Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Fashion
Ruffles | Safari chic | Prom dresses | African prints | Nicky's summer tips | School gate chic | Summer chic | Jewellery | Yummy mummy | Breasts | Boutique fashion | Fashion fogeysBOUTIQUE FASHION AT HIGH STREET PRICES
We all want to look a million dollars without spending a hundred, but with the prices of designer items still boyant, and Stella's H&M creations seemingly adorning every third teenager on the high street, it can be a tough job to stand out without breaking the bank. We asked four of our favourite fashion experts to each pick out an undiscovered gem where you'll be guaranteed to find something a bit special with less than a day's wages, whilst knowing you won't be risking the embarrassment of turning up to a party in the same frock as the host.
Strong Foundations
Made to look like the deck and cabin of an old galleon, the newly-opened Sheila Cooke Foundation shop in Wolverhampton sees the city's Beacon Arts Collective's new venture take shape.
From the décor and the clothes to the special 'Sheila's Grog' beer (brewed specifically for the opening) it is this attention to detail that makes the shop so appealing.
The name of the shop is a taken from an imagined story, created by the Beacon Arts Collective, about a paediatric nurse who got married, had children, and spent most of her adult life at New Cross Hospital. As a valuable member of staff, she helped lots of people in many ways, but she always wished to be more exciting. The Sheila Cooke Foundation is a tribute to her imaginary unfulfilled life, and dedicated to the pursuit and expression of individuality.
It is about time Wolverhampton had a shop as exciting as this. Housed in a row of Edwardian shops, The Sheila Cooke Foundation carries clothing and accessories from UK based labels including üaut;ber cool PPQ, Merlin, Tatty Devine and the in-house label Holly Joanna Fuller.
The in-house label, whilst also producing clothing, mainly provides accessories such as bags, scarves and jewellery, which tie the collections together and define the aesthetic of The Sheila Cooke Foundation. In addition there are various oddities from the orient, the most adorable Knickers by Gay Abandon, and an assortment of snippets scattered around the fantastic interior so there is always something new and often bizarre to see.
The Sheila Cooke Foundation is certainly different, edgy and more exciting than anything Wolverhampton has seen in a long time - and you just know that soon everyone will be talking about it.
The Sheila Cooke Foundation, 71 Worcester Street, Wolverhampton. Kerry Thomas runs Fused magazine.
Red Alert
Red Sparrow stocks raw edge design that appeals not only to the young but also style-seeking women of all ages from a selection of up-and-coming European designers. They sell clothing and accessories including individually-designed bags, handmade jewellery from young designers and other fashion items with one-off qualities, all without breaking the bank. French labels such as Lauren Vidal alongside a fantastic selection of clothes by UK designers so you can support the local fashion scene whilst still adding some continental flair.
Red Sparrow, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street. Jemma Weymouth is a London-based stylist.
Label heaven
Whether you want to splash all of your hard-earned out on some fancy threads by Paul Smith, Armani and D&G or want to dress to impress in some of the most exciting breaking labels such as David Biton, Ed Hardy or Save The Queen, Scotney for Women in Leicester is a must-visit for any self respecting fashionista. They are also the proud stockist of the fabulous Tom Ford sunglasses, which need no introduction. Located just out of the city centre on the London Road, Scotney for Women has won the prestigious 'Drapers Record - Best New Store' award, thanks in part to its beautiful store, approachable staff and incredible stock.
Scotney for Women, 132 London Road, Leicester. Chris Ward is Fashion Director of 69 magazine.
Village life
Urban Village is an oasis of cool in the groovy Custard Factory in Birmingham. Stretching its retro fingers out from a second-hand furniture store partial to Eames chairs and Space Invader tables, it's expanded into every area that a retro chick or cat needs to style their life and body, from gorgeous Egg chairs to lamps to vintage threads down even to the badges and patches to sew on those battered Adidas flight-bags.
Vintage really is the word here. Imagine spending days trawling through endless markets and second-hand shops for that illusive £5 Vivienne Westwood dress that someone in a charitable mood has decided they no longer have room for in their dressing room - then save your time and head to Urban Village. And considering now they now sell everything on eBay as well, you don't even have to be a Brummie to grab a piece of the past.
Urban Village is on Digbeth High St, Birmingham, five minutes walk from the Bullring. Georgina Wilson-Powell edits Blowback magazine.
More fashion features >
