Uh, ok. After a day filled with shopping, my group wanted to stop at Top Shop. Apparently this is a…read moretop clothing shop in London, but really falls flat in regards to selection and quality. Even after an hour of browsing, I have come to the conclusion that this store has the quality of H&M or Forever 21 - just with higher prices and the occasional name brand. Items on sale were very odd looking and disorganized. Not exactly the place I'd like to buy anything, I tried.

USA DO NOT PURCHASE ON-LINE GIFT CARDS from TopShop!…read more On the US TopShop website, the gift cards are electronically generated in EUROS and TopShop stores (in this case, The Grove TopShop in LA) DOES NOT HONOR THEM because "they are not in US dollars". After receiving a $200 gift card that they would not honor, I called their US Customer service number. The US customer service telephone lines ring and then disconnect - continuously. I called their UK customer service number that had an automated "your call is important to us" that kept me on hold for over 40 minutes before connecting to a person (the international phone call alone cost $210). The UK customer service guy checked it all out, confirmed the card, acknowledged the issue, and said they would reissue it in US dollars and email it within the week. No gift card was received. Instead, an email asking for CONFIRMATION of full name, address and zip code. (Image attached) Responded to them - no response. Emailed them again (after the first $200 phone charge I wasn't going to call again) - put in a "que" per automated response saying they were very busy and warning that it I sent another email it would put me on the end of the line and start the process all over again.(see attached) Endless loop - with no results whatsoever.

Another good trip to this location. They have so many festive items, including; homeware, clothing…read moreand decorations. Great place for stocking stuffers and their bath bombs selection is one of the best! So many to choose from, including Disney and Christmas designs, all either £1 or £1.50! Staff on the floor are a bit useless and unwilling to help but the register staff were pleasant. As always - come early to avoid the crowds!

Your enjoyment or appreciation of this place is going to be entirely dependent on who you are, and…read morewhat your lifestyle is. I am not local (American) but I have lived in London as a young poor 20 something. Primark was a Godsend for me. It's also really interesting now that they have expanded into the states (although not where I live) to come back and see how it has changed. When I lived here and had no money this was my go to for anything trendy, or needed. When I moved back to America quite unexpectedly I went there to stock up on inexpensive suitcases to pack up my life and carry back across the world. Any fast fashion or trendy items, this was my go to. Needed something for my home that didn't need to be high quality, Primark. I got a job at AllSaints a few blocks away and we were supposed to wear their clothes exclusively, but we only got a 60% discount (that's a big discount but still not inexpensive for a college kid) so I got a lot of my work shoes here and they never noticed. Now that I visit as a tourist, it's my go to for things like I need an umbrella that I can leave behind when I go home, or it's raining and I didn't bring my raincoat with me today...or it's colder than what I planned for on this trip so let me stop by and grab a few pieces of layering clothes or a coat. The Disney selection makes me wonder why there isn't a Primark in Orlando (because they get very unique Disney licensed items). If you don't have a big budget or are in need of souvenirs, I also recommend Primark. But if you're looking for a luxury experience, this isn't for you. If you're anti fast fashion, please just skip this. It's busy and loud and sort of a cattle call at the till, but it's great novelty spot. The layout has shed over the years bit it's still a great spot for cheep gifts, replacing broken or lost items and getting an unexpected suitcase for any souvenirs if you are a tourist (my favorite suitcase going on 11 years was £25 from here & yes we got another this most recent trip) 3 stars because I've definitely had some weird experience here over the years but generally if you go in knowing what it is and what to expect, it won't disappoint you.

Not much has been done to a great standard in the shop itself. Having said that, the wallpaper and…read morethe mirror in the dressing room feels quite homely. The shop is quite cutting edge in what they offer, the emphasis on shape and cut and are amongst the freshest themes out there, there is always an interesting cut to look out for at Dahlia's. Attention to detail is essential, buttons, pockets, stitching and lining. For instance, I fell in love with one of their new season sailor coats, with red buttons and navy backdrop, the lining in silk and printed red stars. Unfortunately, the shape was a bit to frumpy for my height but I can see it being worn by a specific kind of woman amazingly! I encountered the same problem with other outfits, it was such a shame. Their clothes won't fit everyone, but you never know; one of their vintage type, fun cut dresses might fit you perfectly.

I was strolling through Carnaby Street before catching the bus when I stumbled across this lovely…read morelittle shop down an alley. Supposedly the designer is British and began selling her pieces on Portobello Road ten years ago. The shop is brightly lit, small and very quaint. I found the Dahlia collection to be rather vintage-inspired, with precise tailoring feminine details. The quality of the pieces are very good and I feel like the price point is fair. There also is a section of vintage pieces in the shop, all in wonderful condition. I found the service to be great as well, my salesgirl was quite attentive and gave me her advice when I was conflicted between two vintage 1950s dresses I had selected. She asked for my contact information so she could ring me when they got in a trench I was eyeing earlier that had sold out straight away. Also, she said she would let me know when the shop got in their next vintage shipment. Overall, wonderful and very genuine customer service. I look forward to what the Dahlia shop has in store for F/W 2010 and I will be back in the shop very soon.

