The Chic Seeker

Redistributing Fashion Friday 16th March 2012

2012-02-15T15:00:00.003Z

Chic&Seek’s next Event – Redistributing Fashion Friday 16^th March 2012

Next month Chic&Seek are organizing a very special fundraising event to raise money for The Rugby Portobello Trust. This is a Notting Hill charity that helps young people who have had a tough start to life.

Before starting Chic&Seek I did voluntary work for this charity assisting with a cookery class on a Thursday night. I felt motivated to give up some of my time to understand and connect with my neighbours who weren't as priviledged as myself.

My work life balance tipped and I didn’t have the time to volunteer anymore, but I have kept in close contact with the charity and last year they asked if I had any ideas for a new event to help raise money and awareness of the charity to a younger audience.

I came up with the Redistributing Fashion event - a carefully curated mix of independent businesses without shops, just like Chic&Seek. Every high street seems dominated by the same homogenous brands, when actually there's so much more interesting and beautiful things to buy if you know where to get them - see the list below for exhibitor list so far.

There will also be a Health&Happiness zone where you can pose in our Chic&Seek photobooth, have your Tarot card read, get your nails painted or have a neck and shoulder massage!

Put the date in your diary -

Friday 16^th March 2012, 20^th Century Theatre, Westbourne Grove 10am – 8pm.

All we ask is for a donation on entry! (£5 suggested)

There will be a very special Chic&Seek rail with clothes donated by celebrities, all proceeds will go to the charity. There will also be a raffle with lots of fab prizes which we will be announcing on Facebook and Twitter on the run up to the event.

So make sure you are following us!

www.facebook.com/chicandseek

Twitter - @thechicseeker

FASHION

Chic&Seek – www.chicandseek.com

Tallulah & Hope – www.tallulahandhope.com

Olga Olsson - www.olgaolsson.com

Ligne Desoire - www.lignedesoie.com

Happy Coat - www.happycoat.com

Lime Green Bow – www.limegreenbow.co.uk

The Raw Denim bar - therawdenimbar.co.uk

Lucza – www.lucza.com

JEWELLERY

Sasha Kamen – sashakamen.com

Lavi & Belle - www.laviandbelle.com

Stella & Dot - www.stelladot.co.uk

ACCESSORIES

Hayley Menzies – www.hayleymenzies.com

Tina Sparkle – www.tinasparkle.com

Honey Lulu – www.honeylulu.com

Buddha Babe thongs

LIFESTYLE

1. Vanessa Galvin - tea towels & lavender bags

2. Violet & George – www.violetandgeorge.com

3. Marion Rhaodes – marionrhoades.co.uk

4. The Collective Designs - thecollectivedesigns.com

CHILDREN

Mille Manu - www.milliemanu.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Freedom2Train - www.freedom2train.com

Florina Temudo - florinatemudo.com

Love a Locavore - www.lovealocavore.com

Starbucks

Au Facial - providing mini treatments

Elenor Henderson massage

POP/DOWN to our POP/UP - till 6th November

2011-11-03T11:00:00.000Z

The Wardrobe Change-Over

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000+01:00

Following on from last week's post covering the essential wardrobe management we all have to face from time-to-time, let's move on to the final key step - The Wardrobe Change-Over.

Now, although the sun's shining and its close to 20˚C outside (uh huh - I did write this a few weeks ago), I’m wading through a sea of cashmere on a mission to have a neatly edited selection of clothes hanging in my wardrobe for this winter. The key word ladies is most certainly - EDITED.

I store my winter clothes in white habitat boxes that go in the top of my wardrobe and I have a few large trunks in the garage for winter coats. Having pulled these out after nearly 5 months, they're creased and in need of steaming and dry-cleaning.

If you are planning on re-selling your clothes, make sure they are neatly pressed and dry-cleaned. Many consignment boutiques will not take them otherwise, it will also save you money in case they charge you for the dry-cleaning service.

I’m packing away my summer things in separate boxes, one for holiday clothes, bikini’s sarongs etc., the others are work/summer dresses, casual wear, belts and scarves.

