Shopikon

Open Air Shopping Season Kicks Off In Berlin

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:56:08 -0400

After the darkest winter in recorded history, pink blossoms have suddenly transformed the canal footpaths and there's even the odd pasty bare ankle or forearm on display. With the sun finally emerging there is a tangible upswing in mood and enthusiasm for everything outdoors. Parks are full of kids playing and tourists picnicking, and partygoers are beginning to shun clubs and seek out Berlin's famous "Open-Airs." For Shopikon, it's the best time of year to polish off our haggling skills and check out the "Flohmarkt" scene.

One man's trash...

With so many Berlin residents attacking the spring clean-out with gusto, inevitably there's a huge turnover of old clothes, furniture and other paraphernalia. At most of the "Flohmarkts," also known as flea markets or "Troedelmarkts," anyone can register to rent a space, pull up a table, and meet eagle-eyed visitors for whom their trash is gold.

Boutiques on wheels

For some visitors it's the opportunity to investigate what can look like the upturned contents of a long forgotten aunt's attic or old DDR warehouse that excites them. Others head straight to the more stylish and minimal-looking pitches where you might meet a designer selling locally made clothes or artists such as Josh Bauman offering his 'Caffeinated Toothpaste' prints. The excitement comes from the knowledge that you never know what you're going to find, coupled with the possibility to be inspired by new ideas.

On the day we visited the Boxhagenerplatz market, we found one Berlin DJ and club promoter selling off a portion of his extensive vinyl collection alongside his fashion designer partner's well-curated vintage trainers and clothes.

In the Nowkoelln Flohmarkt we even found a stall of artfully arranged Tillandsia plants, which live on thin air and can survive the most inattentive gardener - perfect for someone who's often out of town but loves to return to green space.

Where and When to go?

Nowkoelln Flohmarkt : Set by the green oasis of the Landwehr Kanal, this hipster paradise gets busy early. Make sure you pick up a freshly cooked waffle or strong coffee to navigate the narrow paths in the usual location of the more frequent Turkish food market. Stalls open at 10:00 every other Sunday from around the end of March until winter. U8 Schönleinstrasse

Flohmarkt auf dem Boxhagenerplatz: Compact and well-organized around a central square, the Boxhagenerplatz Flohmarkt operates every Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. You'll find talented buskers and plenty of cafe's with seating in this well-established and popular part of Friedrichshain. Artwork and craft stalls are popular. U1 Warschauer Straße or U5 SamariterStraße.

Mauerpark: The king of the Flohmarket scene is considered by many as the best for vintage and furniture bargains. Its huge array of stalls permit a lengthy browsing session, and on the downside can be touristy in high season and require strong elbows to get a look in! Some people go for the huge public karaoke sessions that can be entertaining or extremely cringeworthy depending on your preference. Even Bill Murray was recently sighted here amongst the crockery! Bernauer Strasse 63-64. U8 Bernauer Strasse.

Berliner Troedelmarkt: Springing up every Saturday and Sunday on the Straße des 17. Juni. At the gates of the Tiergarten park since the 1970s, this art and flea market displays prints, fashion, hand puppets, pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, shoes, rugs, furniture and much more. S-Bahn Berlin-Tiergarten. 10:00 -17:00.

Troedelmarkt Arkonaplatz: Specializing in kitsch household wares from the '50s to the '80s alongside books, records furniture and crafts. Bernauer Strasse U8 Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

Antique Market at Ostbahnhof: Large market specializing in antiques at the back of the Ostbahnhof S-bahn station. Every Sunday from 09:00 – 17:00

Hallentrödelmarkt Treptow: Should the sun not come out, or you're keen to experience the Flohmarkt on a less busy day, it's worth paying a visit to the arena hall on the banks of the Spree in Treptow. This is an undercover Aladdin's junk cave, where each weekend car and bicycle spare parts, bar stools, rugs, lamps, door and shower fittings, shoes and hats are stacked floor to ceiling. You may find yourself absent-mindedly flicking through someone else's unwanted holiday slides, but you can usually find something very useful - especially for cyclists. S-Bahn Treptower Park

For something really off the beaten track check http://ilovewemakeparty.com for more spontaneous pop-up markets from the people behind the Sing Blackbird boutique.

Sex and Shopping

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:24:51 -0400

Ask a Londoner their views on Soho and you’re likely to get a mixed response. They might call out the area’s propensity for nefarious characters, celebrate its thriving LGBT scene or praise those subterranean drinking spots and independent shops where you have to be either in the know or on the list to find it. One thing most would probably agree on is that Soho is the soul of the West End.

Once a hunting ground, Soho earned its name from the rallying call of, "So ho!" The area thrived in the early 19th century, housing a wealthy populace, until a particularly violent outbreak of cholera in 1854 sent the upper class scrambling and left the neighborhood abandoned. After the rich had moved on, the artists, pubs and brothels moved in and modern Soho was born.

Soho has always been an area of London prone to dramatically evolving demographics. In fact, you could probably argue that the one constant from its mid-19th century renaissance to the present day is sex. Music halls, rock ‘n’ roll bands and beatniks have come and gone but the sex industry - epitomized by the peep shows and working girl walk-ups of Walker Court - remains.

But while change might be an organic occurrence in an urban city center, this most cherished of West End neighborhoods is now facing a hostile, multi-faceted takeover. Vast transport projects, a malevolent council intent on "cleaning up" and the inevitable fact that the seedy style at the core of Soho has become a commodity to be exploited are just a few of the issues at stake.

However, this is not to say that the situation is all doom and gloom. Many of Soho’s independent shops have remained standing after more than a century, and diverse indie additions continue to stand up to chain retailers. True, the multinationals have spotted that there is money to be made in Soho, but this is an area built by outsiders, scallywags and dandies, and independent shops represent the bastions of its history and spirit.

Pokit is an example of the high-end flair that you can find in the neighborhood. Soho’s locals are famous for their sartorial style, but even the sharpest could learn a thing or two here. Located on Wardour Street, the menswear store offers a tangible slice of Soho culture. Their custom suits, which incorporate unusual cuts and fabrics, hark back to the neighborhood’s 1960s heyday while remaining thoroughly contemporary. And if you want an example of classic Soho eccentricity, look no further than head designer, Bayode – even in this neighborhood it’s not often you see a man rock a ten-gallon hat!

There is a delicate cohabitation between the old and the new stores, but many people reserve an unashamed fondness for the old-timers. After all, Soho’s history is one of its greatest commodities.

Favorites include Gerry’s Wines and Spirits dating back to 1984, The Vintage Magazine Shop established in 1974, and Foyles bookstore, which has stood on the same spot since 1903. As you would expect, there are some stories about this one. They say that during the Second World War owner William Foyle famously declared he would cover the roof in copies of Mein Kampf to ward off German bombers – and it never did take a direct hit.

From past to present, eccentricity and diversity rules in Soho. But what does the future hold? In an area where the drug dealers and sex shops stand side-by-side with hip comic book stores and ramen restaurants, it's difficult to say.

Independents continue to open but the fact remains that increasing rates and aggressive redevelopment make for an environment that they will struggle to operate in. But historically, many have done just that and survived in Soho.

And if it comes down to Berwick Street’s record shops booming out protest songs, then so be it.

NYC’s Chain Empires: Indie Neighborhood Strikes Back

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:19:14 -0400

If you’re like me, you’re probably NOT a New York City native. I left suburbia and its expansive backyards, quiet residential streets and convenience-driven comfort-centered life and traded it all for a third-floor walk-up under LaGuardia’s busiest air traffic corridor. The only thing conveniently located nearby was a laundromat with a broken change machine. Nevertheless, despite the high rent, cramped living space, and street (and sky!) noise, many make this trade off because of the priceless amenity that only the city offers: variety.

Would people put up with city living if it no longer proffered diversity of experience? If every city in the U.S. was crammed with the same heat-lamp buffet of stores and restaurants, how could you tell Portland from L.A. except by weather forecast? If this sounds extreme, the proof is in the statistics. The number of New York stores controlled by a national brand rose 2.4%, and had increased for the fifth year in a row, totaling 7,190 branches.

These numbers have alarmed some who worry that the chains have besieged the independent food, shopping, and art scene New Yorker’s cherish. Corporate chains are turning the heat up on mom-and-pop using a scorched-earth retail strategy: open enough branches, which are initially unprofitable but heavily subsidized by corporate HQ, to drive away competition from a geographic location and reap the profits of a near-monopoly. The armies of the Duke of Duane Reade are clashing with Baron von CVS on our street corners and when the dust settles we will find ourselves blown back to the ‘burb age.

Against the impending chainification of places like Manhattan’s East Village, a few groups have drawn a line in the sand. When residents of the East Village got together for what was supposed to be a block association meeting about post-Sandy concerns, hurricane-related discussion was tabled in order to form the No 7/11 movement. Locals were incensed by the symbolic vitiation of their community that a 7/11 location on the iconic Avenue A would represent. Their concern extends to the city as a whole, for the East Village is not the only neighborhood that lacks a mechanism enabling residents to have some say in which stores occupy their streets.

7/11 currently operates 32 stores throughout Manhattan, and has disclosed plans to open 100 more by 2015. This is a declaration of war on the city’s bodega and green grocer owners. Not only will family-run business shut down―the variety of goods they stock to tailor to a clientele they know best will be replaced with the enforced homogenization of 7/11’s ‘approved’ products. The Dallas-based company penalizes its franchisees for stocking items of non-approved vendors, centralizing decisions over what we are able to buy someplace thousands of miles away.

If the unique charm of places like the East Village go, so too might the lure of diversity that has kept generations of dynamic individuals moving to New York City. Perhaps groups like the No 7/11 movement can win the same rights as other neighborhood associations across the country (such as San Francisco’s Valencia Street) to limit the number of chain stores in their ‘hoods and preserve some sense of community. Otherwise, soon all our neighborhoods might resemble Anytown, USA.

10 Questions with D. S. Dundee

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:52:00 -0400

Ian Theasby, Sales Manager at D. S. Dundee found the time to sit down with us and talk about scotch, kilts and other very important issues.

Question: Please describe D.S. Dundee in five words.

Answer: Carefully crafted garments of distinction.

Q: D.S. Dundee collaborates with Auchentoshen. If you could share a whiskey with any designer past or present, who would it be?

A: Ralph Lauren.

Q: What was your favorite item of clothing that you owned as a child?

A: My first England football shirt!

Q: What is your favorite London landmark?

A: Big Ben.

Q: If you could have invented any iconic menswear garment, what would it have been? And why?

A: The kilt. Nothing else instills the sense of pride in the wearer as a kilt does.

Q: What is your favorite shop in London, besides your own? And why?

A: Whole Foods Market because of the incredible, edible products.

Q: What music can’t you stop listening to right now?

A: Anything released on the “Trojan” record label.

Q: Sneakers or brogues?

A: A nice pair of Brogues always does the trick. Tricker’s is the brand of choice.

Q: Pepsi or Coke?

A: Coke every time.

Q: Tie or bow tie?

A: Tie.

D. S. Dundee on Shopikon

D. S. Dundee Website

How Its Made at IC! Berlin

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:18:39 -0400

Shopikon were invited to check out the production facilities and design studios of ic! Berlin in order to learn a bit more about what goes on behind the doors of the legendary Berlin made eyewear label.

The roof terrace belonging to the firm has a fantastic outlook over the eastern part of Berlin, was this where the name ic! Berlin came from, we asked? Our guide Daniel Rajkovic explained, the real reason for the brand's name comes from the reaction as people work out how the ingenious screwless hinge on the glasses works.

ic! Berlin take up 3 spacious floors of a large red brick building, converted into an office and manufacturing space from what was the GDR's huge bakery facility in the heart of the capital. Hidden from Torstrasse by the popular Soho House hotel, the building also houses a number of media and technology firms and entrance is through a quiet courtyard and via a lift at number 37 Saarbrückerstrasse.

The tour began with a coffee in the relaxed breakout area, featuring huge sofas, games and the newest frames on display. In the kitchen area, the current artist in residence, who lives in a nook just below the roof terrace, was preparing a delicious soup to offer to the workers. Founder Ralph Anderl's sense of fun has certainly influenced the layout of the office. You see small nooks filled with artwork and a music room where a choir assembles in the mornings to sing together.

We've yet to spot a worker not sporting a stylish pair of glasses, the design team pictured here are no exception, all staff get a generous discount on frames so they can collect from the extensive range.

Heading up to the light and airy factory floor, we got to see the laser cutting of new designs from German produced metal, hand assembly and quality control of frames and lenses all with a lively buzz of activity, not surprising as in 2012 they sent out over 200,000 pairs of glasses. With it's standout design and flexible yet strong characteristics, you can see why ic! Berlin is known as David to the mass production Goliath's of the industry.

ic! Berlin on Shopikon

ic! Berlin Website

10 Questions with Diana Durdic of 'Sing Blackbird'

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:31:45 -0400

Diana Durdic co-owns the friendly Neukölln Vintage Store and Cafe Sing Blackbird. We asked her ten questions to find out a bit more about her and her experience running the store...

Question: Describe Berlin in 3 words.

Answer: Interesting, relaxed & honest.

Q: What was the last book you read?

A: Der Meister und Margarita - Bulgakow

Q: What was the best shop you ever visited?

A: Hmm Colette, Paris in 1998.

Q: Did you ever have something come into the shop - that you could not part with and decided to keep?

A: Oh yes, lots!

Q: Who would you hire to work in your shop - if you could have anybody in the world?

A: Ryan Gossling - hell yeah!

Q: What are you listening to in the shop?

A: Currently a lot of 90s hip hop & r´n´b , psychedelic or bossa nova.

Q: Denim or Leather?

A: Denim pants - leather skirts.

Q: Gold or Silver?

A: Definitely gold, but i want copper.

Q: Aesthetics or Utility?

A: Aesthetics.

Q: What was the most valuable thing you learnt by opening Sing Blackbird?

A: The art of compromise & small talk.

Sing Blackbird on Shopikon

Be sure to check the Sing Blackbird Website

for fleamarkets, parties and other events.

New From Old

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:03:53 -0400

Recycling, re-use, rejuvenation and sustainable design are all hot topics for Berlin designers and shoppers alike. In Berlin you notice the high value placed on second hand furniture, and in newly developing shopping areas such as Neukoelln, second hand fashion and design emporiums are starting to flourish.

Nicole Bednarzyk and Sylke Rademacher, of Schöner Wärs Wenns Schöner Wär are on a mission to spread great sustainable design ideas through their Moritzplatz showroom and online blog. Sylke took us through her top ten products, the sort of products that make a positive impact on both the wider world and your home.

1. Beco Step

This handy step for children is made from crop waste, such as bamboo fiber residues and husks and grains of rice, together with a biodegradable resin. When it's services are no longer needed, it can be planted in the garden and will gradually degrades biologically.

2. Cork Stamps

Guaranteed hours of fun making your own designs, the SWWSW team have provided a selection of tiny motifs attached to re-used wine bottle corks, which together with a small ink pad can give all your homemade stationary a designer touch. New motifs appear regularly.

3. Fairtrade Tea Bag Planters

An idea from Fairtrade Originals in the Netherlands, these are large tea bags from India re-formed into neat planting bags for the garden or balcony.

4. Inner Tube Pencil Cases

After a puncture, what can you possibly do with a bicycle inner tube that cannot be inflated. In Delhi, 150,000 people earn money by collecting this sort of waste on the streets. The company Conserve uses seat belts, tubes, plastic bags and old jeans as raw material for making tough and cutting edge fashion and home accessories.

5. Bächi Cord

Simple but pleasing, Swiss color sorted agricultural waste forms recycled string.

6. Bamba Coconut Bowls

Smooth polished coconut husks become bowls in stylish bright colors or natural brown, from a fairtrade production facility in China.

7. Coconut Fibre Trees

Apple and Plum trees are given a good start in life with this coconut fibre planting pot.

8. Hack Bags

Super practical and stylish bags including a shopping trolley built in Germany from bicycle components and recycled Swiss Army fabrics.

9. “tranSglass" by Emma Woffenden and Tord Boontje

Delicate handmade ground glass objects created in Guatemala from recycled wine and beer bottles, elegant eco-friendly designs.

10. "Mach Neu aus Alt", by Henrietta Thompson

Finally, after being inspired by so many innovative products, this book helps you to be the designer. Full of world- and money-saving style suggestions to transform your home and garden. Written in German, but transcends the language barrier by concentrating on illustrations and photos which show off the concepts clearly.

Schöner Wärs Wenns Schöner Wär on Shopikon

Schöner Wärs Wenns Schöner Wär Website

10 Questions with Sophie Pollak of 'We Bandits'

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:01:29 -0400

Earlier this month, We Bandits celebrated their one year anniversary. Reason enough for us to meet with its founder, Sophie Pollak.

Question: Do you remember your first customer? and what they bought?

Answer: Wow, i would love to remember that one...one of the very first customers was a girl buying a jumpsuit in orange made of shiny swimsuit elastics :) I really loved that piece and was surprised about all the positive feedback.

Q: What did you want to be when you were a child growing up?

A: I wanted to save the world and live in the woods with a wolf...almost there. ;)

Q: What are your favorite blogs / online fashion news or style sites?

A: The Business of Fashion, Daria Daria and whatever great newspapers and fashion magazines i find, especially in asia.

Q: If we gave you € 10.000 for a fantasy shopping spree to create a new wardrobe from scratch - which city would you choose to spend the money in?

A: Definitely Seoul, I love the Korean approach to design. If we add a zero I'd choose London and buy directly from Central Saint Martins Fashion Show or the Parisian Ateliers.

Q: Who would you most like to have working in the store?

A: Beside Tanda and Flo, who are already the greatest team, I always love to work with inspired and passionate people with a positive approach to life and a little crazy spark. Or, Bruce Willis!

Q: What's the best book you read last year?

A: "Lob der Liebe" by Alain Badiou and "Hotel Savoy" by Joseph Roth.

Q: Heels or flats?

A: Heels. (both...)

Q: If you could open a second store anywhere - where would that be?

A: Palermo, Istanbul or New York.

Q: What's your top recommendation to someone visiting Vienna?

A: Guess what :) come to Theobaldgasse, have a coffee and enjoy the diversity of this little secret street, also I would recommend to go see the amazing and unique museums we have, like Leopold, KHM or Gugging and many more, there is a lot going on in the young art scene as well like the offspace Friday Exit and Inoperable Gallery.

For Food I would definitely let them check out Betonküche/Urbanouts and hhhhmmm Mochi in the 2nd district, when the sun is out on saturdays a coffee and stroll over Karmelitermarkt is obligatory and the fleamarket is one of my favourite places of all, definitely check out the Burgtheater and Garage X if you don't mind them playing in german, amazing pieces every week!!!....i could go on forever, I really love this city, so much is happening here if you dig a little deeper.

Q: What sort of clothes would you like to be selling in 30 years time?

A: Funky Survival onepieces.

We Bandits Website

We Bandits on Shopikon

Boxpark Shoreditch

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:18:37 -0400

Established on the corner of Bethnal Green Road and Shoreditch High Street is the architecturally striking sight of Boxpark, the world’s first pop-up shopping mall. Consisting of double stacked shipping containers, which house an array of large and small brands, the temporary project (it will stand in its current space for 5 years) was launched in late 2011 as an alternative shopping hub.

Boxpark founder and CEO Roger Wade took the time to talk to us about the project's origins, its brands and future plans.

Shopikon: How did the idea for Boxpark come about?

Roger Wade: Well, there were two driving forces in the beginning. One being that I had always had this love for shipping containers, right from my time running my first company, street wear brand Boxfresh. Originally my idea had been to launch a Boxfresh container store but before it happened I sold the company.

Then came Freitag and Puma City who each introduced container locations and I thought ‘hang on, maybe this isn’t such a crazy idea’. So with that then came the idea of building a whole mall, something on a much bigger scale than what had come before. And that was to be the world’s first pop-up mall.

Shopikon: How did you settle on the right brands for Boxpark?

Roger Wade: Boxpark is still very much evolving and in the beginning we perhaps didn’t have a list of our perfect brands to come in. We started with more large companies than we might perhaps have liked but we also introduced a no high street fascia policy. So the containers appear pretty much untouched on the outside.

What I’d learned through my time building up Boxfresh was that independent brands were beginning to suffer and so what we wanted to create was a home or an alternative to the high street, where they increasingly didn’t fit in.

Shopikon: How have the types of store changed since you opened at the end of 2011?

Roger Wade: We started with fashion first and foremost, alongside food and drink. So it was somewhere to come and shop and spend time afterwards - a lifestyle mall. As time has passed we’ve identified what works and we have carefully curated the brands to enter Boxpark. So there is still a lot of fashion but we have had stores like Phaidon, Moo and even an Amnesty International pop-up in the past. Again, we are attempting to champion independents because what we are seeing is brands getting smaller. For new companies that we have like Urban Ears and Abuze, Boxpark is their first store so we’re definitely welcoming more small businesses.

Shopikon: How has Boxpark affected the local area?

Roger Wade: When we were given the go ahead to use the land, it had been redundant for over 40 years. Boxpark has rejuvenated this corner of Shoreditch. In terms of direct community action, we offer free one-week tenancies to local businesses - and that’s actually another way the stores have changed. We have Secret Emporium at the moment, which is a collective of six local designers and in the past month alone we have offered containers, which are initially free, to other new brands like womenswear label Coco Fennell.

Shopikon: Does it satisfy you to be acting as a sort of launch pad for small, and in many cases, local brands?

Roger Wade: The satisfaction I take is in curating a space that attracts these brands. We don’t want to be seen as benefactors for these new stores. To be frank, as a retail developer, it just makes good business sense to offer space to new, up-and-coming brands because they offer something different.

We’re not saying we’ve got everything right but it’s our job as developers to bring footfall to the brands who have set up at Boxpark. And providing something different from big malls or high streets is doing that. So establishing brands and encouraging entrepreneurship helps on both sides.

On another point, creating an events calendar has been another way to encourage footfall. We have NME events with bands, magazine launches and open mics, which all add to Boxpark as a lifestyle destination on its own merit.

Shopikon: What does the future hold for Boxpark?

