Packed with everything from books (our favourite being Life's too short to fold fitted sheets – amen) to vintage cake stands to fantastically quirky jewellery (tea cup and milk jug necklaces) we had a quick word with owner Toni Horton to find out what inspires her:
You opened Something... six years ago. What were you doing before that?
I've done a number of different things but for the six years prior to opening the shop, I was a producer and stylist.
What inspired you to open the shop?
I'd always wanted to have a shop and as a stylist I had to source unique and unusual objects and make them work in a specified setting. I feel this gave me valuable experience and the confidence to create the look and feel I have achieved at Something...
Where did the name Something... come from?
I really couldn't think of a name initially and then I realised when you go shopping you always say 'I need to get something' or 'I need to buy something for somebody' and suddenly the word Something... just seemed to be perfect.
How do you decide on what to stock?
I am constantly looking for distinctive, individual pieces and quirky designs. I travel all over the world looking for new things as well as having a lot of locally sourced items which have been hand made in England. Our collections include jewellery, accessories, homeware, vintage children's clothes and many other products from a broad range of brands and niche designers. I also keep my eyes open at antique fairs for vintage furniture, which is popular with my customers.
Any favourite items in the shop?
I don't usually have a favourite, but I am into all the snugly cosy things at the moment, especially our new own brand cashmere, which has launched this month. We also have gorgeous hot water bottles, Parisian velvet slippers and woolly mittens, so I suppose perhaps these are my favourites.
What are your best sellers?
At the moment, I would say scented candles, vintage cake stands, children's wear and handbags.
What three words do you hope customers would use when summing up the appeal of something?
I would hope that they would say 'l love it!'
Something..., 58 Lamb's Conduit Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3LW. Tel: 020 7430 1516. www.something-shop.com