I love Uniqlo and I would gladly buy all my clothes here. Cant beat the quality/price ratio…read more Beautiful, well kept store. Store was packed but things were organized, and there were no lines to try the clothes or to checkout. Self checkout was very convenient and fast btw

Love this location. The staff were all so nice and the guy working in the fitting room was really…read morehelpful and just seems to really enjoy his job which is lovely to see. They had some amazing discounts when I went in and I wish I'd been able to get more stuff than I did! Some of the racks are a bit close together so when it's busier it can be a little tight but otherwise this is a great store. I recommend going in early morning on the weekdays.

THE quintessential aesthetic London department store…read more Harrods is for tourists with a lot of money. Liberty is for anybody with taste. An authentic London shopping experience that offers unique items you can't find elsewhere. A long history of beautiful design in a stunning Tudor-esqu building without a single escalator! (There are elevators) Gorgeous fabric from designers like William Morris. Come here for genuine London products, and for an authentic only-in-London shopping experience.

When tariffs kicked in, I made it my mission to buy the advent calendar from here in person. Did it…read moretake up 2/3s of my check in luggage? Yes. Saved on shipping and taxes. No regrets. So if you happen to find something made in the UK, buy it in person! My Mason Pearson brush was almost $100 less here. Same with the DS Durga fragrance sampler I treated myself to. On top of all that, the customer service is lovely. They leave you alone but are also genuinely helpful when you need it! Speaking of the fragrances, when my flight left before my click and collect was ready, they price matched the item I had bought online for Black Friday and let me buy in person since it was in stock. Honestly love this place more than Harrods for their more personal human interactions.

I just. came back from Mango Oxford street and the customer service I received was phenomenal! a…read morestaff member sought me out to help me find an item, went downstairs to find it for me, just went out of her way, and found the last item for me! Well done Mango, superb customer service!

Mango does really hot on trend clothing and promotes the general sexiness that is Penelope Cruz. I…read moredrool when I see her on the Loreal Commercial. Mango is three floors of beautiful hip clothing and shoes and accessories you can actually afford. All the latest looks are here and well laid out. You can also get a tee-shirt that says Mango. Not one of Penelope or her sister but one that says Mango. If you like Zara and feel Primark is a disgrace yet have a secret look now and again, you'll love Mango.

Jador New Look because I love buying affordable fashionable clothes. You never know what you could…read morefind in here really. It can be a bit of a hit or miss sometimes. But I have snapped up some great deals here in the past. I still have a blue shirt that I bought here a couple of years ago for £20. They also have a great shoe section with some fabulous boots, pumps and heels all at affordable prices.

When i first arrived in october i don't know why i was looking badly at this store…read more Don't ask me why! Maybe because it is just in front of next and primark or maybe because of the stairs. On day in november i was looking desperatly for a dress and i entered this shop. I felt in love. It is one of my favourite clothes shop. It is tidy and clean. Clothes are well exposed and you can easly see them all and find your size whatever it is. The staff is friendly and helpful. Fitting rooms are huge! I think they have more than 10, with a really good light and with many mirrors. The maximum of clothes you can try is 10 but if you go during the week time you can try a couple of more. They also have a big space all dedicated to shoes. It's a dream. Prices are super honest and you can choose between two brands. The one from new look -cheeper- and another one more "formal" and a little bit more expensive. I will repeat myself but i love this store

I'll let you in on a little secret about me, well it's not really a secret, but this girl loves to…read morecook. I think about food, ingredients and spices a lot and when I travel, I like to experience and take a little something home as a souvenir. So I came to John Lewis & Partners after a friend recommended the grocery portion as a good place to find spices. I've traveled to several countries and states where I pick up spices to use in my recipes, this means a lot more to me than some novelty t-shirt or magnet. I purchased a wide selection of spices, some which I have never tried using before. As you can see in my picture, I got quite the haul and paid around $30 euros for it all. Compared to the prices I would have paid back home, I feel that I got a great deal at John Lewis & Partners.

