https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:30:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84395 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:51:00 +0000 Anonymous 84395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jean, this trip sounds like so much fun! The students will probably want to shop some too, if only for graphic tees and gifts. Have a glorious time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84342 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:04:57 +0000 Inge 84342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very late in the game here, but I just wanted to wish you a FANTASTIC trip Jean. Sounds like you'll be having loads of fun. It's been ages since I've been in London, and I've never been to Edinburgh (have translated lots of material about the city though), but I just thought of AllSaints. They have a shop in London and in Edinburgh, they have a bit of a utilitarian vibe going on and carry quite a few leather jackets with an edge.</p> <p><a href="http://www.allsaints.com/womens/" rel="nofollow">http://www.allsaints.com/womens/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84230 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:36:02 +0000 Anonymous 84230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so excited for you Jean. Can't wait to hear about your trip when you return and I hope you share lot's of pictures with us!!!!!<br /> Have a good and safe trip.<br /> Love San </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84194 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:12:36 +0000 Angie 84194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s so fab that we have pukka people from the UK offering their valuable suggestions! I just checked in with my very stylish SIL who lives in London and she echos my feedback. Have fun Jean!!!</p> <p>Ana and Jean – you are both referring to two different biker jackets. Of course, Ana likes the designer piece! I’ve had it for years and it cost a pretty penny but was well worth it. It’s belted, has a HUGE collar and looks brad new after considerable wear. Exquisite quality. It causes a stir whenever I wear it: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/04/ylf-gathering-fab-and-the-city/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/.....-the-city/</a></p> <p>The sleeveless style is a cheapie from a Euro chain store, but I love it just as much. It’s made of a washable satin/rayon and goes straight into my washing machine: </p> <p> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/31/spring-2009-update-turquoise-scarf/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....ise-scarf/</a></p> <p>You WILL find your biker jackets. I am sure of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84136 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:23:52 +0000 RoseandJoan 84136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I imagine by the time you hit Edinburgh, you will chain stored out and looking for something a little different. I always make a point of heading to Cockburn Street just off the Royal Mile for a small boutique called Cookie which sells all of the vintage inspired pieces I love and Armstrongs on the Grassmarket is an absolute aladins cave of vintage scarves, handbags, dresses ect. I am always squirelled away in there for far too long and emerge squinting at the sum like a little mole. </p> <p>Of course if you are after the high street, Princes Street is a must. </p> <p>I would definately look out Vin Cafe on Multress Walk for the best italian lunches in the city.</p> <p>Oooh, I am so excited for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84135 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:19:52 +0000 Louise 84135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jean if you're after cheap and cheerful there is a huge Primark on Oxford street. It has trendy copies and good layering basics, can sometimes be like a jumble sale but if you can get past that there can be some good buys x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-84132 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:54:57 +0000 anne 84132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>London Kiwi, Just wanted to say (a little late) how much I enjoyed reading your long post. It is 13 years since I had a few days in London, but I am a bit of an Anglophile, and it was so evocative and made me want to go there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83720 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:06:37 +0000 greenglove 83720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The collarless one with diagonal zipper, cropped and very biker. I think it is the same one Ana likes.<br /> Ana, not too tough at all for you!!(IMO)<br /> You would soften it up!! it is the perfect, timeless style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83715 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:03:04 +0000 Ana 83715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the one you were wearing in your New York post, with the paisley pashmina scarf you beheaded the fringe on. I just wonder if that style is "too tough" for me. I really like the "collarless" style jackets. It would be wonderful if I could find one like that in caramel or charcoal grey, but I'd take black too. I thought the softer colors would make it seem less tough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83714 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:02:41 +0000 greenglove 83714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh you guys are sooo generous, I am taking notes. I have to squeeze shopping in somehow. We are with students and my husband is teaching a theater class so we spend most of our time at the theater and museums. We then take the train to Scotland for the Edinburgh fringe festival. Loads of fun.