London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [181]
Absolute Vintage is a warehouse of handpicked items from the 1930s through the 1980s, but the specialty here is shoes. The shop has the largest collection of vintage shoes in the United Kingdom (more than 1,000 pairs). Best of all, prices are reasonable. | 15 Hanbury St., Spitalfields/East End | E1 6QR | 020/7247–3883 | www.absolutevintage.co.uk | Aldgate East, Liverpool St.
Beyond Retro stocks more than 10,000 vintage items for men and women. From cowboy boots to bowling shirts to prom dresses, they’ve got the largest collection of American retro in the United Kingdom. | 110–112 Cheshire St., Spitalfields/East End | E2 6EJ | 020/7729–9001 | www.beyondretro.com | Whitechapel, Bethnal Green Rail.
Orsini is a tiny but choice boutique. Eveningwear with Hollywood-style glamour is the trademark here, with clothes from the 1920s to the 1970s. Victoria Beckham is a fan. | 76 Earl’s Court Rd., Kensington | W8 6EQ | 020/7937–2903 | Earl’s Court.
Every piece of clothing at Palette London is in immaculate condition, which can save a lot of digging. Owner Mark Ellis sells Ossie Clark, Missoni, Pucci, as well as Chanel from the 1940s up to the ’90s. | 21 Canonbury La., Islington | N1 2AS | 020/7288–7428 | Highbury & Islington.
Rellik is favored by the likes of Kate Moss and originally began as a street stall on Portobello Road. Today vintage hunters looking to splurge can find a selection of YSL, Chanel, and Dior, as well as items from lesser-known designers. Prices range from £30 to £1,000. | 8 Golborne Rd., Notting Hill | W10 5NW | 020/8962–0089 | www.relliklondon.co.uk | Westbourne Park.
Rokit consists of two shops along Brick Lane that stock everything from handbags and ball gowns to jeans, military, and Western wear, and the ever-changing collection spans from the 1920s to the 1990s. Magazine and rock stylists love it. There are also branches in Camden and Covent Garden. | 101 and 107 Brick La., Spitalfields/East End | E1 6SE | 020/7375–3864 | www.rokit.co.uk | Shoreditch High St.
Virginia, Virginia Baker’s collection of vintage clothing, may be the best in London. Dresses, hats, and accessories from early Victorian (circa 1850) to the early 1930s are available. These are wearable collectors’ items and priced accordingly. | 98 Portland Rd., Holland Park | W11 4LQ | 020/7727–9908 | Closed Sun.; open Sat. by appointment only | Holland Park, Ladbroke Grove.
SPOTLIGHT ON KNIGHTSBRIDGE, CHELSEA, AND SOUTH KENSINGTON
All the big British brands like Burberry and Pringle are here, as well as the big department stores like Harvey Nichols and Harrods. If you’re a design buff or love antiques, then make a beeline to Chelsea.
These are some of most exclusive shopping areas in London, so expect to find yummy mummies with money to burn, Russian heiresses, and celebrities—along with plenty of chauffeur-driven Bentleys idling outside stores. Start at the top of Sloane Street, which has all the big designer names, and as you head into South Kensington, you’ll find more independent boutiques and plenty of cafés and restaurants that are perfect for a shopping break. Even if your bank account has fewer zeros than you’d like, wander down the King’s Road to check out the home design and antiques shops. You never know, you might just score a bargain, or at the very least, you’ll come away feeling design-inspired. The King’s Road also has plenty of High-street chains, such as Oasis, Whistles, and Warehouse, which are gentler on the wallet.
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BEST TIME TO GO
Weekends are crowded, so try to hit the shops midweek for a calmer experience. On the other hand, people-watching is part of the true Kensington and Chelsea experience, so take your time and soak it all up. The bi-annual sales, in January