Quirky Shops: Either Or & Doodlage

When I wrote about Either Or the other week, I promised to write a part two. Well, here it is. As I'd mentioned in my previous post, Either Or has been a great supporter of up and coming  Indian fashion brands and they also encourage sustainable fashion. Happily Unmarried and Chumbak are friends of Either Or and were supported by the store. However, the best example of the store's support of young, ethical and quirky is it's collaboration with Doodlage.

When I first spotted this lovely jumpsuit with whimsical bunny prints on one of the store rails, I bounced with joy. When Laxmi brought out more of Doodlage's delights, I was utterly smitten. Doodlage makes gorgeous fashion items out of used clothes. It draws about the traditional Indian ethos of recycling beautiful clothes and handing things down the generations albeit slightly touched-up. Doodlage's price band isn't the cheapest but the quality of its reused fabrics and its robust designs make it good value for money.

The prices start at about £50 upwards for a shift dress to about £80 for the bunny print jumpsuit. If you fancy a piece or two from this up and coming brand, head to Either Or Pune or check them out online at Not Just a Label. Also, hopefully this post and the lovely clothes will hopefully have inspired you to re-invent and up-cycle your own old clothes. Ann x

Quirky Shops: Either Or Pune, A Visual Delight

There is nothing cooler than a quirky shop with a strong ethos. I stumbled upon Either Or whilst in Pune, India and fell in love with the place. Everything from the shop's front door to all the bric-a-brac it sold had character. More importantly, the store is a supporter of local artisans and designers which, in an age of fast fashion,  is a wonderful thing. I liked the shop so much and Ed took so many photos that I will be writing two posts about this lovely boutique.

Either Or isn't just a fashion store. It sells a lifestyle that encourages ethnic design, sustainable fashion and creative ideas. I can't wait to get back home and hand paint my kilner jars and stuff them with wild flowers. Or perhaps, use block printing to revive a pair or of tired shoes. My favourite things included the intricately embroidered and colourful printed cushion covers, painted teapots, and hand-painted lampshades. The service was also very good-Laxmi and her team treated us to fresh tender coconut water whilst we browsed. Ed and I were impressed. Either Or has two sections within the same building to cater to its large and varied stock. The store also has a little lounging/reading area which stocks some fabulous reads including Handmade in India.

If you are on the look out for unusual fashion items, ethnic jewellery, colourful home decorations- this is the place to head to. Either Or also stocks some fabulous craft sets which are great for kids of all ages. I bought a few sets of crafty things for my little sister and myself. Expect crafty blog posts relating to bandhani and block printing at some point. Also, watch this space for my next post on Either Or featuring one of the designers they support. Keep colourful. Ann x