I cannot believe that an entire semester has gone by since I wrote my initial hopes, fears and–of course!–study abroad style observations in my first “Style Diary.” It seems like it was just yesterday! Of course, it was not “just yesterday” but the four months that I have spent exploring and discovering the intricacies of foreign cultures by browsing ancient cities, museums and plenty of markets and retail stores has gone by fast.
So, for my last post written in the lovely London, I wanted to pay homage to some of my favorite shopping spots I have found while here. Being abroad has seriously given me so much style inspiration, and these are the places where I took that inspiration out on my credit card!
I also wanted to create the perfect looks for each of these spots that will also transfer to your own favorite shopping spots back home. These are looks I’d envision being worn for a day of shopping or any other of your favorite daytime summer activities. I hope you enjoy them!
Shopping Spot One: Camden Market
Product Information: Top: Topshop.com, Skirt: Shopastygal.com, Sunglasses: Monsoon.co.uk, Bracelet: Urbanoutfitters.com , Wedges: H&M.com, Bag: Modcloth.com
Definitely one of London’s funkier spots, Camden Market literally has something for everyone, with stores ranging from hardcore punk-rock styles to cute, girly dresses. The market itself can be a bit overwhelming; it’s a maze of stores carrying everything from jewelry to dresses to souvenir shirts. But the possibility of getting a little lost is totally worth it, and the vibe is totally inspiring, with all of the different styles of clothing next to each other!
For this outfit, I wanted to combine a variety of styles to create an effortless, original look that has many different elements but still works all together. The cropped tank is a nod to the surplus/safari style that’s popular this summer and is a great “throw on” shirt to have for the summer. Meanwhile, this super girly, full skirt gives the look some fun and color, which is highlighted by the wine-colored shoulder bag. Slightly longer skirts can sometimes cut off your legs in an unflattering way, so ensure they look long and sleek by throwing on some wedge heels.
Mixing prints is a great way to change up your look but can be tricky, so I tried to ease into it by adding printed sunglasses that were a bit different from the design on the skirt to make the look a bit more edgy. To keep it from going over the top, I stuck with a neutral accessory–a bracelet with a golden brown stone to highlight the buttons on the top.
Shopping Spot Two: Oxford Street
Product Information: Top: Wetseal.com, Shorts: Spoiledbrat.co.uk, Belt: Missselfridge.com, Bag: Debenhams.com, Sandals: Gap.com, Sunglasses: Forever21.com, Earrings: Topshop.com
A tourist classic boasting iconic stores such as the epic, multi-level mecca that is Topshop, Oxford Street is definitely a must-visit for any fashionista traveling to London. With high street stores ranging from inexpensive (such as Primark) to slightly pricier ones like Topshop, there is literally something for everyone on this stylish street.
The one downside to Oxford Street is that it is literally always crowded–weekend or week day, rain or shine, get ready to fight through crowds not only in the stores but on the actual street as well. Therefore, I wanted to create an outfit that is super comfy and easy to run around in while still being cute!
The first piece I chose was a pair of broken in shorts, as a skirt wouldn’t allow you to lunge for that adorable shirt on sale a few racks over. Since the shorts are slightly high-waisted, I added a belt to accentuate their shape. The floral belt’s summery pink color inspired the shirt that I found next. The ruffled detail on the the shirt screams “summer day” to me and I love how it is subtly reflected in these gold sandals.
My style personally is never complete without a touch of rocker-chic, so I added on a pair of chain earrings and Ray Ban-style sunglasses to rough up this girly look a bit. Complete your outfit with a cross-body bag with a secure closure–Oxford Street is crowded and you want to make sure that your belongings stay close to your body and safe!
Shopping Spot Three: Notting Hill
Product Information: Romper: Urbanoutfitters.com, Sunglasses: Asos.com, Bag: Asos.com, Sandals: Forever21.com, Hat: Modcloth.com, Necklace: Modcloth.com
Immortalized by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy by the same name, Notting Hill is so much more than just a backdrop for Hollywood magic. This area has some of the best vintage shops around as well as some trendier new ones (there’s even an American Apparel!), so I wanted to create a look that mixed old classics and new trends just like Notting Hill itself.
I still love the stylishness and comfort of rompers in the summer and the blue hue, and scalloped, lace-like pattern on the bottom of this one give it a great vintage feel. I paired the romper with some accessories that would pick up on that feel, like this precious clock necklace, oversized sunglasses, chain-link leopard purse, and adorable hat with a simple bow trim. To make the look a bit more modern, I finished it off with some lace-up gladiators.
