One thing I really miss about not living in New York anymore is the fabulous shopping. I used to go out every Friday, which was my day-off, and just go browsing through the shops. I liked that there was so much more choice in clothing brands than in the Netherlands, for women and men. And as a dyed-in-the-wool Zara and H&M shoppper, I was very happy shopping at stores, which were not European for a change. I admit, though, that sometimes the American style can be too preppy and comfy, even for my taste. But if you are in the need for basic and uncomplicated, shop the American way.
Thanks to the globalization, I now can shop most of my favorite American brands online. Here is a list:
Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister
It seems they finally gave in at Abercrombie & Fitch and decided to open up their marketing strategy. First they opened stores in Europe (London, Paris, Milan and Copenhagen) and now you can even order your A&F gear online. It's not cheap, though: shipping costs start at $ 40.00. And no hotties at the door! The same applies to its younger sister: Hollister.
American Apparel
Shopping at American Apparel is always an adventure. I am amazed by the vivid colors and multi-functionality of the garments. Although I sometimes wonder when one wears a golden leotard or see-through skirt, I like the 70's and 80's style of the clothes. They have a great selection of skirts, but also lots of accessories, such as handbags, headbands and tights.
If you are not able to visit any of the two stores in Amsterdam (Utrechtsestraat and Westerstraat), you can now shop via the European website of American Apparel. You'll pay € 8.00 shipping costs per order and if you spend more than € 100.00, the shipping costs are included.
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| Veiled Alder Dress |
Anthropologie
Online shopping is great, but one of the downsides is that you don't get to experience the atmosphere of the store, which is essential in the case of Anthropologie. I can't think of any store in the Netherlands that has the same vibe as Anthropologie. They sell clothes with a touch of vintage, bags, jewelry, books and also great stuff for your home, such as plates, rugs, curtains and kitchen ware. They already crossed the pond and opened two stores in London and one in Edinburg. For now, shop online and get your order delivered at home for £ 8.00 (which is even better if you order a rug!)
www.anthropologie.eu
Banana Republic
The name makes you think this brand wants to make some kind of political statement, but none of this all; Banana Republic just sells modern, a bit preppy kind of clothes, shoes and accessories for men and women (in my opinion, the men's line is better than the women's!) At the moment, they have a line in Mad Men line, with clothes inspired by the television series. Shipping costs are £ 10.00 per order.
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| Patch Pocket Top and Pleated Silky Top Forever21 |
Forever21
If you want to relive your twenties, Forever21 is a good place to shop for clothes and accessories (hence the name). You'll find tops, dresses, pants for prices similar to H&M's. Shipping costs are £ 6.00 per order.
www.forever21.com/eu
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| Fleece Arch Hoodie |
GAP
I remember getting my first (and only) GAP hoodie in the Summer of 1992. Now, this ultimate American garment is just one mouse click away. You can order via their European website: www.gap.eu. Shipping costs are £ 10.00 per order.
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| Ecote Mohair Sweater |
At this shop you'll be hardly able to take it all in; clothes, shoes, bags, books, funny crazy stuff and much more. Urban Outfitters is more like a fabulous junk store than a fashion store. You can already visit Urban Outfitters in almost every European city (except in the Netherlands), such as Antwerp, London and Stockholm. Fortunately, you can order online and get it shipped for £ 10.95 per order.
www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk
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