Lost on 5th Avenue and looking for Abercrombie and Fitch? Just follow your nose! You’ll find Eau de Abercrombie, emanates from the street grates before you reach the store. Okay, I don’t know if they actually do have huge underground cannisters of the stuff, spraying up the nostrils of an unsuspecting public but there’s no escaping the tropical scent of Manhattan’s most famous smart/casual brand as you saunter down fifth. It all adds to the atmosphere though. Once inside you’ll understand. Walking into A & F is like stumbling upon a dimly lit Mustique beach hut, complete with impossibly good looking “greeters” , palm trees, dark mahogany furniture cutting-edge beats and THAT scent. Oh and lots of pretty clothes too. Shopping in Abercrombie is a must do experience in New York. Even if you’re just buying a cheap $28 T-shirt!
A Word About Lucky Brand
I know I said outlets are over-rated and all that…but there’s one exception: Lucky Brand at Woodbury Common. The first thing you notice when you walk in is the retro rock soundtrack and wonderfully wild west decor. Driftwood tables groan with graphic tees, embroidered belts and embellished bags. Old 45 records line the walls, but its the jeans that take pride of place! They seem to have all ages and shapes covered…it really is a brand with wide appeal!!
By the way, if you’re feeling flush, they’ve got another store on Broadway in SoHo!
New York: I Heart Forever 21
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!
Stockholm Syndrome
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/
Welcome to Got The T-Shirt
Got the T-Shirt is a travel and fashion blog written by Fiona Hilliard. Think of it as a journey through urban trends, high-street fashion, discovering hidden gems and shiny new labels along the way…