London Shopping Trip

high street stores
Topshop
That this is our editor-in-chief's favorite store surely says something-many agree that it's the best shopping in London. Topshop's bustling Oxford Circus flagship creates sensory overload in the best possible way: Spread over three levels are so many spot-on clothes and accessories, including limited-edition pieces by upstart designers, that it's best digested in two trips. Best location: 214 Oxford St., 44-20-7927-7863

Reiss
Sophisticated shapes and vintage details define Reiss-which just opened a U.S. outpost-and its exquisite pieces often combine an English feel with a bohemian aesthetic. We love its Kensington store, housed in the same space that Biba occupied back in the '60s. Best location: 19-21 Kensington Church St., 44-20-7938-4574

Muji
Goods from this hyper-minimalist Japanese chain can be found in the States, but there's nothing like shopping the full Muji line in one of its massive stores. Discover all of its cleverly designed, utilitarian items for body and home; scented candles and jeans are the newest arrivals. Best location: 6-17 Tottenham Court Rd., 44-20-7436-1779

Jigsaw
There's something consistently feminine about whatever Jigsaw does-its romantic pieces transcend trends without ever seeming dated (look for loads of floaty pieces this summer). Best location: No. 6 Duke of York Square, Kings Rd., 44-20-7730-4404

River Island
If it was on the runway, you're likely to find a budget-conscious interpretation of it here; that means paisley-print caftans and agate necklaces are in abundance this season. Best location: 301-309 Oxford St., 44-20-7491-3229

Oasis
Cheery and fun describes the trendy offerings from this fast-fashion staple. British designer Ann-Louise Roswald, adored for her offbeat prints, is doing an exclusive line for Oasis called Love Rosa-and it's worth checking out. Best location: 12-14 Argyll St., 44-20-7434-1799

So many shoes, so little time
From limited-edition sneakers to diamanté-studded stilettos, incredible footwear abounds in the UK.
LK Bennett (83 Kings Rd., 44-20-7352-8066) is the savior of working women, thanks to her stylish, office-appropriate heels. High street favorite Office (57 Neal St., 44-20-7379-1896) carries a massive range of budget-conscious styles (look for exclusive Terry de Havilland platforms and Heidi-like Tatty Devine clog sandals). Poste Mistress (61-63 Monmouth St.,44-7379-4040) stocks tons of offbeat designs by small, hard-to-find designers; while at beloved chain Shellys (159 Oxford St., 44-20-7437-5842), the pickings are consistently playful and fun.

Editor's pick
Graham & Green
4 and 10 Elgin Crescent, 44-20-7727-4594 "This décor shop makes me wish I lived in London-it's neither too traditional nor too modern, and the mix is amazing: from Chinese wire lanterns to groovy Lucite chairs." Milena Damjanov, Senior Editor

New Look
Known for its wildly affordable and accessible designs-khaki capris, shrunken blazers, tanks in every color-this mega- chain also brings in small designers to create exclusives (Karen Walker's tees embroidered with images of acorns are a current hit). Best location: 500-502 Oxford St., 44-20-7290-7860

Karen Millen
British women swear by this glam favorite for sleek-cut careerwear and dramatic cocktail attire. Though Millen's pieces are a bit more expensive, the upscale tailoring and cut-no-corners details justify the cost. Best location: 22-23 James St., Covent Garden, 44-20-7836-5355

Kew
This lower-priced, more mainstream branch of Jigsaw (see previous page) is a great place to fill in wardrobe gaps; the aesthetic runs from basic button-up blouses to billowy tunics. Best location: 123C Kensington High St., 44-20-7937-8850

Monsoon
Morocco and India have provided style cues for the current collection at this globally influenced favorite. Expect a proliferation of crinkle-silk tops, gauzy cotton skirts, and sari-fabric dresses. Best location: 498-500 Oxford St., 44-20-7491-3004

Marks & Spencer
Every London girl knows about M&S's classic cotton panties, which live up to the hype. But what else does this somewhat staid high street institution have to offer? Namely its Per Una collection of cute, bright clothing, and the affordable, exclusive line of Collette Dinnigan lingerie. Best location: 458 Oxford St., 44-20-7935-7954