<br /> Londonkiwi- I printed your map!! I cannot believe the Gap is that different, I will have to check that out. I will be near the National theater much of the time and will scope out shops nearby.<br /> Ana,<br /> It is really hard to locate that style jacket- I will also keep you posted!! I loved the brown Vince jacket Anne Hathaway wore in the last Devil wears Prada scene. Out of my budget and silver hardware. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83711 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:57:22 +0000 Angie 83711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have three biker jackets! Which style Jean and Ana ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83686 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:59:18 +0000 Ana 83686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never been to London, so I don't have any suggestions (you've already gotten a TON of great ones, anyway). Just wanted to tell you to have a fun and safe trip! You too, Angie!</p> <p>Jean, you and I are looking for almost the same moto jacket, I think (I want caramel or charcoal, but same style as Angie's). If I see anything in my shopping travels, I will definitely let you know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83684 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:52:48 +0000 Angie 83684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW! Ele and LK – you rock! A magnificent summary. I agree 100% . Thank you. </p> <p>My favourite areas to shop in London are Convent Garden, Sloane Square and Noting Hill. If I have to go to a High Street, it’s Regent Street and not Oxford. </p> <p>You have to go to the cheap Euro chain stores like Zara, MNG and H&#38;M, but I’d throw in Topshop, Reiss, Whistles, Jigsaw and Hobbs too. I LOVE Selfridges and Lewis as well (department stores). Mexx is a fab Dutch chain store that is always worth a look. Inge does well there. </p> <p>Actually, Gap in the UK is fab. Much better than here. My family in London does well at the Gap. Surprise! </p> <p>Have fun! I'll be away in South Africa when you're in London. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83627 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:38:49 +0000 Ele 83627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic info from londonkiwi, I second it all! </p> <p>Though Oxford Street and Regent Street are indeed the "main shopping drags" here in London, you don't really need to go near either for a good day of shopping. Unless I need to visit one of the main department stores, I try to avoid the West End at all costs- it's so crowded! </p> <p>I like shopping near Covent Garden/Long Acre, which lk also mentioned. It has most of the big chain shops. For a change of pace, I like to go to High Street Ken ("Kensington High Street" tube) for my shopping- loads of chain and indie shops and even a Topshop and M&#38;S, too. The King's Road in Chelsea is great, too. All the higher-end high street shops are there, and there's a big John Lewis (confusingly called Peter Jones, but the same thing) at one end. </p> <p>If you're looking for a nice day of sightseeing, good food and a bit of shopping, you can't do better than Hampstead Village in north London. The heath is great for walking, there are some art galleries and places of interest, and loads of great cafes and restaurants. The shops there are a mix of high street and lovely independent boutiques- I've found great stuff here. Marylebone High Street has a similar feeling (but without the fabulous heath). </p> <p>In terms of shops, lk mentioned a lot of the ones we have- H&#38;M, Topshop, Zara, Gap. When friends visit me, though, I try to take them to places that are only in the UK, or at least much easier to find here. With that in mind, some of my favourite places to shop are: </p> <p>Gap- sounds strange to start with this, but the merchandise is different in the UK. There is a London-based design team for the Euro stores, and about 90% of the merchandise in unique to the stuff in North America. It tends to be a bit more fashion-forward, so it's always worth checking out. </p> <p>Whistles- my absolute favourite shop! Feminine, often retro, great use of print and colour. Their new design director, Jane Shepardson (of Topshop fame) has really stepped up the fashion factor and the new season's merchandise is FAB. </p> <p>Jigsaw- I also love Jigsaw, which has a slightly bohemian, arty, intellectual feeling to its collections. The brand uses colour really well and I always like the fall collections. Jean, I've always thought of you as a Jigsaw girl, because of your colouring and artistic sense Has a less expensive and "softer" little sister brand called Kew which is nice, too (there's one at High Street Ken). </p> <p>Reiss- gorgeous clothing. Very upper end of the high street in terms of prices, but excellent quality too. Very much led by high fashion. </p> <p>COS- H&#38;M's high-end, more mature line, though you'd never guess because it's branded completely independently. Very edgy, with the focus on interesting shapes in basic solids (not a lot of print). Even better for men than women- especially