Persiflage

If you’re unfamiliar with the rabbit warren layout of Alfies Antiques Market it can be daunting, so we recommend a beeline for the cosy vintage shop on the second floor. Owned by Gwyneth Trefor-Jones, who is also responsible for Essex Road boutique Past Caring, Persiflage has been going for an amazing 25 years and is frequented by fashion students, stylists and even, apparently, Whoopi Goldberg. The shop features a wide variety of pieces from the ’20s right through to the ’80s, as well as Victorian items, with prices ranging from £30 to £200. If you’re into restoring or recreating vintage clothing, then you’ll love Persiflage’s secondhand lace, buttons, beads and sequins, as well as sewing patterns and books on how to become an expert dressmaker.