Accessorize
Shop this accessories emporium only during the warm months-its winter offerings can verge on cheap and cheesy, but its summer goods are exactly what you want for balmy days: sequined flip-flops, bright canvas totes, and wood-bead necklaces. Best location: 22 The Market at Covent Garden, 44-20-7240-2107 Convent Garden

A good vintage
Head to Absolute Vintage (15 Hanbury St., 44-20-7247-3883) for an impressive array of well-priced, organized-by-color footwear. Hundreds of pieces are added daily to the already whopping selection at Beyond Retro (110-112 Cheshire St., 44-20-7613-3636), a way-affordable secondhand warehouse. Slouchy bags and Janis Joplin-y knee-high boots are the big draws at bargain-conscious Episode (26 Chalk Farm Rd., 44-20-7485-9927), while nonprofit thrift chain Oxfam Original (22 Earlham St., 44-20-7836-9666)-the Covent Garden location is the most fashion-forward-rewards shoppers with stellar low-priced buys. Lastly, visit Cloud Cuckoo Land (6 Charlton Pl., 44-20-7354-3141) for romantic, more expensive garments from the 1890s through the 60s

Editor's pick
Crazy Pig Designs
38 Shorts Gardens, 44-20-7240-4305 "This rock-and-roll jewelry store is the place where Keith Richards and Ozzy Osbourne shop. It's the real deal." Andrea Linett, creative Director

Boutiques
Coco Ribbon
Two floors of entirely girly items await at this insider- favorite boutique, frequented by trendy/femmy types Laura Bailey and Elizabeth Jagger. Antique chandeliers and vanities set the mood for the clothes: sequined Esther Franklin bed jackets, Frost French tea dresses, and indulgent beaded tops by Willow. 21 Kensington Park Rd., 44-20-7229-4904

Euforia
This Notting Hill storefront serves as the home base for Italian Annett Olivieri's clothing line, unavailable in America and composed of leather pieces and pared-down shapes rendered in buttery-soft jersey. It all has sort of a Japanese street feel: urban-minimalist and accessibly cool. Note that Euforia also has a sale annex in the nearby Portobello Green Arcade. 61B Lancaster Rd., 44-20-7243-1808

The Gladys
This quaint shop tends toward the more laid-back and playful than the fancy and refined. It's great fun, a highly recommended stop, and the perfect place to pick up guilt-free impulse buys-a funky belt, a cool tunic-that'll carry you through the season. 253 Portobello Rd., 44-20-7792-6920

Heidi Klein
England may be the last place you'd think of buying a swimsuit, but this pair of chic yet unpretentious resortwear shops hits the mark. Both locations-in Notting Hill and Chelsea-present an impressive lineup of sexy and colorful swimsuits from designers like Eres and Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens, along with a range of spa services to help you prep for the beach. 174 Westbourne Grove, 44-20-7243-5665, and 257 Pavilion Rd., 44-20-7259-9418

Wilma
Currently lining this streamlined accessory shop's Lucite shelves are exquisitely crafted yet startlingly wearable items, including handmade shoes, bright and original necklaces and rings, and painstakingly embroidered purses. This is the kind of store where you won't leave without buying something. 339 Portobello Rd., 44-20-8960-7296, willma.co.uk

Editor's pick
Boots
385-389 Oxford St., 44-20-7629-8694 "I could find an excuse to go into this drugstore every day-Bucks antipersperant! Miniature cans of Ceca-Cela! Some are fancier then others-I love them all equally." Kim France, Editor in Chief

Mad for knickers
British women love a good pair of undies.
Here's who sells the best ones: We can't get enough of the the simple, streamlined boy-shorts atBodas (38B Ledbury Rd., 44-20-7229-4464). Don't miss the pinup girl-worthy offerings at Miss Lala's Boudoir (148 Gloucester Ave., 44-20-7483-1888), nor the lacy, silky wisps at Myla (77 Lonsdale Rd., 44-20-7221-9222). Finally, definitely stop by Agent Provocateur(6 Broadwick St., 44-20-7439-0229)-it's the champion of naughty upscale lingerie, and the first place we ever spied side-tie panties.

