Independent Shops on Amwell Street, London — Photo courtesy of sludgegulper

Lie Down I Think I Love You is just the best name for a shop ever, but not only its name makes it notable.   Owned by designer Emily, a graduate of Central St Martins, and her business partner Lisa, the shop showcases the duo's accessories brand which is 'Made in London'.  The brand started in 2006, and this unique little shop came into being in April 2009.  

On the 'Lie Down I Think I Love You' website, the pair describe thieir shop as a 'jewel.'  It's so tucked away that you'll really feel that you've discovered a hidden gem when you make your way to Amwell Street, even though it's only a few hundred meters (or so) from Angel Tube.  Amwell Street itself is full of beautiful independent shops.  Across the road from 'Lie Down' is a great flower shop which organizes courses in flower arranging in the evenings.  Just next door is a delicious deli, and an old dairy lies further down the street.  

The shop likes to place itself in opposition to mass-produced products, and they aim to use quality leathers, and traditional craftsmanship, reusing vintage fabrics and objects.  That makes not just the shop, but everything in it a little pocket of unique British eclecticism, nostalgia and romance.  People come from as far as Japan just to visit the shop, and take back a little bit of Britain with them when they leave.  

Summer 2012's collection is a perfect example of the way the shop works.  They've based their collection on summer drenched childhoods, for cheeky playful, dreamy girls.  You can pick up beautiful Italian leather ballet pumps, pretty vintage scarves for your hair to transport you back to a more innocent time soaked in sepia and memories.