A few weeks ago, I left a clothing shop without buying anything only to get the trousers I had just tried on online. Why? The sales lady was driving me mad to a point I put the trousers I wanted down and walked out on her. This was, unfortunately, not the only bad experience I had in retail in the last few weeks. With all the wedding preparations going on, I was going shopping more than usual, and I also ended up on shops that belong to bigger chains. More often than not, I regretted it. At the same time, my experiences with the small shop around the corner were great. So I wanted to take the chance to talk a bit about the great shops (online and offline) I have encountered lately.
Online:
Berry Scrumptious - http://www.berryscrumptious.co.uk/
Chocolate covered strawberries… Do I have to say more? Not only do they make fantastic-looking strawberries for weddings and more, they also have a fantastic service. They deliver within the UK on the day of the occasion, and are always helpful, no matter if via email, Twitter or Facebook. Sometimes email confirmations get lost – no problem, 1 Tweet later, I got it again. They are really passionate about what they are doing, and it shows. I can’t WAIT to try them at our wedding.
Sheila Fleet Jewellery - http://www.sheilafleet.com/
I already loved her jewellery when we went to the island of Orkney last year. Beautiful, classy and still different from the jewellery you find at most other places. After looking around a bit it was clear we wanted to order our wedding bands there. Not being a cheap order, we were really happy about their support. Because the rings were made to order, we got an email asking when the wedding will be so they can make sure it’ll be here in time. Above all, she wanted the date and didn’t just take my word – awesome! The team from Sheila Fleet was also very concerned about the safe delivery of the gold rings and asked us, to email them when they arrived safely. Which they have, and we told them. But the most important thing is- the rings are absolutely STUNNING!
Skye Fudge - http://www.skyefudge.co.uk/
Scotland and tablet, tablet and Scotland. Surely mine and Mick’s favourite Scottish sweet. Maybe even favourite over all. Going to Scotland, it can be tough finding really good tablet. That’s where we are spoiled, we can’t just get it at the supermarket. We knew a place though, and we knew they had an online shop. It was a no-brainer that we wanted to order some (read: a TON) of tablet for us to take home. Oh yes, and some favours for the wedding guests, too. After inquiring, not only were we able to order them so that they’ll arrive at the wedding location in time but when we had already arrived, but I was quizzed on the decor of the boxes. I was given different options for the colours of the box and the ribbons, so I went with silver and a tartan ribbon. The next hour was spent mailing back and forth which of the ribbons looks most like Mick’s family tartan, resulting in me having to get him to OK my choice of ribbon. Great service, what we know as great tablet… Overall, making the wait so much sweeter!
Small Shops in Vienna:
Fruth - http://www.fruth.at/
Patisserie, Chocolaterie… The place in Vienna where you get the special sweet something for the special occasion. Their cakes are wonderful, as are their truffles, desserts, cookies and chocolates.
Alt Wien Kaffee - http://www.altwien.at/
As you might know, Vienna is famous for its coffee. As you might also know, we are known to drink our fair share of it. This coffee shop, bar and roasting facility provides us with some of the best beans of the city. Great quality, taste and a decent price. Above that, you can try the different beans at the coffee-bar inside the shop. Coffee, beany, bliss!
Mein Design - http://www.mein-design.org/
One shop that hosts many shops. Young designers can rent space for up to 6 months there. Inside, you can find clothes, accessories, stationary, gifts, and things you never thought existed. It’s even more fun going back because not only will there be new things, there will be completely new shops!
Shakespeare & Company - http://www.shakespeare.co.at/
An English bookshop in the middle of Vienna. The one, where I gave my first reading of Wiener Blut. They have fantastic books, are wonderfully cramped, and host many readings.
Elfenkleid - http://www.elfenkleid.com/
Oh their dresses, their dresses!! Two Viennese designers and a wonderful shop. The ready to wear collection is just as beautiful as their marvellous gowns. For the special pieces of clothing…
