Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
own brollies, and the shop is nothing short of spectacular to look at. It's also very
handy if you get caught in the rain, which is quite likely.
53 New Oxford St., WC1.
&
020/7836-4731.
Tube: Tottenham Court Rd.
Kate Kanzier
Kate Kanzier might be the best-value shoe shop in the
whole of London. The shop sells fashionable brogues in every color you could imag-
ine, for around £30 a pair. The quality probably isn't first rank, but when you're paying
so little for a favorite among London's most fashionable, you can't complain.
67-69
Leather Lane, EC1.
&
020/7242-7232.
www.katekanzier.com. Tube: Farringdon.
Lulu Guinness
This self-taught British handbag designer launched her business
in 1989. Many of the world's greatest retail outlets, including
Fortnum & Mason
(see below) sell her handbags. Her signature bags, such as the “Florist Basket” and
the “House Bag,” are immortalized in the fashion collection at the
V&A Museum
(p. 102)—and she's still popular with celebs like Madonna and Liz Hurley.
3 Ellis St.,
SW1.
&
020/7823-4828.
www.luluguinness.com. Tube: Sloane Sq.
Luna & Curious
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish I could buy
sexy designer tights and false paper eyelashes shaped like horses in the same shop?”
Well, strange as it sounds, it works well at Luna & Curious. The only way to describe
it is as an accessory shop, but it feels more special than that. It sells beautiful things
that make you feel like you're shopping in Wonderland, and doesn't (always) charge you
hundreds for the privilege.
24-26 Calvert Ave., E2.
&
020/7033-4411.
www.shoplunaandcurious.
com. Tube: Liverpool St./Train: Shoreditch High St.
The Old Curiosity Shop
Men are rarely well catered for in the shoe
department, but this shop is one of the most special in the city. It is the very “curios-
ity shop” that Charles Dickens based his novel on. They stick to traditional styles and
the men's selection is better than the women's, but with such a beautiful building,
steeped in so much history, it's worth popping in even if you aren't planning to buy.
13-14 Portsmouth St., WC2.
&
020/7405-9891.
www.curiosityuk.com. Tube: Holborn.
Women
Bordello
Scratchy lace is not desirable any time of the year, and Bordello has
raised the bar when it comes to where the ladies of London buy their smalls. It's
expensive here, but everything is sexy and screams luxury. If you're looking for very
special lingerie, it should be the first place you visit—and it'll probably be the last
place as well.
55 Great Eastern St., EC2.
&
020/7503-3334.
www.bordello-london.com. Tube: Old
St./Train: Shoreditch High St.
Joy
If you have a thing for dresses, this is the shop for you. Day dresses, flirty
dresses, little black dresses—this shop excels in them all. They're unique, but still
well priced: Apart from the odd exception that creeps into three figures, everything is
around the £50 mark. They do a great range of clothes (and a frankly tacky range of
homewares and gifts), but the dresses will keep you occupied. The flagship branch in
Greenwich is in a stunning old public baths building.
9 Nelson Rd., SE10.
&
020/8293-
7979.
www.joythestore.com. DLR: Cutty Sark. Other locations throughout London.
New Look
You can still get great London style even if you're on a tight budget.
New Look is the place to start: It's one of the best-value chains on the British high
street, and stocks items that will last more than three wears. Its range is not at the
cutting edge, but dresses tend to stay under £30.
502-504 Oxford St., W1.
&
020/7290-
7860.
www.newlook.com. Tube: Marble Arch. Other locations throughout London.
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