| Much to the chagrin of Grandma Paris and Kid Sister Manhattan, London still thrives as the fashion leader who doesn’t give a FCUK. Its latest trend announcements have migrated beyond Carnaby Street (synonymous for “swinging London” in the 1960s) and although a few boutiques and vintage stores remain there and around Covent Garden, you’ll want to also check out King’s Road and Notting Hill for the best of London’s cutting-edge fashion. H&M, a major chain popular in Europe and New York City, specializes in disposable fashion, or ridiculously cheap versions of the latest designs. Of course, if street wear chic isn’t your shopping motivation, there are plenty of other ways and places to spend your money….
For major brand names at medium sized prices and most of London’s department stores, go to Oxford Street, Regent Street. Department stores with medium sized food court prices are located in Knightsbridge, including the ever popular (but rather dungeon-like to be honest) Harrods and towering building and ego of Harvey Nichols.
Designer clad shop a-holics totter on pin-sized heels down Sloane Street and Old/New Bond Street for a swig of Manhatten’s 5th Ave.
Vintage-y books and albums creep towards antique status in stores around Soho, Covent Garden, and Charing Cross Road.
Markets: There are too many to list them all but some of the more pleasant shopping experiences can be found at a select few.
-- Portobello Road on Saturdays for antiques and really good strudel -- Camden Passage on Sundays for antiques, vintage, cheap t-shirts, and the leftovers of the 1970s punk rocker phenomenon -- Spitalfields and Brick Lane on Sundays for worldly food delicacies, crafts, furniture, flowers, organic produce, and, at the latter, Southeast Asian clothing and accessories --Shepard’s Bush on Saturdays and Sundays for a laid-back crowd, music, fresh cooked food stands, and random crafts and furniture. --Berwick Street market Monday through Saturday for fresh produce, cheap fabric, and various made-to-order food stalls, including one of the few crêpe stands in London.
Tip: Remember to get your VAT refund form in stores when you purchase your items! |
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