Now all you need to do is find a Hugh Grant to go shopping with!
What Do You Think?
Where are your favorite areas to shop? Have you been to any of these places in London? Are you interested in trying any of these looks for the summer? Where would you wear them? Let us know if the comments!
Also, two weeks from now will be my final “Study Abroad” post, so if there are any topics you’d like me to address, let me know!
hi i live in london, and also greenwich is an awesome place to shop its got a market every weekend with cute things like bracelets and hairbands (i got a really gorgeous alice band from there) and a few vintage shops, and also the BEST icecream 🙂 Also if you’re not in London, but in England in general go to Brighton, it has awesome shops and one shop has even better icecream than Greenwich
Commenting on and old post, sorry.
I just needed to add that WESTFIELD is less crowded than Oxford St. and has basically the same stores (and then some). Canary Wharf has a few good, not to crowded brand stores as well. If you want something special though, vintage style special, you’ll have to go to Camden or Notting Hill.
My advice for anyone new to the city would be;
* Take the tube to large xone 1 and 2 stations like Notting Hill and just randomly walk down streets that seem interesting. Me and my friends have found many hidden gems that way. Cheers x
Speaking of fashion while studying abroad… What would you recommend bringing? I’m trying to decide what to back. I don’t want to feel stuck with clothes I get sick of too fast, but I need it to be practical, too. And then I know I’ll want to buy clothes while I’m gone… AHHH! There are so many factors! What did you learn about what you should have brought, and what were you so glad you did bring? THANKS BUNCHES! 🙂
these outfits are gorgeous, but even in the summer i wish i’d be warm enough to wear as little as this!
I love everything about your post!It brings back happy memories of my study abroad experience in London last summer. Our flat was right off of Oxford St., & I remember how awful it was trying to navigate crowds and how we’d have to go early in the morning to Topshop and Primark to avoid the masses of people 🙂
hope you had a fantastic time abroad!
i went to the market when i went to London last summer and they had a lot of different stuff. They had great deals and you could talk the prices down! It was worth the trip to the market
Hi, I’m a student in London, just wanted to add a couple more shopping tips – Camden is famous for it’s punky-gothy style, but it’s also a really great place for vintage fashion. Another area of London noted for it’s vintage fashion is the Spitalfields/Bricklane area in East London.
Also, Oxford Street is a bit horrid any time any day, so try Regent Street which is just off of it. Has almost all of the same stores as Oxford Street with a more posh feel and less people, and the huge Topshop is on the corner of Oxford and Regent Street. If you want to try a trend but don’t want to spend a lot, try Primark, at the very end of Oxford Street!
The Shopping Spot Two is my favorite for sure. That bag is great. I’m dying to go to London and will definitely note your observations for when I do.
looove the notting hill post! the romper is so cute and perfect for travel
London is the best city… I love everything about Camden – especially the food market. Everyone who visits London needs to go there. It’s the best food from all over the world. Very authentic! And street style in London is the best!
Great post as usual 🙂
Love all the outfits. I normally am not a fan of rompers but that one is too cute. I think its the accessories you paired with it that gives it a more grown up feel so you don’t look like a five year old. And you can’t really get away with a romper for much longer after college.
Colleen thank you so much for this post! I’m leaving for London in one week and was dying to know where to shop, now you’ve got me covered! I’ve jotted down all the places as well as Jess’s tips 🙂 Thanks!
Hey
great post. 🙂
i totally love the blog even I’m not a college student ^^
thanks for the shopping spots in london. I will definitely visit them, when I’m in London this summer or just later that year, because I’m doing an exchange year and my hostfamily doesn’t live far away from London 🙂
xoxo
P.S. Love the outfit with the denim shorts! Everything about it is just perfect!
/Milana
When I went to oxford street I got separated from my English friend for an hour. Seriously.
Well I guess this is CLEARLY not my style, since I don’t like anything here except for the bag in the first outfit.
I love Oxford Street. I would wear that any day of summer.
I dislike rompers intensely – especially a strapless one that makes even the model’s chest look like it sags. However, the bags are absolutely my favorite. I am planning on studying in London next year sometime, so I love reading your posts!
Having been to London a few times myself I completely agree with this list. However, would also add Covent Garden’s to the list, its a nice area, although a bit touristy. Also I second Regents Street. I would love to know what some of your fave places to go in London are. 🙂