Mela Mela: Vintage in Teddington

It may be snowing outside, but that doesn't mean no shopping trips! I braved the bitter cold and snow to venture to one of the best vintage shops I have ever visited, which came personally recommended by my friend Liz Tregenza.

(Do follow her blog, it's amazing: advantageinvintage.blogspot.co.uk)

Along with my friend, Fae, a fellow vintage fan, (also look at her blog: http://faeallegravintage.blogspot.co.uk) we took the train from Victoria to Clapham Junction, standing in the freezing cold for quite some time, before boarding the train to Teddington. It didn't take us long to find Mela Mela and when we arrived, cold and exhausted, we received a warm welcome from the team.

The shop itself is a thing of beauty, very tastefully decorated in a pretty shade of pastel pink, with elegant counters and carefully arranged stock. We were asked if we were looking for something in particular and when we said no we weren't pestered.

Mela Mela is one of the only shops I have visited where a personal shopper service is available. We were asked for our measurements and sizes and garments were brought to us to try on. I absolutely adored everything I tried, the stock is of the very highest quality and everything was immaculate.

The changing rooms, although small, are large enough to accommodate lots of items and there are no limitations. I eventually decided on a beautiful California Cottons dress which I had seen on the website but nothing compared to seeing it in the flesh!

The California Cottons Dress

Although I couldn't afford to pay the full amount, I was allowed to place a deposit, so this will be with me very soon! I also purchased two pairs of beautiful 1950s shoes in black and cream. The cream ones, a modest mid-heel with pointed fronts, look exactly like the ones in Mad Men! I felt exactly like Peggy Olson in a beautiful 1950s dress in cream with bright orange flowers and green vines with a matching white bag and full skirted petticoat. Unfortunately we didn't take any photos but we had an amazing afternoon. I would definitely recommend anybody to visit Mela Mela even if only for a browsing shopping trip!