Anything that might need dry cleaning, I have decided to pack away and it makes sense to clean it at the start of next season so they return to your wardrobe neatly pressed or you can take them to be re-sold for the start of next summer.

I have kept all the original packaging for my sunglasses so they are scratch free and if I want to update them with a new pair they will be ready for re-sale next year!

Good Luck Ladies, and remember,

A change is as good as a rest…

Paris Chic Open House // Thursday 6th October 9am-12pm & 6pm-9pm

2011-10-05T12:00:00.001+01:00

Swing by and see all the new stock we've had in - grab a glass of bubbly, enjoy a manicure, and see what delightful pieces of jewellery the Laviandbelle have for you!

We're open to everyone both in the morning 9-12 noon (coffee & croissants, obviously), and again in the evening 6-9pm (bubbly, canapes, and manicures), so pop by to 35 St Lukes Mews, W11.

info@chicandseek.com

Out with the old, in with the NEW!!

2011-10-04T15:00:00.005+01:00

Time is flying, I can’t believe September has already come and gone, and in a blaze of glory! Summer months at Chic&Seek have been busy, busy busy - and we've made a few tweaks at the Mews House, so its looking even more sumptuous. If you get the chance, pop in and see what you can find for this Autumn/Winter season.

This past weekend I've been busy re-organising my wardrobe.

First off - I've sorted through my shoes, created a bag for charity, a bag for re-sale and started packing away my summer shoes in their orginal shoe boxes or plastic transparent boxes. It’s a tough job and I’ve realized that some of my shoes are more like old friends rather than functional items to walk in. There are definitely a few pairs that I just love to marvel at, can’t bear to part with, but never see the light of day because they are either simply too uncomfortable, hold memories or aren’t on trend right now,

but I know I’ll wear them again….

Most girls have had those moments where they are obsessed with a pair of shoes, spend hours tracking them down and for some reason, they just never ended up being suitable for them or their lifestyle.

When that lust turns to loathe and the first waves of guilt and despair of how much money you have wasted appear on the horizon, FEAR NOT, you know that you can always sell those items on Chic&Seek, recoup some cash and buy something more suitable.

What I recommend to all you ladies with a penchant for the chic and fabulous, and hoping for the possibility of getting a decent return on those accidental purchases is:

- keep all original packaging and proof of receipt, especially for the big ticket / high value purchases. Pop the receipts in an envelope and keep them together or inside the original packaging. Et Voila!

- those wanting to re-sell, do it as early as you can. The more decisive you are, and the less you hang on to those items, the more desirable and valuable they are to potential new owners!

And remember ladies...

Part 2 to follow soon - The Wardrobe Change-Over

Paris Chic Open House @ St Lukes Mews

2011-09-29T14:00:00.011+01:00

In celebration of some of our favourite fashion houses and the upcoming Paris Fashion Week Chic&Seek is having an Open House at the Chic&Seek Mews House - in just a week's time!

Join us for some Champagne, Canapes, and a complimentary manicure! A perfect end of summer opportunity to see what we've got available for your next Chic Season, and for those of you who have never made it to our little house of all things Chic, this is the perfect chance to visit.

Oh, and there's beautiful and affordable jewellery from our friends at Laviandbelle!

Thursday 6th October

9am - 12noon & 6pm - 9pm

35 St Lukes Mews

W11 1DG

R.S.V.P - info@chicandseek.com

just a hop, skip and a twirl from Portobello Road

info@chicandseek.com

LoLo Loves Vintage // The People's Republic of Chi(c)na

2011-07-24T18:45:00.000+01:00

So after another foray into the jaw-dropping world of China, land of a million different varieties of delicious foods, and some not-so-delicious, land of billionaires, millionaires, skyscrapers that pierce the sky, never-ending car-horns, never-ending variations on the contrast between new and old, real and fake, luxury and not-so-luxury...

It's enough to make you want to take a minute, or perhaps 90-minutes, and try to process it whilst enjoying the perfect full-body massage. More on that later.