Roger Wade: Well, we have just over three years left on the Shoreditch site and who knows after that. We have plans to launch a Boxpark Amsterdam on a much bigger scale than the Shoreditch site and we’ve recently been looking at spaces to explore the concept in New York and LA.

Boxpark offers retail containers to brands both big and small. Independent brands can get in touch about taking on a space by making an enquiry on the Boxpark website.

Roger Wade

Photo © copyright by Archard Architectural

10 Questions With Chris Dixon Of 'The Explorist International'

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:37:21 -0400

Chris Dixon of The Explorist International talked to us about music, community and the mission district.

Question: What record is playing in the store right now?

Answer: The Asphodells "Ruled By Passion, Destroyed By Lust". A seemingly modern take on 1979/80 downtown disco-punk/ funk by guys who were actually there.

Q: How important is the local community to you?

A: Incredibly important. "Scenes" are created by people who leave their apartments, get together and make things happen.

Q: Are you involved in any projects?

A: Music-wise? Yes. I play bass in Cops, do solo electronics as Earth Jerks, used to play drums in Death Sentence: PANDA! and DJ at the Saturday Night Soul Party.

Q: Which musician would you hire to work at the store?

A: When I'm not here, the store is manned by Shannon formerly of 16 Bitch Pile-Up, Chris of Fuckwolf, Shakes Gown and No! No! and Paul of Total Shutdown, Murder Murder, Death Sentence: PANDA! et al... All of whom, were/ are totally sick bands.

Q: What was your favorite record you ever sold?

A: Hmmmm, one of my favorite sales was when a young lady approached the counter with a copy of John Coltrane "Ascension". She asked what it sounded like compared to A Love Supreme? I told her it was the sound of a lot of folks doing a lot of stuff all at the same time. "Great!" she responded "I'll take it".

Q: Do records sound better than MP3s?

A: Seriously, do I have to answer this?

Q: What do you love about your neighborhood?

A: It's got a classic neighborhood vibe; a mix of new folks and people that have been here for 40 years. I like that I can see old members of Santana and Malo walking around and see somebody like Ty Segall in the neighborhood too. La Palma is right down the street, best tortillas, salsas, queso and maybe even ceviche in the hood. Plus, 24th and Folsom might actually be the sunniest corner in SF.

Q: How has this area changed?

A: Like any city, it's gone through various periods of growth and decline. When I first moved to this neighborhood there was a lot more gang activity and drug use/ sales. Philz was an average corner store and there was no coffee. But there was a great vibe. Obviously things are changing now, some of them are great though. A great book store where a boarded-up warehouse squatted by junkies used to be? I'm cool with that.

Q: If you had to, what would you change the name of the shop to?

A: "International Explorism"....or "Yes, They Still Make These"

Q: What are your customers like?

A: They're people who like music. Plain and simple.

The Explorist International on Shopikon

The Explorist International Website

Video interview on Vimeo

10 Questions With Celia Sack of 'Omnivore Books'

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:07:18 -0400

Question: What cookbook do you use the most?

Answer: At this point, I know how to make a braise, so just tell me the ingredients and I'll figure it out. I use them in a more focussed way for ethnic dishes I'm unfamiliar with making, from curries to Vietnamese noodles. A great cookbook will make this unintimidating and enjoyable.

Q: How important is the local community to you?

A: The local community supports my business and I try to show them a lot of love back. I have free author events here a few times a week, serve wine, hold food contests, and generally try to show folks a good time.

Q: Are you involved in any projects?

A: Too many! I do a lot of freelance writing about cookbooks for publications like Edible San Francisco.

Q: Which chef would you hire to work at the store?

A: Yotam Ottolenghi from London. He's charming and outgoing but focused - most chefs are either one or the other!

Q: What is your favorite meal to make?

A: Ooh, that's tough! I guess it would have to be spaghetti carbonara, for a special occasion like Valentine's Day.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in San Francisco?

A: Right now, it's between Aziza and SPQR. Both are doing such interesting things.

Q: What do you love about your neighborhood?

A: Everyone knows your name.

Q: How has this area changed?

A: The dot com booms (both of them) have made housing prices really high, so a lot of our friends have had to move away and its become fairly homogenized. But the people are still very friendly, like to shop locally, and they're still all Democrats!

Q: If you had to, what would you change the name of the shop to?

A: I could never change it - I love it too much.

Q: What are your customers like?

A: Chefs, restaurateurs, passionate foodies, and people looking for presents for cooks in their lives. And once in a while, a lost soul searching for bibles.

Omnivore Books on Shopikon

Omnivore Books Website

San Francisco's Changing Valencia St.

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:05:47 -0500

The Mission is rife with San Francisco history, home to the city’s longest-standing building, a historically Latin flair, and bustling thoroughfares. Home to artists, families, young professionals and longtime residents, the Mission has undergone a serious transformation over the past few years. Changes are especially evident on Valencia Street, a main commercial artery of the neighborhood, with countless stores and restaurants moving into formerly vacant storefronts, eager to serve the Mission’s growing number of inhabitants who want to live, eat, and shop locally.

In a city famed for its decidedly counter-culture attitude, highly publicized changes are sweeping the city as the population explodes with young technology workers flocking to jobs in Silicon Valley as the industry continues to thrive. Residents can’t help but notice the hulking, shiny commuter shuttles that ferry tech workers to campuses south of the city. On Valencia Street, many storefronts that stood empty just one year ago, are now occupied by boutiques and restaurants, peddling everything from handmade eyeglasses frames, to clothing, furniture, and locally made bicycles. Cars have seen a squeeze, too, as parking spots along the street have given way to parklets that extend the sidewalk and offer seating to locals and visitors soaking in the local culture.

Though the neighborhood is changing, its spirit remains, visible in the vendors that line Valencia Street. This strip of Valencia has historically rallied against chain stores, preferring instead smaller, independent shops. In one notable and highly publicized 2009 instance, Mission residents famously kept an American Apparel from opening a Valencia Street location, blocking what would have been the street’s first chain retail outlet. While the neighborhood’s anti-AA insistence puzzled some – since many of the Mission’s residents are American Apparel shoppers to begin with – local citizens successfully controlled the flavor and retail future of their neighborhood.

Valencia Street continues to change. Recently, the SF Planning Commission recommended that “personal care businesses” like hair salons, tattoo parlors and martial arts studios be allowed to occupy third-floor locations, allowing for and encouraging upward expansion along the street.

Native San Franciscan Charles Hubert lamented these changes in his recent article, titled The Homogenization of San Francisco, in which he argues that the city is losing its cultural diversity as the population changes and big-name and independent retailers alike fight for space along the city’s most desirable streets. “Gentrification in 2013 seems to be characterized by a stark cultural homogeneity that is leaving one neighborhood indistinguishable from the next”, he says.

But all is not lost, as evidenced by the continuing conversations surrounding the future of Valencia Street and the city as a whole. Locals have a say in the commercial future of their neighborhoods, armed with historical victories (like American Apparel) and San Francisco’s strong history of vocal residents and community organizations. Hubert finishes with a sentiment intent on preserving a unique San Francisco: “As we evolve and grow as a city, I implore everyone who loves San Francisco to consider the lasting value in not only retaining but also attracting a diverse mix of people and perspectives to this place we all call home.”

Photo © Copyright by

etsy.com/shop/Alethiology

sfcitizen.com

B. Koh

That Spring Feeling...

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:01:04 -0500

Although the weather has taken a damp turn recently, sunny interludes offer a taste of warmer days ahead. Local designers have already begun showcasing spring collections in boutiques throughout the city. Here is a concise selection of what local designers have in store for us.

Montsita Negre - available at the Outpost

Large-scale botanical and floral prints that were so popular in 2012 are also set to be huge this year. Spring/summer collection scarves by Montsita Negre are inspired by natural patterns, ancient Greece and other elements such as block colour and paisley.

Steve Mono - available at BOO

These sophisticated bags are sophisticated enough for work yet playful enough to take anywhere. These artisanal leather pieces are wonderful statements for any wardrobe.

Sheriff & Cherry – available at Studiostore

These bold, standout shades are just the ticket to welcome summer rays with a pop, with color-blocks of bright pink, emerald green and canary yellow.

Miriam Ponsa

This Catalan designer produces exceptional knitwear and her new collection is ideal for chilly spring evenings, with a Mediterranean palette of olive greens, burnt orange and honey yellow. Miriam Ponsa on the web.

Photo © Copyright by

Two Market

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:45:24 -0500

Vintage clothing has come a long way since the days of inheriting your grandmother’s ball gown, or scouring charity shops for the odd piece of knitwear. In fact it would seem that the very idea has travelled full circle.

Exquisitely crafted pieces that were once so sought-after by few have been replaced by hordes of overpriced, ragged Levis and moth-eaten t-shirts, a mainstream lifestyle unto its own. Today, paying for something with a vintage tag doesn’t necessarily mean it will last, implicating that - in these times of austerity – vintage isn’t always economically viable.

So why not exchange your unwanted clothes – wherever and whenever you bought them – with other likeminded individuals without even having to part with your hard-earned paycheck? Say hello to the second-hand clothes movement, a concept born in Barcelona as people tire of the expense with which “vintage” is now often synonymous.

The city’s TwoMarket events have completely revitalized the genre through encouraging anyone to exchange worn clothing or set up stalls at their regular flea-markets. Hosted in different locations throughout the city every other weekend, the concept has exploded in popularity since starting out in July 2011.

Twomarket is part-jumble (at the Rai Art Center on c/carders), part-garage sale ("On the Garage," in the vast space that is Poblenou's Ovella Negra pub). Snobby attitudes about what is and what isn’t have all but disappeared - anything is acceptable here, making TwoMarket a welcome addition to the city’s mercadillos. We’re certain the second-hand movement has wings. Other cities, take note.

Two Market Website

Two Market on Facebook

Cover Photo © Copyright by cucharitademiel

Photo © Copyright by twomarket.es

Wilton Way Wonderland

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:25:04 -0500

When visitors descended upon Stratford for the Olympic Games last year they were delivered to the site through the innards of the behemoth Stratford Westfield Shopping Centre. Despite Londoners’ fears – and business owners’ dreams – it seemed like this was where they stayed, with the city showing limited signs of the mass invasion of sports fans, media and tourists that was expected.

For the few who did take the path less trodden, what they would have found just a short skip down the Regent’s Canal, was a thriving East London shopping scene and in particular, the independent retail community of Wilton Way.

Like the futuristic shopping center at Stratford, Wilton Way has it all – just a tad more independent. The migration of independent businesses to this suburban Hackney street began with a café - what else - and the community has since grown around it. On one short stretch of pavement there is enough variety to keep you from ever having to leave. A hair salon, a grocer, a cake shop, a vintage store, a bookshop and a wine merchant; with vacant shop fronts - or else bookmakers - a common sight in London, is the rise of the niche independent shopping street the answer?

On Wilton Way you could start your day with a trip to Wilton’s Cafe, the coffee shop that started it all. Indulge yourself with one of Hackney’s best flat whites accompanied by mashed avocado and lemon zest on sourdough toast.

After breakfast move onto The Other Side of The Pillow. Here you’ll find a jaw-dropping collection of vintage, Made in USA Vans sneakers and vintage homeware. If the sun’s out, you’ll need some shades – have a rummage through the case of vintage frames.

Stroll along the parade, stop off at Toppers of Hackney for a haircut and grab a Hackney Gazette from the convenience store next door for while you wait.

Pop into Borough Wines and sample the day’s offering, which comes dispensed from chic wooden barrels into refillable bottles. Once you’ve had your vino fix browse J. Glinert where stationery, magazines, Hackney literature and luxury grooming products adorn the minimalist space.

By now it could be time for afternoon tea, in which case there is nowhere like Violet. Opened by chef and American transplant Claire Patak, this is the place that brought the whoopie pie to Hackney – although we would recommend the cinnamon bun.

Wilton Way is much more than an independent shopping street that attracts likeminded retailers. It is a community, and what community would be complete without its own radio station? Operated from a corner of Wilton’s Café, London Fields Radio broadcasts live music, cultural shows and local interest pieces to the people of Hackney.

Locales like this mean more power to the independent and less reliance on homogenized high streets. So if you haven’t made it off London’s beaten track yet, take some directions to Wilton Way.

Discover Hackney on Shopikon

10 Questions with Vivien Brandl of 'S/ght'

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:03:08 -0500

Vivien Brandl, owner of the beautiful S/ght Store on busy Kirchengasse, took the time to answer some of our questions:

Question: Describe the idea behind your shop in one sentence.

Answer: Filling the gap: promoting local and international young designlabels in Vienna.

Q: Describe Vienna in 3 words

A: Getting better rapidly...

Q: What is the single most valuable thing you learned by opening S/GHT?

A: Dreams can come true... :)

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?

A: Circus artist/acrobat, but I was not talented enough...

Q: What was the favorite thing you ever sold?

A: Seesack SAM by Lena Hasibether. It is made out of cork and just looks great...

Q: Stripes or polkadots?

A: Camouflage

Q: What is your favorite part about being a shop owner?

A: Being my own boss and meeting nice people.

Q: A place you want to take a trip to?

A: Tokyo - going there in March for fashion week

Q: Which celebrity would you hire as a store clerk if you could?

A: Madonna

Q: What record is playing in your shop right now?

A: Jamie Woon. I am listening to that all day long – every day.

S/ght Website

S/ght on Shopikon

The SF Bookstore Walk

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:59:49 -0500

Visiting new and used bookstores is a popular way to get to know a city and in San Francisco they are everywhere. If you were to tour these shops it would be a good idea to start in the Mission District. The neighborhood is very walkable and there are many bookshops as well as other retail to stop in along the way.

On 16th Street there is a small shop called Needles and Pens, a unique shop that sells magazines, photo and art books, and hand crafted zines, not to mention a large selection of clothing and jewelry. The store also holds art events so check their calendar.

Next stroll down Valencia St. to 20th St. and make your way to Mission Comics and Arts. This is one of the only comic book shops in the city and it stands out for its combination of art gallery in the back. The shop itself is a brightly lit shop whose shelves are brimming with well drawn reading material.

Just a short walk down the street is a very well known bookshop called Dog Eared Books. The inventory is mostly used, and there’s a huge magazine selection, as well as a large choice of fiction. They also sell stationary and handmade post cards. The interior is just what you’d expect from a used bookstore: high shelves of books, wooden floors, and many aisles to hide in or read for a while. There is even a box outside the entrance where they give away free books.

Now you can head out from the Mission, making your way to Dolores Park to catch some sun or read some of your new books, or you can catch the train to nearby Noe Valley to check out the city’s only used bookstore that specializes in cookbooks and food related books. Omnivore Books is a short train ride and worth the trip. The small rare and vintage section is incredible: books from the 1800’s, rare editions of famous books like the Joy of Cooking, and more. In addition, Omnivore Books holds frequent events, with many best-selling authors making their way through to promote their latest books.

The new and used book walking tour can be made into a daylong journey or kept simple and conducted under an hour depending on which shops you choose. But keep in mind that the city is full of bookstores and one could fill days with trips in order to see them all.

Antikmodern

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 15:52:14 -0500

In January, the Angel branch of menswear store, Albam welcomed an array of mid-20th Century furniture to its basement and the antikmodern Pop-Up was born. In residence until March 17th, the basement space features key pieces from beautifully restored ledgers to sturdy armchairs. Part gallery, part showroom, the passion of antikmodern founder Jason Robinson is glaringly obvious.

Growing up amidst the style of his parents Eames furniture, the bug bit early for Robinson. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a collection, which in turn led to antikmodern.

Dealing solely in mid-20th Century interiors means scouting the antique fairs and auctions of Europe and beyond for pieces that came from a grand age of furniture design. The likes of Ray and Charles Eames, Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner are among the hallowed designers from the era and some of their pieces are likely to feature in the pop-up.

With one of Europe’s chief purveyors of beautiful mid-20th century furniture in residence at Albam menswear’s Angel store, we took the chance to ask the man himself about his favorite place (aside from antikmodern, of course) to buy furniture in London.

“Most of the stock for antikmodern is bought at auction, but one of my favorite shops for new furniture in London is twentytwentyone. They sell contemporary as well as classic mid-century designed furniture and are just a few doors away from the pop-up shop on Upper Street.

Labour and Wait is another store I enjoy visiting if I'm in East London. They stock a comprehensive range of traditional hardware and timeless everyday items for around the home. It's almost impossible to go in the shop and not find something you need.”

In addition to the Angel pop-up store, antikmodern furniture can be found in Albam stores in Spitalfields, Beak Street and Monmouth Street.

antikmodern

Albam Website

Albam on Shopikon

photo © copyright by Jason Robinson

How To: Mobile Photography

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:07:33 -0500

By now, most of us share their lives via blogs, facebook, twitter and instagram with the rest of the word. It started with sharing information and texts and has now grown into sharing your entire world and inspirations via photos. Almost everyone of us owns a smartphone now, so we can all become photographers of our everyday lives.

EyeEm picks up on these developments! The photo sharing and discovery app from Berlin is hosting a masterclass for smartphone photography in Berlin this Saturday. Being a team of 15, their vision is to take photography to the next level, providing a service that makes you visually explore the world around you in new and unexpected ways. We talked to Severin Matusek, who takes care of EyeEm's community relations, projects and partnerships about the future of smarthphone photography and what we should focus on when it comes to high quality photos:

Question: Tell me about the masterclass you're hosting this weekend?

Answer: Hey there! This weekend we're hosting our 3rd EyeEm Masterclass, this time focussing on black & white street photography. Misho Baranovic, one of the world's most well-known mobile shooters, will be flying in from Melbourne and teach some of his secrets. After the approx. 1 hour workshop we'll hit the streets to take things into practice. Imagine a pack of 50-60 people strolling the streets of Berlin Mitte taking photos with their phones... it's going to be fun.

Q: In times of smartphones and instagram, almost everyone of us feels like sharing their photos with the world. Are you trying to bring back the quality in this fast living society where everyone can become a photographer with his own platform?

A: We believe that everyone can be a great photographer. With almost everyone having access to photography nowadays, one side of the medal is of course millions of photos of cats, nails and breakfast pics uploaded. But the other side results in totally new and limitless possibilities to share your vision and get inspired by others. With our app, our meetups around the world, masterclasses, workshops and events like Photo Hack Day we're trying to leverage that and build a culture around this new era of photography.

Q: What is the key when it comes to taking good photos with your smartphone?

A: 1. Always be ready to shoot. 2. Don't be afraid to go close. 3. Don't think.

Q: Which ones are your favorite photo blogs and instagrams?

A: I love the look and concept of this little blog here: The Weight Of Objects. On a less serious level Rapperz on Instagram always has interesting insights. The New York Times Lens Blog is always worth a visit, too.

I don't use Instagram myself but amongst my favorite photographers on EyeEm are:

Jordan Cortese (NYC)

Mr 007 (Tokyo)

Basuki Triombodo (Indonesia)

I also love to browse the Japan album and see all the funny stuff going on there.

Q: What do you think: How does the future in terms of smartphone-photography look like?

A: There won't be any smartphone photography. In 2-3 years almost every camera will be connected to the internet. Photography will be less about documenting things rather than about community and experience. Exciting times ahead.

The EyeEm masterclass takes place this saturday, february 16th.

EyeEm App

photo © copyright by

Jérome Kerneis

Jen Pollack Bianco

EmilyBernily

10 Barcelona Delicacies You Have To Try

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:17:37 -0500

Spain is famous for its cuisine and Barcelona is host to thousands of establishments that pride themselves on bringing honest, quality produce to its residents. We have located ten of the finest products synonymous with Spanish (and Catalan) culture, waiting to be discovered in the city’s most iconic stores.

10. Embutidos – La Perla de Oro
Spanish and French cuisine collide here, making it a great place to sample cured meats and cheeses. The impressive selection of embutidos – Spain’s answer to sausages – range from botifarra to fuet, chorizo and morcilla, from all corners of the country.

9. Toasted hazelnuts – Casa Gispert

This centuries-old delicatessen has been perfecting the art of roasting nuts for over 200 years and has a wide selection of roasted, salted, sugar-coated and fresh nuts to choose from.

8. Vermouth and olives – Cuina d’en Garriga

Make like the locals and enjoy a glass of post-lunch Vermut with an olive or two at this authentic country-kitchen.

7. Catalan sourdough bread – Baluard

This panadería (bakery) is a Barcelona institution, employing traditional Catalan cooking methods to leaven bread on the premises. Try their legendary sourdough.

6. Salt - Flor de Sal Mediterránea – La Cuina d’en Garriga

This salt has been harvested in the Mallorcan sunshine and imbued with Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, thyme and oregano.

http://flordesaldestrenc.com/en/

5. Calçots with Salsa Romesco – Cornelia & Co

known as “the daily picnic store,” Cornelia & Co. is a great go-to for jars of this tomato and almond sauce. Salsa Romesco is the traditional accompaniment to Calçots, large spring-onions traditionally barbequed outside in the sunshine with good friends during crisp Spring and Autumn months.

4. Olive oil - Neus Especial – Oroliquído

A Catalan oil from Arbequina olives in Priorat, Catalunya. Oroliquído has gained a solid reputation for providing liquid gold from every corner of Spain.

3. Cheese - Tupí – Formatgeria La Seu

An unusual cheese produced exclusively in the Catalan Pyrenees and named after the clay vessel in which it is made. This small cheese specialist is well known for sourcing unusual cheeses from Catalunya , Galicia and beyond.

2. Red wine - Abel Mendoza Tempranillo Grano a Grano 2009 – Vila Viniteca

A fine Rioja from Barcelona’s leading bodega which hosts over 7500 fine wines.

1. Jamon Iberico - 5J Cinco Jotas - La Boqueria

The king of Spanish produce. This bellota (acorn-fed) cured ham – the best of its kind - is available at the Boquería’s award-winning ham specialists.

http://flordesaldestrenc.com

http://www.gastroteca.cat/

http://www.vilaviniteca.es

http://musicadegourmet.wordpress.com

San Francisco's Gourmet Ghetto

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 06:37:49 -0500

There’s a city block in the Mission District, on 18th Street--between Guerrero St. and Dolores St.--that stands out for it’s culinary flare. Also known as the Gourmet Ghetto, this isn’t just a local’s thoroughfare, but a national and internationally known row of food purveyors that stand out for their immense flavors and innovation.

