When I first visited London, I remember remarking on how every single girl—no matter her fashion sensibility—was wearing cool, quirky or pretty shoes. Through a friend of a friend I discovered that the secret to their fashionably clad feet was Office, a shoe store that did for shoes what H&M has done for clothing. And starting May 26th, the relatively low-priced, edgy shoes will be available at the Topshop in NYC. I’m nervous to see what this bit of news will do to the crowds come May.

The NYC outpost of British store Topshop has been open for exactly 11 days and it’s still a freaking madhouse. We stopped in on Easter hoping to beat the crowds but that was certainly not going to happen. After walking in, we got swept up with the crowd and were immediately ushered back out to the street. (It was very cartoon-esque!) There wasn’t even time to snap a photo, hence the stock Walmart image. Sure, the deals there are great, but Sunday was Jesus’ day! Don’t you people know you’re supposed to be hunting for ham and stuffing your belly with eggs?!? Wait, that’s not right…

Has anyone actually been able to shop in there? Make us jealous and spill about your purchases in the comments section.

Photos by Virginia Rollison

Shame on you, New York, letting a gaggle of English tweens beat you into the first TopShop on American soil.

In case the tsunami of PR hasn’t washed its way into your unconscious, Kate Moss was there to open the store with owner Sir Philip Green, and you can buy her outfit in TopShop (natch): A flowing green gown ($250) and studded leather jacket ($250), which many in the crowd were dying to get their hands on.

Moss’s exclusive line of dresses and camisoles didn’t disappoint the crowd, with elegant cuts, floral prints and a vintage touch. Most items hover around the $200 mark. Other popular items seen slung over the arms of shoppers were a feather miniskirt and romper, unobtainable, apparently, anywhere else.

Gentlemen: disturbing news. TopMan, in the basement, carries the latest “forward-fashion” fall trends, and I hate to inform you the jumpsuit is back (was it ever in?). Scary, even if the all-in-one suit ($180) is kind of natty. More appealing, perhaps, is the Carolyn Massey leather cardigan ($300).

Even if you are skint (you’re in a British store now, get with the lingo), pop in to get a range of free services until Sunday, including complimentary manicures by Valley, hair styling by Williamsburg’s Woodley & Bunny and a makeover from Sephora. Each offers three styles to complement three looks TopShop are debuting: “Glory Days,” inspired by the English countryside; the all-American “Memphis” look; and a “Miami” ’80s-style throwback.

DJs will also be playing all weekend, and highlights include the MisShapes today from 4 to 5pm, the Whip on Friday from 6 to 8pm, Lissie Trullie from 3 to 5pm on Saturday, and Kim from Matt and Kim 6–7pm on Sunday.

Finally, TopShop is giving away limited-edition Cool Britannia Tees to customers who spend more than $100 (not hard to do) while stock lasts. What are you waiting for?

TopShop, 478 Broadway at Broome St (topshopnyc.com).

After a seven-month delay, the British fashion mecca Topshop is finally set to open its doors on April 2 at 11am. To celebrate the New York flagship, Topshop HeartsChallenger vans will be cruising around the city, giving out free canvas tote bags packed with goodies. Each bag has a gift certificate worth up to $500, which can be redeemed on April 2 only. You can follow the GPS tracker on the Topshop website, or continue reading for the weekend schedule. What are you waiting for? Put on your running shoes and follow that truck!

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