Stromboli’s Circus

This place was called Twinkled, now it’s not.
But the shop hasn’t actually changed at all. Just a different sign outside now. So this means that you can expect
Great accessories, average dresses (bit too 70s for my taste), excellent homestuffs (all very art deco) and a good menswear selection. It’s rare that the lowest point of a vintage shop is actually their womenswear, but that’s the case here.
There’s some cool stuff and it’s fun too look around, but it ain’t cheap and I’ve never found anything I’ve been tempted to buy. But, it’s a really well decked out shop and it’s still fun to look around.

Circus is a vintage shop in Kingly Court (off Carnaby Street). Unlike most vintage shops the emphasis here seems to be on paraphernalia and furniture rather than clothing.
It is an attractive shop arranged with a slight knockabout charm. They stock a good range of items. I’m often in the area and so enjoy looking about. I rarely seem to buy anything, though this is due to a lack of inclination on my part rather than a reflection of the quality of the stock. When I was last in I did see a cute peach girls’ hat, however, I ended up leaving it as I’ve not had much luck buying clothes for girls.
Recommended if you are looking for vintage home ware.

I love the name, the location (in sparkly, buzzing Kingly Court), the fun vibe inside (warm and relaxed, as retro should be)… It’s a joy to wander through with eyes peeled. Problem is, I never find anything I have to have. It’s one of those frustrating places where so much looks covetable from afar — particularly amongst the plethora of home accessories — but when you really hone in, it just doesn’t deliver. A bit like playing in your grandmother’s attic.
That said, something keeps bringing me back here… the fun of the hunt, I suppose.

Stromboli’s Circus is a shop for the consummate vintage lover, selling not just fashion and accessories but furniture and collectibles to boot. Despite the occasional gem from the seventies Boutique Movement to be found by the likes of Biba and Jean Varon, Stromboli’s Circus lacks in its sartorial focus what it makes up for with its sometimes brilliant homewares.
I’ll forever regret not snapping up a strawberry icecream coloured fifties glass chandelier I spotted at Stromboli’s last year, a relative snip at £150 considering you’d pay more like £250 at one of East London’s vintage boutiques. This is Stromboli’s strength and I’d recommend regular visits to find the best pieces.
That said, prices for clothing and accessories can be on the silly side. I spotted a pair of eighties snakeskin courts at £120 which would retail at nearer £45 in even Blondie, East London’s chicest vintage boutique. Central London is probably not the most economical place to find your vintage but if you do happen to find yourself on Carnaby Street Stromboli’s Circus is, if not ‘The Greatest Shop on Earth’ then nothing if not an experience.

this «bespoke vintage lifestyle store» might not be the greatest shop on earth, but it is quite good. This is vintage for the seasoned professional, perhaps the kind of person that makes sure every detail of their life from underwear to tea cosy to boyfriend, is from a different era; someone dedicated to the retro cause.
Stromboli’s circus is like walking into a time warp; complete with musty smell and the kind of fuzzy glow of a 70s photograph, it’s very charming and almost like a museum rather than a shop. I think what sets them apart is the focus on furniture and fittings as well as clothes and shoes. They have an abundance of both and my favourite things here are the rows and rows of swirly patterned 60s curtains, like something straight off the set of Austin Powers.

From the outside, this place looks really great. The window display is fantastic and always inspires me to take a little look inside.
The shop itself is a lot bigger than it’s vintage neighbour in Kingly Court, Sam Greenberg Vintage. They sell vintage furniture, clothes, accessories and other little bits and bobs.
I’m a huge vintage fiend but, although this place seems to have an abundance of choice, I’m yet to find anything worth actually purchasing here. The dresses aren’t out of this world and the shoes are pretty mediocre, although I must say everything is in pristine condition.
I much prefer the furniture, housewares and accessories here. They are, again, in great condition and seem affordable enough too.
This place is OK but nothing special at all. A nice addition to Kingly Court’s slew of vintage stores but a little bit disappointing compared to the rest…