slim ones. There are two shops in London, one on Regent Street and one on Long Acre in Covent Garden. </p> <p>LK Bennet- makes great shoes but nice clothing, too (one on the King's Road) </p> <p>Mexx- I haven't shopped here for years but I know Angie is a fan, so it's got to be good! :)</p> <p>Hobbs- From the outside, this place looks a bit stale and "old lady", but they make nice clothing. I've never bought anything, but my sister gets nice suits and wrap dresses here, and they always have great retro-style dresses in the window that catch my eye. </p> <p>Massimo Dutti- I think this brand is Italian, but I'm not sure where else they are in the world. I've shopped there occasionally- some nice stuff. </p> <p>Uniqlo- obviously not British but I know they're not everywhere in the States, and I have good luck here. Great for skinnies and V-neck cashmere sweaters in every colour of the rainbow. </p> <p>Agnes B- Lovely modern but nostalgic French brand, worldwide but obviously not in every city. There are branches in Hampstead and Marylebone Village.</p> <p>Hmmm, I think that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure more will come to me, though! If you're interested in food, I'll second lk on the Borough Market rec! This is one of my favourite places in London, and though I shop more at my local farmer's market, I love going here every now and then. The best coffee shop in the city, Monmouth Coffee, is right next to the market (there is another in Covent Garden on Monmouth Street). There is usually a line but it's worth the wait! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83624 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:36:26 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 83624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It took me ages to get my head around shopping in London - I come from a city with 2 main shopping streets! But I will have a go and I am sure that others will jump in ...</p> <p>Basically there are two main shopping streets - Regent Street and Oxford Street. Both have the standard "chain" or "high street" stores like Gap, Zara, H&#38;M and Next, but Regent Street has a slightly more upmarket feel. Oxford Street has the big Top Shop and also department stores like M&#38;S, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Selfridges. Selfridges is probably the most up market of all of these.</p> <p>Slightly off Regent Street is Carnaby Street area - it has slightly more edgier shops and a good selection of cafes and places to eat. One of my favourite cafes is there Scared Cafe (Ganton Street), it does great coffee. Also off this area is the entrance to Liberty department store, which is pretty luxe, but also fab and worth a look.</p> <p>The other two major department stores are Harvey Nichols and of course Harrods - I generally look but don't buy ;). These are both in Knightsbridge - still reasonably central.</p> <p>Another area that I really like to shop in is around Covent Garden, on Long Acre and in what is sometimes known as the Seven Dials. There is a good range of "chain stores" and boutiques in this area and sometimes it is less crowded than Oxford Street (which is often just a sea of people!).</p> <p>There is also the new Westfield Mall, which opened last October in Shepherds Bush.</p> <p>Also visit Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly - great for presents to take home.</p> <p>My two favourite markets are Borough Market for food (I shop there weekly) and Spitalfields Market which has clothes, jewellery etc. Borough Market is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For Spitalfields it is Thursday for vintage and antiques, Friday for fashion and art and Sunday is all stalls.</p> <p>Since I am up at a ridiculous time on a Sunday morning I have done a little google map of where everything is located - <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&#038;hl=en&#038;msa=0&#038;msid=111674510157224900884.000470229ee2c9c941d2b&#038;ll=51.519425,-0.102997&#038;spn=0.047854,0.153637&#038;z=13" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/.....&#038;z=13</a></p> <p>Fi </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83595 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:40:19 +0000 PalmFronds 83595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, I am in on this question too. I leave for London on the 1st and a leather jacket is at the top of my list too. Can't wait to see the suggestions for good but not crazy-money shopping </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83558 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:27:40 +0000 Angie 83558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where do I start with shopping in London! My head is SPINNING! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-in-london#post-83555 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:58:52 +0000 greenglove 83555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am leaving for London and Edinburgh Scotland next week for about 12 days. Wondering about great shopping. I am still looking for the perfect, classic moto jacket. (like Angie's) but a warm brown with gold hardware. I know it is practically impossible for me to find one simple but with classic edge. (especially in brown but if the black had gold hardware, I would consider. Nothing has thrilled me so far and I am totally willing to wait as this will be a big purchase. Any great places that anyone knows of? Not just for leather jackets but for fun. </p>