The Best Shopping in East London

More than ever, London fashionistas are feasting in the East. Improved access by public transportation, cheaper rents for shops, new hotels, not to mention the main site for the 2012 London Olympics -- and a bevy of gay appeal in Vauxhall -- have fueled a flurry of new store openings over the last year, appealing to residents and visitors alike. Here, a few of our East London faves:

High Fashion Among Hipsters
Joining the bohemian stores in the Shoreditch neighborhood, Anthem (above) opened last August, bringing exceptionally crafted men’s fashion to the hipster hood. Created by Jeremy Baron and Simon Spiteri, the boutique sells an eclectic and international mix of brands that include Oliver Spencer, Dries Van Noten, Kapital and Barena Venezia. Seeking to expand beyond the cozy exclusivity of the store, Anthem will launch a transactional website later this year, exporting their dapper looks to the men of the world.

The Best of Vintage Style

Blitz brings the best of the past to today’s shoppers in a massive 9,000-square-foot Victorian warehouse just off Brick Lane. The all-encompassing vintage department store sells hand-selected clothing, furniture, jewelry, luggage and eccentricities. This one-of-a-kind vintage Mecca is the city’s largest and the ultimate destination for those craving the stylish looks of yesterday.

When Bigger is Better

Adjacent to Olympic Park, the Westfield Stratford City opened last September as the largest shopping center in all of Europe. The sprawling complex is home to almost 300 stores, 70 restaurants, three hotels, a movie theatre, bowling alley, and U.K.’s largest casino. And as if that weren’t enough, the department store John Lewis has set aside a viewing room looking out over the Olympic Stadium, Aquatic Center and rest of the Olympic Park. Come have a seat on a quiet bench and check out the progress as London prepares for the July 27 Opening Ceremony.

-- IVAN QUINTANILLA