Lipault - a new bag/accessories store on Marylebone High Street

The other day I popped into the new Lipault Store on MHS (where Whistles used to be). I was prepared for it to be yet another high-end, high-priced boutique and was annoyed as the high street is already full of not-very-useful-for locals and overly-expensive shops. How wring I was!

What a pleasant surprise I had! The brand is a French brand started by someone who has experience in the travel industry. They focus on luggage and handbags/accessories, with items both in leather and also durable nylon (think Prada, Longchamp). The designs are classic shapes, with practicality in mind, but with a focus on colour. The store is so eye-catching! They have classic and then seasonal colours which are beautiful. The attention to detail is fab, with contrasting linings in some bags, so you get just a flash of contrast, accessible zippers and pockets for travel cards etc, with an elegant and simple design. The shapes are practical and recognisable as classic bag shapes that have stood the test of time. Totally my kind of thing!

The best part - the price! Nylon bags starting from around the £50 mark - yes you read correctly!!! 

I picked up a gorgeous crossbody, nylon bag for £69 which is super practical and the perfect size to carry all my bits but also discourage me from lugging too much around in a big bag. I love the nylon especially with kids, and also the British weather. 
www.lipault.co.uk/plume-avenue-crossbody-bag--night-blue/90849-1615.html

The luggage is also lovely. Great colours and design that has really been thought through e.g. well-padded handles and they are unbelievably light. The most interesting idea is a suitcase/cabin bag that flattens for easy storage! For anyone living in London this may just be a game-changer! I really want one and hopefully my next suitcase will be one from the Pliable range www.lipault.co.uk/pliable-luggage-2-wheels-65-cm-anthracite-grey/64777-1010.html - and again the prices are comparable to the normal large luggage brands. The brand is actually owned by Samsonite so you know you are buying a quality product. The bags some with a 3 year warranty too. 

Do pop by the store, the staff are very friendly and the colours are great to lift you mood. 

**Special Offer** - the Store has 20% off your first purchase (see flyer below) running until 31st August. Make sure you show them the flyer and mention Marylebone Mums!

​Lipault, 1 Thayer Street, Marylebone W1U 3JA

An exciting new shop will be opening soon on New Quebec Street - La Petite Poissonnerie, a fantastic fishmonger. I met with the owner Nic recently to find out more about what the store will offer local residents and I am very excited that we will soon have a great shop that addresses the needs of locals. Well done to the Portman Estate for resisting the temptation of opening another boutique!

La Petite Poissonerie has a successful shop in Primrose Hill and is now going to serve Marylebone. It is not just a run-of-the-mill fishmonger - Nic has great plans. With a French and Japanese influence, they sell fresh fish (of the highest grade), pre-prepared meals and marinaded fish, as well as beers and sakes all to complement the fish. They also make their own fish fingers, which I am sure will be popular with local families - I can't wait to try them. Nic is a chef originally so really knows his stuff! 

The interior of the shop is still being completed, but it is clear that this is not traditional fishmonger. A lot of care and attention has gone into the design - check out the lovely granite work surface they have installed, and the fresh fish display idea is a great quirky one (I won't spoil it by saying too much). Importantly the shop is going to have extended opening hours so people can stop by after work or whenever is convenient. Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 7.30pm! They are very customer driven and it sounds like they will be able to deal with even the fussiest customer :)  

Christmas is expected to be a busy season, and then the January diets mean fish is a popular choice through the winter. Nic also has exciting plans to address the large business crowd at lunchtimes once 2015 is underway. I was getting hungry listening to what he plans to offer!

Nic and all his team are very knowledgable about all things fish. I know I should eat more fish, and offer it more often to my little one, but I lack imagination and confidence to try new things. With great fish and advice now on our doorstep there will be no excuse!

We also had a great discussion about cooking in general. Nic's top tips for appliances in the kitchen - a hand blender with attachments (food processors end up sitting in the cupboard!), a rice cooker (on my christmas list as I can't cook rice!), and a pressure cooker (I am a recent convert - I love mine). 

La Petite Possonnerie should be opening during the 2nd week of November - do stop by and support an exciting local business that serves the needs of locals.