Professional photographer and writer Felicia Shelton talks about her blog, the Richmond neighborhood The Fan, her contribution to Tom Dixon’s new book, and travels, of course.

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Vintage Clothing, Great Marlborough Street

Did you arrive in London, realizing all your best outfits are left in the wardrobe at home? Don’t despair. The British capital has terrific shopping. Apart from high street labels, department stores, individual designer shops and boutiques, London also offers a wide range of vintage clothing. My favorites are still Beyond Retro and Absolute Vintage in Shoreditch, but I have found plenty of other shops worth a visit.

Virginia

After Holland Park Station at 98 Portland Road you find a shop probably created by an artist. Expensive, but stunning vintage clothes.

Palette London

Located on 21 Canonbury Lane in hip Islington near Upper Street, this special boutique offers selected pristine vintage clothing from designers such as Pucci (60-70’s), Marimekko (60-70’s), Missoni (70’s) and Chanel (80-90’s). The friendly staff has a great sense of style. They specialize in modern vintage and have a large collection of 1980’s pieces from Moshino, the punk label Betsey Johnson and Commes Des Garcons.

One of a Kind

The two welcoming owners set up this shop on 253 Portobello Road, near Ladbroke Grove Station, about ten years ago. Here you will see pictures of visiting celebrities as Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Kate Moss. One of a Kind has without doubt beautiful (but absurdly expensive) clothing. Overpriced or not, people who afford it don’t care. Bargaining works occasionally.

Rellik

I recently read that Sarah Michelle Gellar loves shopping here when she is in London. With attire ranging from the 20’s to mid 80’s alongside modern vintage and current trends, Rellik - on 8 Golborne Road next to Portobello - provides great inspiration for designers and stylists. The clothing labels (with rather high prices) include Vivienne Westwood, Pucci and Dior.

Appleby

Appleby is located at 95 Westbourne Park Villas, a trendy corner of Notting Hill. The shop has an amazing, but expensive, collection of rare vintage dresses, jackets, tops and bottoms, coats, suits, lingerie and accessories.

Butler & Wilson

B&W sells vintage clothes, handbags and jewellery of excellent value along with London’s biggest collection of vintage dresses. Simon Wilson’s original collection of men’s jewellery might give your male company a reason to return. Nothing for the faint hearted though. Their two stores are located at 189 Fulham Road, near Sydney Street in Chelsea, and at 20 South Molton Street close to Bond Street.

Shikasuki

The cool and classy Shikasuki, on 67 Gloucester Avenue in Primrose Hill, has a mix of contemporary art and precious vintage clothing. The spacious dressing rooms, the elegant atmosphere and the owner Rachel Ducker’s designed greeting cards are some reasons to pay a visit.

If you, despite these suggestions, can’t find anything in your taste I’d recommend one of the many Oxfam stores in the city. Although not as trendy as the above examples they do offer affordable vintage clothing for a good cause.