Blackout

Located on Kensington place, Blackout is a very cute little shop. It is a girly version of Ali Baba’s cavern, full of colourful jewellery, clothes and home accessories, I really like this place. You never know what you will find in this shop, but you’ll never leave it with empty hands.

This shop is called Blackout because when they opened in the 80’s, everything in the other shops was black. This store bucked that trend; in Blackout black was out, and they are crammed to the gunnels with a kaleidoscopic array of bright and colourful bits and pieces of jewellery, homeware and clothing. Their products are sourced from south-​east Asia and India and are very affordable. I saw a vest top in there with a part printed, part embroidered patten that was £22; not bad for something unique that has obviously had some work go into it. The lady in the shop was also very friendly, they clearly enjoy what they do. It’s a bit more out of the way than some of the shops in the North Laine, tucked around the corner from Yashar Bish, but they’ve been there for a long time, I hope they stay for a long time to come.

Walking into Blackout is a cross between walking into 50s and the set of South Pacific. Awash with colour, kitsch and just a smidgen of sentimentality, you can’t help but grin at the sheer audacity of this place to stand out from the crowd. Frankly there isn’t a lot you really NEED in this store but there’s an awful lot of stuff that you can’t help wanting.
From polka-​dot luggage to bamboo or garland curtains, from Bollywood posters to recycled shopping baskets, you certainly can’t walk in here and claim boredom. The people who run this shop obviously travel a lot and have a great eye for the unusual.

Blackout is an amazing little shop located just off the main drag in the North Laines. In contrast to the shop’s name, it is in fact a rainbow paradise of wonderful, unusual gift ideas. It reminds me of a more inspiring and ram-​shackled version of Kath Kidtson– there’s bunting, floral plates, printed bags– but everything is done with an original twist.
The shop is packed with the most vibrant stuff. wrapping paper, cards, bangles, ornaments, jewellery, soaps, candle holders and more. You have to take a moment to let your eyes adjust but then you could spend literally hours rifling through the kitsch kitchen ware and pretty necklaces and hair ornaments. At Christmas, they have a great selection of colourful birds, perfect for jazzing up the Christmas tree. If you head to the back of the shop, you’ll find pretty, reasonably-​priced scarves and some really lovely handmade cushion covers.
If you’re in need of a present, but are lacking inspiration, Black Out will probably provide the answer. I usually find there’s just too much to choose from!

The name Blackout is a little misleading as this Brighton institution is actually an Aladdin’s Cave packed with the most colourful and kitsch items you’ll ever come across.
The front of the shop is devoted to a breath-​taking array of irresistible homeware from melamine beakers, tin plates and candy colours crosses to Mexican day of the dead dolls and kitsch religious iconography whilst the middle is devoted to gorgeous jewellery and silk scarves. Sourced on the owners extensive travels, they come from as far and wide as Asia, India, China, Singapore and Mexico.
At the side and back of the shop is a truly astonishing selection of tin suitcases, recycled bags and absolutely gorgeous silk shirts, jackets, trousers and ponchos. What’s more, they seem to be available in every colour under the rainbow from acid green and turquise to raspberry and violet.
If they gave me a pillow and a sleeping bag, I would happily move in here…

Nice little gift shop with a good selection of cards. Staff were nice and I would like to browse in it more.

This shop stocks recycled goods. Items made from such things as carrier bags. They make 80% of their stock! What shop can claim this?
There is jewelery and nik-​naks at good rates. Anyone wanting to buy an unusal gift will find something here that one cannot get elsewhere.
The staff are very talkative. German Tv filmed this shop as a guide to the city. They used only 3 venues.