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Feature: Jenny Coggins
GONE are the bricks and in has come the fashion. Nestling alongside
the excellent curry houses, fresh and contemporary shops are adding
extra spice to the Lane.
Brick Lane is paving the way forward for shopping in the East.
Although Sundays can get as busy as Oxford Street at Christmas,
it is the day with the most atmosphere and the most open shops.
The pace can be slow moving so be prepared to take it easy as
you bustle amongst the real East Enders.
Herbal Linea (167 Brick Lane) sell natural beauty products
and specialise in handmade aromatherapy soaps.
You can get a piece cut to any size from 100g upwards (starting
at £2), with charming scent names like Seedy Cedar and Bed
of Roses to choose from.
Once your skin has drunk in the goodness of the natural ingredients,
you can quench your thirst with herbal teas from the kitchenette
range.
This is a beautiful shop with a wonderful atmosphere that you
will return to many times again.
167 Brick Lane, Wednesday 12.00pm - 7.00pm Sunday 10.00am -
5.00pm. Also visit: The Apple Market, Covent Garden Tuesday -
Sunday, 10.30am - 6pm.
www.herballinea.co.uk
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The Laden Showroom is run by talented brother and sister,
Barry and Adele Laden.
The shop is a showcase for both Adele's designs and countless
young designers. Stand out ranges come from Quontom (think quirky
skirts and sexy slash tops), Bohemia (customised tees in rich
or pastel colours) and Eucalyptus (feminine and glamorous clothes).
If you visit on a Sunday there is the possibility you will meet
the mind and hands behind your new purchase, as designers are
in residence.
103 Brick Lane, Monday - Saturday 12 noon to 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm Tel: 020 7247 2431
www.laden.co.uk
"A furniture workshop selling directly to the public",
Unto This Last sell wooden pieces that will freshen and
modernise the dingiest of homes. Open every Sunday at the quieter
end of Brick Lane, (just by Tatty
Devine in fact), it is an open and sunny shop that welcomes
easy perusal.
A great alternative to the wooden furniture found in Habitat,
latticed fruit bowls go for £20 and stackable shelves for
£40. If you have £120 to spare, you wouldn't go far
wrong by handing in a photograph of yourself (flattering obviously!)
and having it magically turned into a modern portrait.
230 Brick Lane, Sunday 10 - 6pm
www.untothislast.co.uk
With stacks of vintage clothes to choose from any second-hand
collector will have hours of playtime in Rokit.
If you like it casual, there is a big selection of denim with
big name jean wear such as Lee and Levi. As it really is genuine
vintage stuff and the owners really know the market, the clothes
are not cheap compared to other shops of this type found in London.
But be assured when you part with your cash that you are buying
the real thing. Coming soon is Rokit's very own brand range. Little
is being revealed at this stage, but with their eye for fashion
it is bound to be good. You can also get special pieces customised.
101-107 Brick Lane, Tel: 0207 375 3864
Visit the very retro website: www.rokit.co.uk
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