falls into this category. I got some help from a friend on Twitter and was able to get a great deal on a used 2008 Honda CRV which I love! If you are looking for a new or used car I encourage you to do as much research as possibly and try to talk to people who have the car you want. Happy to still be in the Honda CRV family. I love my car more each day.

 

 

So happy I couldn't keep my eyes open

 

 

10. Charitable Donations - this one I have to get better at. I continue to volunteer my time at a position I've been at for 3 years. Financial contributions I haven't kept up with. Hopefully I can get moving on this one and have an update the status on this one soon.

Been A Busy Girl

Many apologies for ignoring my blog for so long. It wasn't my intention. I didn't have my usual inspiration and a major trip this summer forced me to curb my shopping habits early on so I could save some extra cash. Even though I may be a Shopaholic, I do my best to be financially responsible. A two week trip to Wales and England this summer was quite an expensive undertaking but one that was well worth it. The down side is it cost a lot of money so shopping habits had to be downsized and I forced myself to stay out of malls and shops for months! I could have still blogged during that time, goodness knows I have enough material saved up to keep going. Truth is I was just lazy. I promise that has changed and I will do my best to keep up with regular blog posts. I love getting comments, tweets and Facebook comments from the people who take the time to read my blog and I promise not to disappoint you.
Good news is my summer trip has provided me with a ton of material. I will work on doing a few posts about my shopping excursions in the UK. It was my first time there and I loved it. I can't think of too many other places where I've come home with four pairs of shoes in my carry on!
If you are a member of the Not A Shopaholic Facebook page then you have already seen some of the photos. I will post them here as well and tell you how I came across all these great finds.
As always thanks for reading!

Christina

One Of A Kind Show - Toronto

The One Of A Kind Show is gearing up to begin it's Christmas show on November 24th at The Direct Energy Centre. One of the best places to find unique gifts for others and yourself, the Christmas show tends to be larger than the show held in the Spring. This show also has a longer run time giving avid shoppers like me ample time to get ourselves organized to make it down there. With the crowds that tend to turn out for this show, you might want to break your visit up into 2 or 3 trips. Get a re-admit pass when you leave and you can return on another day without having to pay admission again. New this year is a late shopping night on December 1st. The show will be open until 11pm. Might be a good time to attend since prime hours seem to be the weekends.

I have only attended the Christmas show once before. Plans to attend last year were sidetracked with my unemployment status in December. This year I am making a point to go as I also missed the Spring show. I have some standard favourites I want to check out and also see what new and exciting vendors have taken up attendance at One Of A Kind.  If it is your first time attending, it can be overwhelming as it is a large show. What works for me is to walk the entire show, make notes on the booths I want to buy from, then go back to them after I've seen everything. I find this method also keeps my spending in check. I do try to be a responsible Not A Shopaholic.

For more info visit the One Of A Kind website:  http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/index.php

Some of my can't miss booths at One Of A Kind include:

Coach House Shortbread Company - I have a complete weakness for shortbread cookies and the ones from Coach House are the best I have ever tasted. The best part of visiting this booth is taste testing before you buy. No matter what I sample I always end up buying the same flavour. I don't even remember what kind I buy I just know I like the one in the orange packaging. If they ever change the colour I will be lost. I'm sure whatever you buy you will love. I cannot leave One Of A Kind without Coach House shortbread cookies.
http://www.shortbread.ca/homepage.html

glamjulz - The very first time I went to One Of A Kind I bought the most beautiful necklace from glamjulz. I remember the woman behind the counter saying it was one of her favourites and I assured her I would give it a good home. To this day I still get compliments on that necklace whenever I wear it. That necklace also started my obession/fascination with glamjulz. I have bought several pieces from them since, including some custom made pieces, and have attended a few of their end of season sales at their showroom in Burlington. I will definitely be stopping by their booth this show although I don't know what is left for me to buy from them. Knowing me I will think of something.
http://glamjulz.com/

My first necklace from glamjulz. The photo doesn't do it justice.

At The Wroot Of It - The coolest dishes and serving platters you will ever see courtesy of Carrie Wroot. Before you buy you will probably kill yourself laughing over Carrie's fun quirky characters, one blond and one brunette, and their appropriate kitchen and non cooking phrases. This booth is so much fun. I have come home with a triangle shaped serving platter and and oblong tray both of which I don't use nearly enough. I'm looking to expand my collection this year. Last time I was at the show Carrie was telling me she doesn't sell at retail and only sells her wares at 2 shows: One Of a Kind and CNE. These really are unique pieces you won't find anywhere else. Great gifts and great additions to your personal tabletop collection. Reading the Facebook page, it looks like there are paintings available too. Hope to check those out at the show.
No web page for this one but you can join the Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/At-The-Wroot-Of-It/106083591058

From my personal collection, serving platters from At The Wroot Of It by designer Carrie Wroot

Luxe Design (Booth W38) - What could possibly be better than jewellery as a gift? How about jewellery you can personalize? That is the concept at Luxe Design, a Vancouver based company. I have never bought anything from Luxe at the show, mostly because their booth is so busy I can't get near the merchandise. I have ordered online from them a few years ago and bought necklaces for myself and two best friends. Search my blog and you will find a post with the details.  Choose your chain, choose your pendant, choose what you want it to say and Luxe takes it from there, stamping out your request with their unique letters and numbers. Then accessorize with charms and beads to create the perfect piece of jewellery. I don't know how often my friends wear their necklaces but I wear mine all the time. On each of ours I put our names and then personalized the other side of the pendant to something special for each of my friends.
http://www.luxe-design.com/default.asp

Taken from Luxe Design website. Pendant is the same shape as the one I have.

