London Haul

I am one of the most frugal people you’ll ever meet. I tend to pick up pennies off the ground, thrift shop and order the cheapest meal on the menu. I don’t online shop unless there’s free shipping and I’m constantly searching for the best deals by looking for coupons and freebies, especially anything that involves free food. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t know how to enjoy life and splurge on investment pieces every now and then. As a fashion major, I always have an everlasting wish list and as a Philadelphian, it’s impossible to skip the luxury of Restaurant Week. After three whole months of living in London, I’ve had the chance to shop at local flea markets and special retail stores that don’t exist in the States. I’ve racked up many good finds and have checked off so many things from my wish list that I couldn’t find back at home!
Topshop: Although Topshop just began opening retail stores in the States the nearest one to me is all the way in New York, so I’ve never shopped here until I came to London.
1.   White mesh dress $31.86
2.   Eyeliner $10

New Look: This is another British brand that we don’t have in the States, and its clothes and price points are very similar to H&M.
1.   Denim overalls $37.32
2.   Marble geometric necklace $8.66
3.   Black and white striped socks $2.24
4.   Black frilly socks $1.50

Boohoo: This is a British retailer that’s an e-commerce equivalent to Forever21. It’s just as trend-lead as Forever21, but is even cheaper!
1.   Black evening gown $14
2.   Floral bellbottom trousers $20
3.   White asymmetrical crop top $10
4.   White crop top #2 $10

Primark: This is another British equivalent to Forever21, but unlike Boohoo, which is solely sold online, Primark is a brick-and-mortar retailer. They don’t have an online store, which is a shame because they’re even cheaper than Forever21.
1.  Grey and mint frilly socks $6.15
2.  Copper hangers $5

Pull & Bear: This is a European brand that has a similar brand image as Brandy Melville.
1.   “I hated everybody before it was mainstream” crop top $9.59

& Other Stories: This is actually a sister company of H&M, but their clothing is much higher quality and fashion forward. They’re sadly not sold in the States yet, so I’m waiting for that day to come.

1.   White bralette $15.44

Make Up For Ever: Although we have Make Up For Ever in the States because it’s a European brand, it was much cheaper here.
1.   Primer $11.31

Liberty: This is one of the oldest and most luxurious department stores in London, and it’s actually the only one in the entire world.
1.   Gold scissors $16.57

The Welcome Collection – Gift Shop: This is actually an art museum that I visited and like any other museum, they had a gift shop full of interesting books and souvenirs.
1.   Black pleather agenda $10.53

Camden Market: This is a local flea market that literally sells anything you can think of. From delicious food to clothes, accessories and home goods, it has it all.
1.   Maroon elephant printed tapestry $13.76
2.   Mini dream catcher $9.71

Brick Lane Market: This is another local flea market that’s filled with a bunch of vintage shops.
1.   Holographic glasses $8.09
2.   “Reading” glasses $12.95

All images are gathered from their prospective retail stores.