There's no denying that you will wind up with a ton of bags when you hit that most classic of British shopping institutions - the High Street. Fast fashion is a very big business here in the UK. And some of the best, more affordable brands retail in pretty much every single city or town all over the country. The five high street biggies that I'm listing here can be found all across Britain - some even ship to India (check out their websites). But, natch, what you get here, in their home country, usually isn't available to us.
Next:
Next is a classic example of this. Next direct ships across the globe. But stick India as your chosen country, and watch their perfume section miraculously disappear! And really, Next to me is their Just Pink perfume. It's a cult thingie. The sharp green and floral scent is perfect for our weather. It smells so good! Seriously, I have received more compliments when wearing Just Pink than I have when wearing Dior. True, it's not long lasting, but when it costs barely Rs 800 per bottle (eight pounds to be exact) why does it matter? They usually have smaller travel versions available in store too. If there's one thing you buy from the UK, let it be this.
Next also retails the Lipsy London collection. It's a higher priced, slightly better quality version of their regular stuff. Lipsy is known for its collabs with Brit celebs. So you're likely to get something on the trendier side. I'm quite liking this off-the-shoulder jumpsuit. It's a great summer piece that will work well on a daily basis.
In the regular Next section, I'm a fan of these striped trousers. They remind me of something I'd bought a few years ago from Zara, and got eclair filling on while in France. (Yes, I'm a bit messy. It's one of the reasons I like clothes that wash well.) I think these would be great all the year round. They'd do for work, parties and with a tee, you could chill in them as well.
And lastly, these sandals won my heart. Aren't they amazing?? I'm about to see if Next delivers them to India. If they do, they're mine!!
Topshop:
While you may or may not agree with how the Greens (the owners of Topshop) live their lives, the goods they retail certainly agree with the majority of the UK from teens onwards. Look at these blush trousers. Aren't they just the kind of thing you'd use ever so often? With a formal blouse, you'd impress clients and the boss alike. Swap it for a tee and sandals, and exchange gossip about your SO with friends over coffee or brunch. Choose a crop top and heels for date night. Or add a sleeveless blouse and meet your in-laws. It looks great every time.
Topshop retail the Ivy Park range that Beyonce designs (well, peddles more than designs, but you know what I mean) These separates are from there. While you couldn't wear them out without a kimono or light jacket here in India, you could definitely chill in them when you're home. If you're newly married, this is exactly what you want to wear on a lazy Sunday. And if you need to go out, chuck something on over and you're good to go.
I also really like the knot detail on this camisole. Camis are essential warm weather clothes. But they can wind up looking like a uniform if you wear them day in and day out. This is a nice twist - literally - on a classic. Worth it, if you ask me.
Monsoon:
You'd be forgiven for skipping this store when in the UK, for Monsoon has a very Indian vibe. (Its owners are Indian, I think) A lot of their pieces are simply variations of stuff we could get far cheaper at home. I rarely head into Monsoon myself. If you must check it out, I'd recommend this set. It's a pair of trousers and a body suit. It gives off a jumpsuit air, and with the colourful, floral pattern is great for summer. You could break it up and wear them separately too.
I like this jumpsuit cos it's got stars. (Sheesh, I sound like Fleur de Force!) And it reminds me of one I bought from Misguided and had to toss out before I'd ever even worn it. (Long, and very, very sad tale) I still mourn that jumpsuit, and this is a great replacement.
I'm putting this in, cos maxi dresses are so amazing in summer. But if I'm being honest, you'd get something similar from Pantaloons or FBB and probably at a quarter of the price. But it is pretty, and you'll get lots of wear out of it.
River Island:
River Island is one of those stores that are hit and miss. There are points when I want to buy them out, and points when I wonder why I wasted my time popping in. I did find it a bit difficult to find pieces that called to me, but the ones that did - like this blouse - were awesome. How gorge is this white blouse? It's such a lovely piece. I feel it would work on so many occasions, and with so many different kinds of bottoms.
I am equally in love with these wedges, and need them in my life. They are just so perfect for summer! They have such a countryside vibe to them.
And would you believe that this is a playsuit/romper? No, really! It's not a dress. It's a playsuit. How flipping adorable is it! It's such a cute piece. It reminds me of summer days at the seaside, sipping on an iced tea and reading one of my fave books.
New Look:
Ahh, New Look. They are one of my fave Brit stores. I have been fond of them ever since I bought a four pound pair of faux suede ballet flats. The shoes' first outing was in a torrential downpour which saw me wading through ankle deep water for a good twenty minutes. Not only did they survive their baptismal outing, three years later, they're still going strong. I have been a fan ever since.
I like this denim bustier dress. I feel that denim dresses - especially this style - scream 'summer' to the world.
I am loving this jumpsuit. It is really more of a going-out style. But with the hols on, and everyone heading out on vacations, don't we go out more often in the summer anyways? Plus it will be great once we head into September and the start of our wedding season.
Sticking with the slightly more formal jumpsuit theme, this is another one that I really liked. Mind, I think this one can be worn quite casually too. With sandals and one of those straw bags, you could make this work for brunch, or a coffee, or just hanging out at the mall.
If you're looking for higher priced, more classic items, stores like Reiss, Whistles and All Saints are worth checking out. Also, don't forget Selfridges department store. And as a bargain hunter, check out Bicester Village. It's a mix of high end stores and designer brands all at excellent prices. Most bloggers and up and coming celebs (and also the DoC in her Kate Middleton days) buy their designer labels here.
On Thursday, we'll tackle the US. I love the bargain stores in the US - not so much the regular ones. So let's see what I can suggest.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl
IG: @maryannecp
Photo Credits:
All pictures save the first one are from the stores' websites.
Everything is from their 'New In' section or their latest collections.
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