At least once a year I get myself to London for a fabulous shopping trip. I feel London offers such an incredible shopping adventure, with everything from funky markets to the most sensational selection of department stores in the whole world.
Getting there
I always fly with Virgin Atlantic as I’m obsessed with their Upper Class Suite: the super comfy bed, the inflight entertainment, the scrumptious high tea and I always make good use of the onboard stand up bar. After a few great meals, a couple of movies and a good long sleep I wake up in London and it’s time to shop!
Here are my Top 10 must-do shopping experiences.
1. I adore the two new Westfield shopping centres in London, located at Shepherds Bush (West London) and Stratford City (East London). Every possible brand you want is under the one stylish roof. Being a Westfield National Stylist, I filmed this fun video earlier this year at Westfield Stratford and on the streets of London – check it out for some fab tips.
2. Selfridges is one of the world’s finest department stores and dominates the west end of Oxford Street. This incredible store has six tantalizing floors offering ten acres of shopping space, eleven places to dine and countless other services. I could easily spend a day in here, the range of brands will make your head spin.
3. Oxford Street – Wear some comfy shoes and be prepared to do some walking. The heart of London shopping, is the bustling Oxford Street where you will find more than three hundred shops, designer outlets and department stores such as Zara, Topshop, H&M, John Lewis, and the must see Debenhams. While here be sure to visit St Christopher’s Place (23 Barrett Street London) for some beautiful boutique style shopping.
4. Bond Street is one of the most stylish shopping streets in London. Here you will find Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, plus loads more designer stores. I usually just come here to do some good old window shopping and to get inspired. Then I head to the affordable high street to shop (see tip 8).
5. Brick Lane in East London is jam packed with trendy clubs, bars and warehouse art exhibitions. Every Sunday the streets are lined with people selling everything from vintage fashion to bric-a-brac. You’ll never know what you’ll find but that’s what I love about this place. I often bring my camera and take snaps of stylish people on streets. My favourite vintage shops here are Beyond Retro and Rokit.
6. Covent Garden – If I had to live anywhere in London it would be Covent Garden. While there, check out the Covent Garden Markets and the Seven Dials shopping district. I always pop into Blackout II, a fabulous vintage shop that has been operating for nearly two decades.
7. Knightsbridge – When I head to this fancy part of town, I usually like to dress up and blend in with the locals (any excuse to dress up really!). While here you must vsit the prestigious department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. They are both so different, yet offer top designer brands and a fabulous shopping experience. I do however feel Harvey Nic’s offers a cooler range of brands, Harrods is a little more old school.
The famous Harrods
8. The best thing about London is the ‘High Street’ which is jam-packed with super affordable stores offering budget buys. Look out for brands such as Primark, Topshop, Zara, New Look, TK Maxx, H&M and Uniqlo. I always believe its not how much you spend but how you wear it.
9. For my dose of culture I prefer to visit designer flagship stores. I love checking out the flagship stores of top British designers such as Vivienne Westwood (430 Kings Road, Kensington), Burberry (165 Regent Street) and Alexander McQueen (4-5 Old Bond St, London). I usually don’t buy anything; I just admire and appreciate the incredible craftsmanship. It’s a bit like going to an art gallery!
10. Spitalfields is a unique and vibrant market in East London. Here you will find funky vintage markets and antique furniture. I go here to find those hidden gems to use in photo shoots or discover up and coming designers.
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