Book excerpt: An antidote to online retail and fast fashion, the enduring beauty of a vintage item, purchased with all its imperfections and age-worn beauty, is the inspiration behind this new series from Michelle Mason, stylist and founder of Mason & Painter. Vintage Shops London is the first in a series that spans three capital cities; London, Paris and New York. As well as highlighting some of the most inspiring vintage shops in each city, each book offers practical styling tips to show how the reader can recreate their own 'vintage look' capturing the spirit of each place. Over 30 vintage stores and markets from each city are profiled with a description, what it is best known for, and illustrated with sumptuous special photography, which tells the story of each store, its shopkeepers and their inspiration, including behind-the-scenes tips.