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Harvey Nichols
London
Locals call it "Harvey Nicks." Once a favorite of the late Princess Di, this store is large, but it doesn't compete directly with Harrods because it has a more upmarket, fashionable image. Harvey Nicks has its own gourmet food hall and fancy restaurant,
The Fifth Floor, and is crammed with the best in designer home furnishings, gifts, and fashions for all, although women's clothing is the largest segment of its business. The store carries many American designer brands; avoid them, as they're more expensive in London than they are in the U.S.Locals call it "Harvey Nicks." Once a favorite of the
Hatchards
London
On the south side of Piccadilly, Hatchards offers a wide range of books on all subjects and is particularly renowned in the areas of fiction, biography, travel, cookery, gardening, art, history, and finance. In addition, Hatchards is second to none in its range of books on royalty.On the south side of Piccadilly, Hatchards offers a wide
Hilditch & Key
London
The finest name in men's shirts, Hilditch & Key has been in business since 1899. The two shops on this street both offer men's clothing (including a custom-made shirt service) and women's ready-made shirts. There's also an outstanding tie collection. Shirts go for half-price during the twice-yearly sales (in Jan and June); men fly in from all over the world for them.The finest name in men's shirts, Hilditch & Key has
HMV
London
This is the U.K.'s leading specialist retailer in music, DVD/video, computer games, and other products. The celebrated composer, Sir Edward Elgar, launched the first store in 1921. Here at this vast emporium of entertainment you'll have the widest possible range of recorded music titles, including the latest releases, along with computer games and other temptations such as titles on both CD and vinyl. From rock to pop, from indie to R&B, from reggae to hip hop, it's all here. Check downstairs for classical and jazz, and avail yourself of any listening post to check out the CD before buying it.This is the U.K.'s leading specialist retailer in music, DVD/video,
Jigsaw
London
Branches of this fashion chain are numerous, but the Long Acre branch features trendy, middle-market womenswear.Branches of this fashion chain are numerous, but the Long
John Lewis
London
This department store remains one of the most tried-and-true outlets in London. Their motto is that they are never knowingly undersold, and they mean it. We've always found great bargains here, most recently in a clearance sale of fine earthenware by Royal Stafford. Whatever you're looking for, ranging from Egyptian towels to clothing and jewelry, it's likely to be for sale here.This department store remains one of the most tried-and-true outlets
Joseph
London
Joseph Ettedgui, a fashion retailer born in Casablanca, is a maverick in the fashion world. He's known for his daring designs and his ability to attract some of the most talented designers in the business to work with him. The stretch jeans with flair ankles are the label's best-selling items. The most complete collection of Joseph Ettedgui clothing anywhere, with clothes for both men and women (including suits, knitwear, suede, and leather clothing), is available within the two largest branches of his empire. Both carry signs that simply say JOSEPH on the front. Three smaller branches of Joseph (www.joseph.co.uk) lie clustered close to one another, each of them within a very short walk of the South Kensington Tube stop. They're at 315 Brompton Rd., SW3 (tel. 020/7225-3335), and 77 Fulham Rd., SW4 (tel. 020/7823-9500). Close by, and focusing only on menswear, is a Joseph boutique at 74 Sloane Ave., SW3 (tel. 020/7591-0808). Newest of all is a branch in Notting Hill selling clothes for men and women at 236 Westbourne Grove, W11 (tel. 020/7243-9920; Tube: Notting Hill Gate).Joseph Ettedgui, a fashion retailer born in Casablanca, is a
Kelly Hoppen
London
The British press has labeled interior designer Kelly Hoppen as its own minimalist Martha Stewart (prescandal, of course). Hoppen's designer emporium on Fulham Road opened to great fanfare, and even Hoppen herself has been pleased with the "stock just flying out." Expect a little bit of everything here, including her own charming medley of ceramics (some designed for Wedgwood), furniture, and original accessories such as giant horn buttons or pony-skin bags from Argentina.The British press has labeled interior designer Kelly Hoppen as
Lesley Craze Gallery/Textiles
London
This complex has developed a reputation as a showcase of the best contemporary British jewelry and textile design. The gallery shop focuses on precious metals and includes pieces by such renowned designers as Wendy Ramshaw. Prices start at £60 ($120). The gallery also features costume jewelry in materials ranging from bronze to paper. Textiles feature contemporary designs, including wall hangings, scarves, and ties by artists such as Jo Barker, Dawn DuPree, and Victoria Richards.This complex has developed a reputation as a showcase of
Liberty
London
This department store is celebrated for its Liberty Prints: top-echelon fabrics, often in floral patterns, prized by decorators for the way they add a sense of English tradition to a room. The front part of the Regent Street store isn't particularly distinctive, but don't be fooled: Other parts of the place have been restored to Tudor-style splendor that includes half-timbering and interior paneling. There are six floors of fashion, china, and home furnishings, including the famous Liberty Print fashion fabrics, upholstery fabrics, scarves, ties, luggage, gifts, and more.This department store is celebrated for its Liberty Prints: top-echelon
London Silver Vaults
London
Don't let the out-of-the-way location or the facade's lack of charm slow you down. Downstairs you'll enter vaults -- 40 in all -- filled with tons of silver and silverplate, plus collections of jewelry. It's a staggering selection of old and new, with excellent prices and friendly dealers.Don't let the out-of-the-way location or the facade's lack of
Lulu Guinness
London