So Ladies, first stop - Shanghai.

Although not as vast as Beijing, Shanghai does seem to have that beautiful quality of holding many secrets hidden, tucked away, deep within it's constantly evolving landscape - from the towers of Pudong, to the residential madness around Suzhou Creek, the old-world majesty of the Bund, the expat bubble over Jing'An and Xintiandi, through to the tree-lined beauty of the French Concession. And that's just a mere glimpse of what's really there to be found.

There's always more.

For now - let me just start with a cute little discovery from my most recent wanderings in Shanghai.

LoLo Loves Vintage.

87 Wuyuan Lu - just keep an eye out for her sign peeking out from the wall
near Changshu Lu
Shanghai
Tel: 137 0180 6644

Home to a veritable aladdin's cave of vintage - clothing, bags, shoes, dresses, accessories, more more more...

All collected by the charming Lolo aka Little Bear (?!) who I plan to try and catch again next time I visit. Collecting her horde of goodies from all over - Europe, the U.S. and wherever else she might find herself.

LoLo Loves Vintage is tucked away off Wuyuan Lu, off Wulumuqi Lu, deep in the French Concession. Whether you're taking a stroll along Wulumuqi Lu for a quick breakfast bite and feel a little urge to hunt for a vintage goodie, or just happen to be in the neck of the woods and feel like a cup of tea in the garden before your massage appointment, pop in, have a dig around, and say hi to LoLo.

Now - back to that massage. Head down Wuyuan Lu, keep going past Wulumuqi Lu, past a few other not so great massage spots, until you see the sign for Yu's Massage (366 Wuyuan Lu)... ahhh, heaven. 90 minutes, aromatherapy oil massage - around 200RMB // £20.

More from the People's Republic of Chi(c)na to come....

Tara x

Chic Seeker in the Spotlight // NY Seeker

2011-07-15T11:00:00.001+01:00

The second in our series of conversations with some of our favourite Chic Seekers, and today it's the turn of our young, glamorous, conscientious, beauty - NY Seeker (NYS).

Age: 27

Profession: Private Equity

Appointment: June 2011

So, NYS, how did you find out about Chic&Seek?

A colleague of mine read about it in Daily Candy and sent me over the link knowing how much I like shopping, and also suggesting I might want to re-sell some of my own clothes.

I'm always intrigued to know more about my clients - particularly if you remember the first designer purchase you made, and whether you still have that item?

I remember my Dad buying me some Gucci shoes in Harvey Nichols before starting uni, and actually I think you sold them the first time we met and you came to collect some clothes from me. They were a classic style with the snaffle hardware, though they were pretty well worn!

The other piece that I was reluctant to sell but you have it on your website is a Temperley dress my Mum bought for me. It was probably around £1,000, so my Mum kept asking if I was really sure I wanted it. I actually wore it to a Sandhurst Ball, which turned out to be a total faux-pas as I learned that proper attire was a full-length ball gown. Needless to say, I spent the whole evening feeling a touch embarrassed.

Who would you say are your favourite designers & labels these days?

Temperley, Miu Miu, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson and Alexander McQueen. For me McQueen does the best jackets, beautifully tailored, absolute classics. I don't think I'd ever sell mine.

So, aside from your visits to see us at Chic&Seek, where do you like to shop?

I really like to shop in New York. I probably visit 3-4 times a year, and head to the Meat Packing District, SoHo, and Barneys (4th & 5th floors). The customer service is just so much better in New York. I always feel a bit guilty shopping in London, like I should be making better use of my time! I also have a boyfriend now, so we tend to spend time together at the weekends - cancels out the shopping time.

It's interesting what you say about customer service in NYC, you definitely see a lot of differences all around the world, and it really makes a difference to the whole experience. So with your fondness for New York , what are your favourite American brands?

Let's see - I do like ALC, The Row, Tucker, and Piper Lime.

Now how about shopping online? Especially as you've mentioned customer service, do you ever shop online?

