Proof if proof be needed that twinning London and New York is a fabulous idea – check out the Wish You Were Here Swap, happening in Carnaby Street this month.

In September, fifteen boutiques from the Newburgh Quarter, off Carnaby Street in London, set up shop in the Lower East Side for a month of shopping, parties, fashion shows and that most English of pastimes (for those who felt like Revisiting Brideshead) croquet!

Now it is London’s turn to feel the Yankee force as  Earnest Sewn, Hairy Mary’s Vintage & Design, In God We Trust and twelve other boutiques hit the Newburgh Quarter for a month. Expect guerrilla fashion shows, a shopping evening and of course a proper American style Halloween! ( This is opposed to a British Halloween which involves trudging around the empty streets in a plastic witch’s hat whilst bemused neighbours rummage around for stale digestive biscuits and old bounty bars to give you so you will go away.)

Glancing out the window now (yes, I admit bias as I work a mere street away from the Newburgh Quarter) I can already see American flags a’fluttering and am looking forward to the month ahead..and all the exclusive American designs I can buy and then not see ten other people wearing down the pub on Friday! (a.k.a Primark fatigue)

Keep checking their website and twitter for news of upcoming events.