As every month, here's my "guide" dedicated to shopping around the world. The city I chose this time is London (how couldn't it be in the upcoming Olympics?), a city that I particularly love: it's a great mix of tradition, elegance and poise, with a deep rock sould and an innovative, young and open spirit, and that reminds me so many moments...
You know, shopping is an important part of every travel. No one can resist to temptation of buy something that will remind that travel forever. But few city are perfect for shopping as London is. Shopping in London is an event. You can find whatever you're looking for, litteraly! Whether you choose a low cost shopping, whether you want to shop like a member of the Royal Family, buying clothes and shoes that cost as a trip to Maldives. There's something for every taste and all budgets.
London is the Mecca of all fashion addicted and, as every city, has its shopping street: we have Oxford Street (with many modern fashion stores), Knightbridge (the home of Harvey Nichols), Covent Garden, Regent Street (there are a lot of store/laboratory where you can buy pieces of the collections of young designers), Carnaby Street, Portobello, Bond Street (where you will find english and international designers), Soho, one of the most interesting and multiethnic districts of London where you can find the most interesting shops of the city in Gerrard Street, Gerrard Place, Wardourd Street and Newport Place, King's Road (center of young fashion, english designers and artists, antiques, department stores), Old Bond Strett (for an expensive shopping in stores like Nicole Fahr, Chanel and Gianni Versace), Roman Road (second hand shopping).
For the lovers of low cost fashion I suggest stores like Urban outfitters (36/38, Kensington High Street): here you will find a funny and little kitsch style that plays with provocation and exaggeration. A positive note for the originality of accessories: so particular necklaces, pins and watches with very good prices. Urban outfitters lifestyle and concept store (42/56, Earhlam Street): they sale vintage, retro and hipster clothing, accessories and accessories for home. Primark (499/517, Oxford Street): a particular store that sales copies of dresses and accessories that you see on catwalks.
 |
| Urban Outfitters |
So you can wear the trend you want in cheap version. If you find something you like, don't miss the occasion: the offers change every day. New look (500/502, Oxford Street): it offers london fashion with affordable prices. Here you can find a lot of range for your basic looks with always new collections. Topshop (189, Oxford Street): the famous low cost clothing chain chosen by stars and fashion icon as Kate Moss and Olivia Palermo, just to quote some. A similar store is Miss Selfridges that you can find in 216, Oxford Street. Tk Maxx (26/40, Kensington High Street): low cost chains that sale clothing, accessories and household items. BHS, Mark's and Spencer and Tesco (129/137, Marylebone Road - 458, Oxford Street Marylebone - 22/25, Bedford Street): clothing, accessories and household items with mini prices. Claire's (Unit 24b, Trocadero Center, - 7/14, Coventy Street): here you'll find many accessories, jewels and headbands. H/M: another famous low cost store located in 234, Regent Street. Zara (215/219, Oxfrod Street), Mango (225/235, Oxford Street).
 |
| Miss Selfridge |
For a more expensive shopping you can visit flagship stores like Vivienne Westwood (44, Conduit Street), Alexander McQueen (4/5, Old Bond Street), Issey Miyake (52/53, Conduit Street), Jimmy Choo (32, Sloan Street), Burberry (21/23, New Bond Street), just to quote some. Then we have stores like Aquascutum (100, Regent Street), Browns (39, South Molton Street), Couverture and Garbstore (310, King's Road), Harvey Nichols (109/125, Knightbridge), Christie's (85, Old Brompton Road), Antoni and Alison (43, Rosebery Avenue): a great house - museum that sells clothing and household items made by the owners of the house, two photograpers).
 |
| Harvey Nichols |
For who, like me, is mad for shoes, shops to visit are: Berluti (4, Harriet Street), Kate Cuba (26, Brook Street), Natural shoes store (325, King's Road), Selfridge's shoe galleries (Oxford Street), Office (190, Oxford Street). And don't miss these accessories shops: American Retro (35, Old Compton Street), Anya Hindmarch (157, Sloan Street), Octopus (28, Carnaby Street), Pickett (149a, Sloan Street), Stephen Jones (36, Great Queen Street), Tatty Devine (236, Brick Lane), @work (156, Brick Lane).
 |
| Tatty Devine |
For an alternative shopping I suggest you to visit Cyberdog (Unit 14, Stables Market): very peculiar shop in the heart of Camden Town. The products solded are different: clubwear, pants, skirts with crazy cuts, watches that glow in the dark, neon accessories and more: Try it!
If go to London you can't not visit the markets. Portobello Road: is the most turistic of london markets. You can find antiques, vintage clothes, accessories... whatever you want. Brick Lane Market: you can find furniture, food, dvd. New and old thing. A little tip? Go on an empty stomach: you will find delicacies from the whole world, that will whet your appetite! Camden Market: You will find everything: from clothes to accessories, from food to music. I suggest you to visit the victorian building in the center: there are vintage clothes and accessories, new and old pieces (the iconical t-shirts). Covent Garden: A lot of vintage clothing, jewels and carft and the quality/price ratio is excellent.
And I can't not to mention the department stores. Who have never heard of Harrods? It's one of the oldest department stores of London located in 87/135, Brompton Road. Whatever you're looking for, you will find there! Westfield London Shopping center (54a The Broadway): a mega shopping center with more of 300 shops.
 |
| Camden Market |
If you are intentioned to visit London, don't forget to go to Britain and London visitor center (1, Lower Regent Street) and ask about LONDON PASS: with it you can access for free at many exhibitions and events and advantageous promotions for tourists. It's great, isn't it?
So, what you waiting for? London is waiting for you!
As usual, i hope to being helpful with this my little "guide" and you enjoy it. See you next month with I love shopping in Berlin!
