Suz what a brilliant reason for SYC! No further suggestions to those above but I am so excited for you.

Oh Suz, March will be here in no time

If you are shopping solo and have a day to spend I would head to Covent Garden for sure http://www.coventgardenlondonu.....ear/page/1 once there you will have an arsenal of stores at your disposal.

I think you may find Nicole Farhi a good match for your style Suz she is known for a simple aesthetic with luxe fabrics, her knitwear is divine.
http://www.nicolefarhi.com/bra.....coleFarhi/

It may also be fun to watch the new drama series Mr Selfridge before hitting the department store on Oxford Street http://www.selfridges.com/

Ooh, Julie- thank you for those links - off to peruse!!!

Unfrumped, that is sage advice. I aim to take it!

And Jen - you will be in Canada? Well....we must hear more!!

This is so exciting, Suz. I got some really good pj's from primark there. So cheap and comfy. Do check out Zara. I loved their collection and Oxford Street is a must visit if you want to find a lot of good stores in one place. One thing I noticed while shopping in London was their shoe collections. They have tons of styles at every store. So much more variety and different styles. House of Frasers and Debbenhams are also good. Also Topshop, Marks and Spencer, Mango and TK Maxx.

What Jules, said

How exciting!!! I'm happy for you Suz! xo

So exciting:)

I kept this link for a link love & forgot about it until now. I haven't looked at them all but it gives you a feel for the types of things that are around.

http://www.elleuk.com/fashion/designers-to-know

This one is an old one from 2011 but worth a look - couldn't link so I'll cut & paste below:

Louis Vuitton's Maison (17-18 New Bond Street; 020 3214 9300) is a must-visit, if only to check out the impressive art collection and limited edition books. Selfridges (400 Oxford Street; 0800 123 400) recently unveiled its shoe galleries, home to everything from Kurt Geiger to Givenchy and perfect for a spot of retail therapy. When it comes to finding the newest names, head straight for the legendary Browns (23-27 South Molton Street; 020 7514 0000) or East London's Start Boutique (42-44 Rivington Street; 020 7033 3951). And, of course, don't forget a trip to Topshop's Oxford Street mecca.

Oooh - so exciting - thank you all for these great links!!

Yay, that's a great reason to SYC! And it won't be so hard when you think about all the great things you can get in London, not too long away.

Sometimes it's good to step back and take a breather. The time will go by, and it IS possible to survive, even with gaping wardrobe holes (I'm doing it....)

I wish I could recommend shopping in London. Have been a number of times and never so much as bought a t-shirt there! I do remember everything being quite expensive, so start saving. Can't wait to see what you bring back!

I know. i have been to London several times and love the city. But the only thing I bought there was books. I don't intend to do a lot of shopping, actually. I just hope to bring back one or two things that will feel unique and great to wear.

Suz you lucky duck! I was just in London this past summer meeting my boyfriend's parents. I brought home two lovely scarves and a handbag. I did a lot of window shopping, and found some gorgeous things, but the exchange rate was killer for my meager shopping budget. To that end, I think you should think of a wardrobe hole that you really want to fill, and shop with purpose.
And when in doubt, scarves. The scarves in London are gorgeous, well made, and cheap. Who could ask for more?

Scarves are great b/c they pack up well. So I will do that for sure. But I am thinking a handbag...I REALLY need one. And that might be the spot. Also, perhaps, a jacket.

launer, handbag purveyor to the queen
http://launer.com/handbags/

or if you're a thatcherite
http://www.asprey.com/collection/leather/handbags

of course...barbour is a classic. burberry is too chav.
http://www.barbour.com/womens-classic-collection

get the jacket with a suede patch against which you can rest your hunting rifle.

enjoy london! eat lots, shop lots.

Hooray for you!!! Plus, I was reflecting that you probably have the build to at least sometimes fit Euro sizing! Not everyone does. . .