Style& wellbeing WE LOVE
Boutique by Shelter As we become more aware of the impact of our own consumption, caring has, finally, become cool. More independent designers are choosing to make quality clothing using ethically-sourced materials, and there’s been a societal shift in attitudes to second-hand clothing, too, with charity shop revenue up by more than five per cent (while general retail figures fall). Pre-loved has never been more in fashion. We couldn’t be more excited about the latest opening at Coal Drops Yard. Sitting comfortably alongside the likes of Wolf & Badger and Paul Smith, Boutique by Shelter is a charity shop with a difference. Featuring a handpicked range of unique donations – from designer and vintage, to quality high-street clothing – and a bespoke interior by HemingwayDesign (which incorporates reclaimed materials) the charity’s new flagship boutique store offers a shopping experience like no other. With everything priced at a fraction of the original cost, and every donation raising vital funds to fight homelessness, this deserves to be one of this year’s most talked-about openings. David Cryer, director of retail at Shelter, says: “In a world where people are increasingly buying more sustainably, our boutique is leading the charity retailer revolution.” Unit EV8, 1st Floor, Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, N1C (020 3725 9439; england.shelter.org. uk/support_us/shops/kings_cross_boutique)
Read this Singing in the Rain: 52 Practical Steps to Happiness Feeling a little blue? Notting Hill’s Rachel Kelly might just hold the key to turning your frown upside down. The bestselling author, an ambassador for SANE and Rethink Mental Illness, has based her latest book on the premise that thinking often makes us feel sad, but doing rarely does, and that small things lead to big change. This happiness workbook, designed to empower individuals to look after their own mental health, is the result of numerous studies as well as collaborations with psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses. The brilliant book is packed with easy-to-follow exercises, activities and puzzles, one for each week of the year, to help readers to rediscover their creativity and build a new sense of purpose. From breathing practices to stretching sequences and drawing activities to letter writing, we think it’s a real treasure trove that will be there for you whatever you might need it for. £12.99 (shortbooks.co.uk)
42
fabricmagazine.co.uk