Oxford Circus, the center of London and what I consider the center of the city’s fashion. Someone once said that if you stand there long enough, you will see all of London pass by. I did just that on my last day in London.
Pulling large round tortoise shell glasses over my eyes, I found a place out of the way from the constant stream of pedestrians pushing by. I watch as shoppers emerge from
Topshop with the trademark polka dot bags. Topshop, fittingly located at the center of high street shopping, is the epicenter for all things cool and trendy. They sell everything from vintage prom dresses to knock offs of the latest runway collections.
Succumbing to temptation, and still buzzed from the pint of cider I had with lunch, I decided to browse for one last great find at my favorite store. Perhaps my favorite Topshop treasure is the backless, poufy sleeved silk magenta cocktail dress that won me many compliments on my Birthday. No one believed it came from Topshop.
Where to begin? So much to look at that I get sensory overload every time I go. This particular day I thought I would start by checking out the bra and panty section. I went down to the second level and opted for a lovely pair of union jack knickers. Then, I found a pair of grey trousers I liked, until I realized they were in the “Tall Girl” section.
I headed off to the other side of the floor to scope out the new
Kate Moss line. She famously promoted it by modeling it in Topshop’s window. I still cringe thinking how crowded Oxford Circus must have been as everyone stopped to get a glimpse of Britain’s best dressed celebrity.
Inspired by her wardrobe, the Kate Moss line was mixture of lifestyle pieces. Noticing the mirrors, portraits, and hat boxes, I felt as though I stepped into the super model’s closet. I picked up the one shoulder ruffle dress I had my eye on since Moss donned it for the current Vogue.
I transcended another flight of stairs to the lower level. Shoes for every walk of life lined the far wall, and off to my right were the vintage items. I was drawn to the “new designers” section which includes creations from fashion students. I’m still convinced I am not cool enough to sport any of it.
A quick at my watch and I realized I needed to get a move on. Passing the Topshop salon, (where one can go to get the look of the moment before a night out in Londontown) I noticed a girl asking for the same updo
Amy Winehouse is famous for. Once in the dressing room, I overheard two girls bright colored skinny jeans “are bloody wicked.”
Dancing in the mirror to the new Kylie Minogue song, I decided to buy the dress. Carrying my items up two flights of escalators, I perused the collection of accessories and purse wall. I picked out a pair of earrings made in Africa, proceeds of which went to some charity or another. I was delighted to find an unusually short checkout line.
Leaving the store with my polka dotted paper bag, I was back on Oxford Street, blending into the hustle and bustle for one last day. I hopped on a red double decker bus, homeward bound. Next stop: America.
Well apparently the store followed me to America…..
Topshop has been setting up shop in soho since the beginning of summer. Fir
st they promised to open doors by November, but now it may be Spring! If you can’t wait that long to get fashion forward check out their site
Here.
