Get the London Look

Yesterday I was at London Fashion Weekend, and after a depressing hour or so of seeing gorgeous bargain designer clothes which I still couldn't afford, I made my way to Oxford Circus and walked along Oxford, Carnaby and Regent street looking at the stores window displays. I could definately see trends emerging as I strolled along the streets - snapping as many pics as I could! I literally went until my camera ran out of battery!

I have to say I loved the visual merchandising in the flagship Toshop store - I explored the 3 levels of the store studying their VM. Unfortunately I was unable to get photos, as security would have thrown me out! However I shall make a moodboard of what I saw and give some notes I made. (watch this space for that)

Photos - These are a random selection of photos - the rest I have taken and divided based on different trends, which I will make separate posts for later, when I have some spare time!

This is a Topshop branch store on the Strand - right near Charing Cross station. Similar to the other branches I have seen - its got the large gold frames, purple as a key colour, florals, chain strap bags, lace up boots, denim and tiger motifs.

Homely interior pieces are key at Urban Outfitters - lamps, books, tables. The MDF wood in the background I also saw alot of - I think it ties in with the construction trend (might make a moodboard for this trend later as well.)

This can be easily recognised as American Apparal - I liked the way the belts are made a key feature, also its an unusal muted colour palette - not their signature brights.

I am liking the simple use of wrinkled paper in this window - another similarity I was noticing whilst on Carnaby street - an effective use of sticking with a budget, but still making a statment.

The tough leather look is a key trend for this season, and one that many stores chose to use in their windows, including Oasis - with red being the key colour.

I had to check out Liberty whilst I was in the area - look how they have used scarves to make this statement chandelier piece, it was incredible.

Still to come - they key trends I picked out from my research day in London, and moodboards for the key current VM trends.

Added 29th September - a very quick moodboard for the VM theme in the Topshop flagship store, London. It is heritage/stately home inspired, with suits of armour, traditional tartans, antlers and large gold frames.