London Lowdown

So I’m in London for work and since it can’t be all work no play, I spent the whole day checking out the many (MANY) shops this fabulous city has to offer!

Now I’ve been to London before and all I remember is that everything was really really expensive…not the kind of city a CheapChica can do much shopping in!  So this time I enlisted the help of fellow blogger and London resident Hannah from London-Rose.  She was my shopping guide and totally hooked me up!

I checked out all of the shops along Oxford street which include stores like Primark, River Island, New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful, and my Mecca…TOP SHOP! Here are some pics and some quick reviews of what you can expect to find in terms of price and selection:

Primark

This store is beyond crowded so be prepared to push and shove.  The reason for all the people is the prices…most items are under 20£ which is very CHEAP in London.  There’s some cute stuff but it’s one of those stores that you have to really dig.  I got an adorable asymetrical dress for 13£ which looks like it’s Chloe but that was it…everything else looked so chintzy and I had to get out of there…oh and the line to check out looked worse than the ticket counter at US Airways so budget extra time for this!

TIP: Go here first…it will make you very price sensitive for the rest of your shopping day which in London is a very good thing!

Dorothy Perkins

I was really excited to go to this store in person because I always shop around on their site and too be perfectly honest, it was a little disappointing.  The selection was just ok and nothing to write home about…especially at those prices (25-50£).  Save your money for Topshop!

B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful

This shop is like a treasure chest for make up fans! The products are all packaged in beautiful pots and tins and the presentation is TDF!  I would buy everything just to have their beautiful containers fill up my bathroom counter, but I settled on two items one of which is a gift for a very special friend! Lip gloss started about 8£ and perfumes started at around 12£ for a travel size.  The store is lovely and the flagship I visited on Oxford St. was a real treat for the senses!  You can find make up, skin care, fragrance and it all feels very special and unique…like your own personal beauty secret!

I heart London and can’t get enough of all the adorable shops, but up next is my Topshop review…stay tuned for a total shoe-gasm!