Occasionally, and really only for US brands. I tend to look on net-a-porter, but more for inspiration. Then I like to go into the store, touch, feel, and try on the clothes.

Do you prefer shopping with friends, or is it more of a personal, flying-solo shopping experience?

I much prefer shopping alone, to be honest. If a friend has similar style to you, you don't want to buy the same things. It can also get difficult if your budgets differ. I cannot handle places like H&M!

Any new shopping discoveries recently you'd care to share?

I have just found Ninivah on Walton Street (Knightsbridge). They have really beautiful ethnic prints. I bought a really cool reversible bikini there.

Now - when we first met you had, how can I put it... an OUTRAGEOUS bag collection. I think I must have sold about ten of your bags ranging from a Zagliani Python tote to a Balenciaga Lariat bag. What might I ask are you carrying now?

I have streamlined my collection! I use three bags; a Hermes Kelly, Chanel 2.55, and a large vintage Chanel from the 80's.

Please do tell - where did you pick up the Kelly bag?

I saw it in the Hermes store in Zurich. I couldn't actually believe they had one in stock. I probably spent 4 days thinking about it and then decided to get it. It's tan with silver hardware.

Well - I'm certainly pleased to know that you haven't streamlined your shopping habits completely and you're still using Chic&Seek regularly. What is it about Chic&Seek that you like?

It's convenient and easy. Each time I need a clear out you come and collect making more space in my wardrobe. Although the clothes I part with I no longer wear, I like the idea that the next owner will value and appreciate them and that is important to me.

Thanks NYS, let's catch up again soon x

Yohji Yamamoto @ V&A

2011-06-24T14:00:00.012+01:00

Celebrating 30 years of ground-breaking fashion, the V&A has been exhibiting a beautiful retrospective of the Yohji Yamamoto's work since early March. The exhibition only has a few more weeks to run, ending on July 10th, so luckily I had the chance to sneak away from the office for a quick tour of inspiration and education around the installation.

While Yohji Yamamato might not be as regular a presence on Chic&Seek as we might like - we have got one beautiful leather tote bag available now - his designs are always distinct and more often than not breath-taking. If any of you haven't yet had the chance, I'd recommend taking an hour or two to get lost in YY's pure passion for innovative design, appreciation for timeless craftsmanship, and above all else, his love of fabric and textiles.

Available now at Chic&Seek

"When I started making clothes, all I wanted was for men to wear men's clothes"

For further information see the what Ligaya Salazar, V&A Curator of Contemporary Programmes and the curator of the YY exhibition, has to say her own journey in planning, designing, and executing this stunning exhibition on her blog for the V&A.

V&A Yohji Yamamoto exhibition homepage

Remember ladies, this exhibition uses timed tickets so you might want to book in advance - though I have to admit that I did just turn up and waltz in....

Mid-Summer's Night Open House...

2011-06-23T11:00:00.003+01:00

With the Wimbledon Tennis Championship in full flow, and Henley Regatta and numerous Polo matches right around the corner, we can all agree that the British Summer has begun.

To help you find the right outfit for the perfect summer event Chic&Seek is opening the doors to our beautiful Mews House this evening for a chance to browse our collection, including 40% discount on selected items. So join us for a glass of chilled prosecco and come find the perfect summer outfit from our selection of designer pieces.

Thursday 23rd June, 6-9pm

R.S.V.P - info@chicandseek.com

post-wedding retail therapy @ Bicester Village

2011-06-17T11:00:00.000+01:00

Having recently attended an old school-friend's wedding in Oxfordshire, the following day I insisted on dragging my slightly-worse-for-wear friends to Bicester Village...

Whilst the Bicester Village shopping experience is neither the chic-est or the most relaxing, there's no denying that they offer some significant discounts you're unlikely to find elsewhere. Now you'll be pleased to hear my fellow Chic Seekers, having whipped round the top stores I can happily confirm that you're still getting fantastic prices with Chic&Seek against the fiercely competitive Bicester Village.