Tartine Bakery has made national headlines and won prestigious culinary awards for their pastries. The lines are often long, but once you secure a table—preferably outside—you will never want to leave or stop eating their croissants, morning buns, or sweet treats of the day. This café is always bustling, from early morning through afternoon and serves Four Barrel Coffee, a neighborhood roaster and café.

A couple doors down is Bi-Rite Market, a neighborhood market that has grown to become a destination grocery store. It specializes in locally produced products: vegetables, fruits, meats, and a range of products by local food producers: honey, jams, beers, and lots more. Bi-Rite also makes and sells sandwiches. A popular adventure includes grabbing a sandwich, a local beer, maybe some fruit and cheese then heading to nearby Dolores Park.

If you’ve managed to soak up the sun all afternoon in the park, next door to Bi-Rite Market is Pizzeria Delfina. The pizzeria is notable for it’s menu that changes daily, and their Italian antipasti dishes. Like the other stops in the Gourmet Ghetto, you can expect to find the freshest ingredients and powerful dishes. The pizzeria is loud and crowded, but the outside seating is great.

If you still have room for more and you enjoy ice cream, at the end of the block is Bi-Rite Creamery—owned and operated by the grocery store. Don’t be deterred by long lines, the ice cream here is delicious, and flavors change daily. Much of their popularity comes from their use of local, organic ingredients, and experimental flavors like Balsamic Strawberry, Earl Grey, and Orange Cardamom.

San Francisco's Gourmet Ghetto is easy to reach via public transit, and is located near many other attractions like Dolores Park, and Mission Dolores, the oldest Mission in California as well as the oldest building in San Francisco, built in 1776.

photo © copyright by http://www.chevsky.com/

photo © copyright by http://www.sfcitycondos.com/

Do It Yourself Berlin

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:52:14 -0500

Berlin's independent shop scene is a story of inspiring individuals thriving against a backdrop of economic gloom and doom. The unemployment rate in Germany's largest city is twice the national average and Retail in Germany, like most of Europe, is still shrinking.

It's been well documented that the city's cultural and artistic riches plus the possibilities of low-rent spaces and sense of freedom have attracted a creative and enterprising crowd. Since Shopikon began interviewing the business owners carving their own path within the famously "Poor but Sexy" capital it has been impressed by the common stories of residents who could not find employment, so took the plunge and created a business out of their own passion.

Here you find Engineers who have set up second-hand fashion boutiques such as Sing Blackbird in Neukoelln and Journalists running gastronomic superstores such as Coledampfs and Company. Berlin attracts fantastic niche offerings such as fanatical licorice importers Kado and spray-paint specialists Overkill, supplying street artists from their cutting-edge emporium.

The received wisdom is that retail needs big names to achieve low prices and attract a large numbers of consumers. We say – Boring. What we are seeing in Berlin is that the huge diversity of independent stores are keeping the shopping experience colorful and vibrant. They are a perfect antidote to homogenized shopping malls and are part of what make the city such a great place to visit. Berlin's districts are arranged in co-operative “Kiez” neighborhoods where local businesses tend to support each other rather than compete. These local nodes place a big emphasis on value to the customer and are a first point of contact to the real beating heart of the city, which has to be priceless.

How It's Made: Fin & Flounder

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:21:45 -0500

Fin and Flounder is the east London neighborhood fishmonger doing its bit for the happiness of our oceans. Engaged in a mission to sell 100% sustainably sourced fish, the process from the sea to the plate turns out to be quite the fascinating one.

Fin and Flounder sell multiple types of fish, mollusks and crustaceans sourced from environmentally verified farms, fisheries and of course, the independentfisherman. The majority of the plaice, turbot, skate and pollack that you’ll find in the Broadway Market store is caught by day-boats crewed by family run co-operatives in Cornwall and Dorset. Seabed-friendly static nets are set up to snare the best monkfish and mullet and lines are cast by hand for the rest.

Hand-lining is as traditional as it comes. It could be just one fisherman and his boat that brings in the catch for Fin and Flounder and it is this respect for the sea that the store attempts to promote. When summer comes, with it comes arguably the most romantic fishing method we’ve ever heard of – the kayak. Japanese/Cornish family company, Kernowsashimi, catch the freshest sustainable mackerel while on board the one-man vessels, before spiriting it up the country to the markets and shops that it supplies.

All this couldn’t be further from the harmful trawling and dredging of supermarket fish and that’s just the way Fin and Flounder like it.

Fin & Flounder on Shopikon

Fin & Flounder Website

10 Questions with Dörte Kaufmann

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:21:43 -0500

We found out what's on Dörte Kaufmanns mind.

Question: Please describe the idea behind your shop in one sentence.

Answer: My first thought was "I want do do things by myself" and my second thought was "I want to make people dressed comfortable and better looking than they already are". So I did these things by myself and I make the pieces by hand.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?

A: I wanted to make costumes for the theater. Big dresses with a lot of details and filled with content.

Q: What/Who inspires you?

A: On the one hand material by itself is a very important inspiration. Sometimes I have some wool in hand and I know immediatly how the hat has to look like. On the other hand I always come back to fairy tales. I love them and they give form to my knit and sewn pieces.

Q: Describe Vienna in three words.

A: enduring, approved, managable

Q: What do you like about this particular area. Why did you choose to open shop here?

A: This "Grätzl" was asleep for a long time and now its waking up: it is next to the city center and is reachable by foot. Many artists and little shops opened in the last two years - a lot more are coming.

Q: What are you reading right now?

A: The Wizard of Oz. (With illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger).

Q: What is your favorite shop in Vienna, besides your own? And why?

A: It is the shop of muu-design. Ursula Kermer runs a social project with Niger where austrian designers let their products be sewn out of special waxprint fabrics. Ursula is a very special person. She also leads workshops in schools where the pupils can get in touch with other cultures.

Q: What is your favorite part about beeing a shop owner?

A: To make desicions by myself.

Q: And what's you least favorite part about it?

A: Bookkeeping.

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island, which item from your shop would you bring with you?

A: I would take the NELLY hat. It is always important to have sun protection and a magic-cap in one with you.

Dörte Kaufmann on Shopikon

Dörte Kaufmann Website

photo © by Susanne Keuschnigg

How It's Made: Handmade Men's Shoes

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:09:55 -0500

At Rudolf Scheer & Söhne, time seems to stand still. And that's probably the secret behind their fine handmade men's shoes. A glimpse into their workshop shows that the work process hasn't changed one bit in the last 200 years!

First, a wodden last is modeled after the customers foot. This last is made for life. Next, the elements of the Upper (toe cap and counter) are cut out of the leather and carefully stitched together. To ensure, that the Upper wil fit perfectly onto the customers foot, it is then nailed onto the last. Here, R. Scheer set themselves apart from all the other fine shoemakers: This process doesn't take an hour or eight hours (what would be expected from a handmade shoe) but six weeks!

The Upper is continuously stretched over the last to get the most out of the leather and make it fit perfectly. Several other methods are used here that shall remain a company secret. Finally, the upper, the inner sole and the frame are sewn together and welt-sewn with the outer sole.

The finished shoe is not only a masterpiece of craftsmanship that will stay with you for life but also a piece of art, distinguished by the elegant "viennese shape" that makes a svelte foot with much comfort and is very recognizable amongst those in the know.

R. Scheer & Söhne on Shopikon

R. Scheer & Söhne Website

photos © Daniel Gebhart de Koekkoek

photos © Peter Rigaud

10 Questions with Coledampf's & Companies

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 08:11:53 -0500

We sat down with Andreas Langholz, of Coledampf's & Companies:

Question: Describe the idea behind Coledampf's & Companies in one sentence.

Answer: We want to know the face behind the product following our motto: I know who made my shoes.

Q: If you could open another completely different shop, what would it be?

A: A gas station with perfect service.

Q: What are you reading right now?

A: Taste the waste, a book about groceries, that are thrown away, because they don't fit standards.

Q: If you could be any fruit/cheese/wine what would you be?

A: A marzipan-Schwarzbrot from Niederegger in Lübeck (where I come from).

Q: Do you remember your first customer? What did he/she buy?

A: No chance, I started 31 years ago - the archive is full.

Q: What was the favorite thing you ever sold?

A: I love to sell iron pans, because they are undestroyable.

Q: What was the best shop you ever visited abroad?

A: Dehillerin in Paris, one of the oldest shops for professional cooking equipment .

Q: Do you have a product in the shop right now that you're particularly excited about?

A: We get fresh fish from a fisherman at Dolgensee. I always love to check his boxes to see, what he caught.

Q: Do you have a particular restaurant or dish that you're crazy about right now?

A: I love Michael Hoffmanns "Margeaux". Michael is the greatest in vegetables.

Coledampf's & Companies on Shopikon

Coledampf's & Companies Website

10 Questions with Sabrina Dehoff

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:12:14 -0500

We had a quick chat with Sabrina Dehoff, owner of a beautiful Jewelry store of the same name.

Question: Describe the idea behind your shop in one sentence.

Answer: Magic carpets landing on Torstrasse.

Q: Why did you choose Torstrasse to open your store? What do you like about this area?

A: It´s a heart affair. Already 2000 when I moved back from Paris I felt for Torstrasse and had my first gallery and studio here. I like the not prettiness, slightly trashiness while having a certain grandness of Torstrasse.

Q: What/who inspires you most?

A: Quirkiness, oddities, imperfections, trial and error.

Q: If you could open another completely different shop, what would it be?

A: Oh , I would love to go for an iridescent inside a shell option.

Q: What is the single most valuable thing you learned by opening your store?

A: It is great to have your own store, it makes you and your label real!

Q: Do you remember your first customer? What did he/she buy?

A: My father in law, double cord bracelet in neon red.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?

A: Bohemian.

Q: What are your favorite Blogs?

A: The Business Of Fashion, A nOther Magazine, Contemporary Art Daily and Dream Collective

Q: What is your favorite shop in Berlin, besides your own? And why?

A: Souvenir. Also located on Torstrasse, it's only open on saturdays.

It's a nicely curated store with limited special items/editions by various artist and designers.

Q: London or New York?

A: New York.

Q: Stripes or polkadots?

A: Stripes.

Q: Gold or silver?

A: Gold, gold, gold..

Q: Beer or Wine?

A: Wine.

Sabrina Dehoff on Shopikon

Sabrina Dehoff Website

10 Questions with PotiPoti

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:04:10 -0500

Who are the people running all these unique stores? What do they love and who is their favorite band or actor? This series will answer all those questions, and a couple more... First up, Nando and Silvia from PotiPoti

Question: Describe the idea behind your shop in one sentence.

Answer: A place where you can enjoy yourself and of course find all the

collections from potipoti and other international designers, ranging

from casual to glamourous.

Q: Why did you choose the location of your store?

A: Best place in town for a fashion shop.

Q: Which celebrity would you hire as a store clerk if you could?

A: Chloe Sevigny and Ryan Gosling.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a shop owner?

A: We get to offer exclusive labels to our customers and we enjoy seeing

them finding something they really like.

Q: What is your least favorite part about being a shop owner?

A: We are creative people and we love art, so the worst thing is having

to do all the numbers, meet the accountants even though it's very

important.

Q: Do you have a particular restaurant or dish that you're crazy about right now?

A: Mani Restaurant at Torstrasse 136.

Q: What record is playing in your shop right now?

A: A mixtape of Discos Capablanca.

Q: Stripes or polkadots?

A: A look combining both.

Q: Gold or silver?

A: Gold.

Q: Beatles or Rolling Stones?

A: The Birds and The Zombies.

Q: Red or white wine?

A: White wine.

Q: Denim or Leather?

A: Leather.

PotiPoti on Shopikon

PotiPoti Website

Shopikon's Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:26:15 -0500

Here are some great gift ideas from our favorite stores in London, Paris, New York, Barcelona, Berlin and Vienna!

Click on the images below or go to http://pinterest.com/shopikon/shopikon-s-gift-guide-2012/

The Winners of our Instagram Contest are In!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:15:15 -0500

We asked you to "Capture the Spirit of Paris" for our Instagram Contest and we have had many beautiful and creative shots to review over the weekend. Boy was that a tough decision to make! You can see all entries by scrolling down here.

Congratulations to the three lucky winners who will get to choose one of three great prizes from some of our favorite Paris shops! You can see their photos below. Now that the launch phase of Shopikon Paris is complete, we look forward to continuously adding more exciting stores to the Paris edition in the coming months. Whether you're in Paris, New York, London, Barcelona, Vienna, or Berlin, Shopikon is there to help you discover all the best independent shopping gems!

@goodmorningparis

@bpeyrecave

@nikkichat

Can you capture "The Spirit of Paris"? [Ended]

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:42:26 -0400

To celebrate the launch of Shopikon Paris and to get into a truly Parisian mood, we're asking you to capture the spirit of the French capital in an image and share it with us on instagram! You don't need to be in Paris to snap a photo with that certain je ne sais quoi - just be creative!

How to enter the contest:

1. Follow @shopikon on instagram

2. Post a photo that you think captures the spirit of Paris and tag it with #shopikon and #paris !

We've picked these items from some of our favorite shops around Paris, such as So We Are - that's where the beautiful silk scarf by label 1984 comes from. The trusty backpack is from Royalcheese and the Taschen book is a portrait of the city through the eyes of photographer Jean-Claude Gautrand.

The deadline for entry is November 8, 2012! Please be sure to review our Terms & Conditions.

Have fun & "bonne chance"!

Check out the most recent entries:

Bonjour Paris!

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:50:09 -0400

You might call it the City of Lights or the City of Love – we call it the city of great shopping! As of today, our Paris edition is available online and in the iTunes store in the form of our free iPhone App. We are excited to share all the incredible Parisian independent stores with you that we have scouted out over the last few months. Boutiques, boulangeries et plein de belles choses! The selection will grow as we add our newest discoveries regularly!

Enjoy, and as always, send us your suggestions if you know a local shopping gem that we missed!

Festes de la Mercè

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:14:26 -0400

With an endless stretch of dark afternoons and thunderous tax returns ahead, for many the back-to-school atmosphere is one of sobriety and reflection. Once again, the annual summer vacation becomes a mere postcard dream.

Not so in Barcelona. Seasonal changes are so deeply rooted in the Catalan psyche that it seems only natural for locals to bid adieu to summer through boisterous celebration. On September 24th, the city honors Our Lady of Mercy in the Festes de la Mercè. Colossal giants and fire-brandishing devils (gegants and correfoc) parade through the streets for one final blast of mayhem to buoy spirits through until winter.

While these spectacular festivities last only a week, workshops spend up to an entire year creating the otherworldly Carnival figures. El Ingenio is one of the oldest toyshops and cartonería (papier-mâché) specialists in Barcelona, lovingly handcrafting procession goods in their modest workshop since 1838.

Señor Agustin Sevillano in El Ingenio's workshop

Each oversized papier-mâché head (capgrosso) is painstakingly hand painted using centuries-old techniques, often taking over a month to reach completion before being whisked off for the Festes. Ideas for these imaginative works of art are conceived behind El Ingenio’s very own walls and the shop also works in collaboration with the city council to design the personalities of each face.

Capgrossos are decorated to represent traditional archetypes such as peasants and the bourgeois, while theatrical devils, bulls and dragons embody the darker forces of human nature. Aside from frightening small children, they are used to startle negative spirits into submission by charging through Barcelona’s streets. Capgrosso fans and souvenir hunters can buy these fascinating figures directly from the shop floor, but beware - some fetch up to a staggering 1000€ - a testament to the skill and labor involved.

Whether your interests lie in La Mercè or you’re simply captivated by the capgrossos themselves, many of these uncanny figures are proudly exhibited in El Ingenio’s cave of treasures - our Mercè Festival destination of choice.

Shopikon Apps are now free!

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:41:05 -0400

All our apps are now free of charge, get them on the iTunes store! We also added an easier way to login with your Facebook account, check it out!

Guten Morgen Berlin!

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 07:19:07 -0400

This morning the Shopikon Berlin page went online! We are very excited to share some of the incredible shops of the German capital with you! From Kreuzberg to Mitte, Charlottenburg to Prenzlauer Berg, we have scouted the streets of Berlin for the most unique, most beautiful, most singularly fantastic stores and covered them for our shopping guide to the best local stores. We're starting with a core selection of shops that we will be adding to every week. As always, your suggestions for wonderful stores are welcome on our suggest-a-store page!

Discover the Treasures of Barcelona!

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:52:56 -0400

Shopikon and The Treasures invite you to discover Barcelona from a different angle. We are giving away 2 tickets to a Barcelona city tour showing you the hidden gems the city has to offer. For more information visit the Shopikon Facebook Page.

What's in Store in East London?

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:17:03 -0400

Taking our inspiration from Natalie's post about dreaming to visit London, and from her entire blog, Natalie Off Duty, as well as the wealth of incredible shops in London, we've put together our Shop Crawl Itinerary! We are so excited to spend the day with the winner of our Blogger Contest and with our three wonderful judges, Torie Jayne, Lizzie Mabbott and Jen Holmes and to go shopping together!

The decision to go shopping in East London was a relatively easy one. Which stores to choose much less so! We managed to narrow it down to the list below, knowing that our trusty Shopikon London App can always lead us to more shopping treasures underway if we still have the energy...

A. GOLD - No better way to power up for a day of shopping than with a home-made scotch egg.

ALLY CAPELLINO - One of these beautiful bags could come in handy during the shop crawl....

MAWI - Knock-out, cutting-edge, eye-catching jewelry.

NO-ONE - They've got it all: fashion, magazines, home goods - and at prices we love.

PITFIELD - The perfect stop for our shop crawl - new & vintage home goods and yummy treats!

JASPER MORRISON - This hidden gem will make any design aficionado's heart skip a beat.

LN-CC - Concept Store / Fashion Mecca / Alternate Universe

BEYOND RETRO - The vintage behemoth of your dreams!

And that completes our Shop Crawl! We look forward to exploring the great stores with Natalie, Jen, Lizzie, and Torie!

Meet Natalie Suarez!

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:23:04 -0400

Sometime in the next few months it will be our pleasure to send Natalie Suarez to London, as part of her prize for winning our London Blogger Contest! Our judges as well as the Shopikon team were inspired by her personal vision of a visit to London. We are all very excited to meet up with her for the custom London Shop Crawl that is also part of the prize! Let us introduce you to the lovely Natalie:

Originally form LA, Natalie now lives in New York, working as a model and tirelessly capturing her great sense of style on her blog Natalie Off Duty. Sharing her work experiences, her daily style choices, fashion moments, and even her own music covers, it all blends seemlessly into a fun and beautiful mix with a very New York vibe. For good reason, she has thousands of followers across the world who she inspires on a daily basis, and we recommend you don't miss out. So be sure to follow Natalie's blog or get inspired via facebook and twitter!

When we start planning the custom Shop Crawl through some of London's amazing stores, we will keep in mind the shops we know she is excited to see. Those include Nelly Duff, for fresh screen-printed graphics by artists from around the world and Labour of Love for a great mix of clothing, accesories and vintage. We're glad to get the impression from her picks that East London is where we shall be heading... We are looking forward to it!

And the winner is..... Natalie Suarez!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:24:45 -0400

Congratulations to Natalie for writing the winning entry to our London Blogger Contest on her blog Natalie Off Duty! The prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to London! The judges, fellow bloggers Torie Jayne, Lizzie Mabbott and Jen Holmes, have just selected Natalie as the winner, and soon they will be getting together with Natalie for a Shop-Crawl in London to celebrate! And to do some shopping...of course. We are looking forward to putting together an great, custom-tailored shopping itenerary for you!

Our thanks goes out to all the bloggers who participated and helped us to celebrate the launch of the Shopikon London iPhone App! We hope you continue to enjoy Shopikon and discover great shops around the world!

Voilà: Our Panel of Judges for the London Blogger Contest!

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:00:46 -0400

With only two days to go until the deadline for submissions to enter our contest to win a shopping trip to London, it's high time we officially introduce you to our panel of judges! We have the pleasure of working with three amazing bloggers from the UK, and who better to judge on the art of blogging than these lovely ladies who do it so well themselves. As you know, the winner of the contest will get to meet the judges during the Shop Crawl and dinner that is part of the prize, so without further ado:

Jen Holmes

Her Blog: A Little Bird Told Me

Expertise: Fashion

Favorite Shop in London: Tatty Devine

Click here to read more about Jen Holmes.

Torie Jayne

Her Blog: Torie Jayne

Expertise: Design & Interiors

Favorite Shop in London: After Noah

Click here to read more about Torie Jayne.

Lizzie Mabbot

Her Blog: Hollow Legs

Expertise: Food

Favorite Shop in London: New Loon Moon

Click here to read more about Lizzie Mabbot.

So if you haven't yet, get the new Shopikon London App, get inspired, and enter the contest for a chance to win a trip to London and meet our judges in person!!

Meet our Fashion Judge: Jen Holmes!

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:50:01 -0400

We are excited to have our third and final judge on board for the London Blogger Contest: Jen Holmes! On her blog, A Little Bird Told Me, she tirelessly documents her outfits on an almost daily basis. She has been featured by Company Magazine, Cosmo, ASOS and Look to name a few. We're lucky she is so passionate about sharing her vision for dressing to impress with out spending a fortune and inspiring us with her style!

Jen's talent for putting together outfits that look good without having to dig deep into her pockets make her a dedicated peruser of charity shops and car boots sales (the Britsh version of garage sales) and she has a trained eye for a good find. We asked her to pick her favorite shop in London and here is what she told us:

"Okay, favourite shops in London. I actually have two - one that's featured on Shopikon and another that could be considered for the guide! My first is Tatty Devine - I love quirky statement jewellery so this shop is like heaven! I have my eye on their gold dinosaur necklace and think I might treat myself next time I pop in. My second is Mary's Living and Giving Shop in Primrose Hill. It's charity shopping at its very best, with handpicked designer pieces and a chic vintage feel. I could spend hours just browsing the rails."

