I have spent the last month mourning the loss of one of my favourite Sunday afternoon pleasures. Shelf of Cheshire St., east London have shut the doors of their bricks and mortar shop for the final time to concentrate on their online shop.

Jane Petrie, a costume designer for film and Katy Hackney, a jewellery designer, are both busy ladies with their full time jobs and they describe this as ‘an elaborate hobby’. What a hobby. I want a hobby like that! Their ability and knack for finding obscure and fabulous things from all over the place is awe inspiring and also their consistent backing and support of new and undiscovered designers is excellent.

Having worked next door in my good friend Mimi‘s shop (beautiful leather handbags) for a number of years as her Sunday girl, I built up a relationship with Jane and Katy and their lovely staff as I would often go and gaze longingly at all the lovely bits and bobs when the shop was quiet.

I will miss popping in when passing and having a good mooch. Cheshire Street won’t seem the same. Much time has been spent in there and much pleasure been gained from their superb shop. However, I am somewhat placated at the promise of more things and so I’m very much looking forward to seeing their new extended line of lovely stuff.

Here are some of my favourites…

1.) Frerk Muller’s Tea Towels, £19.50 2.) Romeo and Juliet Magnetic Toy, £13
3.) Naked Russian Dolls, 7 piece, £22 4.) Love letters, £16 5.) paper mache Fox Head, £205 6.) Shelf Tape, £5 7.) Ride Your Bike Letterpress Print, £30 8.) Consul the Educated Monkey, £14.50