Take for example Burberry you can get the classic honey-coloured trench for £626, reduced from £895. At Chic&Seek we've been pricing them as low as £250.

At Anya Hindmarch, the Bess bag is £325 whilst at Chic&Seek you can pick one up for £250 in perfect condition.

And how about this DVF dress - we found one at Bicester Village being sold for £238, whilst at Chic&Seek you can buy one now for £165

So, if you're in the Oxfordshire area it might just be worth your while dropping in on Bicester Village to see if you can pick up a discount or two. But if you'd rather avoid the growing hordes of bargain hunters, including an ever-growing number of our Far-Eastern sisters that seem to be getting bused into Bicester Village straight from the airport on group shopping expeditions, just go online at Chic&Seek.com or swing by the Mews House for the kind of shopping experience we think you really deserve...

For those of you yet experience this particular outlet shopping experience - Bicester Village Shopping Centre is a designer outlet centre in the heart of Oxfordshire. Bicester Village currently has around 130 different brand outlets, ranging from Anya Hindmarch, Burberry, and Prada, through to Jigsaw and Cath Kidston - with most brands offering significants discounts on end-of-line products.

You can reach Bicester Village from London by train (from Marylebone - 1hr) or by bus (various locations - 1hr).

How to get to Bicester Village

Tara x

Coffee, Croissants, Jewellery, and Chic&Seek

2011-06-13T10:40:00.000+01:00

Who doesn't want to indulge in the occasional lazy weekday morning, skipping class, and surrounding yourself with fresh coffee, warm buttery croissants, stunning Italian jewellery, and Chic&Seek's latest selection of one-off fashion steals...

Well - that's exactly what we toddled off to enjoy in SW2 on Tuesday 24th May.

One of my clients has started selling Italian jewellery and asked if I would like to come along with a selection from Chic&Seek to sell.

It was a friends-only coffee morning in a gorgeous Fulham home. With the children safely dropped off at school, it was time for the ladies to enjoy a little private retail therapy. The very smallest of the brood happily attended the morning, and with Gussy as honorary nanny, mummy got to try on some Jimmy Choo's and much much more.

If you would like to organise a private shopping event in the comfort of your own home, please contact me on 07771766422 or tara@chicandseek.com

1985 and onwards - The Prada Nylon Bag

2011-06-07T14:30:00.001+01:00

The Prada Nylon Bag

Born in the 80’s, a time where a handbag had to not only be fashionable but functional, the Prada nylon bag epitomises the need for practicality as well as being sleek and stylish.

When Miuccia Prada took over her grandfather’s Milanese leather house, she immediately sought to update the brand by focusing on luxury sportswear style. Her first designs were a set of backpacks and totes made from a tough military spec nylon, which her grandfather had originally used as coverings for steamer trunks.

Creating sleek, simple designs in such a durable fabric meant that these bags instantly took off. In an era of corporate climbing having a bag that performed was essential. The fact that the Prada nylon bag was, and still is, so hardwearing as well as being able to carry all the essentials for the office meant it was a hit with city slickers far and wide.

The Prada nylon bag still has its place in the workplace today. Its minimal logo means that you can remain understated chic while still indulging in luxury. They now come in a range of colour each season from fuchsia pink to baby blue giving them their place outside of the office environment as well.

You cannot fault the practicality and simplicity of the design, which means the Prada nylon bag, has cemented itself as a real style classic.

Gussy x

Living Chic // Classic Shoe Repairs, N7 0BL

2011-06-02T10:00:00.000+01:00

I've been familiar with Classic Shoe Repairs since my time working with Anya Hindmarch, though until now I haven’t had a need to visit them for Chic&Seek.

Having been given two bags to sell that were in need of a little TLC, it was time to pay a visit to this family-driven corner of North London. Seeing as the Classic Shoe Repairs team consistently do such a good job, and Chic&Seek only wants to make sure all you ladies can step out wearing your most-loved, most-treasured, and most-worn items, looking as chic and alluring as the day you stepped out the original store with them, we wanted to share this place with you all.

