Party outfit shopping - London

[faffadoodledo]

Up in London this weekend for family stuff but hoping to squeeze in some shopping time. I used to live there, and go up frequently because the grown children live there now. But I've become set in my shopping ways. I always head to Me+Em! Which gives you a clue as to my style I suppose!

Anyway... we're hosting a NYE party and I'd love a great outfit - bit of sparkle.
I'm 58, size 10/12. 5'8. Good legs and bum, tum is ok. Not busty. Prefer upper arms hidden these days. Dark, though grey flecked long hair. Not great in heels but can do block heels.

Help me get out of my shopping rut! Where should I target? Budget can be up to £300 for the outfit.

Oh and please don't day Selfridges - something about the smell of the perfume in there makes me feel queasy (weird I know!).

Desperate Hopeful bump

To be honest I can’t immediately think how you’re going to improve on Me and Em for £300 - so I’d suggest avoiding all the ghastly, Christmas-crowded shops and hiring something instead.

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

(However, if you have the time you should definitely get to Dover Street Market to gaze at the Phoebe Philo clothes now residing there.)

Bit nervous of hiring. But adult DD does so maybe I ought...

I'm not sure about the party outfit angle and nor am I a Londoner but I like Spitalfields. From memory there's a Cos, Anthropologie, & Other Stories, Uniqlo, YMC, the second hand Market in the Truman Building, whatever's on that day in Spitalfields Market and more besides, all reasonably close together, not too overwhelming and lots of places to stop for coffee or food.

Or if you want somewhere more central, there's Marylebone - but you probably know that cos Me and Em's there!

You are correct, @Floisme . I am a denizen of Marylebone when in London!

Spitalfields is a good shout. I need a little area with lots of choices to focus my efforts and make good use of my time

The King's Road has a Me & Em also lots of other shops in and around that price point- BA&SH, Maje, Wyse, Rixo, Zadig and Voltaire ( although££) plus some decent high street like Massimo Dutti, Cos, Reformation and obvs Peter Jones.

There's also a good consignment store nearby called Sign of the Times where I've found some good pre loved designer dresses.

Oh gosh yes thanks for that @cathyandclaire . Good shout. Haven't been around those parts for years.
Of course I'm a a little stumped as to what to buy too..might start browsing those shop websites

Travelling to London now and will be on the King's Road this afternoon! Don't forget the charity shops on there; they have great designer pieces.

Ha! Good luck @MadKittenWoman !

Have you looked at Rewritten? I ordered my dress for NYE from online and it was so easy to return too. They've also got a sale on partywear atm too! https://wearerewritten.com/collections/the-party-edit

Notting Hill is pretty good -

On Westbourne Grove
Sezanne, Reformation, Free People, Love Shack Fancy, ba&sh, Jigsaw, Rails, Weekend Max Mara, Zadig & Voltaire, Sandro, Kooples (and Me & Em)

There are lots of little boutique-y shops up Golborne Road, and vintage ones on Portobello, at the very top end, where it crosses over Golborne.

And I like this on Portland Road
https://thecrossshop.com