I know that many of you have probably heard all about it, but you are going to hear it again, because TopShop really is that good! The UK's most fashionable export finally opened at 478 Broadway in NYC last Thursday, and I took my first American steps into Brit fashion-land this morning.I may have missed Sir Philip Green (Topshop's billionaire British owner) and the venerable Kate Moss, but that does not mean I missed out on the excitement that is Topshop!
It was not quite like stepping into another universe... the similarities to H&M, Uniqlo & Zara are all there. Nonetheless, Topshop has an identity all its own, and it truly is everything you thought it would be - brightly colored, rammy-jammed with the season's trendiest trends, and offering a good old dose of British pop-culture.
The retailer has all of Spring's necessities, and although I was strictly there for research, I could not resist nabbing a few goodies for myself... including three pairs of harem pants - and yes, before you have a heart attack, two pairs will be returned unworn. I simply could not decide among the proliferation of choices sprawling across the four floors of prime NY retail real estate.
In addition to the many styles of harem pants, you'll find floor length maxi dresses & skirts in body hugging materials, loads of little cocktail dresses with intricate cutout patterns, more leather than most bondage stores, a whole lot of fringe (the season's foremost trend), sparkles on everything imaginable, a wide variety of flower print dresses, and of course the now ubiquitous onesie - or jumpsuit. I collected pictures of some of my favorites items to lust over once the weather heats up!
It was once I got to the fourth floor of the fashion emporium that I just about fainted. Topshop has outdone themselves with their shoe boutique. Don't go unless your prepared to step out in ankle-breaking heels...5 inches with a hefty platform. But god are they outstanding. A little avant garde with exposed zippers, chain links, and neon colors. These are shoes made for girls who make you look twice... or three times.
Topshop is an absolute fashion euphoria for a girl on a [slightly expanded] budget. The store cannot really be defined as 'cheap'; not in the H&M sense. But the quality is substantially better, and I thought the fit was leaps and bounds ahead of other fast fashion retailers. Throughout the store the same maxim holds - you'll pay a little more, and you'll get a little more.
One of these extras is absolutely stellar service. From beginning to end I was bowled over by the friendly, efficient, and helpful staff. I didn't matter that the store was crowded and hundreds of customers had been ripping clothes off the racks for almost a week straight. Topshop was pristine, the racks were astoundingly organized, and the change rooms were in perfect condition. I guess we'll have to see how long this lasts, but as far as I'm concerned it was a Grade-A shopping experience - and I've never said that about a fast fashion retailer!
Oh! One last tip: try the fitting room on the first floor...it's hidden up a set of steps at the back of the store on it's own little demi-floor...I walked right in while there was huge lines of people upstairs sighing with frustration!
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