zuriga

When you see the prices here, you'll be glad not to need much in the way of clothing! Swanhunter has given you lots of good names. I also like EAST which has branches all over and one of my other favorites is Jigsaw which is a shop (lots of locations) I think you'd like. Selfridge's is closest to places like Bergdorf's, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue but the prices are really high compared to the States. Their shoe department is also very good and you may catch the summer sale which is a good one.

Ruffled skirts seem all the thing this summer - lots of big, summer jewelry, too. I sometimes think I'm back in the 60's or 70's. <g>There really aren't all that many differences - you'll fit right in. I found some great bargains in Cologne if you can go there for a sidetrip... oh, one more shop.. Zara. They have good things, too.

quitecontrary

I second the suggestions made above- Jigsaw is my favourite shop. The also have cheaper sister shop- Kew with a few locations around London. There is 1 in the Kings Road. In Marks & Spencer the funkiest clothes are in their Per Una range. You can see all of these online so that you can compare styles and costs before coming. Also don't forget it is sale time here in June /July so you may well pick up some bargains.
The in look here is Bo-Ho (think thats how it is spelt)!

SkiAdcock

Did I miss something? You're a student & want to buy clothes in the UK? Given the current exchange rate? And looking for stuff similar to what you can get in states? I don't get it.

Save the $$ & use it for visiting places or buying a few extra pints

If you're that fashion forward you should go to NYU instead of (guessing here) UofM or MSU. Being originally from Michigan & visiting each year, I can say that

Have a fab time this summer Ziena. Cheers.

Sharon

BigLar

I've heard that wearing a full dress w/coat and decorated with about 10,000 mother-of-pearl buttons is the absolute height of fashion in the UK.

Warm up that sewing machine, dearie.

luxury

Selfridges is nice but check out Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge -- I found their collections, both mens and womenswear, on the whole, to be a bit more cutting edge.

Shanghai Tang in Sloane Street offer great chinese themed gear but at very dear prices. However, during sale time you can find some really good bargains.

Since you are in London, why not fly to Florence and do a weekend of outlet shop shopping -- all the big names are there, including Prada, Gucci, Loro Piana. The selection varies but at least you also get to see a more beautiful city.

Or, on a weekend to Paris, go during salestime and check out Galleries Lafayette and Printemps.....

Yes yes, you are here for university studies.... that's schooling; if you want an education, go out and travel!!

P.S. Are you attending the LSE Summer School?

Ziena

Haha...I find that many of those who post on this site jump to many conclusions before they post...Several incorrect ones at that...It makes me laugh...But I do suppose that typical "American, University student" would fit some of those assumptions...Perhaps I just don't provide enough information about myself...To clear a few things up to aid future posts:

I'm not actually looking to shop much (if at all, in Europe...) I'm a very picky shopper and spend my money only if I consider it a reasonable buy or something truly unique (which is usually not the case in any clothing store...Everyone makes the same "trends"). As such, I know my American dollar will hardly buy any good deals anywhere in Europe (except during the sale time, which I love!!). So SkiAdcock, don't worry about little old me...I'll manage! And yes, I go to MSU...But fashion was hardly the reason I made my university decision...Haha...If that was the case, I most certainly would have gone to NYU!

Also, I am fairly well travelled for someone of my age...Please don't think that I am completely ignorant...Haha...Although many of my trips have been to Africa, I have done a fair share of travelling in Europe as well...(This is how I initially stumbled upon that great sale season you Europeans have!! I wish the States did this!). Zuriga, I really liked what I saw in Zara last time I was over there...So good recommendation!! ^

And Zuriga, as you mentioned, the "bo-ho," 60s and 70s look is definitely back in here too...All I can say is that I'm so greatful that, at least here in the States, we've moved away from the "Bring back the 80s fashion" trend ...I absolutely hated that! Haha...Did the UK run through that trend as well?? I pray that it missed you...It was awful! Haha

And Luxury, yes, I'm technically in London to study, but in my little world, that's the code word for "excuse to travel Europe" ...Haha...You can count on it! And I'm not quite sure that I'm familiar with the "LSE Summer School"...I am studying at the University of London-Florence Nightengale School of Nursing and Midwifery, which has been arranged through my university back in the States. It will be mostly taught by my professor from the States with several guest lecturers from the UK...I'm not sure if this is a similar program or not.

