A Luxe story in Hampstead...

We already know Hampstead for its quirky village feel and also, surprisingly, for being a deluxe, yet tranquil, shopping experience of the most prominent French brands such as Maje, Sandro, Tara Jarmon, The Kooples and Comptoir des Cotonniers. It's pretty, quiet and surprisingly trendy. 

With the opening of 'A Luxe Story' pop up shop (42 Rosslyn Hill), it has become an even more attractive fashion destination. This pop up shop, open until Sunday 9 October, features a number of new and upcoming British brands which are all worth keeping an eye out for. And I really wish this was a permanent addition to the Hampstead high street. But being ephemeral has its own advantages, it means you get to discover the unexpected and it makes you sharper in your choices. I cannot recommend highly enough a visit to this British fashion gem but failing that most of the brands featured also propose on-line shops and will also reopen pop ups in new locations.

Ille de Cocos is all about luxury essential wear for busy women who know their own minds. Now I can relate to that! Their range of sweaters is simply irresistible. Made of noble material, such as cashmere or merino wool, with clean minimalist cuts, their jumpers are 'such stuff as dreams are made on'. They will accompany you in style at work and keep you in a cocoon on a rainy Sunday. My personal favourite is the Qui, moi? grey sweater. Love the slim fit and the logo just take me on a dreamy mood. They are currently running out of small sizes for this particular style but they will be back in stock in three weeks.

Also featured are Jess Collett's hats. What can I say? It can be so tricky to find a perfect hat. Yet Jess Collett has the magic recipe. Sophistication, glamour and style all wrapped up in the finest materials. 'Everyone can, and should, look good in a hat'. I could not agree more but it does help if you are wearing one of Jess Collet's... And I cannot believe I actually walked out of the shop without this gorgeous duck blue hat!

Faber Novella offers bespoke customisable shoes handmade in Italy. From colours to fabrics, height and type of heels, it's up to you to design your own dream shoes. I personally love their red / blue / black combo (as worn above) except I would probably go for a pointy toe rather than round. But that's the beauty of it, you actually get to decide... The shoes cost £250 and take a month to get made and delivered.

8 hour studio combines upscale loungewear and resortwear with traditional Indian prints. The result is so gorgeous that you would never want to keep it a secret at home. Their blazers, for example, make for an incredibly stylish cover up over jeans for a night out. And I am madly in love with their Dawn Blazer.

Símo (please make note of the accent as it is what makes this brand so distinctive) is basically what you would want your everyday workwear style to look like, simplicity with a twist (an accent). Their whole range is to die for. And honestly, if my wardrobe was filled with their dresses, tops, and coats, I would probably never ever have to live that horrible lingering daily moment of doubt when I tell myself 'I really have nothing to wear'....

To complement these gorgeous brands, A luxe story also offers a range of accessories from hats, to handbags, jewellery and cushions.

I am not one who splurges on gold but if I was I would, without question, get my hands on one of Layana's necklaces or bracelets - classic, elegant jewellery but with a clear personality.

My bottom line on 'A luxe story': it can be incredibly difficult to combine different brands in a single shop and that can easily go wrong but honestly the incredible ladies behind all the brands featured have done an amazing job and found the perfect balance. This pop up shop is really not one to be missed.