Jen has recently been traveling in the United States and now that she's back she should be fresh and ready to help us pick one lucky blogger to be sent on a shopping trip to London! In case you haven't participated yet, here are the details - the deadline is May 31st, so hurry and good luck!

West London Shopping Tour

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:41:42 -0400

In anticipation of the London Shop Crawl which we'll be putting on for the winner of the London Blogger Contest we have put together some sample shopping treasures which we might explore on that occasion.... After our Shopping Tours of East London and Central London, our third and last installment takes us westwards, to Notting Hill, Connaught Village, and Marylebone. Let the shopping begin!

HONEST JON'S – We start in Notting Hill, walking to Portobello Road from Ladbroke Grove Station. Our first stop is Honest Jon's, a true one-of a kind record shop that's been around since 1974. For vinyl-lovers this is a real treasure trove! A great place to find that rare soul, jazz or reggae record of your dreams...

LUNETIER – A few steps down the street from here you'll find Lunetier, freshly added to Shopikon. They sell an eye-popping selection of vintage shades and are a favorite amongst celebrities and stylists. Just don't call it "retro" - all the frames are unworn!

PEDLARS – Head South on Portobello Road and turn right into Talbot Road to Pedlars, a design and homewares shop with a well curated selection that has all the appeal of vintage, but lots of contemporary items. This is always a dependable place to find a great gift.

MELT – The next stop is Melt, one of our editor's picks. Melt doesn't need any royal seals or fancy boxes to be one of London's very best chocolatiers. It's hard to keep yourself from trying every single chocolate...they are freshly made and you can taste it! We love the passionfruit pralines but you can always ask for recommendations.

VIOLA – From Notting Hill take the 23 or 7 Bus East, and over to Connaught Village. This neighborhood has lots of great indie stores but you should definitely not miss Viola. This quirky boutique has a fantastic selection of accessories, books and one of a kind fashion finds. With it's bright colors and happy vibes it has a very original appeal.

TRUNK – A little stroll brings us to Marylebone, one of London's best shopping neighborhoods. Trunk is the epitome of the modern take on classic menswear. The clothes and accessories are elegant but by no means old fashioned - a sort of Monocle-reader's style paradise.

LA FROMAGERIE – Next up is La Fromagerie, another editor's pick. Here you can find everything you need for a picnic, like a giant room full of cheese, with some of the best experts to help you pick what suits your tastes. No other shop in London has such a mouthwatering and comprehensive selection of cheeses.

DAUNT BOOKS – If you still have energy you shouldn't miss Daunt Books, voted one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. It's a great place to just browse or to pick up something to read while you eat your recently purchased cheese! We recommend a little picnic...

Good thing Regent's Park is close at hand. Find a nice spot by the lake, spread out your acquisitions, break off a piece of fresh baguette, grab your book, and finally, have a well deserved nap.

This should give you a good idea of what's in store for the winner of our London Blogger Contest! Not only does the winner get flown to London, but we're also giving away a £300 gift card to spend during the custom shop crawl we'll be putting together for the winner! The deadline is May 31st 2012, so hurry, and good luck!

Let the Season begin!

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:08:06 -0400

The seemingly never-ending woes of our economic climate have caused a sharp turnaround of our preferences in 2012. All areas of culture have begun to strike brighter notes in a bid to lighten the gloomy cloud hanging above us. Gone are the days of staid, plaid fashion; punchy fluorescent tones and bold prints are already gracing the streets of Barcelona in perfect tune with summer and the festival season.

Kicking off festival season 2012 in Barcelona is Primavera Sound, from 30th May until 3rd June, soon followed by legendary Sónar Festival in mid June. Highlights at Primavera Sound this year include Grimes, The XX and Beirut as well as musical heavyweights Spiritualized and The Cure (Primavera Sound line-up). Sónar boasts Fatboy Slim, Friendly Fires and Lana Del Rey, as well as other world-class acts such as Austra, The Roots and Flying Lotus. (Sónar line-up)

Zach Condon's Beirut, playing at Primavera Sound on May 31st

With their impressive selection of cutting-edge artists, music festivals provide the ideal platform to embrace your creative side whilst - most importantly – letting your hair down and having a whole lot of fun. However, they can be physically challenging affairs - dancing for hours in the open air and walking long distances between stages - and that’s before you’ve taken the elements into account (sunburn, wind-chill, soggy feet…you name it). That’s why it’s important for your outfit to provide comfort and practicality, too.

Clothes that begin their festival life already ripped, faded or well-worn generally have a very good chance of making it through the season with considerable dignity as chances are they’re more than likely to end up that way anyway.

Vintage clothes are always a good option and Billie Jean is the place to go if you’re in the market for durable denim shorts or a statement vintage band t-shirt.

Also located on Barcelona's renowned Riera Baixa is M.O.T.E.L, a must-go destination for vintage pieces from floral dresses to floaty cotton shirts – clothes well suited to the warm Barcelona climate.

Krizia Robustella has a fabulous selection of bright, cheerful clothes that are a fabulous testament to the power of individuality - a surefire hit at any festival. We recommend their bow ties paired with a simple cotton shirt, or their bold multi-tone leather tassle shorts to make a real statement.

Wilde Vintage has an amazing collection of original shades dating from 1950 to 1990 as well as their own line of sunglasses. But take good care of these fine specs as all that stage-hopping makes it easy to lose things.

Central London Shopping Tour

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:28:54 -0400

In the second installement of our London Shopping Tours we are going to explore the center of town - or perhaps we should say centre? You can find these great shops and many more on our London iPhone App, so be sure to keep and eye on your phone during the tour to find some more hidden gems! We begin at the Covent Garden tube station (on the Picadilly Line) and quickly escape the throng of tourists...

Head northeast to the Seven Dials neighborhood and to one of London's few cheese temples: Neal's Yard Dairy. Getting there early helps in order to beat the crowd – long lines of cheese devotees tend to form at the cash register.

Down another "dial" of the seven-fold intersection is Tatty Devine, just the place to pick up accessories that are easy on the wallet but pack a punch. The handmade, bright acrylic jewelry pieces make a unique statment and a great gift.

Some more pops of color can be found around the corner at Super Superficial. Their collection of silk-screened t-shirts is locally made and only produced in limited numbers. This makes them even more covetable but unfortunately doesn't make the decision any easier which one to pick!

A little to the south, on Charing Cross Road, you will find Quinto Bookshop and Francis Edmund Antiquarian Booksellers. The name is a mouthful, but the content of these two extremely well curated second-hand bookshops is equally extensive and bound to have something in store to suit every taste.

Near Soho Square awaits Kokon To Zai. This is not a place for the timid amongst the fashionistas. This institution carries items you will certainly not find anywhere else. Wearing them might take a bit of courage but will insure that you stand out.

On the busy alleyway St. Anne's Court, sits Fernandez & Wells. It's a great place for a pitstop to give your feet a rest and to recharge your batteries. We can highly recommend their delicious tapas, and especially the freshly made Taramosalata. Divine...

Down Wardour Street is Tokyo Fixed Gear, a must-see for any fixed-gear bike enthusiast. They specialize in custom built bicylcles made with frames and parts imported from Japan – but even if you're just visiting you can pick up a special souvenir component for your bike back home.

Our last stop is Andrew Edmunds which is one of our Editor's Picks. There is just no other place in the world like it. Specializing in one-of-a-kind prints, you will find many historic cartoons, scenes and styles from centuries past. It's almost more like a museum than a shop, and it's fun to get lost amongst the prints and the stories they tell.

If you're not too tired at this point, consult the Shopikon London iPhone App to find more great shops in the area! Of course you can also plan ahead, by checking out all of our featured stores in these areas on the app or on the Shopikon Website.

If you have a blog, don't forget to enter our London Contest for a chance to win an all expenses paid shopping trip to London this summer! We hope our tour has gotten you geared up and ready to write a great story about shopping in London and we wish you best of luck!

Meet our Food Judge: Lizzie Mabbott!

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:35:34 -0400

We're happy to present the second of three judges for the London Blogging Contest: Lizzie Mabbott! For five years, Lizzie has been documenting her culinary exploits on her blog, Hollow Legs. Whether it's at home in London or on her travels, in her own kitchen, trying out restaurants, or discovering foreign delicacies, she is tirelessly documenting and making her readers' mouths water! Fortunately, she also supplies lots and lots of recipes so we can partake in the creative side of eating. Having grown up in Honk Kong, she has a penchant for Chinese cuisine, but she clearly has an appetite for all the delicious variety dished up all over the world.

About shopping in London she tells us, "My favorite shop is such a tough one, but I would go for New Loon Moon in Gerrard Street. It's an Asian supermarket and they sell a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables from Thailand and Vietnam. I could spend hours browsing the shelves of food from the Far East that both excites and confuses me and often reminds me of Hong Kong, where I grew up.

Until the judging begins, let Lizzie's enthusiasm for food infect you and enjoy her blog!

East London Shopping Tour

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:01:05 -0400

To give you an idea what kind of local shopping gems the Shopikon London iPhone App will help you to discover, we've put together a series of shopping tours! Today we will explore trending and creative East London...from Spitalfields to Shoreditch to Dalston. Time to put on your shopping shoes!

A.GOLD – We start in Spitalfields, walking over from Liverpool station, and up to Brushfield Street. Here you will find A.Gold, an old school British deli. It's interior is as charming as the storefront promises. Stop in for a delicious roast beef sandwich, one of their famous Scotch Eggs, or pick up some home made jam.

PITFIELD – Onwards to the north and into Shoreditch lies Pitfield, a vintage furnishings/café hybrid opened by designer duo Brewster & Clarkson. You can find lots of great lamps and unique pieces including refurbished vintage items and tableware. The pretty cafe is a great place to eat a sandwich or a quiche and have a coffee.

JASPER MORRISON – On the way to Columbia Road, stop by the Jasper Morrison Shop - its unmarked black door can be difficult to spot, but the search for this design speakeasy is worth its while for any aficionado. You can pick up one of the large assortment of simple and efficiently designed items, like a Danish pair of scissors.

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET – Stroll to Columbia Road for the beautiful flower market that fills the street with bright colors. Unfortunately it is only open on Sundays, but the piles upon piles of the freshest flowers are worth a visit, and so are the great deals you can get nearing closing time at 3pm - a fiver for a large bouquet!

NELLY DUFF – At the far end of Columiba Road you will find Nelly Duff, an internationally acclaimed vender of screen prints, featuring unique works by artists from across the globe. From here, the tour leads to Dalston for some cutting edge East London style.

BEYOND RETRO – Catch the 149 or 243 bus on Shoreditch High Street going north, to Princess May Road. The Dalston oupost of this London legend is one of three locations and a true vintage mecca. The selection is huge but it's well organized so that you can dig through the expertly sourced second-hand finds in a dignified fashion.

LN-CC – This is the store the whole world has been talking about: with its Space Odyssey interior and avant garde labels, it doesn't get cooler than this. The massive shop is divided into concept rooms, including a library of fashion magazines. Currently open by appointment only, be sure to schedule a visit at this sight to behold.

That completes the tour! At this point you might need a cabbie to get you home with all your shopping bags... Be sure to consult the Shopikon iPhone App or our London website to discover even more shops along the way!

For a chance to win a shopping weekend in London enter our Shopikon Blogger Contest!

Meet our Design Judge: Torie Jayne

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:20:02 -0400

We are very pleased to announce the first of our three judges for the London Blogging Contest: Torie Jayne! In her eponymous blog she covers all things beautiful from interior design, to crafting, baking and style – all embued with her particular playful, feminine charm that makes life sweeter. Some of our favorites include her craft tutorial for the simple but gorgeous Easter branches and the progress she has been sharing on her revamped cloak room. It's giving us the itch to do some serious redecorating of our own!

Torie also dedicates a section of blog to her favorite shops which is something we can certainly appreciate. She tells us, "my favorite shop in London for interiors is After Noah" and we couldn't agree more that it's a real treasure trove...as it so happens, After Noah is currently our store of the week!

Until the judging for the contest begins, head to Torie's blog to be inspired or get lost in her many wonderful pinterest boards.

The London App is here!

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:24:27 -0400

Just in time for the hordes to descend on London for the 2012 Olympics, we have launched our London Shopping Guide! Why travel all the way to the fair city of London to go shopping at the same-old chains you have at home? Discover all the individual neighborhoods and niche shops that make London special.

Get the iPhone App for free in the App store!

Did you know we're having a blogger contest to celebrate the launch of our App? The winner will be one lucky blogger who will travel to London on an all expenses paid shopping trip! Click here to find out more.

The Best Baguette in Paris

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:38:50 -0400

Congratulations to Boulangerie Mauvieux, whose Baguette Tradition won this years Grand Prix de la Baguette de la Ville de Paris! The baguette being the symbol of French culture par excellence, winning the title of "Best Baguette in Paris" is no small matter and holding this title is an immense honor for one very skilled baker.

Early on the morning of the competition, 168 bakers showed up with their freshly baked batons of dough. Only 124 made it to the next round, the others being exclduded for not meeting the size and weight criteria (55-65 cm, 250-300 grams). Based on taste, texture, scent and the visual appeal, the jury picked the winner, Sébastien Mauvieux.

Besides the impressive title, the Boulangerie Mauvieux also received a cash prize of €4,000 and the appointment to provide bread to the president of France. How convenient then, that the French presidential election was held so shortly after the Grand Prix de la Baguette! No coincidence, perhaps... François Hollande must be glad this matter has been settled. Bon Appétit, monsieur le Président!

Winner 2012: Boulangerie Mauvieux, 159 rue Ordener, 750018

Previous Winners:

2011 Au Levain d’Antan, 6 rue des Abbesses, 75018 

2010 Le Grenier à Pain, 38 rue des Abbesses, 75018 

2009 Le Grenier de Félix, 64 avenue Félix Faure, 75015

 2008 Au Duc de la Chapelle, 32 rue Tristan Tzara, 75018

2007 Arnaud Delmontel, 57 rue Damrémont, 75018

Win A Shopping Trip to London!

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:08:03 -0400

It’s a big year for London – between the Queen celebrating 60 years at the helm, to the 2012 Olympics, all eyes are on our friends across the pond. We're pitching in to the general excitement and launching our London App this month! To celebrate, we're offering one lucky blogger the chance to join the party, and sending them on a trip to London! The winner will be flown to London for a 3-day, all expenses paid trip and will get the chance to meet some of the UK’s leading bloggers too!

It's easy to participate! Here is what you need to do:

Download out the newly launched Shopikon London App, or browse the Shopikon London guide on our website.
Next, you’ll write a blog post that focuses on your favorite London shop. It can be a place you’ve visited before or a destination you’ve always dreamed of seeing in person. You can always use the stores listed in the Shopikon London app for inspiration!
Then,e-mail us a link to your blog post at londoncontest@shopikon.com
The judges – top UK fashion, food, and design bloggers – will then pick their favorite, and the winner will be flown to London for a 3-day all expenses paid trip and have the honor of participating in the first-ever Shopikon Shop Crawl, where they will receive a gift card valued at £300 to spend as they wish. The evening will cap off with a fabulous dinner with the judges to celebrate all of the great shopping that London has to offer!
The deadline for the contest is May 31st, 2012

So, write that blog post and get your passport ready – you could be on a plane to London before you know it!

hashtag: #shopikonlondon

Before entering the contest, please review the Terms & Conditions carefully.

Bergen Street Comics

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:37:35 -0400

Opened in 2009 by Tom and Amy Adams, Bergen Street Comics in Park Slope is a different kind of neighborhood bookstore. From classic titles to sophisticated graphic novels, this charming store is worth a visit for enthusiasts and novices alike.

Doyle Mueser

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:20:25 -0400

Get chic for spring at the West Village's Doyle Mueser - sister store of Against Nature - where you can attend to your gentlemanly sartorial needs. Fabrics from mills in England and Italy will delight those who appreciate the difference bewteen bespoke and off the rack.

Loring Art

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:30:13 -0400

One of Barcelona's most established art bookstores. The shop's history dates back to 1991, when Angeles Loring founded his eponymous book distribution company. Five years later, Angeles opened the Loring Art bookstore. Loring Art was unique in that it also sold art calenders, letterpress, games, surrealist postcards and other stationary before the museum shop hype even started.

Kaffee Fabrik

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:18:48 -0400

Forget the crystal chandeliers and lush upholstered seating that have come to define some of Vienna's finest coffee houses, because what Kaffeefabrik lacks in traditional ambience it makes up for in batch after batch of expertly roasted, fair-trade coffee. For more details and photos check out Kaffee Fabrik's profile.

Swallow

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:37:18 -0400

Tucked away at the far end of Carroll Gardens, Swallow is a treasure trove that is more than worth a few extra steps. The store is brimming with beautiful objects made mostly out of glass and ceramics, but you can also find metal jewelry, wooden sculpture, and small paintings. Everything is lovingly displayed in cascading arrangements that invite you to explore and linger, and discover all the beautiful objects one by one. You can find the full review of Swallow here.

R. Horn's

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:18:51 -0400

R. Horn's is one of Vienna's finest designers and manufacturers of luxury leather goods. Drawing inspiration from the city's turn-of-the-century avantgardists, he has been at the forefront of design and quality for the past 2 decades now. This is the newest of his three stores, located in the very heart of Vienna's city center.

Mutt

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:18:14 -0400

Mutt is an art bookstore and gallery that has quickly earned a reputation as a platform for emerging artists in Barcelona. From industrial and graphic design to street art, from architecture to music, from desktop publishing to photography–Mutt's selection of books is a celebration of artistic diversity. Check out Mutt's profile for more details.

Moleskine Publishes Architects' Sketches

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:01:41 -0500

Moleskine, known for their iconic black sketchbooks, have recently published four books that have much the same format but very different content. Each one offers a unique and intimate look into the creative process of one architect by presenting preliminary sketches, insirations, and ideations. So far, the available books cover Bolles+Wilson, Alberto Kalach, Zaha Hadid, and Giancarlo De Carlo.

In the Mood for Sun

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:29:09 -0500

Even though it’s been a while since we've had the last traditional college spring break, the advent of March always brings on a craving for some poolside cocktails and beachy fun. If you’re fortunate to be planning a trip to a tropical locale in the coming weeks - or maybe you just want to get a head start on packing strategy for Memorial Day weekend - you’ll want take note of the following packing list of essentials for a few days away. They say the journey is half the fun, but not with a 30 pound suitcase, so just remember this one tidbit of advice: less is more.

First step is the perfect weekend carry-all (or carry-on for a longer trip). Assembly New York carries sturdy totes in neutral colors, in cotton duck with leather straps or all-over canvas. Both versions have interior pockets, but for extra organization pick up one of these adorable change purses from Meg Cohen Design Shop.

Absolutely essential to protect those peepers is a pair of summery sunglasses, and since you sat on last year’s version at a Labor Day fiesta it’s certainly time to buy new ones. Selima Optique on Bleecker Street (with other city locations as well) carries a vast array to suit every taste. Particularly cheerful is this pink set, the Adri O. Selima also stocks goods for the guys, like this sleek pair called Evan which also comes in a variety of cool colors.

Versatile and comfortable footwear should also top your list of packing priorities, especially when packing light. These gems for your gams for day or night from Fiorentini + Baker will do the trick.

On a short trip, you want to be able to suit up for either a day of drink-in-hand cabana lounging or high-octane adventures like jet skiing and parasailing. Swimwear that perfects the balance between sexy and sporty awaits at VPL. Try this favorite in blue or go slightly funkier with kelly green accents. While you’re there, you might want to pick out one of their versatile and packable dresses - made from non-wrinkly viscose and elastane - like this one-shoulder number, the Subaccordian dress.

Save room for your camera and grab that ticket to paradise. Don’t forget to send us a postcard!

Brooklyn Art Library

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:49:52 -0500

Not only is the Brooklyn Art Library a gallery housing over 10,000 sketchbooks from all over the world, but they also carry a beautiful selection of sketchbooks and drawing utensils that will inspire you to get right to it and fill the pages with your own musings.

SCP East

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:11:35 -0500

Reward yourself after your spring cleaning with a new piece of furniture and design goodies at our favorite East London furniture vendor: SCP EAST

Tealosophy

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:41:28 -0500

Opened in 2007 by tea specialist Inés Berton from Argentina, this enchanting store at the lower edge of Gràcia will take you on a journey for the senses. For more photos and a detailed review check out Tealosophy's profile.

Super Superficial

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:40:14 -0500

It's time to freshen up your closet for spring with some new T Shirts from one of our favorite apparel vendors in London : Super Superficial

Zweigstelle

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:10:01 -0500

Tired of the same old flowers? Look no further. Zweigstelle, one of Vienna's most creative florist is making an art out of flower decoration. Can you smell the spring?

Life:Curated

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:16:27 -0500

With weather like this it's easy to get in the mood to shop for some fresh spring styles. Life:Curated in South Williamsburg offers lots of fashion, homegoods and accesories for ladies and gents. See the full Life:Curated Profile.

News from the Wilde bunch

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:16:27 -0500

The restless designer duo Cao and Tepe from Wilde Vintage have once again set foot on new grounds. Wilde recently created a new sub-brand of handcrafted accessories, such as smartphone sleeves for iPhone or Blackberry, called Wskin. You can check them out in more detail on the Wildeskin website and in this Wskin video.

And as if that wasn't enough, Wilde also started a collaboration with Barcelona's Rufus Skateboard Co., complementing their own line of sunglasses with the "Rufus" model. (see video)

Objeto de Deseo

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:18:27 -0500

Objeto de Deseo carries contemporary and vintage objects in ceramics, glass, metal and wood, created by big-name designers as well as lesser-known artists. Each item in Objeto de Deseo is handmade or hand finished and limited in numbers which are exclusive to Barcelona, if not the whole of Spain.

Braised and Brazen

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:39:05 -0500

Even in a city chock full of enticing take-out options, we all have the occasional urge to roll up our sleeves in the kitchen and make believe we’re competing on an episode of Top Chef. There’s something really gratifying about spending a day crafting a culinary masterpiece, especially when the recipe involves roasting rich and hearty ingredients: braised meat and dark beer. Here, courtesy of Bon Appetit, is a recipe for Brisket Braised in Porter.

