I love a bit of retail therapy and am happy to admit I have a very healthy shopping habit! Unfortunately my bank balance hasn’t always looked as healthy after one of my “therapy” sessions…
As someone who was born in this country I am constantly surprised at how expensive life in the UK and in particular London can be! All my friends say the same and some have even left City life to pursue their dreams elsewhere. Wondering how visitors from abroad feel about the British economy I asked some of my Brazilian friends their thoughts and the feedback has all been the same — living over here is an amazing experience to appreciate, on so many levels, but in a lot of cases it is done with a frugal hand on the purse strings.
With that in mind I decided to put together my pick of the best places in London to go and find a good bargain when you are out there shopping! Whether you are looking for a cute little outfit, a classic vintage piece or some fun accessories, there are some fabulous places in London to splurge the cash — without breaking the bank.
I’ll start by revealing a personal favourite, where I’ll go when I need an extra special addition to my wardrobe, a vintage designer piece, in immaculate condition and at a reasonable price. Rellik is located near Portobello Road in West London. A vintage boutique stocking women’s clothing and accessories ranging in style and content from the 1930’s to selective pieces from the present day. Designers include Vivienne Westwood, Alaia, Bill Gibb, Comme des Garçons and Pierre Cardin. I end up spending hours browsing the rails every time I visit and I never leave without something special.
Truman Market, located in Brick Lane, East London is an Aladdin’s Cave of stalls selling a variety of good things, including pieces by young edgy designers, a wide selection of vintage fashion and fun accessories. Set aside an afternoon, head over and get hunting! You are guaranteed to come away with some unique fashion and fun accessories that won’t cost the earth!
http://www.bricklanemarket.com/
Monki on Carnaby Street is a high street women’s wear store originating in Sweden. The perfect place to go to pick up a cute and quirky piece of fashion that will help you stand out from the crowd in the day or maybe for a casual evening get together. Really cheap, really fun and worth a visit!
TK Maxx is a popular high street store. You may already be familiar with it, selling brand name and designer goods at up to 60% the recommended retail price. You can find men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, lingerie, shoes and toiletries, as well as many other things, at greatly reduced prices. Not all the stores are the same size or stock the same ranges, however, so it’s good to know which branches are worth the extra trip — If you looking for a larger store with a great range of women’s clothing and accessories take a visit to the branch on Kensington High Street. It has an extensive range of “Gold Label” designer women’s wear too. The Covent Garden store has a notable range of handbags and “Gold Label” handbags. If you looking for a solid “Gold Label” range, head to the store in Bishopsgate. Designer labels stocked at TK Maxx include Moschino, Versace, Marni, Prada, Jil Sanders and Cavalli.
Accessorize is the one-stop shop for vibrant and fashion-forward accessories across all categories. You’ll find whatever you need to complement your look, from jewellery to scarves to hair accessories to bags. Located across the City and priced where you’ll find them, on the High Street.
