London Shopping Steals and Deals

Although London has never been known as a budget-shopping destination, when the pound is strong, prices can seem stratospheric. No matter what currency you are using, there are still bargains to be had, as long as you know where, and when, to look. To get the maximum mileage out of your cash, visit during the widespread biannual sales, which kick off in late June and just after Christmas, and last about a month. For the best choices and biggest discounts, head to a department store such as Selfridges.

Fashion insiders attend the many sales held throughout the year, from big warehouse clearances, such as the Designer Warehouse Sales (www.designerwarehousesales.com) and Designer Sales UK (www.designersales.co.uk), to individual designers' sample sales—check out www.fashionconfidential.co.uk or www.dailycandy.com/london for information, and to register for updates. London outlets, such as Browns Labels for Less, Paul Smith Sale Shop, and the Joseph Sale Shop on the King's Road, offer year-round designer bargains. If time permits, travel outside London to Bicester Village (www.bicestervillage.com), a luxury outlet mall in Oxfordshire. It's completely worth the nearly one-hour train journey, if only for the opportunity to score an item from such highly coveted British brands as Alexander McQueen, Temperley, Mulberry, and Thomas Pink.

If you're not fussy about labels, there are even more choices.

Primark. Primark is fantastic for low-cost, trendy clothing. At the huge, two-story Oxford Street flagship (there are other branches in Hammersmith and Kilburn), keep in mind you get what you pay for; some of the fabrics and finishes reflect the store's budget prices. This is the home of fast, youthful, disposable fashion, so don't expect attentive service or classic styling and you won't be disappointed. 499 Oxford St., Soho, London, W1K 7DA. 020/7495-0420. www.primark.co.uk. Tube: Marble Arch.

Pokit. Contemporary tailors Pokit offer sharp but comfortable made-to-measure suits for men and women from just £800 (jackets £500), plus a wide range of leather goods. 132 Wardour St., Soho, London, W1F 8ZW. 020/7434-2875. www.pokit.co.uk. Closed Sun. Tube: Tottenham Court Rd., Oxford Circus.