Monster Factory (Booth E6) - Some recent readers may recall seeing my blog post from a few months ago about the Monster Factory. I first fell in love with these lovable critters at One Of A Kind and their booth is always super busy. I will definitely stop by this one and check out all the monsters. You will see people of all ages here. I bought Colin, my long time favourite from One Of A Kind show 2 years ago. More recently I bought 2 full size and many smaller size monsters for my friends twin boys. These monsters make great gifts for people of any age. My previous blog post about Monster Factory prompted some of my Twitter followers to buy some monsters of their own, as gifts and for themselves. Glad to help spread the word about this great Toronto based company. I just love them.
http://monsterfactory.net/

Top Photo: Colin, my first monster purchase. Bottom photo: Monster gifts for the twins.

*For a full list of artisans at the show, click here. 

One Of A Kind Show Toronto runs November 24th to December 4th. Shows also take place in Vancouver and Chicago. Check website for details.

http://www.oneofakindshow.com/

Miz Mooz Still Going Strong

One of my posts from a few years back is still getting comments from readers. I wanted to draw your attention once more to the Miz Mooz amazing brand of shoes and the growing list of stores where they are available in Canada. I appreciate all your comments and support in letting others know where we can buy great shoes.

As I continue to get comments I will publish them so keep them coming! I love all my Miz Mooz shoes, I swear every time I wear them I get compliments.

Here is a link to the original blog post from December 2008-Luv Your Shooz Miz Mooz and it's follow up in October 2009: Everyone Loves Miz Mooz.

And so you can always keep up on what they are doing, here is their website. http://www.miz-mooz.com/

How will I ever control myself?

Not Afraid Of These Monsters

I have a secret. I’m afraid of the dark. It’s not bad now, but when I was little my Mom had to leave the light on in the hallway until I fell asleep. Even now I can’t watch horror movies or I will have nightmares. So it may seem a bit odd that I have decided to do an entire blog post on monsters.

These are not the big, ugly, scary monsters you are see on TV or in the movies. These are the cutest monsters you have ever seen in your life with personalities to match.

It was a few years ago I saw the product offering from The Monster Factory for the first time. I was at the One of a Kind show with some friends who had been there before. We walked into The Monster Factory booth and I never wanted to leave. These monsters were so colourful, odd looking and adorably cute all at the same time. Each one has a tag with their name and a description of their personality. You have never seen happier people than the ones standing in this booth looking at those monsters, including the adults like myself.

It was love at first sight when I first laid eyes on Colin. I had to go through a lot of monsters before I settled on him. Even then it was much later when I decided to make a commitment to him. Since then I have been a very happy owner. He keeps me company in my living room alongside my favourite Vancouver 2010 mascot Muk Muk. I call the two of them “my guys”. Sometimes I’ll even talk to them but if you ask me to admit that in real life, I won’t.

After Colin and I had been together for awhile, I felt it was time to introduce him to my friends. After all he was someone special in my life. My friend was over for dinner one night and I introduced her to Colin. Her reaction wasn’t what I expected. She immediately started laughing, laughing so hard she was crying and kept saying over and over again, “he looks so funny, he looks so funny”. Well excuse me, I know he’s no model but he is not “funny” looking.

Fast forward many years and said “friend” is now married and recently had twin boys. My dilemma, what to buy these 2 sweet boys so they can remember their (favourite) Auntie Christina when she isn’t around. After much deliberation I decided The Monster Factory would be the best present. It is a present they wouldn’t outgrow right away, looking at monsters would make the boys happy and I would be on my way to solidifying "Favourite Auntie" status. I settled on Donny and Doyle for the boys. Donny and Doyle are funny looking, (Colin is not!) and I thought their funny faces and odd shapes would keep baby eyes occupied for awhile. Ordering was very easy. I did it online and chose to pick up Donny and Doyle when they were made. The Monster Factory emailed me when the order was ready and I headed to downtown Toronto to pick them up.  I added miniature versions of monsters Kyle, Todd and Mr. Jefferson. It really is difficult to limit yourself to only one or two.

Donny on the left, Doyle on the right

Mini Monsters starting left: Todd, Mr. Jefferson, Kyle

Now Donny and Doyle are sitting in my living room waiting to be given to their new owners. I know I bought them for the twins but I don’t want them to leave me. I like having this monster family around. Sadly the day will come when I have to give them up. I feel good knowing they are going to a good home. I'm sure the twins will love Donny, Doyle and friends as much as I do.

Monster Factory is a collection of plush monsters (I don’t want to call them toys) created by a group of 3 friends who have been building their monsters for years. Each monster is made with love in their downtown Toronto studio. Visit their website or visit them in studio (by appointment) or find them on Facebook or Twitter to tell them which monster you love.

Ps. I also get startled when there is a thunderstorm. I’m not scared though. Colin is here to protect me.

The Monster Factory
471 Richmond St. West, Suite 201
Toronto, ON
Ph: 416-913-6673

Written by Christina Wallaert