London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [193]
Ceramics
Emma Bridgewater.
Peruse this shop for fun and funky casual plates, mugs, jugs, and breakfast tableware embellished with polka dots, hens, hearts and flowers, amusing mottoes, or matter-of-fact labels (sugar or coffee). Other locations include Fulham and Chiswick. | 81a Marylebone High St., Marylebone | W1U 4QL | 020/7486–6897 | Baker St.
Clothing
Margaret Howell.
These quintessentially English clothes are understated yet manage to look utterly contemporary. Howell mixes impeccable British tailoring and traditional fabrics (linen, cashmere, tweed) with relaxed modern cuts. A fan of 20th-century household design, the designer also showcases vintage Ercol furniture at her boutique. | 34 Wigmore St., Marylebone | W1U 2RS | 020/7009–9006 | www.margarethowell.co.uk | Closed Sun. | Bond St.
Department Stores
Marks & Spencer.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Brit who doesn’t have something in their closet from Marks & Spencer (or “M&S” as it’s affectionately known). This major chain whips up classic, dependable clothing for men, women, and children. It occasionally scores a fashion hit with its Per Una and Autograph lines, but the best buys here are the classics, such as cashmere and wool sweaters, socks and underwear, and believe it or not, machine-washable suits. The food department at M&S is consistently superb, and a great place to pick up a sandwich or premade salad on the go. (Look for their M&S Simply Food stores all over town.) The Marble Arch branch is the flagship, and has a fast stock turnover, but the 173 Oxford Street location also has an extensive fashion department. | 458 Oxford St., Marylebone | W1C 1AP | 020/7935–7954 | www.marksandspencer.com | Marble Arch.
Fodor’s Choice | Selfridges.
This giant, bustling store gives Harvey Nichols a run for its money as London’s leading fashion department store. It’s packed to the rafters with clothes for everyone in the family, from midprice lines to the latest catwalk names. The store continues to break ground with its striking modern design—especially the men’s and women’s high-fashion Superbrands sections, and the ground-floor Wonder Room, which showcases extravagant jewelry and luxury gifts. The frenetic cosmetics department is, according to the store, the largest in Europe. There are so many zones with pulsating music that merge into one another—from fashion to sports gear to audio equipment—that you practically need a map. TIP Take a break with a glass of wine from the Wonder Bar, or pick up some rare tea in the Food Hall as a gift. | 400 Oxford St.,Marylebone | W1A 1AB | 0800/123–400 | www.selfridges.com | Bond St.
Jewelry
Kabiri.
A dazzling array of exciting contemporary jewelry by emerging and established designers from around the world is packed into this small shop. There is something to suit most budgets and tastes, from flamboyant statement pieces to subtle, delicate adornment. Look out for British talent Johanne Mills, Scott Stephen, and Tatty Devine, among many others. | 37 Marylebone High St., Marylebone | W1U 4QE | 020/7224–1808 | www.kabiri.co.uk | Baker St.
MAYFAIR
Accessories
Connolly.
Connolly used to produce the leather for Rolls-Royces and Aston Martins, and that heritage lives on in its deluxe motoring accessories, from sleek luggage to an espresso machine designed for your car. Today the brand is owned by fashion designer Joseph Ettedgui, and the Andree Putman–designed shop sells a broad range of luxurious clothing and accessories for men and women, including butter-soft leather and suede jackets, wallets, and driving gloves. | 41 Conduit St., Mayfair | W1S 2YQ | 020/7439–2510 | www.connollylondon.com | Open Sun. in Dec. only | Oxford Circus, Bond St.
Mulberry.
This luxury goods company has produced many a season’s It bag, including