Posted: July is the time I feel most disillusioned with big retail brands. While their fondness for sweatshop production lines and sticklike models irk me all year round, it’s during the summer sales I’m realize how much they take advantage of their customers. If they can still make cash with discounts of 70%, imagine the markup they normally put on.
This is why I prefer to shop at small boutiques. I don’t mind paying a bit more when I get something that’s been uniquely created by a designer, and sometimes even made by the person who serves you in the shop.
In my experience, the coolest stores are found not in massive shopping centres but scattered along suburban streets. What’s more, they are often surrounded by atmospheric cafes to give you respite from the search for a perfect purchase. For those who want to come out of July sales looking suave, and not like a high street clone, here’s three of my favourite boutiques in three of my favourite cities:
Nostitzstrasse 11, 10961
This fabulous shop in Kreuzberg is owned by three brothers and stocks both their own stuff and gear from 20 different designers. It’s famed for affordable yet brilliant design… doesn’t get much better than that!
Iso Roobertinkatu 34
A tiny place that occupies a single room at the basement of an art nouveau building. Here you’re guaranteed find the top t-shirts in town.
Verdi, 20, Gracia
Red Market sells the ultimate in urban outfits. On top of this, it’s located on Calle Verdi, one of the most exciting streets in the bohemian Gracia district.
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