European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 9, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Street beginning at Marble Arch and continuing past Bond Street to Oxford circus. What s key Here is volume in terms of stores and people. T some of the same shops can be found in knights Ridge Hampstead and covent Carden but you can t beat the convenience of having them lining the same strip. The Trade off is major pedestrian congestion which grows to gridlock at Peak shopping times noon to 6 . Still the crush serves As a great education on what the locals Are wearing. Along this stretch is Marks amp Spencer which i m sure you be been told has some great buys. Don t believe everything you hear. Years ago Marks amp Sparks As it s popularly called offered values on Cashmere sweaters and woolens but nowadays True bargains Are few and far Between. If you re willing to commit the time you May find the few. While most of the clothes Are decently made they re about As stylish As Maggie Thatcher s. Next specializes in smart office Wear with a Funky Streak. Think Ann Taylor or or. Guy with an attitude. Next also has a Small but attractive selection of reasonably priced shoes. Styles run toward the classic but some Strappy open toe Gold suede platforms being shown this Spring that Are sure to raise eyebrows As Well As your height go for about $50, like Many Small department store chains and franchises in London next has spread like a germ three stores within a half mile All on Oxford Street. Some next stores carry Only accessories or lingerie or men s clothes though most have an assortment of everything. On the subject of shoes nothing beats London for the outrageous. Both Ravel and Tolci Are showing More than 20 styles of Black ankle hoots this season which in t All that surprising since it seems that every londoner under age 30 owns a pair no two alike. At Dolci the salespeople Wear cordless headsets looking like Madonna or Janet Jackson atone of their concerts so they can radio in shoe requests. Other shoe stores to Check out Derber Bertie Hobbs office and pied a Terre. All tend to be a bit pricy but some of the designs Border on Art a suede and leather sculptures that hug the feet. If unusual designs excite you expect a shopping Accident at warehouse. Luckily clothes Here Are Semi affordable so the fallout usually in t too bad. Recently warehouse highlights included soft Rayon pants topped with Short vests or fatted jackets with detailing flowing but shapely dresses and some very hip dusters in solid Cranberry or Black with slits Cut to mid thigh for $35. Inventory tends to move in and out rather quickly so if you see something you like grab it. Some of the finishing in t very tidy but Given the great prices and innovative styling so what if you have to cutoff a few Loose threads colourful prints highlight most of the Cotton designs at Monsoon including some wonderful batiks. Some of the dresses Between $85 and $150 have a Strong Retro influence others Are More tailored but with an air of Romance. Skirts Range from flouncy to straight with lengths Short and Long and can be coordinated with blouses. A line of More expensive raw silk and velvet evening Wear called Twilight features lots of off the shoulder looks. A separate Twilight store with an ample Sale rack is situated by the Market in covent Garden of All the Monsoon stores in London a and we re talking at least 30 a Oxford Street has the Best leftover Sale merchandise. Accessorize carries Monsoon Brand tights along with scarves big jewelry and unusual hair clips. What really knocked me Over were the soft leather satchels in dark Brown and Black. The largest of three sizes which Cost $40, could double As a briefcase though it in t at All Bulky. The sock shop with More locations than Mcdonald a had brightly patterned tights on Sale for $5, including a purple Green and yellow Quot Floral Salsa Quot design i picked up for a Friend s birthday. Shiny Lycra opaques More like leggings than tights with seams up the Back run around $20. That might seem like a lot but the pair i bought a couple of years ago does t have so much As a Snag. Ashoki with locations in covent Garden and Fulham Road in Chelsea Means Quot something different or unique Quot in Indian where most of the women s clothes originate. While the boutique has toned Down its hippie image you la still find flowing skirts and dresses and jumpsuits in vibrant colors and prints. A dress or skirt and top outfit runs Between $60 and $85. Fabric is also sold separately As Are tote bags and Linen hats. Cecil gee and Woodhouse both in covent Garden near the subway Stop have some handsome Linen blazers for men this Spring around $100in stripes and solids boxy but nicely made As Well As lots of trousers and shirts to mix and match. Also in covent Carden Are Oasis and boules. Both offer Racks of reasonably priced but offbeat women s clothes sure to give your office buddies something to talk about. And if hats Are your thing make sure you Stop in at the hat shop 58 Neal Street covent Carden. This tiny boutique overflows with killer hats none for the faint at heart. The salespeople done to seem to mind you trying on every one and not buying anything. Scripp Howad Newt service june 9, 1994 stripes Magazine 7 7