Anyone been to Westfield?

[PaulinePetrovaPosey]

I'm desperately in need of some new work before my mat leave ends. Online shopping for tailored things is proving tricky now I'm a rather different shape than before the baby.

I'm wondering about a trip to Westfield London next week - does anyone recommend it at the moment? Can you try anything on? Does it feel safe? (I'm not particularly anxious, but I don't want to take silly risks).

I would also love to treat myself to an entire new makeup bag. Has anyone been to Charlotte Tilbury recently and can let me know whether it's a decent experience in terms of getting advice ect when (presumably) you can't try anything?

Stratford or White City?

I was at Westfield White City recently and it definitely felt safe - lots of social distancing measures, including mandatory mask wearing in the whole centre (apart from if you stop for a coffee etc)

I’m not sure about trying on clothes - some stores may have different policies from others. At least you can pick things up and feel the fabric, and see the size, so better than online in that respect.

Hope you manage to find some new outfits in any case.

regarding make up, Space NK were doing a decent job of letting you try make up as much as possible while staying safe when I was in this week

I was at Westfield London (ie Shepherd’s Bush) last week, killing time while my car was being valeted.

It was virtually empty (though this was a Tuesday morning) and rather eerie. Lots of security people around. Endless automated announcements about social distancing, security, hygiene. They have a kind of one-way system but people seem to ignore it (tbf it’s not very clear). Additional security on shop doors. Most of the cafes were either shut, or takeaway only. You can’t stop or sit down without a security person coming and moving you along.

I hated it, it felt dystopian and oppressive. But then I wasn’t there for any specific purpose other than to kill time. If you’re in and out for something it’s probably alright. It certainly seemed clean but then tbf it always does.

I was at Westfield in Shepherds Bush recently, it didn’t feel especially quiet but felt safe enough, most people in masks etc.

Most of the stores you can’t try things on (Phase Eight was the only one I found that allowed it). It was annoying, I had to buy the clothes, go and try them on in the loos then return the ones that I didn’t like.

Amazing, thank you all!

I meant the Shephard's Bush one.

I might have a tripse on Tuesday just to see

Charlotte Tilbury is open and they have a good system where you queue up and get assigned a member of staff to help you, good advice from them too as always.

Haha I used to work there during uni!

To be honest I think there’s generally a limited variety within stores as they tend to cater to tourists predominantly (as they spend incredible amounts of money). So there’s a better selection at the other Westfield or even west end. I doubt you’d be able to try anything on.

Just don't go looking for Debenhams. It has become a Harrods Outlet. (Sob!).

I am all out of love for Westfield now, especially as they have removed all the seating! I did have a lovely meal in the Greek restaurant there, but did not even go in COS or M&S. I now hate shopping. That's official!!!

I was going to say which one...all the bloody centres are called Westfield now

I went to the one in Shepherd's Bush this past weekend. It was the first time I actually thought, "I like shopping in the Covid world". It was busy but safe. There were lots of people, but the distances were incredibly safe. There was a lot of order and structure (not in a stressful 'law-abiding citizen' way) to the way shoppers navigated the centre itself and the shops within. I waited in an orderly and very quick queue outside of Zara and once inside, it was a totally pleasant experience! John Lewis and Ichiba had no queues, but were both very pleasant to shop at. It was just nice to go into Zara without the hordes of people I'm used to.
It was the first time I left Westfield not feeling all strung out and frazzled. I think I may revert to real shopping (having been an online shopper for years). It was as busy as usual but without the 'crowd' if that makes sense. It was bliss. That said, I know what I want, I know my size, and I know what I need when I go out shopping. So I didn't need to try anything on. That would be my one bit of advice. Have a good idea of what you want and need so that you can have a peaceful trip. The masks get a bit hard after an hour but it's manageable.

Just don't go looking for Debenhams. It has become a Harrods Outlet. (Sob!).

I saw that. That was such a bummer. I loved Debenhams at Westfield and always popped in for a little something. It's a shame it's gone.

I went at the weekend and hated it. It was packed. People on top of each other. If you have to go id say avoid the weekend.

TheVanguardSix

Yes I know what you mean. I often bought clothes there as I am an 18/20 and could normally find decent casual wear, plus I liked the trial sized make up and skin care they used to have. Not happy!