Beyond Retro

This shop is like a warehouse living up to its reputation of a prestigious vintage experience. Half of it looks like a fancy dress store displayed where ever they could fit until you walk further into the shop and realize it has been thought out. One section was displayed in old suitcases with mannequin single hands that displayed vintage rings and bracelets and cage walls with fur shoulder hangings. The staff seemed friendly but not that interested in what you where looking for. However we were in near closing time which being an ex retail worker myself I know 15 minutes before closing time is the period where you want to tell costumers to "Piss off and stop wrecking the clothes I just tidied!". The shop looked smaller from the outside but when you entered was surprising big which draws you in further and further. It really was laid out to suit its vintage lover customers and in no way was compromising to suit other customers that are not interested in vintage.

Urban Outfitters

This shop is another one I have attended many times before now. Something I always have concluded about Urban Outfitters is everything matches the lifestyle they have consumed and buying any item is buying into this lifestyle whether it be a heavy knit arty style cardigan to a flowery alcohol hit flask. Everything is quirky, the material mannequins which make the models look shapeless and chunky but yet lovable, the wooden flooring with wooden displays with wooden bowls holding accessories and fashion jewelery. The music heightens this experience with dirty hip hop and sales assistants with piercings and heavily tattooed. Although the clothing doesn't always follow fashion trends it is almost always inevitable to be identified as an urban outfitters when wearing any of their products. They have managed to produce a style that is recognized and appreciated all over.

Hoxton Boutique

This little shop is very little. It is very well lit and extremely white adding to the brightness. Its not very atmospheric but has the minimal approach. All the displays are on chrome glass cases displaying accessories and fashion jewelery. The clothes are on the railings on the walls and again aren't crammed like what you would find in high street shops. This shop wasn't really my taste as I didnt find the items of clothing very exciting, unique or in fashion for that matter. But could appreciate why some may like it.

Topshop

This store is massive. In my personal little opinion (if anyone should care) its TOO big! As soon as I entered I felt the entire London population had decided they too needed to be there. The shop was bombarded with visual displays whether it be window displays or high level mannequins displaying the clothes that where inches below it. This shop also precedes its reputation as a leading high street shop. Each floor meets the needs of the costumer whether it be rows of any kind of shoe you could imagine separated by concessions, classy and casual or the vintage section where clothes are in displays of old suitcases to appeal to your average vintage shopper. The staff seem very run off their feet however nevertheless helpful and eager to help. Each floor is mapped out with tills in every section so you never have to look very far to know where to pay. It has to be said that Topshop has made high end designs available to those with an average income, perhaps you could call it copying or perhaps you could call it genius.

'B' Store

LOVED this shop! The shop had steps going down into one simple room of wooden displays with romantic lights and friendly welcoming assistants. The clothes where laid out spaciously with folded items on top of the rails. The shoe section was glorious, each laid out in their own little wooden box separating them each as their own little masterpiece. Perhaps the style was more to my taste but I personally really enjoyed this shop and appreciated it as very unique. The changing rooms where little and very much apart of the shop adding to the old school experience whilst showing that there is never a bombard of shoppers in this shop making you feel like your on an underground tube. You could easily be left to your own thoughts whilst looking happily at the heavy winter coats or unique neck pieces. Needless to say I was instantly drawn to the price tag in sheer nieve hope, nevertheless if and when I ever get out of my overdraft, I will return!

Matches

This shop precedes its reputation as a high designer stockist. The shop is classy with light boxes, classy mirrors and minimal rails that have each item spaced out with its own importance. The sales assistants where both friendly and non pressuring (perhaps they too could smell we where broke) Nevertheless I felt at ease to walk around clothes I hope to someday be able to afford. The shoes section was small but displaying carefully picked glamorous shoes.  Although the shop wasn't very big that suited my taste, I personally like the feeling that it will be a short visit and that I will never get lost or being sucked into a maze. Perhaps it is the saying 'less is more'

Convenience Store

Was closed. Is hardly ever open. Hope to see it someday.