Topshop
Neighborhood: SoHo
Type of Place: Women's Clothing
Description:
After much anticipation, England's über-popular clothing store Topshop has opened in New York—and from the lines to get in, you'd think they were paying people to shop rather than charging for the clothes. But once you're in, you'll find four floors of spirited, flat-out fun clothes and accessories, with choices for guys and gals, for young and not-so-young, and for all occasions (there's skimpy lingerie here, and nearby, there's maternity-wear).
Hoping to miss most of the waiting-in-line hoopla, I went on a Saturday evening, betting that most fashionistas would be home getting dressed for the night. Good call; though there was still a line to enter, it was relatively short. Inside, it felt like "Saturday night out" was happening already, with a kicky mix of British indie rock playing and a festive vibe all around.
On the main floor, I admired a pale blue chiffon bustier with rose detail (roses are *very* big in the shop right now), $60; a floral spaghetti-strapped minidress, $90; a cotton-candy-pink sundress with an open back, $65 (also available in a floral print); a crisscross-strapped cocktail dress in black with grey hearts (hearts, too, are big here now) that could be summer-wedding-worthy ($70); and cute Reko for Topshop day dresses, all $70, in charming patterns (my favorite was turquoise with white hearts and big white buttons).
I headed to the second floor to check out the designs of Ms. Kate Moss, who has a line for the shop and helped to head up its April 2nd opening. The dress Kate wore for opening day, a bright green floor-length gown, is available for $250; but my favorite pieces from her line were a flapper-like royal-blue chiffon shift ($210) and pale blue eyelet minidress with a puffed skirt and tie straps ($100).
The bottom floor is designated for the guys, but given its even-more-reasonable prices, its practical basics, and its fantastic sneakers, I say girls should shop there too. Windbreakers, t-shirts, jeans, hats, those great sneakers (in neutrals and rainbow shades), and more are available. "I wish they made this for girls," one gal said to her friend about an orange-and-white button-down shirt. I say, if you like it, wear it and make it yours!
The women's shoe section is a trip, maybe literally, with an emphasis on very high heels; though I loved the ballet flats, especially a cabbage-rose-printed pair ($50). In other accessory news, the 80s are alive and well here, with big hair bows a lot like Madonna's in the early days (and, I'll admit, like the ones I wore as a kid copying Madonna in the early days); neon skinny belts; fedoras; chunky bangles; and necklaces in long strands. A hairband with a big citrus-orange bow and orange tulle attached is $30, and i examined it fondly, wondering if I'd really be too old to wear it now. (Don't answer that...!)
Some of my very favorite finds: a pink-and-purple-buffalo-plaid miniskirt with buttons down the front ($50); a cream strapless party dress with a tulle skirt (ballerina-wear meets cocktail-party-ready!), $160; a cream silk sundress with a heart print from Unique (if you've got a girl shopping for a Sweet 16 party, here's her perfect dress), $160; a tut-like super-mini tiered black skirt ($60), continuing the ballet-wear-meets-party theme; a gauzy grape trapeze dress ($50; it's being sold as a swim cover, but I'd happily wear it as a dress with leggings); and a purple puff-sleeved tunic embroidered with flowers ($50); and an adorable cabbage-rose-printed cream totebag with a light blue teakettle on the side ($12).
If four floors of options seem overwhelming, there's a free "Style Advisor" service—ie., personal shopping! And for students, there's a 10% discount currently offered with ID. This place gives weight to the term "retail therapy," as even a browse around stands a good chance of being mood-lifting. - Pamela Grossman; April 4, 2009
Topshop
478 Broadway (nr Broome)
New York, NY 10013
(212) 966-9555
Website
Map
Comments:
Sign up for our newsletter !
