1. LAURA DOLS
Wolvenstraat 7, Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam Centre.
Mainly vintage '50s glamorous dresses: Prom Queen meets Drag Queen. Internationally known.

2. EPISODE
Berenstraat 1, Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam Centre.
"On trend" vintage store, streetwear/festival style. Or find yourself the perfect accessory to finalise your outfit!

3. ZIPPER 
Nieuwe Hoogstraat 10 (Dam) and Huidenstraat 7 (Negen Straatjes), Amsterdam Centre.
For about 30 years a well know low budget vintage store, all the vintage labels you are looking for. Streetwear and bags, scarfs, shoes.

Jutka & Riska Amsterdam.

4. JUTKA & RISKA
Bilderdijkstraat 194, Amsterdam West.
A unique concept with stores in Haarlem, Heemstede en Antwerp. Great mix between their own design, vintage clothing and new brands, such as Numph, Modstrom, Supertrash and a very wide range of accessories to match.

5. AMSTERDAM WATCH COMPANY
Reestraat 3, Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam Centre.
High street brand watches, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Piaget, Chopard, IWC and all the brands you can think of. Small store and you have to ring the bell to enter.   

The newest Personal Health Institute in Amsterdam is called Evolve. The name is appropriate as it is by far the most personal of all health clubs in town and it has a holistic approach to positive chance. Wow - that sounds heavy, but not to worry... everything is cool here. 

Besides personal training, the institute offers physiotherapy, nutritional consulting, beauty therapies, meditation and other relaxation classes/treatments (see the complete list below).

look & feel: Set in an amsterdam canal house, the shop feels rather industrial. Quirky little items are on display at the canal side of the venue, including sexy chocolates and funky toothbrushes. The further you walk into the shop, the larger the design objects, ranging from lighting to furniture by the famous Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. 

pricing: E25 gifts and E250+ chairs.

where: frozen fountain, prinsengracht 654, amsterdam centre.

Impressions of 'the back' of Frozen Fountain, Amsterdam design shop.

Tired of bringing home Delft’s blue miniatures as souvenirs? Then hop on your (rental) bike, discover stunning Amsterdam places where you can also fill your gift bag:

look & feel: ’Step into the centre of Moooi's heart and discover a universe containing extraordinary, playful realities in different scales and compositions. Take your time to discover and enjoy our inspiring stories, unexpected shapes & exciting style. So walk further, into our light... into our dreams…’

pricing: the small accesories are affordable, as are the design books. Furniture... that's a different story.

PS - the new (Hyatt) Andaz Hotel's interior is designed/furnished by Marcel Wanders, whose products are sold at Moooi. 

Also see Bucketlist #14 - Step into the centre of Moooi heart

where: Moooi Gallery, Westerstraat 187, Jordaan Amsterdam.

Impressions of Moooi Gallery Amsterdam.

look & feel: hotel droog is an experience for the aesthetically aware - it's best to experience the different 'rooms' yourself. I can best describe it as breathable & comprehensible beauty. 

pricing: online there are already 90 items under E20, but that Dutchtub that I love is E5k... My very favourite is the tree trunk bench - but first need a 'beach house' to place it in!

where: Hotel Droog, Staalstraat 7b, Amsterdam centre.

Impressions of Hotel Droog - a design experience.

look & feel: Lodsh represents “the flavours of India, the fishing villages of Indonesia, the cultural traditions of Asia, and the warmth of the Spanish patio, but also the rustic charm of Provence and the down-to-earth simplicity of Dutch life."

pricing: Lodsh is not the cheapest home accessory store, yet E20 for a candle holder with its own story (just ask the shop attendant) or E50 for a fruit bowl is not bad, is it?

where: Lodsh, van Baerlestraat 3 between Vondelpark and Museumplein, Amsterdam Oud Zuid.

Impressions of Lodsh - a global design store.

look & feel: restored mostly focuses at bringing young designers’ products to the market. The ‘young and fresh’ look and feel is really present, while at the same time you feel an appreciation for ‘nature and balance’. The items sold are unique, yet uncomplicated and easy-to-appreciate

pricing: many small items (ie leather phone case) are available as of E30. 

where: Restored, Haarlemmerdijk 39, Amsterdam Jordaan. Open during regular shop hours (Mondays as of 13h, closed on Sundays).

Impressions of Restored - a shop representing international young designers.

look & feel: I'd describe Flinders as 'light'. The shop has many windows and is fresh and light as opposed to dark. In addition, it's very approachable for non-artsy people. So, they have a 'light' concept of design, as opposed to having complex views uncomprehensible to amateurs like myself. 

pricing: most affordable, many items are priced under E100, including great gifts for Christmas (<E25). 

where: Flinders Woonwinkel Amsterdam, Meester Treublaan 18, around the corner from Station Amstel, Amsterdam. Open Mon-Sat from 9h - 17h30.

Impressions of design shop cum coffee bar Flinders.

look & feel: raw - unpolished beauty, sometimes recycled, sometimes plain old. 

pricing: most affordable, many items are priced under E100, including great gifts for Christmas (<E25). 

where: Raw materials, Rozengracht 229-233, Amsterdam centre. Open: regular shop hours.

Impressions of Raw Materials.