Now, if you’re a typical New Yorker with nothing in your fridge but some ketchup packets, week-old milk and a bottle of bubbly, you might feel intimidated by the fancier ingredients in this dish. Not only that, but if you’re going to the trouble of cooking a gourmet meal, you want as much help as you can get from the freshest ingredients. Not sure where to find them? That’s where we come in.

Head over to one-stop shop Chelsea Market and make your way to Manhattan Fruit Exchange for the herbs and veggies in the recipe - sage, thyme, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, bay leaves and pitted prunes. Then get the 6-pound brisket and bacon (for the rendered bacon fat) from the experts at Dickson’s Farmstand Meats.

Since you're already in the neighborhood, you might as well stop by the Fat Witch Bakery and Lucy's Whey to pick up some after dinner nibbles for the chocolate and cheese lovers.

Don’t forget to invite a few friends over for dinner, because this dish serves 12. Bon Appétit!

It's all in the WORDing

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:17:18 -0500

Did you know Greenpoint book shop WORD is much more than just a place to pick up a new novel for your subway commute? Aside from being committed to housing a finely curated selection of books to satisfy a variety of literary tastes, WORD holds events several times a week in the evening and on weekend afternoons. Bookworms take note of the offerings - everything from readings with famous authors to a variety of book group meetings, and even a beginner’s book binding class! See the WORD Profile.

There's a new Fox in town

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:26:48 -0500

Vienna's creative community is about to be enriched by a great new project: 365 The Fox House. Located at Brillantengrund on Westbahnstrasse 11-13 in the 7th District, it offers a 1.000 squaremeter space that will house photography and art spaces, a fashion store, artist studios, office spaces as well as a lovely courtyard and a kitchen/catering. All departments are curated individually, with an aim to provide support for young artists and creatives. Cooperations with local businesses are also planned. 365 The Fox House will officially open doors on march 1st with several exciting photography exhibitions, fashion and design showacases, lots of good food and music. Here's the facebook link. We'll keep you posted!

De Vera

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:47:38 -0500

De Vera in Soho is as more like a museum than your average store. In beautifully arranged display cases you will find extraordinary objects from across the globe and throughout the ages. Venetian glass, Roman statues, Victorian Combs or antique Japanese pottery, as well the the line of jewelry crafted by owner Federico DeVera out of unique relics. If you don't feel like heading up town to the Metropolitan Museum, De Vera is a great alternative.

Timorous Beasties

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:44:53 -0500

Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons revolutionized fabrics and prints with their unusual yet beautiful designs. Seemingly traditional motives turn out to be urban scenes with an intriguing poetic aesthetic… Pictures say more than words, so take a (closer) look…

Market Vinyl

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:48:38 -0500

Opened only a couple years ago, Fritz Ploeckinger's Market Vinyl has definitely become an institution when it comes to dance music. Ploeckinger's focus is on house, techno and contemporary disco, as well as re-edits and re-issues. Needless to say Market Vinyl is a vinyl-only store. So if you're a dj, or just a music lover, this one shouldn't be missed. More Info here

La-a

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:57:03 -0500

Located in Gràcia, La-a is a handicraft shop specializing in artisanal objects with a modern design touch. It carries a selection of new and old tools, leather goods and decorative objects. For more details and photos click here.

8 Days of Kraftwerk

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:58:17 -0500

The seminal German electronic group Kraftwerk will be performing in MoMA's atrium on eight consecutive nights this April. The series, titled "Kraftwerk Retrospective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8" will feature a live performance and 3D visualizations of the studio album covered that evening, from April 10–April 17, 2012.

Tickets go on sale February 22nd, with a limit of two per person - details here. If your plans to get your hands on those tickets should be thwarted, there will also be an exhibit at PS1, featuring Kraftwerk's historical audio and visual materials, from April 10–May 14, 2012

Fight the Cold with Cocoa!

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:57:43 -0500

The temperature in New York might not be in its typical wintry lows, but it's a little dismal none the less. And those cravings for comfort food and rich indulgences are becoming ever more persistent, aren’t they? Our favorite cold weather beverage is the ever timeless hot chocolate, which can be seen in increasingly trendy - and expensive - versions on many menus around the city. If you want to avoid ducking into your neighborhood cafe every day to satisfy that sweet tooth, but want something better than powder-in-a-packet mixed with hot water to make at home, read on for options from two of our favorite Brooklyn chocolate shops.

A great place to get your sweet fix is always the Chocolate Room, with locations in Carroll Gardens and Park Slope. If you’re throwing a dinner party and want something to spice up the typical post-dessert offerings like coffee and tea, consider keeping stores of Spiced Dark Hot Chocolate which comes in the form of a rich powder and is sold in a beautiful, gift-worthy tin. Also available is a package that comes with six deliciously puffy homemade marshmallows.

A sunny Saturday might lure you to Prospect Park for a brisk walk or ice skating session with friends, but your frostbitten nose and hands will remind you what the groundhog said - spring is unfortunately still weeks away. Make a beeline with your buddies to Atlantic Avenue’s Nunu Chocolates and pick up some of their Cozy Hot Chocolate, which is made from real chocolate shavings (add hot milk or water). Also available at Nunu is their Hot Drink Tumbler to transport your liquid treat, a surefire way to cure those winter morning blues on your commute.

Spuyten Duyvil Grocery

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:36:14 -0500

Tucked away in the miniature mall between North 4th & 5th on Bedford Ave, the Spuyten Duyvil Grocery makes up for its modest square footage with maximum shelf space. Towering from floor to ceiling, you will find rows upon rows of ales and lagers from around the world that are hard to come by anywhere else. So this Valentine's Day, why not celebrate with a very special bottle of beer?

La Clinique

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:55:47 -0500

La Clinique is a boutique in El Born specializing in rare shades, sneakers and other lifestyle accessories. Click here for more info and photos.

MAK Designshop

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:30:50 -0500

When it comes to Design, the MAK Designshop at the Museum for Applied Arts is one, you shouldn't miss. It has been around since 1991, so you can be sure, they know what they are talking about. Find great gifts, funny objects, insighful books, even something for Valentine's, such as these cute Heart Mugs, designed exclusively for the MAK Designshop by Reiko Kaneko. FInd out more here.

Lazy Oaf

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:33:17 -0500

Lazy Oaf started out on a small East London Market Stall in 2001 and have since then grown into a well established label that ship their fine goods all around the world. Lazy Oaf's fun prints and colorful designs will definitely brighten up the grey season. Be sure to also check their Jewelry Collection! Located just off Carnaby Street, Lazy Oaf shouldn't be left out on your Soho afternoons.

Valetine's Day Gifts

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:32:30 -0500

If you’re shopping for a Valentine’s day gift for a certain special someone this year, you must first consider the subtle message that token of affection will send. Buying for a budding crush or a longterm lover and not sure what’s appropriate? We’ve broken it down for you into three simple categories of love levels - cool, lukewarm and hot for both guys and gals.

For Her

Cool: If you’re just planting the seed of what you hope will be a blooming relationship, how about a traditional gift with a twist? Candy in the form of gummy lips from Economy Candy might make her mouth pucker up, even if she hasn’t yet.

Lukewarm: Taking romance to the next level can wrack the nerves, so relax the mood and set the room aglow with a scented candle from Lafco in sexy scents like Fig or Blood Orange Spice.

Hot: Nothing says V-day like sexy lingerie, but keep it tasteful rather than tawdry. La Petite Coquette stocks simple yet elegant silk charmeuse gowns that will keep your very lucky lady feeling special.

For Him

Cool: If you’re looking to take an ambiguous friendship to the next level, everybody knows what “let’s watch a movie”really means, especially one involving a cringe-worthy monster. At Kim’s Video & Music, you can procure a copy of the original 1954 Godzilla on DVD, which is sure to seal the deal when you shriek and jump into his lap.

Lukewarm: By now, we’ve all heard that age-old morsel of wisdom “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So head over to his place with some artisinal salumi or farmstead-produced cheese from the grand selection at Brooklyn Larder and have a collaborative cooking session. What’s for dessert depends on what kind of chemistry you make in the kitchen...

Hot: Let’s face it, it’s a wild world out there in the land of love. A fancy pocket knife is a throwback to the times where a damsel-in-distress yearned for a white knight, and what guys doesn’t like to feel needed? At Love Adorned, unique blades can be found embossed with a sweet honey bee design or in the shape of a buxom woman’s leg. It’s sure to remind him of you every time he pulls it from his pocket, even if he does only use it to slice up an apple from the bodega.

Sweet William

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:51:12 -0500

You can find everything for the well-dresed Williamsburg youngster at this charming shop on North 6th Street. From onesies, rompers and tiny hats to cardigans, moccasins and cozy sherpa vests that we wish they made in our size, everything at Sweet William is selected with a preference for natural materials, ethical production and small labels. Toys and playthings are also in stock, such as the amazingly life-like and adorable Hansa stuffed animals. Don't believe they look real? Have a peek at the new Sweet William webshop. See the store's full profile.

Bordello

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:46:41 -0500

Just in time for valentine's day! Upgrade your lingerie or surprise your loved one with something.... well... FUN. Bordello has it all, from satins to laces, from feathers to serious burlesque accessories...

ZAP Zapateria

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:16:47 -0500

Zap Zapateria is Vienna's first adress in rare and hard to find Sneakers. Next to the well established brands like Adidas and Nike they also carry lesser known brands such as Langenbrett, Pointer or Hummel. A friendly staff will be happy to guide you through their fantastic assortment

Nobodinoz

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:23:30 -0500

Since 2006, Nobodinoz carries trendy clothing, homeware, books and toys for babies and children, and even hosts art exhibitions aimed at youngsters...More info and photos, click here.

Book Tip: Gute Geschäfte

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:04:07 -0500

23 days, 23 districts: Attila Corbaci and Thomas Voburka have explored the city's sidestreets, looking for storefronts and shop windows from a different era. Take a stroll through forgotten Vienna on 160 pages, published by the Metro Verlag, available at the Wien Museum Shop.

Few and Far

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:56:51 -0500

Its hard to say what makes Few and Far so special. It's the eclectc selection of items from luxury funriture to funny toys from all around the world, carefully gathered by Priscilla Carluccio, the founder of Few and Far . And its the intimate and cosy atmosphere, created by the welcoming staff. You will be offered cookies and tea while browsing through the store.

Stil Laden

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:42:05 -0500

Stil Laden, opened in 2005 is more than a skateshop. The owners are aiming for a broader approach to the culture of skating. Next to all things accessories and footwear, at Stil Laden you will find some of the coolest board designs around!

Moss Is Closing

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:41:54 -0500

As the New York Times reported last week, Moss, the iconic Soho purveyor and patron of design is due to shut its doors on Febuary 17th. According to the Times a "perfect storm of high overhead and lagging sales" led owners Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell to make this decision, who said they were "running a free museum". Admittedly, we too browsed Moss more times than we can count without actually buying anything, just to admire the marvelous objects on display, most of which simply can't be seen in person anywhere else but here.

The partners will focus on launching their consultancy, Moss Bureau, but they also plan to re-open a retail location in a smaller space. Exactly where is yet to be determined. So while we will mourn the loss if this beacon design curator we have its re-invention to look forward to. Hopefully we won't have to wait very long!

Pickle Guys

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:29:21 -0500

From sweet gherkins to half, three-quarter, or full sour pickles, the Pickle Guys have have it all, and everything in between. Owner Alan has been at it for over 30 years never using preservatives or chemicals and he has expanded his selection from cucumbers to include many other delectably brined veggies.

Vila Viniteca

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:49:59 -0500

The Vila family have been selling fine food and wines ever since 1932. Three generations later, Vila Viniteca is far more than just a grocery store. Next to the original gourmet shop, the Viniteca carries over 7500 different wines and cavas in their adjacent locale, making it one of Barcelona’s leading vinotecas. For more details and photos click here.

Geminola

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:39:03 -0500

Run by interior designer Lorraine Kirke, Geminola is a little shop in the West Village were vintage gowns go to be reborn. Kirke dyes, combines and re-imagines garments, turning them into beautiful pieces that work in a modern context but keep all of their vintage appeal.

The Goodhood Store

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:37:02 -0500

This Shoreditch fashion institution is fundamental to any East Londoner's wardrobe construction. Mix basics from Junya Watanabe or Karen Walker with an adventurous piece or two by Commes des Garcons or Libertine Libertine; then cross the street to the Goodhood Gallery for a browse to get your creative juices flowing…

Feinedinge

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:19:13 -0500

Feinedinge, a one woman ceramics manufacture, created in 2008 is Sandra Haischbergers bainchild. At Feinedinge you can find vases, plates, tea sets and lamps. A very nice service is that customers get the option to have their items engraved with a quote or their name!

Fantastik

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:59:38 -0500

A singular treasure trove of objects and curiosities from over 20 countries, Fantastik carries hundreds of objects that, it is safe to say, aren't featured together anywhere else. In a world where one finds the same things everywhere, it's great when shops like Fantastik offer some much needed diversity. For more photos and info click here.

A Winter Fairytale

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:36:58 -0500

After last night's opening the "Wiener Eistraum" at the Rathausplatz is now ready for the winter 2012 season. The Wiener Eistraum is an experience unique to Vienna as the ice rink covers almost all of the townhall park and winds it's way through the trees and gardens. Beautifully lit, the neo-Gothic townhall building towers above the skaters, making for the perfect romantic excursion.

If you prefer a fun night out, reserve an "Eisstockbahn" so you and your friends can participate in the traditional Austrian sport of "Eisstockschiessen" (similar to curling); you can even have your get-together catered, just check online ahead of time. Whether you skate or curl, afterwards, you can pop across the street to Landtmann's Coffeehouse for a melange (classic Viennese coffee) or a hot chocolate and then wander home through the wintry streets of Vienna.

For prices and info, please check the website. The rink is open every day from 9 am to 10 pm until March 4th.

Advanced Style

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:43:32 -0500

Purl Soho

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:18:18 -0500

The colorful yarns and fabrics at Purl Soho are bound to lift the gloom of icy winter days. Conveniently, Purl supplies both a means and an end to getting cozy and keeping warm at home! Be it knitting, crocheting, sewing or needlepoint, you can find all the supplies here, as well as instructions and inspiration on their blog The Purl Bee.

Bobbin Bicycles

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:09:21 -0500

If you haven't noticed bicycles rule London. Bobbin Bicycles offers a refreshingly different approach to riding. Gone are the slim tires and neon colors of the race enthusiast, instead the store is full of vintage styles with cognac leather seats and jaunty wicker baskets. For more info and photos click here.

folclore

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:08:46 -0500

Folclore has been showcasing the best of Portuguese fashion since opening in 2009, in a minimalist space accented with stripped wood floors and bare stone walls. From jewelry designer Valentim Quaresma to handmade leather gloves from Luvaria Ulisses, this store is a hub for portugal's fashion essentials. For more details and photos click here.

Walter Weiss

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:57:18 -0500

Walter Weiss is the place to go for your personal grooming needs. Whether it's the finest shaving kits, shave brushes, mirrors or manicure sets...more info and photos here.

A Room for London

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:31:13 -0500

After the online bookings ranging from January-June 2012 for this unusal hotel were sold out in just 12 (!) minutes, the availability has been extended through December 2012. So all those wanting to experience what it's like to spend a night in a boat overlooking the Thames from several stories higher than waterlevel, get ready to book promptly on 19th January 2012!

Project by Living Architecture:

"To celebrate the Olympic year of 2012, Living Architecture decided to commission a temporary building for the capital. The one-bedroom boat, the Roi des Belges, by David Kohn Architects in collaboration with Fiona Banner was picked as the winner in an open competition run by Living Architecture and Artangel, in association with the Southbank Centre. Five hundred architects and artists from around the world submitted entries. The competition guidelines asked for a building that would allow guests to spend a truly unique night perched above the river and the judges were profoundly impressed by the imagination and skill with which the brief was interpreted by the winning team."

Click here for more info.

A Last Minute Insider Tip

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:12:56 -0500

Don't miss the last day of this one-off sale from some of our favorite Shopikon stores - J. & L. Lobmeyr, R. Horn's and A. E. Koechert - tomorrow, Saturday 14th from 10am to 6pm at Lobmeyr's main location on Kärnter Strasse 26 in the heart of Vienna. With unique pieces reduced up to 70%, this sale is sure to have some fine deals in store.

Bonnie Slotnick

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:24:12 -0500

This little shop in the West Village is a treasure trove for any chef or cook book enthusiast. It is filled to the brim with books hailing from around the world and throughout the ages, so whether you're looking for Hungarian pastry recipes, Civil War Era dishes, or simply to be inspired, Bonnie Slotnick is the place to start looking.

Nelly Duff

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:51:03 -0500

Nelly Duff carries a rotating selection from their vast collection of screen-prints. Their roster of artists reads like a who's who of the screen printing scene, spanning the globe from Sheffield to Sao Paulo. For more info and photos click here!

La Cuina d'en Garriga

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:04 -0500

La Cuina d'en Garrig a is just few steps from busy Passeig de Gràcia, but the rustic kitchen tranquillity feels like a step back in time. Local produce from artesanal bread to acorn-fed jamón ibérico and cheeses from Catalonia are accompanied by an extensive range of preserves, oils and wines and complemented by tasteful kitchenware - a perfect taste of rural Catalonia in the heart of the city. For mor info and photos click here!

Tongues

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:42:45 -0500

Tongues is an organic delicatessen/record store, just steps away from the bustling Mariahilfer Strasse. It has a decidedly rustic feel contrasting nicely with the record selection, where the emphasis is on electronic music. For more info and photos click here.

Zero + Maria Cornejo

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:38:40 -0500

At first glance Maria Cornejo's work might seem similar to other minimalists working today, but take a closer look and you'll realize that the architectural awareness that goes into each design is remarkable. For more details and photos click here.

Mendoza

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:22:42 -0500

The key to good vintage is a discerning eye, something Mendoza’s founder, Leroy Hamilton, has spent years crafting. Located on London’s famous Brick Lane, Mendoza carries 60s inspired menswear with a modern sensibility. For more details and photos check out Mendoza's profile.

Michel Mayer

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:30:39 -0500

Michel Mayer founded her label in 1995. Her main challenge has always been to underline her affinity for avant-garde design to create functional, wearable clothing. Her semiannual collections are known for their clean cuts and fine fabrics. Conveniently located around the corner from St. Stephen's Cathedral this store is definitely worth a visit. For more details and photos click here.

Blow

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:51:39 -0500

Located in El Borne, This shop is one of Barcelona's top spots for vintage clothes and accessories. Blow carries a fine selection of dresses, sunglasses, shoes and bags. All items in great condition from reputable labels such as Hermès, Pucci or YSL. For more photos and details click here.

St. Marks Bookshop

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:04:04 -0500

Thanks to the recent agreement between the St. Mark's Bookshop and The Cooper Union securing a rent reduction and ensuring our beloved bookstore's survival, we still have this treasure trove available to us! No better time to continue showing your love and support by gifting your loved ones a good read.

Gotham

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:39:18 -0500

Opened in 1994, Gotham has been a pioneer of design furniture in Barcelona. It is located near Barcelona Town Hall, in the Gothic Quarter, and carries furniture from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, each item in mint condition or well refurbished. Gotham’s design classics are complemented by authentic vintage ceramics, crockery and lighting.

Paxton & Whitfield

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:10:08 -0500

For the very last-minute christmas shoppers this week, we recommend Paxton & Whitfield, one of the oldest Cheesemongers of London. Their roots go back to the 18th century! Besides their impressive range of cheeses from all over europe, we would like to bring Paxton & Whitfields' Gift Packs to your attention. For cheeselovers, this makes an ideal christmas gift.

Bananas

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:41:36 -0500

With an eclectic and ever-changing collection of vintage design items, Bananas is a great place to go if you want to add a touch of sophistication and 50s era style to your home. It's also a great place to hunt for gifts. With everything in the store picked out by the well trained eye of owner Ernst Hahnbauer, you can find items ranging from statement chandeliers to classic desktop items and vintage jewelry. Worth a trip for anyone still in search of a unique gift!

Instant Photography Reborn

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:01:51 -0500

After Tokyo, New York and Vienna, the Impossible Project inaugurated another Project Space/Store in the Born district last night! The ambitious company in the forefront of the resuscitated instant photography market, has successfully taken over Polaroid's legacy since it stopped production in 2008. Review and photos are here!

Bazaar am Brillantengrund

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:30:45 -0500

This weekend 33 rooms of "the most charming hotel in Vienna" will be transformed into a veritable mall of local venders: Bazaar am Brillantengrund. You can shop as you stroll from room to room, or stop for some cookies, waffles or burgers in the converted breakfast room.

The team behind Hotel Brillantengrund in the seventh district continually manages to bridge the gap between old and new. While the building exudes a 50's era charm, the wares on display this weekend have nothing to do with being old fashioned. Expect to find an exciting assortment of Accessories, Fashion, Vintage, Toys, and much more. There is a full list of venders on their facebook page, but a few of our favorites include Wood Wood, Camille Boyer and Der Kleine Salon.

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Hotel am Brillantengrund, Bandgasse 4, 1070 Wien

Friday, Dec.16th - Sunday Dec.18th, 1pm - 10pm

Last Minute Gift Guide

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:23:46 -0500

Giving gifts should be a pleasurable activity: watching as your loved ones unwrap their presents and knowing that you treated them to something they enjoy simply feels good. The process leading up to that moment - picking out the right gift - can be slightly less gratifying. That's where we come in. Here are a few gift ideas from our favorite shops around town that are sure to please.

A hand-made gift is something extra special, and if you don't have oodles of time it doesn't get much easier than this. At Wool and the Gang you can get a kit that comes with wool, needles and, most importantly, detailed instructions. These funky and festive ties are marked at "beginner" level so if you're not used to wielding the crochet hook, don't fear!

Like everything at Aedes de Venustas, these soaps by Claus Porto are a sumptuous delight for the senses - olfactory, visual, and sensory. Though with intriguing scents like "Lettuce" and "Pear Sandalwood" recipients might be tempted to taste them too!

