London Shopping Steals & Deals

London Shopping Steals & 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 you're not fussy about labels, there are even more choices. Primark (499-517 Oxford St., Oxford St., W1K 7DA. 020/7495-0420. Tube: Marble Arch) is fantastic for low-cost, high-fashion clothing. The huge, two-story Oxford Street flagship is the best place to shop, although keep in mind you get what you pay for; some of the fabrics and finishes betray their low prices. If you don't mind paying a little more, try COS (222 Regent St., Mayfair, W1B 5BD. 020/7478-0400. Tube: Oxford Circus). Short for Collection of Style, this store is the upscale sibling of Swedish chain H&M, offering classic separates for men and women in fine fabrics such as linen, silk, and cashmere. The look is grown-up and subtle, and the prices are in line with mid-range British chains. You may think having a suit custom-made in the city famous for its tailoring traditions is beyond your means, but there are less costly options away from hallowed Savile Row. Contemporary tailors Pokit (53 Lamb's Conduit St., Bloomsbury, WC1N 3NB. 020/7430-9782. Closed Sun. Tube: Holborn) offer sharp but comfortable made-to-measure suits for men and women from just £500. And if your budget is tighter, you can score a secondhand Savile Row suit at Old Hat.