(FYI - we're not receiving any treats, favours, or compensation for this - we're just wanting to share our few tips on Living Chic with you all!)

SO - walking into the store near Kentish Town, Michael, the owner greeted me from behind the counter whilst busy working on a pair of Jimmy Choos. After a wonderfully friendly welcome I told him what needed fixing. I had thought my requests for re-lining a Chanel bag and replacing the piping on a YSL Roady might be too ambitious, Michael didn’t bat an eyelid, being a veteran of witnessing how us girls can trash our most precious possessions he whisked the bags away and assured me it was no problem to fix.

Michael Xenophotos, repairing shoes since 1963

Michael Xenophotos is originally from Cyprus. The story goes that Michael's father asked him at the tender age of 13 what he wanted to do for a living and without hesitation he replied - make shoes! His father sent him off on a 3-year course (costing a mere £30) after which he later moved to London and started his own business in 1963, Classic Shoes.

Michael works along side his two sons, Chris and Costa - giving Classic Shoe Repairs the unmistakeable warmth and care of genuine family run business. Chit chatting with both sons they were quite happy to show me the large work shop areas where all the repairs are done on site.

Classic shoe repairs can do everything and anything - from making those red soles on your Louboutins look spanking hot and new, or ripping the insole up on your sky high Jimmy Choos to add a piece of padding for extra comfort - that's right girls, no more slimey party feet!

So whether it's your heels, bags, or some other little leather delight, take a trip up to North London (or just send your man up there as a treat), and see the magic the Classic Shoe Repairs team can do.

Cost of services requested:

Re-sole for Louboutins - £37.50
Re-line for handbag - £75
Repair piping for handbag - £65

I really recommend this family owned business for all your make do and mend moments, just take a moment to think about all those prized possessions that could do with a little of that Chic TLC!

Tara x

Classic Shoe Repairs

23-25 Brecknock Road,

Islington,

London N7 0BL

Tel: 0207 485 5275

info@classicshoerepairs.com

www.classicshoerepairs.com (currently under-construction)

Chic Seeker in the spotlight // Couture Tease

2011-05-20T11:00:00.001+01:00

Starting today we will be publishing petite conversations with some of our favourite Chic Seekers that we've come to know and love over the last two years of business. Regardless of how many new Chic Seekers we get to meet and welcome into our Mews House, we always love to get to know more about our customers and their own personal journey through life and fashion, bringing them to our doorstep and beyond.

We hope you enjoy this little window into one of your fellow Chic Seekers, and we'll be aiming to bring you more of the same on a monthly basis...

PSST - Apologies to all the nosey-parkers, but with the wonderfully glamorous and varied range of Chic Seekers that we have, we've decided to keep our Spotlight Chic Seekers anonymous.

x T

Couture Tease

Age: 31

Profession: Personal Finance Expert - National Newspaper

Appointment: May 2011

Couture Tease (CT) was introduced to Chic&Seek by a friend back in May 2010. She has been shopping by appointment ever since. CT prefers not to shop online, enjoying being able to touch and feel the clothes.

CT dislikes busy shopping environments and counts Harvey Nichols as her favourite London department store.

CT buys and sells with Chic&Seek.

So tell me about your first ever designer purchase?

Yes! My Dad took me to Harrods and said I could choose anything I wanted as a celebratory present for getting a graduate job with the Financial Times. I found a beautiful chocolate brown Prada bag made of the softest calfskin. I absolutely cherish it and would never dream of selling it!

How would you describe your current shopping habits?

Nowadays I buy less, but spend more on individual pieces. I still like to shop on the high street at Topshop, H&M and Zara. I appreciate the quality and cut of designer pieces which feel so great to wear.

CT's Calvin Klein dress

CT's DKNY dress

So what is about shopping at Chic&Seek that means we get to see you come back again and again?

I love coming to Chic&Seek, I always feel at peace here! It is a lovely shopping experience, I don't like crowds in busy stores. I like the large dressing room with natural light and being able to take my time. There’s no pressure to buy and I find my visits very relaxing.

