Shopping in London

London Shopping

As befits one of the great trading capitals of the world, London's shops have been known to boast, "You name it, we sell it." Finding and buying "it" can be a delight (the private fitting rooms at couturier Vivienne Westwood) or a trial (mobbed Oxford Street on a Saturday morning). No matter where you head in this city, you'll find you can melt as much plastic as your wallet can stand. You can shop like royalty at Her Majesty's glove maker, run down a leather-bound copy of Wuthering Heights at a Charing Cross bookseller, or find flea-market goodies on Portobello Road. Whether out for fun—there's nothing like those amazing street markets to stimulate the acquisitive juices—or for fashion, London can be the most rewarding of hunting grounds.

Although it's impossible to pin down one particular look that defines the city, homegrown designers like Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson, Paul Smith, and Alice Temperley stand out for their quirky, eccentric designs. London is, after all, the city that introduced punk, miniskirts, and Mod fashion to the world. If you're after a more traditional look, however, head to Jermyn Street and Savile Row, which still retain their old-world look and feel—and there's no better place in the city to buy custom-made shirts and suits. If your budget can't stretch to Savile Row, no problem. The city's High-street chain stores like Topshop, Oasis, Reiss, and French Connection are excellent places to pick up designs straight from the catwalk, at a fraction of the price. And don't forget London's markets, known for their size, variety, and sheer street theater.

Apart from bankrupting yourself, the only problem you may encounter is exhaustion. London's shopping districts are spread out all over the city, so do like the locals do. Plan your excursion with military precision, taking in only one or two areas in a day, and stop for a hearty English lunch with a glass of wine or a pint at a pub.

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