When I was younger, before grey hair started to set in, I used to be able to scan a market rail and within 5 minutes, visually pull out the bargains, determine the repair job needed and negotiate a lower price with a raised eyebrow and a curled lip, but over the past 15 years my vintage cyber-skills have waned and I have been somewhat lazy in the world of secondhand scavenging…… or so I thought.

This weekend, my vintage-scanning-ability or VSA for short came up trumps with not not just one but two all in the same city.

Dries Van Noten Cami

Bleeker New and Vintage in the Pijp here in Amsterdam served me a vibrant red cami top from Mr.D Van Noten ( at 25 euro) whilst Tamogo on Spiegelstraat handed over a Black cotton Valentino blazer with pleated back for 140 euro.

Red Valentino : Pleated back panel jacket

With both fine establishments looking after the luxury end of the vintage market you can be sure that the quality is high and the curating of the stores is impeccable.

For sure, dear people, these are not places for the cheap tie dye nonsense, they are instead, for the more discerning customer who knows their labels and can spot a bargain. With the stock turned around on a speedy basis, stick your head in when you can but keep your distance from the size 38 (s), if you will.

Apolis Philanthropist tote

Apolis mens clothing and accessories….

“Apolis, which translates as “global citizen,” is a living and breathing social enterprise  that equips and empowers people through opportunity instead of charity.  Apolis co-creates products with manufacturers and directly allows the market to determine the future of each item we produce. It is a hands-on model to provide people access to opportunity. We call it “advocacy through industry.” “

and why I like it….

It works with NGO’s in Uganda, Bangladesh and Nepal and supports local industry creating  self-sufficient communities.

Products include outerwear, shirts, pants, accessories and bags… e.g.    Philanthropist tote

Edinburgh found us in a 70’s style hotel (unintentionally 70’s – it just hadn’t had a spruce up since ’72) with epic views of the Castle, whilst Antwerp showed us our first experience at AirB&B consisting of a private room for the night in the centre of the city, 2 minutes walk from the shops and MOMU for the Unravelled exhibit. In case you aren’t aware of AirB&B, it’s a service where you stay in people’s houses, spare rooms or apartments. It’s  generally cheaper than a hotel, plusher than a hostel and you get a cozier, more welcoming experience.

Anyhow – This isn’t online version of ‘Wish You Were Here’ with Judith Charmers, it should be a little ditty about a couple of food experiences we encountered on our travels, making our stays both rich and flavorsome .

Firstly, before I embark on a dinner review I have to tell you about Wellington Coffee on the corner of Hanover St and George st. Owned and run by Kiwi’s it offers a simple menu of coffee, scones and a few cake options. Located directly opposite the American chain of milky brew drinks with a green logo and flying mermaid, I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t tell you about Wellington’s coffee and service..

So – back to the point, which was….. Hotel Missoni. It stole our hearts with a medley of monochrome patterns whisking us into lunchtime happiness. For an extremely reasonable ‘3 courses for 16.00quid’ lunch the tasty Italian fayre gave us no other choice but go again in the evening for their pre theatre menu. Sad, yes, tasty, of course.

An attempt to ‘borrow’ some of their lovely table napkins was foiled with the realisation that my purse wouldn’t have held 1 let alone 4.

A week later whilst in Antwerp after an afternoon at MoMu we, eager for some sugar and caffeine, stumbled across a cutsie cupcake shop which provided us with all  with all the elements necessary for re fueling and recharging.

With a stunning selection of fruit tarts, cupcakes (with additional goodies hidden within) and slabs of chocolate cake, the Momade Cupcakes was a sugar oasis.

With additional muffins purchased ahead of our journey home, we walked out with smiles on our faces and crumbs on our chins.

Le Bal Cafe ( hidden gem down an alley and inside an exhibition space) was the perfect Saturday lunch spot to catch up with friends whereas The Rose Bakery ( with 6 stores worldwide) served us a brunch beyond belief on the Sunday.

Both the bakery and the cafe are run by English Parisians which means the food and service boxes are ticked at 10 mark. With organic produce, healthy and in some cases slightly less than healthy, the portions are seriously substantial. Individual crumbles with creme anglaise, kedgeree, home-made scones ( crumbly and moist), kippers and of course the obligatory eggs, bacon, tomato and mushroom were served with smoothies and seriously divine coffee.

‘Must visits’ If you are looking for a croissant alternative and need sustenance between bouts of shopping.

In the meantime, my quest for the loafer continues. Wish me luck!

The Rose Bakery: 30, Rue Debelleyme – +33 1 49 96 54 01

Le Bal Cafe: 6, Impasse de la Defense – +33 1 44 70 75 51