Review – Tassel Kimono from Pretaportobello

I was recently introduced to the online fashion market Pretaportobello. The concept was inspired by the quirky fashion of London’s famous and iconice fashion markets such as the Portobello Road Market, Spitalfields, Camden and Brick Lane, where vintage bargains can be found along with pieces from news and upcoming designers.

The website is a small family business run by three sisters, two of which  have children so there is a real sense of ‘mumpreneurship’ about the concept! What they have put together is just brilliant, an Aladdin’s Cave of a site, with unique products from independent designers and a host of original fashion and designers that you just cannot find on the high street. But the site is more than just your average shopping site where you fill your virtual basket and head to the checkout.The sisters also want to make the atmosphere and experience of shopping at these iconic markets accessible to everyone. So, with this in mind, they have created the ‘Haggle service’, which allows you to barter in real time to ensure you get the best price, as well as the Marketspace services which puts you in direct contact with independent designers and small businesses.

As a market magpie, I love the idea of Pretaportobello. In the days when High Street fashion can often be more of the same, it is a great idea to offer something new and different, and I have been really impressed with the brands that the site offers. Some of the names are gaining a cult following, like Alphabet Bags and Brat and Suzie, and you can get fashion from the likes of Jovanna London, Stott and Scott and Mod Dolly, jewellery from Mara, Selection Six and ECW, and accessories from the likes of BYMY and Ismad London. (This is just a snapshot – check out the full list of sellers on the Brands page.)

I was sent the gorgeous, vibrant Tassel kimono from the PPB brand (Pretaportobello’s own accessories and clothing label) to review and style. This is a lovely piece, a tasseled kimono in white, with an oriental birds and flowers print all over. The design is sleeveless and comes in two sizes, s-m which is UK 8-12, and m-l which is UK 14-18. I opted for m-l, but was a little worried the fit wouldn’t be great. I need not have worried – it was perfect!

This is such a versatile piece. The website says it is perfect for festivals, which I totally agree with – you could wear it with jeans or cut-offs for a boho look. If you add a shift dress and heels, this could take you on a dinner date, skinny jeans and a camisole would work for Friday night at the pub, or over a bikini or swimsuit for a holiday look. All would work brilliantly.

If you love your fashion to have an edge, Pretaportobello is definitely a place that should be on your radar. It is a treasure trove of wonderful fashion.

Find out more

Check out the about page (http://www.pretaportobello.com/about-us.aspx) to find out more about the brand.

Check out the Haggle page (http://www.pretaportobello.com/haggle/) to find out more about the Haggle service.

Check out the brands page (http://www.pretaportobello.com/brands/) to find out more about the designers Pretaportobello stock.

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