Also, a bit of a random side-tangent: I will be staying in the Marylebone district while I am in London...I've read what the "travel books" say about it, but what could our London locals say? What kind of neighborhood is this?? Just curious...Thanks!

Swanhunter

In a word - nice! In a few more words, very expensive. It has a village atmosphere, one of the nicest high streets in London with some great upmarket clothes shops ( ) and some fantastic eating options. Plus you can walk pretty much anywhere in the West End within 30 mins - important as walking is by far the best way to explore London. I work just around the corner and it is probably my favourite area of Central London. Much of the housing is in large early 20th Century mansion blocks. Big, high ceilings but just a little bit gloomy. But with Regents Park less than 10 mins walk it is easy to get some quality sun time.

If you want some bar and restaurant tips, let me know.

Ziena

I would love some recommendations--after all, I certainly won't be in class or studying that often! Please share whatever London wisdom you would like to! (Try to keep in mind that I can't be spending too much in one sitting...Hehe. But if there are truly wonderful places that are pricey, just let me know. I may be interested in splurging one night!)

zuriga

I'm happy to hear my Zara mention was well received. To be honest, I'd never been in one of their stores till visiting Cologne this past February. I don't know the Marylebone area well, but a friend of mine from NY stayed there in January and raved about a Chinese restaurant.. Phoenix Palace. He isn't into spending lots on food in London, so it might be pretty reasonable. You'll enjoy that neighborhood.. and Regent's Park is really beautiful and close by. There's a Wagamama near there, too, come to think of it... reasonable and delicious noodles.

mosburger

For social drinking with fellow students, nothing beats good old student union and student halls of residence bars. People tend to drink and mingle there regardless of "spending power" and the only downbeat is that they close early, 9 or 10 pm. A good starting place before heading clubbing or to late night bars. Marylebone is also close to Fitzrovia and Soho where you'll find a great variety of eating and drinking places until the wee hours. The "Time Out" guide is the Zagat's of London as Gault Millau and Michelin mostly lists restaurants that are out of reach for the average student budget.

Raffles

You may also want to have a look at www.chavscum.co.uk (and in particular http://www.chavscum.co.uk/howto.php) to get an idea of which fashion looks you will often see but which you should avoid at all costs!

Ziena

Haha...This site is hilarious! And thanks for the headsup!

Jenbel

Ok - a lot's been said already - I'd add John Lewis to the list of shops, but some of the stuff is probably a bit too old for students - otoh, some of it is too young for me it tends to do concessions, much as Harvey Nicks, so can be pretty varied.

And I love the British optimism about summer, but we really do need to add a note of caution - it is Britain, good weather is never guaranteed. Don't forget clothes for cooler weather, wet weather - sandals or heels aren't much good when jumping puddles

And if interested in socialising with FT-ers, keep an eye on the BA board as well as Community - UK organised Do's tend to be posted more on the UK airline boards as more of the Brits read them...

Hope you have a great time.

Swanhunter

Eating

Woodlands, Marylebone Lane. Great value India vegetarian food. Try the sev puri, bel puri and masala dosa.

Wagamama, Wigmore Street. As noted above, good value noodles.

Giraffe, George Street. Fun, casual dining. It's nothing amazing but a decent place to fill up at a decent price.

Golden Hind, Marylebone Lane. Some of the best fish and chips in London.

La Galette, Paddington Street. Fantastic sweet and savoury French crepes. Try the cider!

Edgware Road is a 10 minute walk away and has some great Lebanese eating options.

Royal China, Baker Street. Cracking Dim Sum and other chinese cooking - part of a very popular London chain.

And a lot more expensive

Los Providores/Tapas Room, Marylebone High Street. Fantastic, imaginative but very pricey fusion food.

Orrery, Marylebone High Street. Really high quality French cooking

Drinking

Dusk, Marylebone High Street. Runner up for London bar of the year. Buzzy vide, good booze selection. Has hosted a BA board do!

The O'Conor Don, Marylebone Lane. Some of the best Guinness in London.

The Rising Sun, Dorset Street. A very traditional London pub with original 'snugs'. Not many left like this.

There is also a very friendly cafe/sandwich bar called Cafe Teo on Baker Street. Good for a pit stop and run by a really delighful bunch of people.