See? If a toy is made out of wood, finished with non-toxic mineral oil and doesn't involve batteries, that doesn't mean it's lame! This nifty, handmade, USA-produced boat is available at the Brook Farm General Store in Williamsburg. It's powered by a rubber band, spinning the propeller and turning the bathtub into the high seas.

The holidays don't have to be all candy canes and reindeer. These rock'n'roll chic bangles by Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Katrina LaPenne are bound to spice up your look, whether you're going to an office party or the ugly-sweater variety. These and lots of beautiful treasures at Love Adorned.

If you have qualms about chopping down a tree, here is an excellent replacement. At The Future Perfect you can find this adorable pillow and many more wonderful knit items by designer Donna Wilson. The advantage of this tree is not only that it's more soft and cuddly than your standard fir, but it also lasts all year round!

The Barcelona Gift Guide

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:48:27 -0500

Barcelona in December. The center is awash with festive shoppers seeking the easiest route, swept along the tide of chain stores and familiar brands. But why are we all too often carried away by mass-produced merchandise when there is such an abundant variety of unique artisan-made products available, begging to be discovered and lovingly passed on to our nearest and dearest this festive season?

Here at Shopikon you won’t find us making a beeline for the nearest department store. We believe in supporting smaller, local businesses and (in true festive spirit) have put together a small selection of our favorite gift ideas to make shopping that little bit easier for you this December!

Colorful Handcrafted Blankets

Openhouse is perfect for picking up unique design pieces. This homelike store houses an assorted mix of design wares from locally-based brands of international scope to tomorrow's classics from the likes of Alessi or Droog. Some of our favorites include the delicate paper bags-of-light by German designers Raumgestalt or the colorfully hand-stitched patchwork blankets from Pakistan.

“Remade” jewelry by Ena Macana

Hailing from Argentina with a degree in Industrial Design, there is nothing mainstream about the offbeat creations at Ena Macana and Cuca's studio. Fashioning new earrings from old watch-straps, antique chandelier crystals and pearls, some creations are simply beautiful whilst others are certain to spark a conversation - startling crucifixes made of golden AK47s and lego, for instance.

Woolen Winterwear by Miriam Ponsa

Miriam Ponsa is one of the edgiest designers to grace the Catalan capital in recent years. From chunky scarves to hand-dyed mittens and theatrical overcoats, Miriam’s elegant and cozy woolen pieces are a sure-fire hit with even the hardest to please fashionista.

Scented Kitchen Candles

A relaxing retreat in the heart of the Raval district, Les Topettes' fragrant shop is an homage to the art of indulgence. With a smorgasbord of lotions and potions for the home and body, the selection includes quirky scented candles from Juliette at Home with flavors good enough to eat - anyone for tomato leaf and basil? Or apple crumble, perhaps? All products come in pretty packages and make for picture perfect gifts in their own right.

Exotic Tea Blends from Tealosophy

Tea isn’t just a drink, you know. It can go as far as becoming a philosophy and a lifestyle choice, too. Suitably located in the conscientious Gracia district of Barcelona, Tealosophy dedicates itself to the ancient art of blending tealeaves to create unique flavours for every taste (and lifestyle). A fine choice for anyone who likes to relax with a brew, or as a hint for those who could bring their fast-paced lives down a notch or two, if only just for Christmas.

Cool Christmas

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:14:40 -0500

Last minute shopper? You must be if you’re trolling the internet for holiday gift ideas. Don’t be ashamed, most of us are in the same boat, and in solidarity we at Shopikon London have put together a list of gifts we think are beautiful, useful or simply brilliant. Which makes the whole thing a guide to “A Cool Christmas.”

Crane Cushion

Design world's rising star Klaus Haapaniemi's collaboration with Mia Wallenius brings us this exotic piece of home decor. Haapaniemi and Wallenius drew inspiration from Nordic nature, folklore and Japanese motifs to create this cushion and as you can see, it is a work of art guaranteed to make any living space pop. Check it out at one of our favorite shops, The Lollipop Shoppe .

Embossed Bridle Card Wallet

Albam has produced a simple but exquisite card wallet perfect for the man in your life. Made of 100% vegetable-tanned leather and embossed with a biased herringbone pattern, it is well-crafted and stylish, suiting equally the traditional man about town and the ultramodern East Londoner. Available in three colors – tan, burgundy and black, it translates beautifully in all. For the chic and “now”, choose the burgundy, and for more classic personalities, the black and tan are flawless.

Hot Chocolate Blocks

Want some hot chocolate? Grab a “hot chocolate on a stick” from Melt and dunk it in some hot milk. And there you have it – delicious, decadant and amazingly simple - you can quell temper tantrums, distract hovering grandmas and appease teenagers with just a cup. It’s a gift for everyone, but your host or hostess will be the most grateful…

Honeycomb Bracelet with Crystal Gems

The MAWI jewelry brand is an unrepentantly powerful interpretation of glamor, history and contemporary design. The interplay of all three elements has consistently resulted in statement pieces that women want, wear and treasure. Like this bracelet. Mixing modern materials with vintage structure makes the piece unusual, arresting… and undeniably MAWI– buy for the chic and daring.

Numark Ion Tape Express

It's a pesky problem: For those of you born before 1990, how do you take your awesome mix tapes into the 21st century? And for those of you born after 1990, how do you keep those hot new bands putting out music on tapes, accessible on every Apple device you own? You are in luck. This useful gadget, the Numark Ion Tape Express, converts your favorite tapes to high quality mp3 files. Now you can buy the same gift for your father/mother and your hipster brother/sister/nephew/niece/local “it takes a village” kid. Check it out at Rough Trade East.

The Vienna Gift Guide

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:29:40 -0500

If it were that easy! Well, it is...almost. The first step is always figuring out what it is you want to give. We have spent some time browsing our favorite shops in Vienna to bring you original gift ideas for all variety of budgets. Once that's settled you can look forward to your family and friends ripping off that wrapping paper!

Supposedly it's against the rules of etiquette to give a knife as a gift, but there is no rule about knife blocks. This ingenious design by Martin Robitsch is called Mikota, and is available at the MAK Designshop. The lacquered bamboo box houses tightly packed bamboo skewers, allowing you to insert any knife in any location. Brilliant!

Delicate and whimsical, these teapots and matching sugar bowl come from the workshop of Feine Dinge owner Sandra Haischenberger. She produces all manner of hand-made porcelain objects including tableware but these shapes and lovely colors are something extra special.

Go ahead, kids, draw on the walls! Because that's what this cardboard playhouse is made for. Casa Cabana is a versatile and light-weight plaything that can be a canvas, a hide-out or training ground for young graffiti artists. Available at Der Kleine Salon.

Die Sellerie is a good place to stop by for all kinds of gifting inspiration but we particularly like these little stocking-stuffers. Simple, elegant, and bound to spread holiday coziness and warmth.

Ham. Perhaps a little unusual as a gift, but it is after all a traditional Christmas meal. Come to think of it, we are hard pressed to think of anyone (vegetarians excluded of course) who would not be rather thrilled to receive a massive chunk of it. Produced by the Thum Schinkenmanufaktur in Margareten, you can choose from over a dozen different types of ham, most of them made from the delicious Austrian pork variety Mangalitza.

Authentiques Past and Present

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:24:43 -0500

This Chelsea institution really shines during the holidays, when Authentiques transforms itself into the Chelsea Christmas Shop. Year-round the cavernous store is jam-packed with delightful collectibles like vintage barware, a vast array of salt and pepper shakers, old postcards and timeless cufflinks. But come December, owners Robert Pusilo and Paul Lemma add a massive dose of holiday spirit to the store with seasonal items like fruit and veggie shaped tree ornaments and "snowpeople" statuettes. A great place to pick out a unique and funky gift.

Smug

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:12:12 -0500

Keen on finding Christmas gifts in a beautiful, serene environment? Then it doesn't get better than Camden Passage. Smug stands out with its charming interior and even more charming owner Lizzie Evans. Few places offer such a variety of beautifully designed objects, house wares and witty prints. Have a look...

Ena Macana & Cuca

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:10:02 -0500

This studio/showroom in Borne has acquired quite a reputation since opening in 2009. Coming from Buenos Aires, where she studied industrial design, Ena is a master of re-inventing found objects; necklaces are made from watchbands, crucifixes built with corporate symbols and miniature machine-guns. Everything Ena produces and sells is a unique work of art. The same goes for her studio-partner Cuca, whose understated pieces lend this shop a perfect aesthetic balance.

Lia Wolf

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:34:23 -0500

Tucked away in the quiet courtyard of Bäckerstrasse 2, Lia Wolf positively feels like an oasis of art books. Covering genres like photography, graphic design, architecture, painting and fashion, this bookstore is not only a rich source of hard to find titles on art and design but also a wealth of inspiration. Leave behind hectic holiday shopping and step into the zone.

The Chocolate Festival is coming to town

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:30:34 -0500

This coming weekend (Dec. 9^th – Dec. 11^th) London sees the seventh edition of the Chocolate Festival taking place at the Southbank Centre. A plethora of chocolatiers and chocolate companies will present all things cocoa related from cakes to truffles and even savory delights. Become a chocolate expert by taking part in a tutored tasting session and learn about the health benefits of raw chocolate.

Of course Shopikon's favorite chocolate makers are also in the mix. Be sure to stop by the unique chocolate artists of Melt and the award winning chocolatiers of Rococo, who's profile we're publishing shortly. Sounds like a sweet weekend!

Click Here for more info or read what the NY Times have to say about it.

Fri-Sat 11-8

Sun 11-6

Southbank Centre Square
(Behind Royal Festival Hall)
Belvedere Road,

London SE1 8XX

closest tube:

Waterloo (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee and Waterloo and City lines)

Embankment (Circle and District lines)

Tingel Tangel Vintage Markt

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:24:56 -0500

The Tingel Tangel Team is not only skilled at organizing nights filled with music and dancing, they are also great at putting together fleamarkets filled with all kinds of great vintage clothing, records, furniture and more. Much like the parties, the market travels from place to place, and this Sunday it will pop up in two locations on the Westbahnstrasse.

One location is Radlager Palazzo, the spacious shop which functions not only as a purveyor of lovingly restored bikes, but also serves a mean espresso. Only a few doors down is the second outpost, the newly opened 365 - The Fox House. Named after the two-story fox painted on its walls by Belgian street artist ROA, they have made it their mission to breathe new life into the building despite plans for its demolition a year from now. The self described "urban cluster for photography, fashion and more" plans to take over more rooms in the house over time, but there's already tons happening at street level, from Punsch-drinking and music to, well, the TT market! Expect a snazzy selection of vintage fashion, accessories, furniture, music, coffee, cake and good company. More info here.

Radlager Palazzo - Westbahnstr. 16 // 365 - The Fox House - Westbahnstr. 11-13

Sunday, December 11th, 12-6pm

Book Tip: Shutting up Shop

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:33 -0500

Napoleon Bonaparte already recognized centuries ago that “England is a nation of shopkeepers.” Unfortunately the trend of retail-commercialization made no halt at the British Isles. John Londei took it upon himself to photograph 60 unique stores from all over the country that truly capture the world of yesterday.

“I think the timing was ‘spot on’; visually the shops were at their peak. They had a faded beauty, a patina that only the passing years could bestow. And, like their shops, the owners were mostly elderly… way past retirement. I admired their stubborn refusal to submit to the relentless march of time”.

The survival of independent retail is a subject that is obviously very close to our hearts here at Shopikon. It’s a good cause, a wonderful book and a fantastic holiday gift.

Kaufhaus Schiepek

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:49:35 -0500

A neon-light rose will lead your way into the brightly colored treasure trove that is Schiepek. For many years it has been the go-to spot for funky costume jewelry, a lot of it made in-house by the owner's of the shop. The plethora of beads they use to make these pieces is also for sale individually if you want to make your own creation.

Kiosk

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:43:35 -0500

One of our favorites, Kiosk is a dream of a shop that feels a bit like a museum. The owners tour the globe one country at a time, and bring back the most idiosyncratic and beatiful and well-designed everyday items they find on their way. So you can find a Finnish padlock, a Japanese carpenter's knife, or a German pencil sharpener.

London is Live!

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:12:35 -0400

After New York City, Barcelona and Vienna we're proud to announce the launch of our 4th city: Shopikon London is now live! Just click on the image below to discover London's local shopping gems!

Paco Rueda Shop

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:44:44 -0500

Having taken over the store of his father, Luis transformed the Paco Rueda Shop into a boutique that doesn't exactly bring to mind tradition. Offering shoes, clothing and accessories from distinctly modern labels like Opening Ceremony and Henrik Vibskov, the store as a very contemporary vibe but absolutely no high-fashion attitudes, which makes for a very comfortable shopping experience.

Festivalet 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:53:14 -0500

The 4th edition of Barcelona's Festival for handcrafted goods, Festivalet, is taking place this Saturday & Sunday at the FAD Arts and Design Center on the upper side of the Raval district. Brought to life by Duduá and Sirena con Jersey, the fair will gather over 30 different crafters selling bags, toys, clothing, soaps, accessories and whatever makes for unique holiday gifts. A great opportunity to avoid the last minute holiday shopping madness!

Herr und Frau Klein

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:28:38 -0500

Herr und Frau Klein has it all: toys and tricycles, bibs and teddybears, playhouses and prams. It is a vertiable wonderland of everything you could want for your baby or toddler, and the porducts are selected with an eye for ethical and environmentally friendly production.

Ivo & Co. Butik

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:55:58 -0500

Owner Ivo Herrero carefully selects all the items for sale at Ivo & Co Butik herself. This means you will find textiles, soaps, kitchenware and decorations that all have a special charm and warmth.

The Shopikon iPhone Apps Are Here

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:16:27 -0500

The wait is over! We are so pleased to announce that the iPhone apps for all current cities are now available: New York, Barcelona, and Vienna. Carry all the knowledge of Shopikon in your pocket as you wander about town, and use the Shopikon app to assist you with your holiday shopping!

Sync stores saved online, get all our reviews and photos, and map neighborhood tips from store owners for bars, restaurants and more when it's time to rest your feet.

Free until December 30th, 2011, so get it now at the iTunes Store!

Lucy's Whey

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:03:53 -0500

Remember when all the best cheeses seemed to come only from Europe? When the words "American" and "Cheese" used in conjunction would bring to mind orange, cellophane-wrapped squares? Luckily, Lucy’s Whey, with its focus on American artisanal cheese, is a reminder that Americans have every right to feel patriotic about their dairy products. After first opening in East Hampton in 2008, Lucy’s Whey added another location in 2009, setting up shop in the culinary heaven that is Chelsea Market. With the exception of its Parmigiano Reggiano, which is imported from Italy, all of the cheese sold here is American-made. And it’s not all from Wisconsin, either. The Capriole goat cheeses for instance are produced in southern Indiana, while the Moses Sleeper, a brie-like cheese made from cow’s milk, comes from Vermont. A big part of the philosophy at Lucy’s Whey is that consumers should educate themselves about their food, so there are frequent cheese appreciation tastings, many with refreshingly unusual themes. Also, if you’re given your mother-in-law chocolates on her birthday for three years straight, an aromatic gift box from Lucy’s Whey might be just what you need.

Muna

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:37:45 -0500

The children's boutique Muna, carrying items for kids between the ages of 0-8, was founded by Maris Jose Darder. With an eye for organic fabrics and unusual brands, she selects simple and beautiful clothes that we sometimes wish came in larger sizes.

Gabarage

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:02:27 -0500

Once you have deciphered the name of this shop you will know what it's all about: Gabarage has made it it's honorable mission to breathe new life into discarded objects, creating such items as jewelry made from hard disks. Even better, the goods are produced by recovering drug addicts in need of work.

Erica Tanov

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:35:34 -0500

Tucked away in an airy and quiet space on Elizabeth Street, Erica Tanov offers chic and breezy wares. The clothing is made in San Fransisco and the accessories, such as jewelry and textiles are chosen to match the effortless, Californian chic.

Formatgeria La Seu

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:31:03 -0500

Even though this shop is run by Katherine McLaughlin, who hails form Scotland, it is as local as it gets. All the cheese sold at Formatgeria La Seu comes from Spain, and in combination they are like a representation of the entire country in the language of cheese - a most delicous language.

Pia Mia

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:21:38 -0500

High quality fabrics and tailored cuts combine at Pia Mia into the effortless clothing for men, women, and children that is this boutiques staple. The palette is held in sophisticated and versatile shades of greys, nudes, and crèmes.

Brooklyn Denim Co.

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:03:26 -0500

A vast selection of jeans, great service, and on-the-premises alterations make the Brooklyn Denim Co. in Williamsburg a welcome one-stop destination for the sometimes grueling process of finding that perfect pair of jeans.

Rave Up Records

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:13:33 -0500

Record stores might be a dying breed these days, but Rave Up has been a fixed star in the Viennese music scene since it first opened its doors in 1987. Beloved by its loyal clientel, it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

La Comercial - Casa

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:01:19 -0500

With the other four locations of La Comercial focusing on designer clothing, La Comercial Casa has taking its attention to style and detail and applied it to the selection of home goods. From luxouriously scented candles to whimsical decorations and objets d'arts, you will find lots of things here to make your home look good.

Kisan

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:39:40 -0400

This store on Greene Street in Soho does "a little bit of everything" with great success. Kisan is a great place to look for a gift, among the books, films and carefully selected knick-knacks for sale, but you will also find women's and children's clothing chosen with an equal appreciation for craft, quality and a unique touch.

Sabater Hermanos

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:33:42 -0400

It says "chocolate", but be careful, it's soap! Not that you will be that confused once you enter the deliciously scented Sabater Hermanos in El Born. With its roots in Argentina, the shop is an offshoot founded by the granddaughter of the original owner, who was making soap in Buenos Aires back in 1937.

Satyr - Filmwelt

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:03:24 -0400

In the large basement space that houses Satyr Filmwelt, you can immerse yourself in the world of cinema. They carry an extensive selection of literature about film, actors, and directors, DVDs, as well as a large selection of hard-to-find posters.

Last Minute DIY Costumes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:25:12 -0400

Feeling uninspired or undecided? For those who are, we have put our noggins to work to come up with some fun and easy DIY costume ideas. They're not just quick to assemble, but they're also easy on the wallet.

Blue work jacket & lomography camera from the Reed Space.

Heart-shaped sunglasses & Beauty Pops from Economy Candy.

Balloons, skin-colored tights & leopard print fabric from Mood Fabrics.

Top hat from the Halloween Adventure Store & cigarette holder.

Enjoy!

P.S.: When in doubt, add fake blood. It's like the fairy dust of Halloween...

DIY Costume Ideas

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:34:43 -0400

If you need some help figuring out as what you want to dress up for Halloween we are here to save you! Here are three easy ways to transform yourself for the evening that wont leave anyone asking, "What are you supposed to be?"

Skin-colored tights, balloons & leopard-print fabric.

Black outfit, top hat & cigarette holder.

Heart shaped sunglasses & lollipops.

Enjoy!

P.S.: When in doubt, add fake blood. It's like the fairy dust of Halloween...

Last Minute Costume Ideas

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:54:24 -0400

Halloween is around the corner so if you haven't figured out your costume yet, it's about time. Here are some fun and simple suggestions to for those suffering from a dress-up dilemma:

Guitar, spray tan or orange face paint & stolen old lady's handbag.

Heart-shaped sunglasses & lollipops.

Black outfit, top hat & cigarette holder.

Skin-colored tights, balloons & leopard-print fabric.

Enjoy!

P.S.: When in doubt, add fake blood. It's like the fairy dust of Halloween...

Shopikon is on Foursquare!

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:21:44 -0400

While we patiently wait for four the Shopikon iPhone app to be ready, here is a little taste of what it will be like to carry great shopping tips in your pocket. Using Foursquare's Pages we've created a list of tips to guide you to our favorite stores in New York. Simply visit us at foursquare.com/shopikon and follow our page to access all tips from your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry.

Japan Premium Beef

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:06:51 -0400

New York City has it all, even a Japanese butcher. If you have want to treat yourself to some Washugyu beef - an especially delicious breed combining American and Japanese varieties - Japan Premium Beef is the place to go.

Elfenkleid

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:10:34 -0400

This boutique's name, Elfenkleid, meaning "dress of an elf", is certainly appropriate to the ethereal, feminine quality of the clothing here. Anette Prechtl and Sandra Thaler have been designing under this name since 2000 and have recently extended their collections to include bridal wear.

Mimótica Micola

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:40:35 -0400

This shops leathergoods in the form of shoes, boots and bags have been a runaway success. The fun yet feminine items at Mimótica Micola manage to be girly without being in the least childish and you can find some candy colored items as well as more muted tones.

Halloweinerdog

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:16:47 -0400

With so many adorable pooch costumes out there, who can resist stuffing their four-legged friend into a silly outfit? Or was it an eight legged friend...?

Here are some of our favorite costumes from stores in the City. First up, Trixie & Peanut. These folks know how to do up a dog:

The Halloween Adventure Store is not only prepared to find an eye catching costume for you, but also for your canine. Elvis lives!

Mercadillo Fotográfico

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:16:24 -0400

Fall is upon us and daylight is slowly fading to gold. As if this wasn't enough to make a photographers heart sing, bookshop and gallery Kowasa and Fotonauta are hosting an event that should give all of you snapshooters and analog lovers something to look forward to. Taking place in Kowasa's beautiful backyard, participants and guests have the chance to buy, sell or exchange anything from vintage cameras to books, prints, polaroids or accessories. And while you're at it take a stroll through Kowasa's latest exhibitions of Randy Goodman and Ares Molins.

NYC's Best Food Trucks

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:12:11 -0400

With the second installment about our favorite New York food trucks it's time to worship at the sugar altar. There's no sweeter surprise than spotting one of these dessert-dishing vehicles on the street.

Sweetery - twitter.com/sweeteryNYC - Formerly known as Street Sweets, this truck seems to have it all: cupcakes, scones, whoopie pies, custom filled croissants, cookies, ice cream sandwiches and more. There's an oven on board, so if you're in luck you can grab a freshly baked muffin! We also recommend the whoppie pies - delicious in all incarnations from red velvet to pumpkin.

