Top Shopping Fun

by Lizzie Culverhouse

If I were to ask any teenage girl in Britain where to get the cheapest, funkiest, straight off the catwalk clothes, I have no doubt that the majority would reply: Topshop. Students, fashion junkies in need of a quick fix, clubbers looking for next week’s outfit, media stars, pop stars and even journalists who want to mix and match their designer outfits make the trek to Topshop.

This unique store is now thirty two years old with 310 branches in the UK. It aims to provide the perfect wardrobe for fifteen to twenty nine year olds, although many thirty-somethings have been secretly spotted trying to stay in the fashion groove, as it were. While Topshop offers its patrons that special fashion-find, it also provides shoppers with a fashion experience, unparalleled in many regards.

Shopping here takes on a new meaning. Four escalators take shoppers down to an Aladdin’s cave of clothes. Music blares, courtesy of Topshop FM, as they even have their own radio station and DJ’s in the shop. Music videos play on huge screens. There is a cafe to dump the tired mom in from where she can still keep an eye on her daughter and credit card. There are catwalk shows, a nail bar, a henna tattooist, and, if that isn’t enough, there are live appearances from up and coming pop groups. Topshop TV replays these performances around the store so you don’t have to interrupt your shopping to watch.

Additionally, with up to 300 new lines every week in the huge Oxford Circus store, there is always something exciting to buy. And, with such a fast turnover, there is a good chance your friends won’t all turn up to school on Monday in your new skirt. The designers at Topshop never fail to surprise. There are many different ranges, with sizes two to fourteen and a petite and longer length range. There are huge jean sections, coats, accessories, bags, wigs, not to mention items you could have sworn you saw on Jennifer Lopez just last week.

There are three massive levels, including a Topman, but if you insist on dragging the boyfriend/ brother around, there are soft sofas and free playstations to occupy them. There is a slightly more expensive, exclusive range called TS Design for the snooty big sister and new this season is Bazaar, a space dedicated to designers from London’s markets who will take plain Topshop clothes and customize them with rips, patches, sparkles and anything you want while you wait.