King's Road
Austique
Aussie and New Zealand designers are the big draw at this sweet Chelsea boutique. Crisp Alannah Hill dresses and sheer, saucy panties by Love Kylie (singer Kylie Minogue's lingerie line) are current favorites, while pieces by up-and-coming Brit and Stateside designers round out the mix. 330 Kings Rd., 44-20-7376-4555, austique.co.uk

Central London
Dover Street Market
Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo turned a brownstone in posh Mayfair into this minimalist retail temple. Wander the floors and discover vintage Cutler and Gross sunglasses, superfoxy Azzedine Alaïa heels, and, naturally, Kawakubo's own creations. 17-18 Dover St., 44-20-7518-0680

Brown Focus
This edgy offshoot of daring, legendary London retailer Browns has an incredible knack for nabbing new talent, just as its parent shop does. This season, look for the introduction of Alice McCall (burlesque-tinged pieces by a former Sass & Bide designer) and Stitch (known for its sleek western-tailored jeans). For discounted Browns and Focus stock, check its nearby Labels for Less outlet (but be warned: the offerings can veer toward the extra-trendy and hard-to-wear). 38-39 S. Molton St., 44-20-7514-0063; Labels for Less: 50 S. Molton St., 44-20-7514-0052

Five markets not to be missed
Browsing for secondhand deals is practically an English national pastime. The following spots let you shop like a local.
Indoor Alfies Antique Market (13-25 Church St., 44-20-7723-6066, open Tues. to Sat.) draws serious shoppers in pursuit of top-quality decor and jewelry from bygone eras. The centrally located Jubilee Market (at the Piazza at Covent Garden) presents cameos, needlepoint purses, and more on Mondays only. Though the famous Portobello Road Market (along Portobello Road in Notting Hill) used to be the hottest game in town, it's not what it used to be. Only go for the vintage clothing stalls under the Westway between Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove. On Sundays, tube it over to the East End to discover the OLD Spitalfields Market (at Commercial and Brushfield Streets) and root around for garments, decor, and furniture. And the six-times-yearly Newark International Antique & Collectors Fair (dmgantiquefairs.com), located in Nottinghamshire, about an hour and a half from London by train, is Europe's largest and best, with more than 4,000 vendors.

Souvenir Boutique
Perfect if you like the selection at upscale department stores but can't bear the crowds. Souvenir offers a range of the everyday chic-Paul & Joe, Cacharel-without neglecting the more offbeat, like color-saturated Ashish tunics. Skip the not-so-great Lexington Street location. 53 Brewer St., 44-20-7287-8708

The World According To...
Formerly known as Shop, this legendary basement-level Soho boutique has changed its name-and concept-to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Whereas Shop was known for its cheeky, retro-cute look, The World According To ... has an earthy vibe and stocks more esoteric pieces by Eley Kishimoto Ellesse, Babette by Silas, and many others. 4 Brewer St., 44-20-7437-1259

North London
Cochinechine
Still a neighborhood secret, word of this year-old, off-the-beaten-path find-it's nestled up in gorgeous, hilly Hampstead-is slowly leaking out. And for good reason: Cochinechine consistently offers the best picks from the most promising European indie labels, like Jessica Ogden, Vanessa Bruno, and Olivia Morris. 74 Heath St., 44-20-7435-9377

Labour of Love
Francesca Forcolini has a rabid appreciation for non-mass-produced pieces, so it's no surprise that her inventive boutique is full of handcrafted creations. Imaginatively silk-screened Peter Jensen sweatshirts are total finds, as are the printed purses by Miss Budd, a textile designer who also works for Paul Smith. 193 Upper St., 44-20-7354-9333

Palette London
The concept of this cozy Islington shop is brilliant: It sells designer vintage pieces alongside current-season items by the same names (for example, a girly Betsey Johnson jacket from spring '05 might hang next to a rock-and-roll, '70s-era one). 21 Canonbury Ln., 44-20-7288-7428

East London
Start
The keen eye of owner and former punker Brix Smith-Start (she was in The Fall) is what makes her shop's stock so compelling. She consistently brings in scarce labels, including Antik Batik (bohemian tunics) and La Petite Salope (ethereal chiffon dresses). Smith-Start will soon debut a dedicated women's store-this one also sells menswear-across the street. 59 Rivington St., 44-20-7739-3636

