Overview
Guys, Topshop is here! It’s big (1,800 metres spread over four levels), it’s shiny (lots of cool lighting) and it opened its doors at 9am this morning at 45 Market Street in the City.
But before you transfer all your money out of your high interest savings account or do something totally crazy like try to infiltrate the premises without closed-toe footwear, prepare yourself mentally and try to know what you're in for. Then arm yourself accordingly, go forth and immerse yourself in full-blown retail hysteria.
DO be prepared to wait. Imagine the queue at Bourke Street Bakery on a Saturday morning except approximately 195 metres longer and predominantly made up of teenage girls hungry for affordable fashion, which is even more unpredictable than yuppie mums hungry for a carb.
DON’T be deterred. Like good carbs, good fashunz are worth waiting for.
DO head straight for JW Anderson. Topshop/Topman Sydney will stock all the megastore’s exclusive designer collaborations, including the one by Alexa Chung favourite and perennial lover of kilts, JW Anderson.
DON’T forget about the make-up and accessories. Especially don't forget about the make up capsule collection from Louise Gray, which has just dropped globally and is like an explosion of pop art for your face.
DO come back on a regular basis. According to Creative Director Kate Phelan new styles will be arriving twice a week to refresh floor stock.
DON’T try to coincide your visit with stock drops. They happen randomly so you can find new wares each time you shop.
DO embrace embellishment. Topshop/Topman Sydney features more sequinned hotpants than the Mardi Gras Parade, the shininess of which are emphasised further by all the groovy neon lighting. Above is the aptly named "Firework Short", which your eyeballs will find to be far more sensational in real life.
DON’T neglect other trends in the process. Kate Phelan feels equally strongly about "pyjama dressing".
DO clash your prints. Phelan is particularly fond of a good silky floral shirt and JW Anderson's paisley printed skirts, especially in combination with one another. Adding a pair of tartan pants underneath for kilt effect is optional.
DON’T forget to also take a step back and go minimal. The Sydney store will also stock the Topshop Unique range, which has shown at London Fashion Week for the past four years and has lately taken a sophisticated (though still shiny) turn with more timeless pieces.
DO feel free to drop some cash. Price points are not ridiculously inflated and spending over $100 in store will get you an exclusive Topshop pouch or tote bag while stocks last. On the other hand you can spend nothing and still score an in-store makeover, and if you're extra pleased with the results you should probably take a #lovetopshop selfie to get a chance at winning a $500 shopping spree.
DON’T forget about the little guys in all the excitement. The gospel of good style, according to Phelan, is mixing high and low, so support local designers in your quest to be best dressed.
