London pop’s up, by Sabine de Witte

Go on a cultural or shopping spree

As a London visitor or citizen who’s not really into sports, you don’t have to worry, there’s plenty of other activities you could still do. For example visiting the museums for free. All the National museums don’t require an entrance fee. Not only during the Olympics though, all the time! Besides exploring cultural stuff, you can finally give in to your shopping spree. All the London citizens were ‘warned’ not to go in the city center. So now you can find your favorite items in the last weeks of sale without any elbows in your eye, fighting over items and long lines in front of the cash. 

Pop-up

Not looking for sale but searching for special items? Here you go: London pop’s up this summer! Literally everywhere you see new pop-up stores, temporary shops and mobile trucks. Big brands like Opening Ceremony chose the summer period to open up in London and stay there until October at least. The pop-up store in King Street is completely decorated with Olympic gimmicks and exposes a lot of fashion with a sporty touch. And do you remember the water shoes you used to wear as a little kid? Well, Melissa makes them fashionable again. She turned plastic into high fashion and works with designers like Jason Wu and Vivienne Westwood.

 

One of my personal favorites is the Chanel Pop-up store at Covent Garden. Small, but a great presentation of their latest make-up and their brilliant nailpolish collection. Holiday is the perfect color to treat yourself with!

Olympic winks

The LOCOG’s brand ambassadors have been very strict on using the Olympic rings, colors or names in windows of shops, restaurants etc. If you’re not an official partner, you’re not allowed to use them. That took some creativity and there are some windows really worth mentioning. Escaping the Olympic logo, clothing store Oasis did a great job. They created a complete limited edition collection called London Love Letters, celebrating London landmarks in all their glory. A great way of honoring the Olympic city and show some city love. Compliments for the Reiss London guide. The London based brand became popular after duchess Kate Middleton was wearing some of their dresses. Reiss brings you affordable classic items with a modern twist. For this summer they’ve created a London guide mentioning all their shops and favorite spots per area. With a smart map showing where the Olympic activities take place (and what to avoid if you’re not looking for sports), great insiders tips and a handbag prove size. Classy Reiss!

Temporary fun

Of course it’s not only shops popping up and taking over the city. Nike has a pop-up spot where they organize events, trainings, tests and workshops. There are temporary restaurants, food trucks and park entertainment. Most of the temporary fun can be found in London city, but upcoming areas as Shoreditch and Southbank are popping up as well. Planning a trip to London during the final days of the Olympics, or later this summer? Check out the brilliant blog http://www.londonpopups.com/ to see where to go for the newest fun in town! Wanderlust also created a handy list with all the events going on during the Olympics. Not interested in sports but you do like to party? Tickets to the Holland Heineken House and a crazy night is ensured!

By Sabine de Witte (Twitter: @sabinedewitte)
A passionated copywriter intrigued by the magic and effect of words. “Writing is my passion and lifestyle, curiosity is what feeds me.”