Editor's pick
Annie's Vintage Costume & Textiles
12 Camden Passage, 44-20-7359-0796 "Every visit turns up breathtaking finds, including delicate flapper dresses and lacy bed jackets-all in pristine condition." Marlien Rentmeester, West Coast Bureau Chief

Department stores
Selfridges
If you have time to visit only one department store in London-or any one store, period-this should be it. Selfridges contains not only concessions for the best of the high street chains, but also carries clothing and accessories from nearly every designer, emerging and established. And then there's the basement level, rife with all the decor, gifts, and art books one could desire. Though there are stores out there with more carefully honed images, the appeal of Selfridges lies in its everything-cool-under-one-roof vibe. 400 Oxford St., 44-8708-377-377

Liberty
A major transformation has overcome this formerly stodgy retailer, due in no small part to a wildly successful merchandise overhaul. Within minutes of entering Liberty's charming Tudor-style digs, we giddily spied items by Brit designers we can never seem to locate back home: gutsy leather bags by buzzed-about Zoë Knight, charm-laden Mawi bracelets, and psychedelic-print Zakee Shariff tank tops. Regent St., 44-20-7734-1234

Harrods
This massive store-the British equivalent of Macy's, but with a fustier pedigree-offers everything from Earl Grey tea to swingy Burberry ponchos. But despite its traditional image, Harrods is very much in touch with what's new, like the just-launched Elizabeth Hurley Beach line of swimwear, caftans, and wraps. 87-135 Brompton Rd., 44-20-7730-1234

Harvey Nichols
Once famed for stocking lines more likely to be found in a hip boutique than a department store, Harvey Nicks' sensibility currently felt like it was stuck in 1991. But there are still some intriguing buys, like drainpipe-leg jeans by Superfine Denim and organic Taer skincare products from Iceland.109-125 Knightsbridge,44-20-7235-5000

Where the locals shop
Angela Flanders
The fact that this old-fashioned perfumer is open only on Sundays makes planning crucial. But it's worth the effort: Flanders' 15 handcrafted scents (our favorite is the citrusy-mossy Caspian) are as heavenly as they are unusual. Check out the adjacent flower market while you're there-it's amazing. 96 Columbia Rd., 44-20-7739-7555

Designers Guild
Tricia Guild's unabashed use of stripes, floral prints, and sherbet-bright color has made her home-decor line a hit for the past 35 years. Wallets, tote bags, and travel document organizers have also received the Guild treatment. 267 and 277 Kings Rd., 44-20-7351-5775

Ginka
Modern-meets-retro nature-inspired prints are Neisha Crosland's signature, and you'll find them splashed across everything from wallpaper to tote bags. Since it's not always easy to find her pieces in the States, we always snap them up here. Ginka, 37 Fulham Rd., 44-20-7589-4866; Neisha Crosland, 8 Elystan St., 44-20-7584-7988

Tatty Devine
Art-school friends Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden turn out wonderfully quirky jewelry each season, and never fail to impress with their wit: Items as disparate as potato chips and garlic cloves turn up as miniature plastic likenesses, dangling from chains or earring hooks. Tatty Devine's designs aren't for everyone, but we adore their childlike charm. 57B Brewer St., 44-20-7434-2257; 236 Brick Ln., 44-20-7739-9009

Mulberry
When this esteemed leather-goods company introduced a range of updated designs a few years back, fashion editors went crazy. Two of the most popular styles, the "Roxanne," a boxy bag dripping with hardware, and the "Bayswater," a classic tote, are available for spring in smaller versions-and are destined to become hits. 41-42 New Bond St., 44-20-7491-3900, plus other locations, mulberry.com

Brit classics
Where to find the biggest names in UK design:
Alexander McQueen 4-5 Old Bond St.,44-20-7355-0088 Burberry 21-23 New Bond St., 44-20-7839-5222Matthew Williamson 28 Bruton St., 44-20-7629-6200Paul Smith 40-44 Floral St., 44-20-7379-7133Stella McCartney 30 Bruton St.,44-20-7518-3100Vivienne Westwood 44 Conduit St., 44-20-7439-1109