London shopping - An Insider guide!

London shopping - An Insider guide!

With sterling offering such tempting bang for our euro right now, a trip to London is well timed to snap up those key Spring looks hitting the high street and beyond. Catering for all walk of stylista, London is vast so if you want to make the most of a two day trip, equip yourself with our guide to the hot spots. Taking London area-by-area, we’ve focused on our favorites spots from a recent visit.

Central London:

Oxford Street – we’re all fitted with a homing device for this high street mecca but why spend your whole day there when you could just as likely be on Henry Street. For a quick fix, hit Topshop and New Look and Selfridges for pricier, fashion forward pieces.
Carnaby Way – is located at the top of Oxford Street and is a true hidden gem. It boasts a Steve Madden shoe boutique (the US king of footwear that has yet to hit Irish stores), and an arcade full of vintage shops that house much cheaper vintage handbags, jewellery and clothing than the basement vintage hive in Topshop.
South Molton Street (off mid-Oxford Street towards Old Bond Street) – if you’re an accessories addict and covet the crystal drop earrings and chunky bangles worn by every self respecting celeb, take a deep breath before you tackle this side street. It boasts Kurt Geiger, Moda en Pelle and bling emporium Butler & Wilson! The costume jewellery at Butler & Wilson is amazing and they also stock designer vintage dresses that are to die for (but be warned, they are pricey).

East:

Spitalfields Market – Spitalfields has an excellent vibe and the shops don’t get any funkier. The vintage stalls take place every Thursday but don’t fret if you’re visiting on Saturday, there are still a handful of shops worth visiting including Dolly Dare for edgy designs starting from £65.
Absolute Vintage – is among my all time favourite vintage stores, offering one of the best ranges of designer vintage I have ever seen – 60’s and 70’s Gucci and Dior clutches, Manolo and Gina shoes from times past, pre-loved Hermes and Louis Vuitton scarves.
Beyond Retro – think Wild Child but 10 times bigger, this vast warehouse of vintage goodies is a favourite with fashion magazines galore in the UK due to it housing items from practically every decade. The prices are unbelievably reasonable and while it’s a bit rough and tumble, it’s definitely a destination shop!

West (Kensington and Chelsea):

Harrods, Knightsbrige – a visit to Harrods is about pure spectacle and if you have time to spare, the shoe boudoir is a must. Harrods do luxury goods like no other and whether you’ve the spends or not, it’ll have you salivating!
Sloane Square – is home Harvey Nics and many boutiques and is similar to our Westbury Mall / Clarendon Street area. If you’re looking for something a little different at mid to high range prices this area is definitely worth a stroll.
Portobello Road Market – much further West on the tube is Portobello Market where young designers and vintage stalls are a-plenty. The market goes on for miles so discipline is definitely needed or you could end up unintentionally whiling away a few hours here.

North:

Camden Market - is the main attraction in this area of London. The market can be a bit of a mish-mash tourist trap but it does feature some good stalls from up and coming designers. Also, head to the Stables Market for a number of good vintage shops like Thea Vintage, Lost and Found and What Goes Around Comes Around.