This self-taught British handbag designer, who launched her business in 1989, is known as the finest such designer in London. Many of the world's greatest retail outlets, such as Neiman Marcus, sell her handbags. Her signature handbags, such as the "Florist Basket" and the "House Bag," are immortalized in the fashion collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Seen about London carrying Lulu Guinness handbags are such celebrities as Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley.This self-taught British handbag designer, who launched her business in
Lush
London
In our view, the handmade soaps and cosmetics sold here are the most intriguing in London. The store is always launching something new, and their products include Rock Star Soap, which is very pink and smells like candy. Among the extensive selection is Tam O'Santa, an allspice, sandalwood, and frankincense bubble bath, and Banana Moon, a creamy banana soap. The products are made with fresh fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils, and safe synthetics -- no animal ingredients.In our view, the handmade soaps and cosmetics sold here
Muji
London
An emporium for Japanese wares, this store is known for its bargain offerings. Among its merchandise, the frugal shopper will find everything from "simple and functional chic" clothing to flatware, most of it in avant-garde, minimalist styles completely devoid of any traditional or baroque influences of Olde England. The bath soaps are a delight, coming in such unusual scents as grapefruit and mandarin orange. Funky umbrellas and a host of other ever-changing wares tempt shoppers.An emporium for Japanese wares, this store is known for
Mulberry Company
London
This flagship store offers a complete line of the town's most cutting-edge designer luggage. Their signature grosgrain luggage begins at £295 ($590). Mulberry is also earning a name in fashion for its English country-style ready-to-wear clothes for men and women. Plus, it carries fashionable furnishings and accessories for the home, including throws and cushions in chenille and damask.This flagship store offers a complete line of the town's
Murder One
London
Maxim Jakubowski's bookshop is dedicated to the genres of crime, romance, science fiction, and horror. Crime and science fiction magazines, some of them obscure, are also available.Maxim Jakubowski's bookshop is dedicated to the genres of crime,
Natural Shoe Store
London
A range of shoes for men and women is stocked in this shop, which also does repairs. The selection includes all comfort and quality footwear, from Birkenstock to the British classics.A range of shoes for men and women is stocked
Neal's Yard Dairy
London
Specializing in British and Irish cheeses, this shop occupies the very photogenic premises of what was originally built as a warehouse for the food stalls at Covent Garden. Today you'll see a staggering selection of artisanal cheeses, including cloth-bound cheddars and a wide selection of mild farmer's cheeses, set in big display windows behind an antique, dark-blue Victorian facade. There are also olive oils, breads, fresh produce, and a lot of the fixings of a picnic.Specializing in British and Irish cheeses, this shop occupies the
Neal's Yard Remedies
London
Noted the world over for their cobalt-blue bottles, these chic bath, beauty, and aromatherapy products are must-haves for those who pooh-pooh the Body Shop as too common. Prices are higher in the United States, so stock up here.Noted the world over for their cobalt-blue bottles, these chic
Next
London
This chain of "affordable fashion" stores saw its heyday in the 1980s, when it was celebrated for its success in marketing avant-garde fashion ideas to a wide spectrum of the British public. No longer at its peak, it still merits a stop. The look remains very contemporary, with a Continental flair, and there are clothes for men, women, and kids.This chain of "affordable fashion" stores saw its heyday in
Office
London
In spite of its dull name, this is an excellent store for style-setters on a budget. Its imitations of some of the world's leading shoe designers have earned it the reputation of being the "Madame Tussaud's of footwear." All the fashionable shoe designers, from Kenneth Cole to Patrick Cox, get ripped off here.In spite of its dull name, this is an excellent
Pandora
London
A London institution since the 1940s, Pandora stands in fashionable Knightsbridge, a stone's throw from Harrods. Several times a week, chauffeurs drive up with bundles packed anonymously by England's gentry. One woman voted best-dressed at the Ascot Horse Races several years ago was wearing a secondhand dress acquired here. Prices are generally one-third to half the retail value. Chanel and Anne Klein are among the designers represented. Outfits are usually no more than two seasons old.A London institution since the 1940s, Pandora stands in fashionable
Paperchase
London
This flagship store has three floors of paper products, including handmade paper, wrapping paper, ribbons, picture frames, and a huge selection of greeting cards. It's the best of its kind in London.This flagship store has three floors of paper products, including
Paul Smith's Westbourne House
London
This shop was converted from a stately three-story Edwardian townhouse into a showcase for the clothing of Paul Smith, whose well-made ready-to-wear men's (and, to a lesser extent, women's and children's) clothing defies the preconceptions of Savile Row tailors who believe that only custom-made garments will fit well. Preferred colors, with occasional exceptions, include grays, browns, and blacks, though there is a medley of velvet prints inspired by Carnaby Street in the 1960s. Look for women's clothes and accessories on the building's street level, men's clothes and accessories on the two floors above street level.This shop was converted from a stately three-story Edwardian townhouse
Penhaligon's
London
This Victorian perfumery, established in 1870, holds royal warrants to HRH Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Prince of Wales. All items sold are exclusive to Penhaligon's. The store offers a large selection of perfume, aftershave, soap, and bath oils for women and men. Gifts include antique-silver scent bottles, grooming accessories, and leather traveling goods. Penhaligon's is now in more than 20 Saks Fifth Avenue stores across the United States.This Victorian perfumery, established in 1870, holds royal warrants to
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