My appointments here are very personal; I love hearing the stories behind each piece. Its great to have a cup of tea with you and talk about what's hot in fashion - its like Vogue Live!

Now down to the nitty gritty - what have you bought from Chic&Seek so far?

I have a dress, a coat and a gold knit all by Prada. A Chanel blouse, a Temperley clutch, a red DVF dress and today a really amazing DVF leather jacket.

Who’s your favourite designer?

I’d like to collect Chanel, Chanel, Chanel!

Shang Xia - bold steps for Hermès in China

2011-05-18T11:00:00.061+01:00

Stepping into the new Shang Xia (上下) flagship store is akin to walking directly into a serene, calm cloud. The walls of the shop space are covered in pieces of white hexagonal mesh, from a distance metallic in appearance, but on closer inspection soft and malleable to the touch. The mesh curves round and divides the room, separating clothing from homeware

There is a feeling of calm inducing the senses to greet the products with sensitivity and wonderment. Glass cases ensconce wooden combs, porcelain ceramics and gold-plated key rings with (now, let's be honest) exorbitant price tags.

The ethos of the brand and its store is to celebrate and promote the artisans of China, although this doesnt seem to mean production is exclusive to China. I was told some lightweight knitwear I was admiring is made in Italy because that is where the best mills produce the finest cashmere, although the design remains Chinese.

The store has the feel of a contemporary museum, somewhere you could learn about the design and thought that went into each piece. I was served by Hua Hua who was gentle and smiley, she was so full of enthusiasm and knowledge of the product it made a refreshing change and put it in a league of its own.

Although I left empty-handed, with a few thousand pounds to spare, I would have picked up a versatile loose fitting cardigan that could to be worn a number of ways - long, short, or scrunched up and worn as a scarf. Timeless, versatile, and easy to wear - I know I'd have got a good cost per wear from this, providing I managed not to leave it in a taxi within 5 minutes of buying it as I did with an Acne dress from Browns this time last year!!!

Opened in September 2010, the Shang Xia store sits amidst the mish-mash of old and modern Shanghai found in Xintiandi. A perfect setting for an afternoon's window shopping and people watching, be sure to make your way to Xintiandi and see Hermes' first foray into creating a unique brand for the Chinese market.

Shang Xia

1st Floor - South Tower,
Hong Kong Plaza,
283 HuaiHai Zhong Lu,
Shanghai

Tel: +86 21 6390 8899

All the way from Shanghai,

Tara x

Sensational Summer Sale @ Beaufort House SW3

2011-05-16T15:00:00.001+01:00

Chic&Seek is going to be taking part in the Sensational Summer Sale taking place at Beaufort House (354 Kings Road) on the 18th May from 2pm - 8pm!

The sale is going to include both current and vintage designer pieces from a whole host of designers, with proceeds going to support a fantastic charity, Too Many Women. The charity works tirelessly to raise money for the work of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, a cause that is important to so many of us these days.

Come down and visit us at the Sensational Summer Sale and see what this wonderfully glam gaggle of girls - Poppy, Willow, Amanda, Vanessa & Erin - have brought together to help you raise a little money and goodness for the cause whilst letting you walk away with a designer bargain and any number of other treats.

Sensational Summer Sale - Wednesday 18th May

Beaufort House, 354 Kings Rd, SW3 5UZ

2pm - 8pm

Chic & Seek @ Buy My Wardrobe, Supper Club W10

2011-05-14T10:00:00.001+01:00

We're back at BuyMyWardrobe this Saturday 14th May.

Chic&Seek will be at the Supper Club with over 20 other must-have wardrobe collections. In addition to the wide wardrobe mistresses, you'll also find a designer handbag room, a shoe lounge, style consultations from Nicky Hambleton-Jones' NHJ Style Agency, make-up consultations with New CID Cosmetics, and hairstyling from HighRoller.

Those wanting first peak before the masses at what's indoors can purchase tickets for the VIP Champagne Hour for entry between 12 noon and 1pm.

