London Whitechapel And The East End

In East London, street markets are lively and widespread, providing some of the most unique shopping in the area. Spitalfields, widely recognized as London’s best market, offers a tasty weekend display of organic fruits and vegetables, along with trendy artwork, clothing, and jewelry. Just two blocks away, the new Sunday (Up) Market is a lesser-known alternative to the claustrophobia-inducing crowds of its neighbor. Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane Market, both popular tourist destinations, are unfortunately past their prime, but there’s always the chance you’ll find a diamond in the rough. In Hoxton and Shoreditch, as well as in the stretch of Brick Lane just north of the Truman Brewery, independent young designers have opened up gallery-esque boutiques frequented by local artists and artsy pretenders. The streets around Brick Lane feature some of the best secondhand, vintage, and thrift shops in town, and perhaps in general. More undiscovered gems than overpriced trends, the East End is a rare pocket of affordable style in London’s otherwise hopped-up shopping scene.

Clothes

The Laden Showroom, 103 Brick Ln. (☎ 020 7247 2431; www.laden.co.uk), Aldgate East or Liverpool St. A favorite of celeb trendsetters, Laden is the place to get your next flirty dress, sexy skirt, or ...more

Gifts And Miscellany

Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium, 57 Hoxton Sq. (☎ 020 7613 5458; www.sh-womenstore.com), Old St. Founded as a “fresh alternative to Soho sleaze,” this sex shop was the 1st in London to cater to women ...more