By Susan Kleban

Aaah,the English…Pristine gardens, the Royals, afternoon tea. Americans have always had a fascination with our neighbors across the pond and now we get to experience another British national treasure, the mega chain known to all tredettes as Topshop.

The now multi-billion dollar brand was born in 1964 as a small department within the Peter Robinson shop in Sheffield, England. It was ten years later that Topshop became a stand alone store on the famed Oxford Street in London.The chain now boasts over 3,000 stores in over 100 countries. The Arcadia Group, Topshop’s parent company, plans on opening fifteen more U.S. locations.

You would think New Yorker’s would have had enough of trend at a price since the arrival of H&M, Zara, and Forever 21, but there is something very different about the Topshop experience. Maybe it’s the Britishness of it, Beatles music filling the air, sales associates flown in from London, the quirky tongue and cheek humor of the clothes ( a little Liberty mixed with Punk) or simply that it all just looks good. The 25,000 square foot lower Broadway location is full of energy mixed with something we all need right now—FUN! From the moment I walked into Topshop my senses were heightened. It was so “Broadway,” the lights, the music the show.

Topshop is retail entertainment at its best. There are no separate departments at Topshop. Clothes coexist with accessories to lend wardrobing ideas to the customer. I found jewelry and handbags to be the most interesting. Oversized plastic cocktail rings ($20) are hanging alongside long necklaces with birdcage charms ($30).

I was also surprised to find that fringe is alive and well, covering handbags ($160) and belts ($70).  The shoe department could use a little help; if you are not a disco queen who loves stack heeled seven-inchers you could have a hard time. Ballet flats ($30) were cute, but the Euro-sizing made the fit a bit tough. As for the clothes, they were young! Prices ranging from $20 graphic T’s to $250 sequin-covered mini dresses.

If you’re stuck in a fashion rut, no matter what your age, you’ll have a ball discovering your inner hipness. Even the Twiggyesque Kate Moss (pictured above) designs a collection ( $50-$250) of edgy rockerwear paired with romantic florals.

Two hours and four shopping bags later, I decided that it had been a long time since I had so much fun shopping. So New York fashion victims, have a little Topshop with your tea and cake!

Topshop

478 Broadway at Broome

212-966-9555

www.topchop.com