Street & Flea Markets

London can't quite compete with the flea markets of Paris, but it does increasingly hold its own. London's markets are smaller, more niche, and perhaps slightly too expensive -- but they are lots of fun. Take cash with you (and keep it somewhere safe), as most markets are a bit of a walk from any ATMs. Then do your best not to be tempted by all the wares on offer. Do haggle. Most items can be bought for cheaper than their price tag, if you're willing to negotiate. Round things down, ask for something for nothing, and get a bargain.

All Under One Roof -- Between the high-street shops, the one-off boutiques, and the department stores, lies a strange retail beast known as the "collective shop." These are the stores that grab a selection of the very best of London fashion, and spread it out over several floors -- meaning you're spoilt for choice whenever you visit. U.S. chain Urban Outfitters, 42-56 Earlham St., WC2 (tel. 020/7759-6390; www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk; Tube: Covent Garden), does this just right, and London has its own take on the format, with some stunning homemade shops doing the same. My Sugarland, 402-404 St. John St., N1 (tel. 020/7841-7131; www.mysugarland.co.uk; Tube: Angel), turns to vintage inspiration and unique styling to create a one-stop lifestyle shop. They're all about dressing up, and looking darned pretty while you're doing it. Over in West London, the Shop at Bluebird, 350 King's Rd., SW3 (tel. 020/7351-3873; www.theshopatbluebird.com; Tube: South Kensington), is chock-full of designers, and Dover Street Market, 17-18 Dover St., W1 (tel. 020/7518-0680; www.doverstreetmarket.com; Tube: Green Park), excels at eclectic fashion choices. It stocks apparently every fashionable designer that might take your fancy.