The Weekly Steals 5th – 13th December

This week’s best steals round up…

Since everyone seems to have spent most of this week panicking about the fact that it’s now December, and they haven’t even remotely starting shopping for people’s presents yet, I’ve decided to help out.

A) Because I’m kind, and B) Because this is shopping! And I might be the only girl in London right now not fainting at the prospect of queuing up for an iPad case in Topshop. But that’s because I’m not.

Here are the fun, slightly hectic, but ultimately more rewarding places to shop this December. For other people and a little bit for you also maybe. Naturally I’ve included some cultural stops too…

Okay fine, they’re sample sales! But listen people, designer stuff for your friends that you can afford. Just think of the Karma (and birthday presents you’ll get this year).

Underneath it All
This sample sale would even have Bridget Jones out of her giant panties; Stella McCartney, Pleasure State, Evollove, Elle Macpherson Intimates. Find them at Bendon UK Ltd, Axtell House, Level 3, 23-24 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NQ from 3-5pm on 5th December.

And another one, because everyone knows you officially become a put together grown up when your underwear matches – Coco de Mer is hiding at 4 Ching Court, between 45 and 53 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9EY. It’s open 12-2pm on 6th December and is cash only.  Strike that one off your New Year’s resolutions in style!

The Accessories
If, like me, you want your statement accessories to be a little more Harrods-Christmas-windows (love them by the way guys!) and a little less massive-tacky-gold-chain-with-curious-neon-plastic-bits-hanging-off-it, head to the Mawi sample sale, also on 6th December at 2 Nimrod Passage, London N14BU, 9am – 8pm.

Also, if you fall on the side of ‘I don’t care if it’s -17 outside, the sun is out so I’m wearing shades’ debate, or even if you don’t and you think you can keep your hands off them until it’s -14 and therefore summertime, a little birdy told me about a collective of designer shades being flogged at 51 Calthorpe Street, London WC1X OHH 5-7th December, from 11am.

The Sartorial Stash 
Saving the best (the clothes) until last of course, Time Out calls this place ‘One of the Ten Best Reasons for living in London’ – the magical Designer Warehouse opens its doors once a month to Londoners in the know. Get two thirds off every brand you’ve never owned from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th December and from the 7th January, in case you missed anything. 5-6 Islington Studios, Thane Works Thane Villas, London N7 7NU.

And finally, Erdem (!!!) who just won the British Fashion Red Carpet Award, is having a sample sale. I know, pause to catch breath, I need not say anymore. White Space 5 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7HY, 6-7th December, 8am. Be there.

The Arts
In other events and areas of London not populated by the sound of a thousand tiny stiletto heels, calmer more sophisticated types are all flocking to Late at the Tate this Friday (6th December) for some art meets music. Installations include Warp Records and Jeremy Deller, all inspired by his work The History of the World – which is brilliant anyway. 6.30-10pm, free!

And if that isn’t enough of an art fix, Katharine Morling shows her Shifting Perspectives at Long & Ryle, 4 John Islip St, London SW1P 4PX until 20th December. Her porcelain sculptures are super intricate and simply excellent. After that, pop down to Giles Walker and Candice Tripp’s exhibition courtesy of Black Rat Projects (always awesome) in the tunnels underneath Waterloo station. Take a break from the festive cheer for some darker fairy tales and beautifully eerie kinetic sculptures. 137-139 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE until 12th December. Free entry.

…And that’s that for this week Stealers! Now go sharpen your elbows and let the shopping season begin.