Kensington High Street for shoe bargains
Kensington High Street is within easy reach of some of London’s best museums, galleries, hotels and restaurants. It’s also becoming a handy destination for bargain footwear shoppers.
Sole-ly devoted
This April, New Look opened their first store completely dedicated to shoes and accessories at the south end of the street, at number 62-64. They have regular sales and offers on their stock, and on my last visit they had ballerina-style slippers from £1.50, and a range of colourful baseball boots, plimsolls and pumps priced at around £5 to £7. They have a wide selection of workplace-friendly flat shoes too, but it’s the affordable embellished sandals, high heels and clogs that the fashion fans are flocking to this summer. Tel: 020 7361 1090.
Designer discounts
Number 26-40 Kensington High Street is home to a well-stocked and bustling branch of TKMaxx. Most of the ground floor is devoted to women’s shoes and accessories, some of which have up to 80% off their recommended retail price. Some of the brands are well known designer names, but there are always a few that you’ve never heard of before. Expect a mixture of past season stock, over-stocks and remaindered stock, and be prepared to hunt around for what you want as the racks can get quite messy during busy times. Tel: 020 7937 8701.
Kudos collaboration
Gap’s Kensington flagship store can be found at number 99 on the High Street, close to the tube station. While it’s not normally known for its bargain basement prices, this season you’re in for a treat with their shoes. They’ve scored one of the most successful recent designer-meets-high-street collaborations with their small but perfectly formed range of footwear created by Pierre Hardy. This year heralds the French designer’s sixth Gap collection. It includes a trio of stylish wedges, plus espadrilles and flat sandals, with the highest priced pair coming in at £80. Tel: 020 7368 2901.
