I’m moving to a new place soon which, despite boasting a number of improvements on my current place, is both 1) tiny, and 2) rented. This means I’m having to get super inventive with efficient yet beautiful storage ideas, while also hunt down pieces which are unique and beautiful enough to make the space feel like mine.
Vintage treasures collected around the world are my favourite souvenirs to bring back for the home (and whenever I travel to a new city, I always try and time my visit to coincide with a weekend so that I can visit a local market or two), and there’s almost nothing I love more than foraging about a flea market of treasures on a weekend. That said, England is generally sadly lacking in the flea market stakes (and those that it does boast are frequently either difficult to get to or overrun with tourists). But what London lacks in good rummage-worthy flea markets, it tries to make up for in tiny boutiques filled with treasures and curiosities for the home. And none of these is better that Caravan.
Owned by the very lovely and chic Emily Chalmers, Caravan is the life-sized manifestation of her book ‘Flea Market Style’. Perched on Redchurch Street (one of my favourite areas for tiny, unique stores and eateries) in London’s Shoreditch, the store is a veritable treasure trove. It’s filled with a mass of whimsical, fun, and generally lovely bits and pieces for the home that you don’t necessarily need, but decide you absolutely must have when you see them – in other words, the kind of things that add personality and a touch of witticism to an otherwise sophisticated home. And honestly, who doesn’t feel the need for a bunny-shaped lamp, and big white ceramic owl money box (I’m powerless against anything shaped like a bird or woodland creature), or a gilded pineapple wall sconce? Or is that just me….? They also have a lovely collection of books, cards and jewels along the same theme, and tiny little things which make great ‘just because’ presents for someone who makes you smile.
Next time you fancy a forage for treasures for the home, I insist you pay a visit to Caravan. If your trip should fall on a Sunday, hop over to nearby Columbia Road and bag yourself a sweet little cake and an armload of flowers from the street vendors. The glow from your newly-aquired whimsical treasures and the smell of your spring flowers will instantly make your above (however tiny) feel a hundred times cosier!
Have you made any fantastic shopping discoveries in London of late? What’s your favourite thing to buy for the home?
Love, Miss B xx
Caravan: 3 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ
Oh how lovely, and such pretty photos!
Thanks for sharing – I’ll definitely be adding this to my ‘to visit’ list.
Gorgeous shop B! And hehe isn’t that funny, I always thought that the flea markets in London had loads of good things but I think that’s just in comparison to here where things tend to be less vintage 🙂
I’m studying abroad in London next semester and I am seriously bookmarking this page so I don’t forget to go to this store! Thank you so much for posting the Best of London Shopping I want to go shopping there so badly now!
xx
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This is just beautiful, and one of my favourite things after fashion is interiors!
My favourite current thing for the home is coffee table books – I LOVE The Selby book that I got for Christmas [I wonder why…], along with The Style Diaries and Influence. I also really want a typewriter and a record player…!
x
I love Caravan and Bagpuss the shop cat is simply adorable! x
I love caravan ,,, but battersea bootsale is for real finds. ive been going there for years
Hey there,
I love this place. Nice blog its my first time visiting… Are you both in cambridge and london?
This is what I love about London; shops that seem like a separate universe 🙂 And the one you’d definetely like to live in 🙂
xx
M
that store looks fabulous! i could peruse for hours : )
liking your blog…a lot. will definitely stop by again soon.
til next time,
cailen
Lovely post. I don’t have the excuse of moving house, but something about this time of year makes me all about home upkeep and decoration! Perfect time of year to invest in bits and bobs for your house. And you can never have too many bird shaped money banks! Olivia xx
Thanks for posting your London series. There are too many places in the city to discover and it’s often hard to weed out the good from the bad. I can relate to living in a new place that’s smaller than what you’re used to. I’m currently trying to make the flat more ‘me’ as well. I’ll definitely have to pay this place a visit… I love the fact it seems to have such a great selection but isn’t so overwhelming it will scare you away…
Oh I used to love visiting Caravan when I lived in London. Everything is just so individual and special.
Ah you’re making me homesick for London (I just moved to NYC!) I loved Hampstead Antique and Craft Emporium for objects for my old flat, I could browse that place for hours…
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when i lived in London, i didn’t have the the luxury of exploring london’s east-end delicacies. it’s a great note for next time.
Yea, it’s a lovely place but I found the staff incredibly rude & quite frankly all I wanted to do was leave.