Gothetshirt

From the freshly cut wildflowers at the entrance to the groaning wooden stair-case and Tudor facade, shopping at Liberty of London is a retail experience like no other.

The building iself was designed by father and son duo, Edwin T. and Edwin S. Hall.  The Tudor style was a product of the 1920’s flair for all things Tudor-esque.  The shop was constructed to sit within three light shafts that became the main focus of the building.  Even today, when you enter Liberty you’re compelled to crane your neck skywards. Arthur Liberty, the store’s founder had advised the designers that he wanted the store to feel like you were walking around your own home.  Each one of the light shafts was surrounded by smaller rooms to create a cosy feel.  The original rooms had fireplaces and some still exist to this day.  The ceiling lights produced the perfect surroundings for displaying Liberty’s plush quilts and woven rugs.   The store’s latest edition, The Scarf Room is testament to the building’s clever planning.  Beneath the heavy, rustic rafters, you can browse a light-filled hall of  floaty scarves of every description – from Liberty’s trademark floral whimsy to the latest offerings from Givenchy, Matthew Williamson and Fendi.

Look out for: The commemorative plaques on the stairwell that remember the Liberty workers who lost their lives during the Blitz.

Notting Hill’s Portabello Road Market (where Dahlia et al started life) is a must-do in London. Get up early to get the best bargains and stock.  Because it’s a market, you rarely even have to pay full price-great news for these recessionary times.

Alternatively…avoid the crowded stalls altogether…get yourself down to http://www.pretaportobello.com/ for a selection of the latest labels.  You can even haggle with a stacey-esque market stall lady! All you have to do is guess what price she has in her head…be warned though, you only get three attempts!!!

Heading to New York on a blow out shopping trip?  Don’t fall for the charms of outlet stores such as Woodbury Common.  Unless you’re a total label queen, you’ll spend most of your time trying to figure out the cheap photocopied map.   Instead grab a cab to SoHo and hit the one off boutiques and chain stores. Forever 21  http://www.forever21.com/ is a real gem!  If you’ve got an event coming up, head straight to the basement to what must be the largest selection of dresses of any fashion chain.  They’ve got every possible colour and trend!    Across the street you’ll find Exstanzia, a really cute boutique (deceptively spacious by the way).  They’ve got a fantastic selection of unusual tops, t-shirts and dresses all around the $20 mark!  Spanish chain Mango is just down the street from here.  Brace yourself if you’re a fan of “Mary Queen of Shops”.  This is one shop that has got it going on when it comes to store layout.    Mary Portas would definitely approve of the catwalk complete with mannequins that runs the length of the store.  The antique oriental chairs are a nice touch too!

In Stockholm this week they’ll mostly be wearing:

Girls:

Tartan shirts as dresses (very Vivienne Westwood) are all the rage

Check Scarves

Leggings worn with aforementioned tartan shirts

Boots

Leather Jackets

Boys:

Slicked back hair (?)

Check Shirts

Skinny Jeans

Vintage Adidas

High-street shops worth checking out:

Lindex: http://www.lindex.com/portal/index.htm

Bik Bok: http://www.bikbok.com/