The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck - twitter.com/biggayicecream - Yes, Salty Pimp is the name of the ice cream cone creation that you should probably taste before you shed this mortal coil: vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip. Other toppings options including toasted curried coconut and key lime curd…mmmmm.

Wafels & Dinges - twitter.com/waffletruck - Oh the many things one can do with dough - two delicious Belgian variations are available here: the Brussels waffle, which is light and fluffy, and the Liege waffle which is more dense and chewy. Top it off with spekuloos spread made from gingerbread cookies or other Dinges (toppings) and you're in dough heaven.

Sweetery, The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, Wafels & Dinges

The Treats Truck - twitter.com/TheTreatsTruck - Filled to the brim with assorted cookies, brownies, and crispy squares, this truck is great for a sweet little snack or a bountiful binge. Whether you're the classic chocolate chip cookie, the more adventurous Mexican brownie, or the down-to-earth oatmeal raisin type, there's many reasons here why you should save room for dessert.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream - twitter.com/VLAIC - This cold and creamy treat is a little easier to come by since Van Leeuwen operates six trucks as well as three brick-and-mortar stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn. All their ice creams are made with local, organic dairy and you can taste the difference. Even the simple vanilla is a treat but look out for changing specialty flavors like Earl Grey or Basil-Pepper!

Mud Truck - The bright orange paint job is hard to miss but fortunately you don't have to look too hard to find the Mud Truck. During business hours it's always parked in the same spot at the intersection of Lafayette and 4th Ave. The dependable location is a wise move considering that coffee is as much a necessity as it is a treat for most of us. And when the coffee is that good we want it everyday, with or without dessert!

The Treats Truck, Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, The Mud Truck

Leffot

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:20:42 -0400

The long dining table at the men's shoe store Leffot is not the kind you're told to keep your shoes off of - quite the opposite. On the tabletop your will find all the exquisite men's footwear brought together in by owner Steven Taffel.

Pomp

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:22:28 -0400

Featuring the fun and unusual designs of owners Ulrike Kral and Melanie Roth, Pomp is a jewelry store unlike the rest. The materials employed here are not just the traditional gold and silver, which you do find, but also rubber, felt, and wood.

The Outpost

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:15:57 -0400

This menswear shop expands its focus from clothing, to include accessories and even home goods. It takes more than the right suit to make a stylish man, after all. Owner Pep Esteva is a veteran of the Milan fashion scene and has created The Outpost as his lifestyle vision.

Pete Has How Many Rocks?

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:50:44 -0400

Tickets for the Viennale go on sale this Saturday, so be prepared! As of 10am, October 15th, the tickets will be available to the public. You can either wait in line at one of the pre-sale box offices or try your luck online. There is also option three, which involves avoiding the rush and the hype altogether. Wait until Sunday to check if tickets for the films of your choice are still available. If they are not then, don't worry about it and head on over to Satyr Filmwelt instead. Why not invest your money in a DVD? And if you'll be enjoying the cinematic experience from your couch anyway, take advantage of its proximity to your kitchen. We highly recommend Cajun popcorn, but the possibilties are endless. If you need quality spices or inspiration, just ask Babette!

Here to get you into the Viennale mood (or to find out if you would rather do a home-screening) is David Lynch. Take it away, David:

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Flea Market Barcelona

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:22:31 -0400

It’s often said that one man's garbage is another man's gold, and that’s never been more true than at Flea Market Barcelona. This Saturday, October 15th, savvy shoppers will be heading down to Espai Jove de l’Eixample, near Marina metro station, for their monthly fix of second-hand bargains. From 2 to 8pm, you’ll find the youth center’s rooms and tree-lined patio stuffed to bursting with stalls selling clothes, shoes, hats and bags, as well as jewelry, books and all manner of other knickknacks. Being true to their recycling philosophy, Flea Market Barcelona ensures everything on sale is second hand, in decent condition, and reasonably priced, so you can snap up sustainable goodies to your heart’s content. Best of all, you needn’t go hungry, with staff from trendy Raval-based fast food joint The Dog is Hot on hand to serve up hot dogs, nachos and guacamole at the bar.

Barcelona Design Week

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:38:55 -0400

Since kicking off with the FADfest in late June, the Barcelona Design Festival has seen design professionals, industry experts, and business representatives gather for conferences, exhibitions and cultural events across the city. Next week the sixth Barcelona Design Week promises to wrap up the festival in style.

Among many other activities and events, quirky Raval boutique-gallery Openhouse will celebrate Barcelona Design Week with a week-long showcase of furniture from Catalan designer Lobster’s Day, and on Tuesday 18th the launch of Openhouse Collection’s very own lamp range. The bash will incorporate work by glass artists 40Plumas and a wine-tasting session from Viña Zorzal to tie in with Barcelona Design Week’s gastronomic off-shoot, oh!BCN.

Openhouse will also collaborate with the nearby Roomservice Design Gallery to present the latest furniture collection by South African designer, Ryan Frank. Frank himself will be on hand to explain his process of creating unique sustainable pieces from recycled materials.

Blickfang Design Fair

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:29:17 -0400

The annual exhibit is opening its doors again this weekend to showcase new products from the realms of furniture, lighting, jewelry, and fashion. Very appropriately the venue for the fair is the spacious MAK, the museum of applied arts. The exhibitors at Blickfang hail mainly from Austria and the countries where the fair has its annual counterparts - Zürich, Basel, and Stuttgart - but many others are also represented, such as the Netherlands, France, and Hungary. Amongst the almost 150 exhibitors, you can see the work of young designers as well as more established studios, but it's certain that Blickfang always has many pleasant surprises in store. Part trade show and part market, it's a great place to find a piece of jewelry, clothing, or maybe even furniture that you couldn't find in Vienna otherwise, and often at a discount. Tickets are €10 per day or €16 for a three-day-pass and are available at the door or in advance at Das Möbel or the MAK Designshop.

Save St. Marks Bookshop!

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:19:59 -0400

Salvor Projects

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:50:01 -0400

A bright pop of neon orange paint makes Salvor Projects stand out on the street, giving a good int at what's inside. The shop carries mainly items printed with owner Ross Menuez's cool, colorful graphics, auch as soft scarves and T-shirts or bags.

Cd.Drome

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:56:22 -0400

Initially founded as a have for fans of indie rock in 1992, Cd.Drome has since expanded its selection to include other genres such as electronica and jazz, with the staff happily making recommendations.

Schau Schau

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:11:57 -0400

Located in the heart of Vienna, Schau Schau is a high-end eyewear manuacturer that has garnered both local and celebrity followings. The hand-made stylish frames appeal with their one-of-a-kind designs.

Brooklyn Night Bazaar!

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:35:04 -0400

The Brooklyn Night Bazaar is hosting its inaugural one-night-only shopstravaganza this Sunday at Dekalb Market. Wedged between Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn, Dekalb Market is housed in a collection of salvaged shipping containers and is open 7 days a week including a rotation of farmers, makers, and artists from Brooklyn. This special after-hours event, conceived by Aaron Broudo, was inspired by Asian night markets and the project was entirely funded through Kickstarter. Expect over 70 independent vendors, art installations, live music including performances by YACHT, Monogold and Trouble Andrew and enjoy the last of the balmy weekend! (concert tickets can be purchased here)

See What's Behind Closed Doors!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:11:05 -0400

Did you ever wish you could peek inside a chic Tribeca loft or explore and abandoned subway tunnel? Open House NY's annual weekend is here to grant you that wish. Amongst the innumerable venues listed in the OHNY guide there is something for everyone - from famous New York landmarks, to architecture firms, to the quaint and curious, the Open House NY Weekend offers discoveries in all five boroughs. Here are a few, just to give you an idea:

Ghosts of Greenwich Village Scavenger Hunt - Ghost-plagued buildings and secret cemeteries...have your wits about you and bring a flashlight!

Kings County Distillery Tour - New York City’s oldest operating whiskey distillery, producing hand-crafted bourbon and moonshine.

7 World Trade Center - The first tower re-built at the WTC site, and the first Gold LEED-certified commercial office building in the city.

Manhole Covers Tour - Learn more about the many different designs of these cast-iron disks that make you look down for a change.

The Grand Lodge of Masons - See where the Freemasons of New York City meet...

AVAC System on Roosevelt Island - Get technical exploring the "Automated Vacuum Collection System" that hurls garbage through underground tunnels at 55 mph!

Queens County Farm Museum - A bit of a trek, but it's a 47-acre working farm in Queens inlcuding a farmhouse dating form 1772.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum - (pictured above) Get your home-envy on exploring this gorgeous mansion situated in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.

Look out! Ticket sales and reservations end 2 days before the event!

'Las Recetas del Comidista' at Mutt

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:31:14 -0400

Tomorrow evening sees trendy art bookshop Mutt host the launch of 'Las Recetas del Comidista', the new recipe book based on the hugely successful El País gastroblog, El Comidista. Starting at 19:00, the launch will be presided over by Mònica Escudero, who runs Barcelonés and Madriz magazines, as well as the Comidista himself.

The alter-ego of Basque foodie and journalist Mikel López Iturriaga, El Comidista shuns the snobbery of haute cuisine in favour of achievable recipes, stuffed with tips and anecdotes and flavoured with his own raw curiosity and down-to-earth humor.
‘Las recetas del Comidista’ gathers together Iturriaga’s 150 best recipes; some original, many from the blog and several incorporating tweaks suggested by online commenters. Chapters cover topics including passing off leftovers as finely crafted meals, humiliating your workmates with the contents of your lunchtime tupperware and - most importantly of all - impressing your mum.

NYC's Best Food Trucks

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:28:35 -0400

Here is a selection of our favorite New York food trucks, how to find them, and what to eat! Part II: Sweet Treats is coming up soon...

Taïm - twitter.com/taimmobile - In our humble opinion, the best falafel in the city. Taïm has finally extended their stationary West Village location to a truck bringing its chickpea-croquettes and fruit smoothies to the hungry masses of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

GO Burger - twitter.com/goburger - Burger lovers, keep a loook out for this red-and-white painted harbinger of beef. But don't be a pedantic patty-head: Give the Kobe Dog a try. Made with 100 % American Kobe beef and topped with apple slaw and pickled jalapeños it will leave you pleased.

Schnitzel & Things - twitter.com/schnitznthings - Creating Shopikon Vienna we got to know the city pretty well and we've come to appreciate when a scallop of veal, pork or chicken is expertly fried to golden-brown perfection. Don't miss the staple sides: Austrian potato salad and/or the refreshing cucumber salad.

(from left to right:) Taïm, Kobe Dog at GO Burger, Schnitzel & Things

Calexico - twitter.com/calexicoNYC - This is not technically a truck - it's a cart, but it's so good, who really cares? Yes, you will have to wait in line at lunch hour, and yes, it's totally worth it. Yes, you should get the carne asada burrito and yes, you should ask for chipotle "crack" sauce. These three taco vending brothers know what they're doing.

Solber Pupusas - twitter.com/solberpupusas - To be perfectly honest, we haven't tried this one out, but it just won the top prize at the 7th annual Vendy Awards, so it's bound to be extremely delicious! This husband-and-wife team has been serving up their El Salvdorian stuffed corn patties (pupusas) and other Latin specialties for ten years. They can usually be found at the Red Hook ball fields, where on the weekends many food truck options await! Sunday brunch anyone?

Souvlaki GR - twitter.com/souvlakitruck - Meat on a stick? Yes! Souvlaki Stix - grilled and delicious and served with warm, fluffy pita and tsatsiki - yum! Or add onions, fresh tomatos, and fries and turn the whole thing into a sandwich. Genious. The place to go if you need a quick fix of real Mediterranean flavor.

Calexico, Solber Pupusas, Souvlaki GR

Lobmeyr, Behind the Scenes

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:09:33 -0400

Tradition isn't boring. Lobmeyr, the revered Viennese glass manufacturer, is proof for that. Even though they have been producing glassware for almost 200 years Lobmeyr is a vanguard of renewal in design. In the days of the Wiener Werkstätte, they collaborated with foward-thinking designers such as Josef Hoffman and Adolf Loos. Today, they uphold this spirit by working with the contemporary avant-garde of Austrian designers, such as POLKA or Marco Dessi.

For a peek into the workshop where the generations of honed manufacturing skills are turned into the beautiful objects you can find in the store, visit this slideshow at Sight Unseen.

Otto, Muslin Glass, mouthblown. Production: Lobmeyr, Design: POLKA

Barcelona's Finest Food Stores

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:13:10 -0400

Here’s a taster of some of our favourite Barcelona grocery stores:

Cornelia & Co.
Restaurant, bodega, bakery, tearoom and deli collide in Cornelia & Co. There’s everything from handmade pasta, homemade burgers and sushi prepared on the spot, to freshly baked bread and delicious tarts, pies and cupcakes. You can choose from an eclectic menu of tapas, Mediterranean and international dishes and sweet treats, all of which are available to eat in or take away. Small wonder Cornelia & Co has dubbed itself “the daily picnic store”. Go to profile

La Perla de Oro
Just around the corner from Gran Teatre del Liceu, Perla de Oro stocks an impressive range of cheeses, cured meats, patés, honeys and canned goods. The influence of its French owner is visible in products such as Orangina and Bonne Maman jams. There’s also a wide range of wines, Belgian beers, bread from Baluard Bakery and freshly-prepared tapas, all perfect for a mouthwatering city picnic. Go to profile

Vila Viniteca
Run by the Vila family since 1932, this gourmet grocery store expanded to house one of Barcelona’s leading specialist vinotecas, stocking over 7500 different wines and cavas. Next door, the original deli offers fresh fruit and vegetables, oils, preserves and hundreds of varieties of artesanal cheese and Iberian ham. Try to catch their annual New Wines festival, held in late November, or try the Christmas takeaway menu, created by Michelin-starred chefs. Go to profile

La Botifarrería de Santa María
Sausages are the name of the game at La Botifarrería, located in the shadow of Santa María del Mar Church. Master butcher Toni Trave has brought together all manner of Catalan botifarra sausages, both fresh and cured. Its not all about tradition either: the array of flavours is simply mind-boggling, from goat’s cheese and tomato, wild mushrooms or foie gras to asparagus and bacon, apple and cider and even curried botifarra. And for dessert - what else? - a sweet sausage made of chocolate. Go to profile

Semon
This select chain of swanky delis has two branches in Barcelona’s chic Zona Alta. Both specialise in fine prepared foods, charcuterie, canned goods and preserves - perfect for a no-effort dinner party. Desserts range from artesanal ice creams to delicious cakes that are almost too pretty to eat. Specialist sommeliers are on hand to advise you on the best wines to accompany each dish. Go to profile

La Castafiore
This little corner of Italy can be found a couple of blocks from Plaça Universitat and the Fundació Antoni Tàpies. It stocks quality produce from Italy and around the world, including preserves, cheeses, cured meats, oils and wines. High-end brands of dried pasta rub shoulders with La Castafiore’s own fresh pastas, made in store. To accompany them, you’ll find a wide range of chilled pasta sauces and ready-to-eat antipasti, including stuffed Sicilian tomatoes. Go to profile

La Cuina d'en Garriga
Just few steps separate bustling Passeig de Gràcia from the country kitchen-inspired tranquillity of Cuina d’en Garriga. Helena Garriga’s store is inspired by nostalgia for times gone by, and a desire to sell authentic local produce “made with the hands and with the heart”. That means everything from from Irene’s free-range eggs to Manel’s home-grown fruit and vegetables, which he drives down twice a week from Lleida. These are supplemented by bread from Baluard Bakery, acorn-fed jamón ibérico and chorizo and cheeses from Catalonia and beyond, plus a full range of preserves, oils, vinegars and wines. In addition to its abundant food selection La Cuina d'en Garriga also carries beautiful kitchen utensils and tableware. Go to profile

Film Biz Prop Shop

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:20:58 -0400

Tucked away in a Gowanus courtyard, the Film Biz Prop Shop gives discarded furniture, clothes and everything in between a new home. Conviently arranged into bins such as "Christmas in a Box" or simply "Radios" it's a great place for people searching for props but also for anyone looking for some unusual addtions to their home or wardrobe.

Vinophilia & Cetera

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:07:37 -0400

Vinophilia & Cetera is a charming store on Währinger Strasse that has done something special with the wine store concept: added food. This might seem like an obvious addition, but astondlingly, not many others imitate this combination. Here, you can pick up a good bottle and some gourmet anitpasti!

Lolita Bakery

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:43:24 -0400

While Lolita Bakery offers a large variety of delectable dessert, their cupcakes are definitely what it's all about. At their two locations, one in El Born and one in El Eixample, you can savor the delcious treats, and taste for yourself why the cupcake has made it all the way to Barcelona from its origins in the USA.

The NY Art Book Fair 2011

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:10:07 -0400

Over 200 indie publishers, zinesters and artists will be showcasing their work this weekend at the sixth annual NY Art Book Fair. Brought to life by Printed Matter, the year-round Chelsea outpost for all things art-in-print, there will be lots and lots to see, thumb, and read at this always bustling and inspiring event. Doors open to the public on September 30th going through October 2nd and entrance is free. For the third year in a row, the fair will inhabit MoMA PS1, in Long Island City, Queens, which is just about big enough to house this premier hub of art-book culture. You will find international presses, booksellers, antiquarian dealers, artists and independent publishers from over twenty countries exhibiting contemporary art catalogs and monographs, art periodicals, and artist books. However for immediate sating of art-hunger, many items are also for sale at the fair.

Philip Aarons, Chair of the Board for Printed Matter, Inc., said: “The NY Art Book Fair remains the premier venue to find what’s new in art publishing. This year’s focus on artists’ photography books, and the addition of more than 60 zinesters in an outdoor tent, will make this year's edition of the Fair the best so far."

Vienna Design Week 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:57:57 -0400

The fourth annual Vienna Design Week kicks off this Friday with a plethora of openings all over town. Take the opportunity to get a head start this Friday on the many exhibits happening from September 30th until Octoboer 9th. Just go to the calendar on the Vienna Design Week website and take your pick from the events, some of which are conveniently labeled "cocktail".

Once you have gotten an overview, you can dive in an enjoy the diverse display from the fields of product, furniture and industrial design as well as experimental design. With a focus on the objects that shape our everday lives and continue to shape our material culture the Vienna Design Week sheds some light on the past and the future of design in Austria. Exhibitors range from traditional businesses expanding their visions to the young avant-garde.

Some stores we feature on Shopikon know a thing or two about design and many of them are involved in the events of next week. Of course these trusted dealers are open all year around to expand your design horizons: Rauminhalt, Das Möbel, Silber Manufactur, Stamm, Lobmeyr, WOKA, Lichterloh, Designfunktion, Gabarage, and Bananas.

Finally, there will be a closing party at the MAK (Museum for Applied Arts) on Friday, September 7th. Sounds like the kind of rare opportunity to dance in the grand halls of a k.&k.-era building that would be a shame to miss...

Zaha Hadid for Alessi

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:35:42 -0400

You are probably familiar with some of Zaha Hadid's buildings like the Maxxi in Rome, the Guangzhou Opera House or the London Aquatics Centre built for the 2012 Olympics. But apart from being an acclaimed architect, she is also a cunning product designer. Teaming up with Alessi, Hadid designed several items, some of which are now available at Openhouse.

This modular centrepiece called "niche" (above) consists of five elements that can be arranged in multiple ways. Made of black velvety melamine, this sinuous body with its powerful curves and ledges is irresistible to touch. Each part can be used separately as a dish or just as a beautiful table sculpture.

Another intriguing object is the "crevasse" flower vase whose bent lines and polished steel look allude to Hadid's utilitarian style in architecture and make for a subtle yet majestic aesthetic.

Made of sterling silver, this "Tea & Coffee Tower Set" is a little less tangible (both in aesthetics and price) but nonetheless impressive. It consists of four elements: a tea pot, a coffee pot, a milk jug and a sugar bowl, which can be assembled in an either "functional" or "representative" constellation.

Freemans Sporting Club

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:10:47 -0400

At Freeman's Sporting Club you will find classic style working in a modern context, a formula that extends even to the in-store barber shop. Carrying classic brands in combination with their own items such as suits, this store is a one stop shop for the Gen X gentleman.

Orolíquido

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:54:57 -0400

Spain is famous for its olive oil, and Orolíquido puts this treasure on display in its many forms. The owners come from families that work in olive oil production, so they know their stuff. The selection is mainly Spanish, covering the flavors of all the different regions, but it also includes some of the best oils from around Europe.

E35

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:00:29 -0400

If you are looking for classic menswear in a modern context, than E35 is a great place to lay the foundation. All the pieces exude a timeless style and are easily insorparted into any wardrobe.

Vintage + Cake + Party = Saturday

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:30:08 -0400

Not an early riser? Don't you worry, you can sleep in, enjoy your scrambled eggs, and then leisurely make your way over to the Lieblings Flohmarkt, open from noon until 8pm! To put it in the words of the organizers: because you can never get enough of your favorite things.

The fleamarket will take place in the leafy courtyard of the revived, charmingly old-school Hotel Brillantengrund. You've probably never heard of it because it's tucked away in a quiet dead-end street but it's only two blocks from the intersection of Neubaugasse & Westbahnstrasse! In true Austrian fleamarket tradition there will be cakes and coffee, and additionally there's waffles and cool beverages from the hotel bar to keep you energized for thorough rummaging. Any extra energy may also be used to do a little dancing - right at the fleamarket or at the un-official afterparty / ninth anniversary of Prasselbande at the Loft!

POSTER STORE at Ras

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:18:16 -0400

Whether your a local design aficionado or a visitor trotting on Barcelona's various design paths, this event should be of interest to you. Specialty Bookstore Ras is hosting an exhibition called POSTER STORE in their gallery space. The works of local graphic designers and illustrators such as Gregori Saavedra , Alex Trochut or David Torrents, many of which are limited editions, are displayed (and sold) for one month only, so get your hands on one now or never!

Barcelona is Live!

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:02:06 -0400

After New York City and Vienna we're proud to announce the launch of our third city: Shopikon Barcelona is now live! Just click on the image below to discover Barcelona's local shopping treasures!

