UK shopping sites

With the Olympic Games kicking off this Friday, we're pretty sure there are more than a few of you headed to London for the occasion. What better way to offset your days of watching the 100-meter freestyle swim and women's gymnastic floor exercises than with a fashion-minded shopping adventure to the city's must-visit boutiques? Try seven equally cool retail locales that capture London's iconic mix of avant-garde street style and dapper dandy sensibility to perfection. If there's one thing I learned while living in London, it's that the Brits know how to curate a sleek blend of shopping options every bit as dark and gritty, cutting edge, and enviable as you'd expect. There are always the big names Harrods, Browns, Liberty of London, and Selfridges that should not be missed, but this time around, I was also pulling from more off-the-beaten-path favorites. From Shoreditch's three-in-one Start boutique to Topshop's Newgen capsule located two floors below ground in its Oxford Circus flagship, these are the spots worth visiting. The best part, though? You can shop these collections online, too. So, don't fret if a London-bound Olympics venture isn't in the cards; you can get your UK fix right here.

We haven't been this excited about across-the-pond shopping since ASOS launched its official stateside shipping or when Topshop opened its brick-and-mortar doors in New York City. But thanks to chic styling, ultra-covetable designer lineups, and accessible shipping rates, these UK-based online sites have reminded us that we have more than just an obsession with sexy British accents, pub culture, Kate Middleton, and driving on the wrong side of the road. From world famous luxury destination Harrods and London staple Browns to high street sleek Whistles and trendy River Island, our UK neighbors give us plenty of reasons to shop Spring's finest pieces at every price point. Click through to see which sites we're currently loving — and if you have one to add, share it in the comments.