Out and About in London Part 2- Do Shop is Definitely a Do

I was excited to visit Do for the first time, since I previously spent a wasted journey, finding myself staring in front of a vacant shop window in Beak St like a complete idiot. Apparently the shop had moved its premises to Covent Garden months ago but the old address is still the first search result in Google (Damn you Googlemaps!). So imagine my relief when I managed to locate the shop with relative ease this time, despite having the worst sense of direction in the world and the inability to read maps for the life of me.

The small shop is located near the Camden's Neal's Yard shopping district amongst other hip places well worth visiting, like Rokit (vintage fashion), Forbidden Planet (Comic books) and London Graphics Centre (art and craft supplies). You can't miss it as there's a massive silver Do Shop sign sculpture slap bang in front.

Do has a relaxed atmosphere, selling quirky yet functional products for the home, with a youthful edge that separates it from others. Their concept is to 'inspire you with products that are versatile, fun, unique and beautiful'. Prices range hugely, from £2 greeting cards to more expensive lighting and furniture. Stocked with inspiring ideas for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and study,  there's something to suit everyone on any budget.

Here are my top picks at Do:

Don't be fooled by the unassuming appearance of this brown envelope. In true 007 undercover agent style, it is in fact a lightweight, splash and tear proof laptop sleeve from Luckies, padded with sturdy foam for protection, lined with satin and has adjustable fasteners. What a genius idea to deter thieves from nicking your laptop!

Next of my curious discoveries was Sena Gu's humorous cauliflower teapots and jugs, slipcast in porcelain. Sena is a recent graduate who has designed for 100% Design Festival 2010.  These witty and cute tablewares will definitely get people's attention at home.









Lastly I fell in love with this charming wooden sewing box 'Sewing the World' by Italian homeware company Seletti. its retro pink, white and yellow silk screened motifs of measuring  tape, teddy bears, flowers brings of childhood memories when little girls learned how to sew from their grandmothers, contrasted with edgier motifs of skulls and revolvers. The box folds open with handy sections and drawers with cute buttons, perfect for storing accessories and mementos. Each box is individually handmade, making IT a very special treasure chest indeed.

There are lots of other original products available from Do's website worth taking a look. What I love about Do is that they are willing to showcase designs by new graduates and proves that minimal, contemporary, fun design can be affordable to all.

Do
34 Shorts Gardens, Greater London WC2H 9PX