Erie Basin

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:55:10 -0400

A true treasure chest in the middle of rough-around-the-edges Red Hook, Erie Basin brings beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry and antiques to those looking for something truly special.

Stamm

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:51:56 -0400

Having made the transition from a traditional Viennese vendor of fine home decor, Stamm now sells some of the most innovative luxury tableware around. Offering glassware, porcelain and silver, they curate an eye-catching and sophisticated collection that's worth a visit, even if just to marvel at the wares.

Jewelry by Bethune & Horatio

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:07:20 -0400

New necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings just arrived! Check out the wares by Bethune & Horatio (below) and Chen Chen & Kai Williams at The Future Perfect's locations in Williamsburg or on Great Jones Street.

Fashion Week Is On!

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:55:44 -0400

Starting today, Vienna Fashion Week is going into its third year at the MuseumsQuartier. More than 50 designers will show their collections over the next five days. Alongside international designers, many Austrian labels such as Elfenkleid, superated, Lena Hoschek, Michel Mayer, Tiberius and Artpoint will present their creations. Visitors will also have the chance to do some shopping at the adjacent Quartier21.

For those who want to rub shoulders with Vienna's fashion elite all night long: French techno legend Miss Kittin will be spinning the wheels of steel at the official Vienna Fashion Week Party at Pratersauna into the wee hours of Sunday morning...

Great Things to Buy on a Thursday

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:38:24 -0400

Things beginning with the letter T, obviously! These for example:

Tomatos - Choice Greene, Clinton Hill

T-shirts - Reed Space, Lower East Side

Tassels - M&J Trimming, Midtown

Tenderloin - Dickson's Farmstand Meats, Chelsea Market

Toys - Sweet William, Williamsburg

Tea - McNulty's, West Village

Aged to Perfection

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:52:00 -0400

The late photographer Helmut Newton was a big fan of Vienna and visited frequently. He did say, however, that he found the inhabitants a little strange in that “even the young people are old.”
On the one hand, it's easy to see why Helmut would think Vienna's juveniles are like something straight out of Benjamin Button. If, for instance, you happen to pass by the prestigious Elmayer dancing school, chances are good that you'll encounter several adolescents in attire so formal that they make Jeeves look like Oscar the Grouch (white gloves are mandatory for every lesson). And then there's the Vienna Boys Choir, whose seriousness at times leads one to suspect that these poor lads might have undergone some kind of group lobotomy.
But rather than evidencing a freak population, these are just reminders of Vienna's love for its rich cultural history. Few cities are as enthralled with tradition as the Austrian capital.

To prove that sometimes the old-fashioned way is still the best way, here are a few men's clothing stores that have been getting it right for a long, long time:
Scheer - This exclusive shoemaker already had a long history when it won the gold medal at the World's Fair in 1873.
Jungmann & Neffe - Once the official fabrics supplier to the imperial court, this textile supplier has a truly regal pedigree.
Szászi Hüte - Founded in 1858, this institution has been producing perfect hats for well over a century.

Charles Nolan

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:37:39 -0400

At Charles Nolan's boutique in the Meatpacking District you will find a great mix of pieces for everyday wear and items with enough flair for a special occasion.

Vienna's Best Food Shops

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:26:43 -0400

Foto: ©Tongues

Here's a selection of some our favorite food vendors in Vienna. Enjoy!

Naturkost St. Josef: Located in Vienna's Neubau district, this organic supermarket doubles as a vegetarian restaurant. It's the ideal place for those trying to live healthy, eco-conscious lives without any "greener than thou" pretension. Aside from a large selection of food, this store has everything you might need for your home, from cleaning products to specialty items like organic baby shampoo.

Gourmet Cornelius: This upscale delicatessen, located only steps away from the Stephansdom, bears the slogan “The Handpicked Paradise.” Almost everything sold here has been carefully selected by owner Cornelius Türk who, when procuring his culinary treasures, always travels to the source. Most items – whether it be the prosciutto San Daniele, the Pyrenean honey, or the seasonal produce from Austria – come from small, family-run operations whom Mr. Türk knows personally.

Crupi: Run by Antonio Crupi from Sicily, this is arguably Vienna's most authentic Italian delicatessen. Barring the sublime melons and limes, coming from Antonio's own garden at the foot of Mount Etna. Crupi also offers all kind of cheeses including Ricotta, Pecorino fresco with pistachios or arugula leaves, as well as his custom cured Prosciutto di San Daniele. This hidden gem is situated at the very beginning of Margaretenstrasse and is easily missed, so check the map on Crupi 's profile.

Tongues: Tongues, located near Mariahilferstrasse, is, at the same time, an organic delicatessen and a record store. No, this is not a misprint. By joining forces, Peter Fehringer and Christopher Schweiger have provided Vienna with a place where customers can indulge all five senses. Most of the food sold in Tongues, from the artisan cheeses to the legs of prosciutto that hang from the ceiling, is produced locally. For those who come hungry, there is a small, moderately-priced menu of delicious soups, salads, (usually) vegetarian dishes and tasty desserts.

Opocenski: Part delicatessen, part restaurant, the Edelgreisslerei Opocensky offers yet another reason to hit up the 4^th district to satisfy your culinary cravings. With its trademark spiral staircase, this charming spot on the Favoritenstrasse has earned its status as a local favorite by providing customers with a large selection of organic, seasonal fruits and vegetables, complimented by an equally impressive array of artisanal meats, cheese, fresh pasta and home-baked bread.

Alimentari Giancarlo: Another italian treasure trove. This one is located on Billrothstrasse in Döbling and run by former Juventus Turin player Giancarlo Ferrarese. Come here to nibble on some mouth-watering prosciutto di Parma, mortadella di Verona, salami nostrano or pecorino cheese. Giancarlo's massive selection of delectable delights includes a selection of fresh vegetables, olive oil, wine and Italian cooking products. You can be sure that everything here is fresh, as Giancarlo makes weekly trips to the farmer's market in Padova from where he gets most of his products.

For more details and the exact locations just click on the store name!

Picnic in New York

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:51:16 -0400

Now that the hottest days of summer are (hopefully) behind us, it's a perfect time to indulge in some late-season picnicking. As usual, New Yorkers are spoiled for choice. Whether it's the undulating expanse of Prospect Park's Long Meadow, the sandy shore of Orchard Beach, or the people-watching pasture that is Central Park's Great Lawn, the Big Apple offers plenty of great spots for an al fresco snack. Leaves only the matter of what to put in your picnic basket.

If your way leads through Clinton Hill, you can't go wrong with Choice Market and Choice Greene. Just pick up a fresh baguette, a hearty slice of Manchego and some extra-thin prosciutto and you're good to go. If that sounds like too much work, both, ahem, Choices have several ready-made sandwich options. Choice Market even has a fully operational kitchen, where they chef up everything from mac and cheese to roasted leg of lamb (although you should probably call ahead for the latter).
Sometimes outdoor meals are best when they are short and sweet, with an emphasis on the sweet. What's better than lying in the grass while feeding your lover little bites of strawberry shortcake? (For that and other confectionery delights try Lady M on the Upper East Side) Answer: having your lover feed you. With, say, ganaches infused with Barbados rum. (Available at Bond Street Chocolate.) And no, that doesn't count as drinking in public.
At least not yet . . .

ROA in Vienna

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:33:23 -0400

If these days you were wondering about decomposing rats, or giant jumping foxes looking at you from some of Vienna's inner city buildings, you have been witness to some of the latest artwork by Belgium's most acclaimed streetartist.

ROA has been exhibiting his work internationally in solo shows, as well as group exhibitions including the renowned “Art in the Streets” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, alongside Banksy, Swoon, Barry McGee, Invader, Basquiat, JR and Os Gemeos among others.

His monumental animal paintings can be seen in big cities like New York, London, Berlin or Paris as well as smaller towns and remote villages all over the globe.

While ROA's Artist Residency at the Museumsquartier is coming to an end, you still have the chance to check out some of his amazing work at Inoperable Gallery in Vienna until the end of October.

You can also check out more of ROA's work here.

Bklyn Larder

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:38:32 -0400

If anyone still needs proof that Brooklyn can keep up with Manhattan where delicious food is concerned, then tell them to head to Bklyn Larder. The shop carries a top-notch selection of meats and cheeses as well as gorceries.

Chelsea Wine Vault

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:11:12 -0400

A lovely wine store located in the Chelsea Market, which also carries a great selection of wines for New York State.

Park

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:46:48 -0400

Internationally praised mecca for the best in contemporary, avant garde fashion, Park is a vast and spacious shop that stocks a wide roster of designers. It houses both men's and women's clothing as well as jewelry, shoes and other accessories.

Lost Market Places: Hoher Markt

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:51:05 -0400

Today’s Hoher Markt bears little resemblance to the hustle and bustle taking place over centuries at this famous Viennese square. Most people might know the famous Anker Clock, or their trusted Wuerstelstand but the history remains largely unknown.

As early as 1233, the „forum altum“ was mentioned in historic documents, its name deriving more from its importance than its elevation. For more than 500 years it was the place to go for fresh fish, the street right behind the Anker Clock, the Fischhof (Fishcourt), still refers to its past. The market place was so vital to the city’s commercial functioning that in 1564 the first waterline was installed to ensure fresh water for the many water basins. Crabs for instance became such a popular item on Viennese grocery lists that official “Crab-judges” were employed to ensure good quality and fair prices.

The market diversified its product selection throughout the 16^th century. Beeswax became an important commodity not only for making candles but also for sealing official documents. Other merchandise included textiles, fresh bread, shoes and knives. The market reform of 1753 eventually turned it into a marginal location, and by 1939 all operations ceased to exist. Take a closer look next time when you’re there and try to imagine the hundreds of stalls, the smells and the shouting of merchants.

Partners & Crime

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:02:50 -0400

Three dedicated fans of the addictive crime genre founded Partners & Crime in 1994, a bookshop for like-minded lovers of mystery and intrigue. Whether you're a well-read expert looking for signed copies or just beginning to dabble in the literary underworld, this bookshop is ready to help you solve the puzzle of what to read next.

Summer Friends

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:30:22 -0400

Have we really arrived at the end of summer? With a twinge of pre-mature nostalgia we are already looking back at the glorious days of what is arguably the best season of the year. But here's a little something that will remind you of the sunny days, balmy nights, and good times for a long time coming: friendship bracelets! Whether you are an expert or an novice knotter, the results of this labor of love are always appreciated. It doesn't hurt that they look so darn good on tanned skin.

A great place to stock up on supplies is Purl in Soho. They have every color of thread under the sun and a lovely staff to lend a helping hand. You can even find detailed instructions for making friendship bracelets on their website, here.

Another inspiring supplier is M&J Trimming in the Garment District. Also no shortage of color options here. The only risk is that you might walk out with supplies for several more craft projects than planned.

If this looks overwhelming rather than exciting to you, then check out the Tinsel Trading Company. Also located in the Garment District, this shop has been around since 1933 and offers a more curated selection of crafting materials. All that's left to do now is to find a cozy spot in the sun and get to work! Your friends will thank you.

Zoomies

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:29:22 -0400

The West Village is not only home to many celebrities and chic New Yorkers, but also to many very stylish dogs. And Zoomies is where they come to get their duds and playthings. Featuring organic fabrics and a dog-cookie bar, Zoomies is a great place to pamper your best friend.

Spiegelgasse acht

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:19:19 -0400

You won't find your classic pearl necklace at this forward-looking jewelry store. Spiegelgasse acht is a gallery for contemporary jewelry design that doesn't depend on established names but rather tries to push the boundaries and bring fresh, young design to Vienna.

Analog is Dead. Long Live Analog.

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:01:36 -0400

Many people seem to be tired of all things digital and want their music and photos back the way they used to be. There is something undeniably more charming, and often just plainly better, about analog photography, vinyl records (and even paper backs, these days) when compared to their digital counterparts. The longing for more tangible media and the conspicuously persistent revival of analog technology seems to be more than just a last gasp of desperation.

Take the come-back of vinyl records for example:
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sales numbers went up again since 2006 with a 26% increase in EP/LP sales in 2010. Of course vinyl record sales have previously suffered much higher losses but so does the analog photography or print book market today.

It is very unlikely that these media forms will reacquire mass appeal, but many small retailers have settled in those niches. Institutions like the A1 Record Shop or the Strand Bookstore among many others, have outbraved digitalization and enjoy a loyal following. Specialists like Dashwood Books or Printed Matter have successfully connected with their discerning customer base - not to mention the ongoing popularity of Lomography Lo-Fi cameras. As long as analog media manages to find its way into niche markets, it should not be striving for survival but actually enjoy a successful existence.

Shu!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:21:11 -0400

Taking a look at the boots, wedges, and oxfords displayed in the shop's windows for conventient browsing from the street, Shu! makes it known that it's a little different from the rest. You won't find big labels here, but rather a well-curated selection for discerning shoe lovers.

Smith + Butler

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:23:31 -0400

Classic American styles for both men and women can be found at this Carrol Gardens boutique. And don't forget that dash of biker chic...Motorcycle helmets are also for sale.

Flora in the House

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:41:36 -0400

Whether or not it will make anyone feel better about the current economic situation - the bursting of economic bubbles is not a new phenomenon. During the Dutch "tulipmania" in the 17th century, prices for tulip bulbs rose to such inflated heights that the market suddenly collpapsed and commerce suffered a severe shock. Over tulips! One of the most expensive specimens was the Semper Augustus bulbs, which sold for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman.

Today we can buy flowers for more reasonable prices, and though some specimens can be an investment, we wager that it's always worth it. Having cut flowers in your home is a simple luxury that goes a long way. And it certainly never goes out of style. Our favorite florists in Vienna never fail to surprise and delight us. Whether you are buying them as a gift, or for your own enjoyment, you are sure to be inspired by these trusted flower vendors:

Zweigstelle - First the bad news: they will be closed for a little while due to renovations. The good news: they are open until the end of this week and there is a fleamarket in progress! Drop by and snatch up a discounted vase or potted plant.

Blumenkraft - Literally meaning Flower Power, this flower store never fails to impress. Their creative, lush, and beautiful arrangments are worth stopping in to see. If you are buying flowers here as a gift you will find it hard to let them go!

Acorn

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 06:15:03 -0400

Acorn is a toy shop that children and adults alike can get excited about. The wares are carefully selected with an eye on where and how they are produced, and of course based on their quality. Chock full of charming and whimsical items, it's a true treasure trove.

Lorenzi

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 06:11:24 -0400

A knife is not a knife is not a knife, as the owners of Lorenzi can attest to. For five generations they have been supplying Vienna with quality steel. The service is impeccable and the selection of blades ranges from pocket-sized mushroom knives to Japanese imports.

Der kleine Salon

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:39:27 -0400

Small, but jam-packed with the best of what the international market has to offer in in terms of children's clothing, Der Kleine Salon is a lovely kids' boutique on the Linke Wienzeile. They have garnered a loyal following and they select their wares carefully and with an eye on ethical production.

Beat The Heat

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:24:44 -0400

August is upon us and it's breathing down our necks more hot and humid than ever -- need to cool off? If you find yourself with more time on your hands than it takes to sidestep into the nearest air-conditioned cafe or movie theater, then hop onto the (air-conditioned!) A-train. A little over an hour from downtown you will find yourself in the breezy Rockaways. The cooling waves of the Atlanic and the City's premier surf spot await!

The entirety of Rockaway Beach encompasses more than 170 acres, so there's defintely enough room for all those city-dwellers escaping the scorching heat. But before you do as the Ramones prescribe be sure you've got the necessary gear....

For those who actually ride the waves -- head to Mollusk Surf Shop in Williamsburg for one of these beauties, just in:

If you prefer to see Brooklyn exclusively from the windows of your subway car, then you will be well served at Saturdays Surf in Soho. They carry boards but also plenty of swimwear (yes, they have women's too!) for those who want to simply splash about in style, like in these sweet, sailor-style, striped shorts:

Finally, for those among us who prefer to simply relax in the sand and peer over the rims of our stylish shades to witness the spectacles out at sea: Check out Silver Lining Opticians for some of the most glorious vintage shades around. (If you need some matching vintage moves -- Beach Boys, take it away.)

Aedes de Venustas

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:08:34 -0400

This perfume store might be a little hard to spot for the untrained eye, but once you step insided there can be no doubt that you are in an olfactory temple. With rich fabrics lending the atmosphere of an opulent boudoir and the beautifully arranged vaporizers and candles Aedes de Venustas is a delight for the other senses too.

Italia, Italia!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:50:47 -0400

Still not at the beach? If you can't bring Vienna to the Mediterranean, then the Mediterranean has to come to Vienna. Lucky for us, it already has. For those seeking refreshments with southern flavor, try biting into some prosciutto e melone and let it transport you to vacation land. You can find the necessary ingredients and much more at Crupi, the lovely Sicilian deli that's tucked away at the beginning of Margaretenstrasse.

Another opziona molto deliciosa is Alimentari Gian Carlo, the charming store on Billrothstrasse, where you can feast on various meats, cheeses, and antipasti. You can also shop for fresh ingredients such as pasta and vegetables if you have the patience to cook. Either way, you will be one delicious step closer to Italy. Buon appetito!

Thum Schinkenmanufaktur

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:19:42 -0400

Not your average butcher or deli, the focus of Thum Schinkenmanufactur is set on one thing: ham. With such dedication it's no surprise that the results are stunning. In the business for five generations, they carry a wide range of hams, but they are especially famous for their Beinschinken - supposedly the best in town!

Industrial Archeology

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:19:48 -0400

When you walk alongside Chelsea Market on 15th street you immediately smell that distinctive freshly-baked scent escaping the busy operations of Amy’s Bread. A hundred years ago it wasn’t much different. New York’s renowned food arcade for all things organic and gourmet started out as a multi-story factory complex owned by the National Biscuit Company (Yup, Nabisco). It comprised over 22 buildings and filled two entire city blocks, making it world's largest baking facility in 1931. The company responsible for creating such staples as the Oreo and Barnum's Animal cookies eventually moved to New Jersey in the 1950’s but luckily the buildings survived the dominant demolition trend of the time.

Under the auspices of investor Irwin B. Cohen the complex was remodeled in the 1990’s, creating large office spaces that today house companies such as Google and the Food Network. The design created by Vandeberg Architects is a great example for an adaptive reuse of old industrial spaces. As you walk through the winding arcades you will encounter numerous traces of the building’s past such as the original factory floors weave and bob, the original train shed, old signboards, and the NBC monograms in the mosaic of the 15th street entrance.

Make sure to grab a nice bottle of Barolo from the Chelsea Wine Vault, a porterhouse from Dickson's Farmstand Meats, and of course a warm baguette from Amy’s Bread. You won’t find any other place in New York that will allow you to finish up your dinner’s shopping list in one go under one roof – but come early to avoid the crowds.

For more on the history make sure to read the NYT’s article From Oreos and Mallomars to Today's Chelsea Market.

The End of History

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:53:20 -0400

This shop on Hudson Street features eye-popping glassware and ceramics in an endless array of colors. Owner Stephen Saunders carries vintage pieces by well known glass and ceramics manufacturers from around the world and selects his wares with a keen eye for for the unique.

Samstag

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:13:14 -0400

Aside from their in-house label Superated, the Samstag Boutique on Wiedner Hauptstrasse sells innovative menswear and womenswear from around the world.

Eat-In is the new Eat-Out.

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:05:00 -0400

What's even more exciting for the devout foodie than NYC's yearly Restaurant Week? That's right: Home-Cooking Week! If you haven't heard of it yet, that's because we just invented it. Preparing a fancy meal might sound like a lot of hard work to some, but as we all know it's the foreplay that makes the difference. In this case that refers not only to the labor of love in the kitchen but also to shopping for the right ingredients.

New York has some of the world's premier gourmet stores, so why not treat yourself? Head to Di Palo's in Little Italy for the best in classic Italian delights, like cured meats imported from the country's many regions or fresh mozzarella made right in the store. If you are in the mood for an exquisite cut of Wagyu that will melt in your mouth and leave a grin on your face do yourself a favor and visit Japan Premium Beef. For those who are feeling fishy, we suggest catching some fresh seafood at Brooklyn's Fish Tales on Court Street. With ingredients this delicious, who needs restaurants.

Talking Weather

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:53:36 -0400

The Viennese soul has always been associated with a certain morbidity, neuroticism, and an almost creepy passion for weather-talk. Yes it’s raining, again, so you can either just complain or use this opportunity to curl up with a book and explore the clouded spirits of the likes of Arthur Schnitzler, Karl Kraus, or Thomas Bernhard.

To help you enjoy the weather we have selected some of the most interesting book shops for you to check out:
Anna Jeller is a place where you can linger and peruse, and that certainly understands the solace a book can bring. As their awning states: a library doesn't need a window. Shakespeare & Company carries a great selection of books in English and is located in one of the more beautifully gloomy corners of the city, so it should suit this purpose perfectly. The Singer Bookshop is another treasure trove for voracious readers, with a focus on Jewish literature both contemporary and classic. If you prefer a more visual stimulus to brighten your days or indulge in brooding, pay a visit to Bilderbox for comics and graphic novels or head to Lia Wolf for a vast supply of books on illustration, graphic design or photography. So don't fret – if it's not sunny, then switch on your reading lamp!

Pippin Vintage Jewelry

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:59:43 -0400

A unsuspected gem wedged between Chelsea and the Flatiron District, Pippin Vintage Jewelry on 17th Street is a worth a visite for lovers of vintage costume jewelry and good deals. From delicate cameos to bakelite bangles, hats, and cufflinks in every possible color, there is a lot to discover!

Woka

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:03:57 -0400

Woka is both a vanguard and keeper of Viennese lighting design. One the one hand the shop sell the original designs by luminaries such as Adolf Loos and Otto Wagner, but lamps by a wide array of contemporary designers are also available.

We're live!

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:35:11 -0400

After much hard work we are so excited to finally introduce our baby to the world! We've spent countless hours, weeks, and months putting together something that we're proud of, and we hope you will get as much out of it as we've put in.

Of course your feedback is always welcome, and you can use the handy feedback widget on the left side of your screen to let us know your thoughts, if you feel so inclined.

Now go forth and discover!!!