In my opinion, Europe is one giant, shopping extravaganza. They have ornate and posh department stores, swanky fashion districts and fashion that is truly ahead of everyone. I have compiled a few department stores and other related places that I feel would justify why Europe is the most fashionable continent. Happy reading!
HARRODS – one of most famous luxury department stores in the world located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London. This is the biggest department store in the UK with over 1 million square feet and 330 departments. It has a dizzying array of luxury goods and a beyond astonishing food hall (comprising of a number of sub-food halls). It maybe be packed with tourist all year long but it’s worth a visit. If you have extra cash, splurge on a perfume at the Jo Malone counter or a nice leather purse from Tod’s, or better yet, buy clotted cream biscuits, Turkish delight, jam, coffee or tea from their food hall. You can also grab a table at Laduree and have some macarons or a mont blanc and their super thick hot cocoa. If that’s too rich for you, go to the 4th floor and have a perfect cup of specialty coffee at Andronica’s World of Coffee. However you want to enjoy Harrods, I can guarantee you will leave feeling foolish that you did not bring enough cash.
Fortnum & Mason – this is a department store and Royal Warrant holder. It’s located on 181 Picadilly, London. It’s sandwiched between Hatchard’s Book Shop (the oldest book shop in the UK) and Wolseley Restaurant. It was originally founded as a grocery and continually grown into a what it is today. They sell a variety of exotic and basic provisions such as tea, coffee, bonbons, chocolates, cookies, honey and an extensive collection of preserves. Like Harrods, they are also known for their luxury (but very expensive) hampers (gift baskets). Whenever I visit London, I make it a point to swing by and purchase my Elderflower green tea, Cornish clotted cream and chocolate pearl biscuits and splendid sweets. If you want to experience a quintessential English afternoon, stop by (make sure to have reservations) at St. James Restaurant for high tea.
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| Harvey Nichols |
Harvey Nichols – Or Harvey Nics to the locals. Another one of London’s international luxury fashion destination (they have HN in the Middle East and Hong Kong, too). Super expensive, smaller than Harrods but no less than posh. I have only been here a few times and those times I came by, I dressed up. I didn’t want to feel out-of-place š It has an air of exclusivity that is why it is not as tourist infested as Harrods. Coincidentally, Harvery Nics is located on 109-125 Knightsbridge and just down the street from Harrods. They do have a food hall as well but it’s not as extensive as Harrods. If you get hungry looking at their expensive wares, stop by Wagamama located on the lower level (that’s basement for us) and eat your discontent away š
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| Selfridges – Oxford Circus, London |
Selfridges – This is the UK’s answer to our Bloomingdale’s. This is also the second largest department store in the UK. If Bloomingdales’ has the “Brown Bag”, Selfridges has their iconic Selfridges and Co bright yellow bag. I didn’t need to buy anything but bought something inconsequential just so I could have their yellow bag. This store is located on the busiest shopping district in London call Oxford Circus. I was here last year for a Christmas holiday and the place was brimming with shoppers and tourists. This store is of a higher end status than TopShop but more economical than Harrods or Harvey Nics.
More European shopping (Paris) on my next post.
Happy Shopping!