I CHALLENGE JOHN LEWIS TO PROVIDE THE PROOF THEY SAY THEY HAVE ON VIDEO SHOWING MY CLAIM YOU STOLE…read more£160 OF MY MONEY. I was new to them at Solihull but approached by a man i now believe was head of security. He took control as the shop was shutting demand a further £200 when i can only assume my autism and unsteady state while i was suffering a minor stroke had him see an opportunity to steal. The shop was in darkness the cashier at a distance and stated events were manufactured. I was still clear in my head but unable to respond and the salesman is said to have been on holiday over 8 weeks. The head of security of that floor seemed familiar but the video would prove it weas him. JOHN LEWIS refused to show me the video or a copy but the video would show my state of health having to sit while i was being robbed. The police were offered as an alternative knowing they cannot interfere in a civil case further confirming the abuse is a regular occurrence on these premises. C9itizens Advice stated this action was typical so many have endured it. YOU OWE ME £160 but please take me to court i tried to put this on your review page but it went blank

Tips: - The foodhall is worth the visit. Enter from Oxford…read moreStreet. - Candy is on the lower ground level. - If you come here around Christmas, the Christmas section is lovely. I was in London in December 2013. I visited a bunch of department stores. Part of me was curious about how they are set up versus how the flagship department stores in Canada were set up. I visited the flagship Selfridges store on Oxford Street. Rest in peace to the flagship Eaton's store in Winnipeg that I frequented often when I worked across from it. I also miss the flagship Hudson's Bay stores in Toronto and Winnipeg. I will toss in the flagship Simpsons store that preceded the Hudson's Bay. I stayed in South Kensington. There was a bus stop steps away from the hotel and around the corner from Gloucester Road station. I took the 74 Putney bus that got me to this store. I could have also taken the underground to Piccadilly Circus, but the walk would have been a bit longer. I wasn't sure how much damage I'd do here! I entered the store from Oxford Street, which gets you on the ground level. I remember seeing sushi on a convenor belt to my left. It was cool. It was Yo! I'm glad that this eatery is still around. You can dine here or do takeout. I entered the foodhall. I was so happy. I saw cupcakes, oysters, caviar, and more. Everything looked fancy and yummy. The ground floor had a beauty section and a pharmacy. This store is large. It's the second-largest department store in London, behind Harrods. I spent most of my time on the lower ground level. It's where the candy, wine, and cookshop sections are. I love candy and confections. I saw everything from macarons and chocolate malt balls, to fancy bourbon and wine. I bought some chocolate bars. They were perfect to hand out to colleagues. They were also Christmas-themed. I got milk and dark chocolate varieties. They were delicious. This floor also had a cinema. I didn't check it out. I was too busy visiting the technology and stationery sections. I was so happy on this floor. I spent the most time here. I did check out the women's clothing, which occupies levels 2 and 3. There was a lot of designer clothing. It didn't suit my casual, cheaper style. I loved coming here just before Christmas. It was festive and fun. The Christmas section was enjoyable to peruse. I have fond memories coming here. I hope to return someday. This store is over a century old and I'm pleased that it continues to endure. (49)

This place is beautiful and can be compared to a Saks store. On our visit, it was really packed and…read morecrowded since everyone was trying to get their holiday deals. Plus, it is beautiful during the holidays. The store has a total of 4 floors with a huge Jellycat Fish and Chip pop-up on the top floor. If you are here for that, be prepared to wait since it is a 2 1/2 hour wait. There is also a walk-in line if you were unable to create a reservation. Merch here is on the pricier side but if you are looking for something trendy, you can definitely find it here. Plus, there are a few food and snack locations if you get hungry while shopping your hearts away.

"Have you been to COS?" I questioned my BFF over lunch at nearby NOPI. After explaining that H&M's…read moresophisticated, higher end sister was my European go-to and still not available in the States, it became clear I had to take her there. Opened in March 2007, the Regent Street location is London's first Collection of Style (COS). Whilst I still haven't properly figured out their sizing (I consistently have to take two of every item into the fitting room to get it right), I continue to love COS - particularly for dresses and accessories. At the moment about half the store is on sale so it's a nice to time to get your Nordic fashion fix. Neon lovers: orange is figuring prominently in a lot of the current collection. I stuck to more muted tones with my purchases but I admire ladies who can rock super brights. My BFF picked up a terrific large checked scarf (as well as an oatmeal coloured rolled hem jumper for her boyfriend.) I spotted a blue/grey leather colour block clutch that I very nearly bought to avoid trying to DIY my own. Given I'm still thinking about it, I'll probably have to go back and fetch it at some point. There are plenty of basics here but if you desire to be more daring, they've got that too. Think coated linen sculptured dresses, glued seams, waxed linen shrunken shirts, bold statement necklaces. COS may well be the only store in London I can't manage to leave empty handed.

Cos rhymes with classic cool. It aims to take some very good natural quality materials and design…read morethem into timeless, simple but tasteful, Marni-esque designs. It is hard to guess that this store is even remotely related to the giant Swedish chain H&M. Best in store is the little black dress. It comes in different lengths and designs but always aims to impress. I do like Cos, and I feel like I will be shopping there a lot... in a couple of years. I feel like this store is a bit too 'grown up' at times and I plan to take advantage of my freedom to wear 'silly' clothes for as longs as I can.