Oxford Street

Busy doesnt come close to describing Oxford Street, a mecca for shopping-mad tourists and Londoners alike. Made famous as the home of designer boutiques in the 60s, Oxford St Along this two-mile stretch, right from Tottenham Court Road tube to Marble Arch there are tons of chain stores and cut price shops, many aimed at tourists. Most of the shops are of the high street variety; youll find Next, River Island, Dixons and Top Shop along here. Theres also a few large department stores such as Debenhams and John Lewis and the largest of them all, Selfridges.

As well as stocking every shade of lipstick, hue of tights, and range of ties under the sun Selfridges offers a free advisory personal shopping services fro customers. So if you arent sure whether neon pink is really you, or you cant decide if the latest kinky boots can be worn by middle-aged mums, the suitably stylish assistants will give you an honest answer to all your fashion dilemmas.

After an initial consultation, clothes, are selected according to your taste and budget. And for the ultimate pampering, make-up and massage facilities are also available. For an appointment call 020 7318 3536. Another Oxford Street institution is the Marble Arch Marks & Spencer. This flagship store stocks many items you wont find in any other branch because new lines are introduced here, and, if prove popular enough, are then sold on nationwide. The arrival of new lines is greeted with such greedy anticipation that if you hesitate youll miss out. Rails and rails of popular designs can sell out in less time than it takes the shop assistants to pop them on their hangers.

St Christophers Place But for a more leisurely shop away from the chaotic crowds and cut-throat shoppers, St Christophers Place offers a slice of laid-back continental charm right in the heart of the capitals hustle and bustle.

The Place as its known locally, is tucked between a shoe shop and jewellers on Oxford Street, opposite Bond Street Tube station. This small precinct with its stylish mix of one-off stores and designer outlets is much more intimate than the big modern West One shopping centre on the other side of Oxford Street.

Under Two Flags sells meticulously crafted model toy soldiers and scale figures. The Egyptian House is crammed full of weird and wonderful home decor for the more discerning stylies. Designer wear on show includes Nicole Farhi, Moschino, Dries Van Voten and Martine Sitbone. Antonia Pollack jewellery, Robert Clergerie shoes and Storm fashion accessories ensure youll leave the place looking absolutely fabulous from head to toe - provided youre also prepared to depart with an empty wallet that is.

Carnaby Street Another side street enjoying a revival (thanks to the designers current obsession with the sixties) is Carnaby Street.

Until the 1950s Carnaby Street was dominated by sweat-shop tailors who made the suits for Saville Row. But in the mid-1950s Bill Green opened a shop called ...