Given that everyone has friends or relatives - usually both - in the UK these days, it's an obvious vacation spot. There's plenty to do, and plenty of shopping too. Although we do have a lot of their High Street stores here in India, we don't have them all. And neither do we merit everything that they sell there. I'll skip most of the ones that we do have, however there are a few that are worth checking out when you're there.
Marks & Spencer: Yes, they're more or less a slightly overpriced old ladies brand. That said, their lingerie section in the UK is definitely worth checking out. There's a far wider selection and choice than we get here. Plus they're priced much, much better, and the quality is superior too. I have stuff that's lasted years - one strapless bra has the distinction of going through a decade and still looking fabulous. (Also, it only cost me a few hundreds) So don't forget to take a look-see.
Boots and Superdrug:
I don't usually suggest beauty stores, but do pop into both Boots and Superdrug while you're there. Boots' No 7 range is amazing. Simple, Essie, Nip + Fab, Barry M, Urban Decay, Caudalie, Sanctuary, Soap & Glory and Liz Earle are all there. As are the latest releases from brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline, Pantene and Revlon. And when I say latest releases, I mean all the good stuff that never makes its way down to India. They had the oil-in-cream a whole year before we saw it on our shelves.
Another thing to check out are their travel minis. They have amazing selections and usually a three for the price of one or two or one deals. Don't miss out!
Primark:
Let's begin with the budget-friendly stores. And Primark tops them all. Their clothes are pretty decent. Of course, like any cheap store, do check the fabrics before you buy. But a lot of their things are surprisingly good quality. I've had stuff that's lasted two to three years. I've also had stuff that had to be binned after one wash. So choose wisely. I'm loving these shorts. I think they're great for the summer.
Primark's home selection is also fantastic. In fact, I rate it higher than either their clothes or their shoes. Everything I've ever bought from there is still going strong. Yes, really. From super soft blankets - at prices cheaper than DMart - to their Christmas decor, I honestly prefer this to the Zara Home section.
Another thing to love about Primark is their beauty section. They have all the latest beauty trends and at excellent prices. The quality is usually great - although there is the odd dud here. I'm a fan of their nail varnish removing pads. (But watch the container when travelling. It tends to spill) Also of their beauty tools. And I've heard amazing stuff about their lipsticks. But not being a lipstick fan, I've never bought one. I love their nail polishes too. However, these are UK-use only. On contact with India's weather, they immediately get goopy and unusable. If you're prepared to stock your polishes in the fridge though, you could definitely pick up a couple. The textures and finishes are really nice.
Matalan:
Matalan is another budget-friendly chain, with some great stuff! Yes, much like M&S it is geared more towards the older crowd. But it's got some amazing bargains if you take a good look. The best ripped jeans I ever got were from Matalan. (And only six pounds!) I cried when they got stained (damn you, you cold coffee!) and I had to chuck them out.
I really like this dress. It's white, it's got a broderie anglaise feel to it and it's cheap. I would definitely buy it.
This asymmetric top is another piece I love. I wouldn't wear it with trousers though. I'd pair it with distressed denim shorts, and those Bimba Y Lola sandals in my Spanish shopping guide. It would be the perfect summer morning/afternoon outing outfit.
I am obsessed with these adorable flip-flops as well. We Indians spend a lot of time at home in the summer - well, we have to, our weather is not conducive to stepping out. These would be so cute to wear when you have friends over, or even just chilling at home on your own. They'd be the perfect thing to pack for an overnighter either at a friend's or a significant other's place.
With the monsoons heading our way next month (If you're a Mumbaikar) how neat is this gingham mac? Mind, it's not completely waterproof, it's water-resistant. That means you need to pair it with an umbrella in a torrential downpour, but it will keep you dry in a drizzle. It's also one of those foldable ones that you can stuff in your bag for emergencies. I have one from Primark, and can I just say they are such useful things in our monsoons? I keep mine in either my bag or the car. And it has saved me a cold and fever so many times. This one is definitely worth picking up.
No, don't worry, I am tackling the high street giants. However this post is far too long already. So stick around for Part Two, when I talk about New Look, River Island, Monsoon and all the other Brit faves we love.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl
IG: @maryannecp
Photo Credits: All pictures (save the very first one) are from the brands' websites.
Everything is from the new collections or the 'New In' sections.
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