Tickets for entry at 1pm are only in advance of the event (£5), and tickets on the door will be available from 2pm.

As you all know these events have a tendency to sell-out so pick up your tickets online from BuyMyWardrobe and come see what new delights we've got from all our wonderful Chic&Seekers this week.

There's only 4 hrs to pick out your own personal delight so get down to SupperClub, and watch those elbows ladies!

Make sure you get your chance to see what's on offer

and pick up your tickets online here

SupperClub

12 Acklam Road

London

W10

Sat 14th May 2011

12pm - 4pm

Customised in the Big Apple

2011-05-11T10:20:00.002+01:00

Chic&Seek, just as almost everyone we know, is a huge fan of all things Hermès...

And it seems that the French fashion house is getting busy pushing boundaries with the brand in different markets around the world. We'll be giving you a little insight into Hermès' first ever China-only brand, Shang Xia, in a future post, but for now we want to highlight a new service being offered at the Madison Avenue flagship store in NYC.

Hermès have just launched a Custom Silk Corner where you can choose to have one of 17 scarf designes to personalize with any of 30 different colours of silk yarn and two styles of typography. With local Hermès-approved embroiderers creating whatever unique piece you decide on, your one-of-a-kind scarf will be with you within one-to-two weeks.

So if you're likely to find yourself in the Big Apple anytime soon - why not drop into the Hermès store, check out the revamped Madison Avenue store, and commission a personalised scarf for that special someone - mums, friends, sisters, daughters, or any other Chic Seeker in need of a unique slice of Hermès luxury!

The Royal Dressing

2011-05-06T16:30:00.000+01:00

A week has passed, and sitting here in what remains of the afterglow of a spectacular royal wedding, I'd like to take a quick look back at the fashion that marked the occasion...

For me the chic-est dressed at the Royal Wedding has to be Princess Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece. She wore Chanel couture in soft grey and a daring hat by Philip Treacy. The look was topped off by the most delectable peep toe platform Mary-Jane's by who else but Christian Louboutin in matching grey suede.

A close second was Princess Letizia of Spain who wore a pleated chiffon dress by Felipe Varela. This was a very soft feminine outfit echoed by her loose curls worn under a traditional shaped tulle hat by Pablo y Mayaya. The choice of hat showed us that less sometimes, is more. Princess Letizia stayed faithful to Spanish design throughout and chose heels by Magrit an established family-owned brand from Alicante.

Neither of these women chose to wear jackets and their outfits were matching from their hats to their handbags. I think there's something modern and fluid by choosing not to wear a jacket and having everything coordinated keeps it chic.

Flash SALE! Starting Friday 6th May 10am...

2011-05-05T16:30:00.005+01:00

Chic & Seek is holding a FLASH SALE starting this Friday 6th May from 10am, with up to 40% OFF selected items.

The Chic & Seek Mew House will be open to all from 10am to 8pm on Friday so come and visit us for some light refreshments and a chance to see everything available in the sale and plenty more, in person.

35 St Lukes Mews,

London,

W11 1DG

And for all those of you that can't join us at the Mews House, or would rather do some extraordinary shopping in your pj's, the sale will continue online through to the end of the weekend.

Just come and find the voucher code on the Chic&Seek homepage from Friday and start finding the perfect sale item for you.

We're still putting together the final sale collection, but it already includes the following brands, and you know you're going to need to take a peek, come Friday....

Louboutin // Balenciaga // DVF // Dior // Chloe // Temperley

The Chic&Seek Mews House

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Emerging in the summer of 2009, Chic & Seek rests in a sleepy mews house, a mere stone's throw from the Portobello Road and Ledbury Road. In amidst the area's pastiche of high-end designer boutiques, vintage thrift destinations, and multi-cultural residents, Chic & Seek's home provides the perfect haven to browse, try on, or merely discuss our latest one-off fashion 'steals'.

Take a peek at our much-loved home below, and contact Tara or Gussy. Make an appointment to come and see exactly what gems we might have desperate to sneak into your wardrobe....