By Maria Bayon 
As a dream, it's not bad at all, but reality is always stranger than fiction, and having a cocktail on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols surrounded by celebrities also has its point. Or let the caviar manager at Harrods make a fool of himself until you leave with a master's degree in sturgeon roe and a big smile of pleasure drawn on your face for several hours. We recommend that you write your wish list, hire the services of a personal shopper and pay attention to the particular idiosyncrasies of each of these consumerist temples.
1.**HARRODS** 
Although its origins date back to 1849 and at that time it opened as a food store, today you can find almost everything that exists within its mythical red brick walls with green awnings. Delicatessens from the five continents, high-end jewelry, antique furniture and fashion to leave your entire in-laws speechless. Must-see places are the ostentatious Egyptian Hall, we must not forget that its owner is Mohamed Al Fayed, a native of the country of the pyramids, the room dedicated to pets and of course its grocery area. If you get hungry, you can choose between 20 restaurants, and if you need something special, don't hesitate to ask for it. Their services include piano tuners and dog clothing designers. At night the photo is essential. Not surprisingly, the building has 11,500 light bulbs to illuminate its consumerist glory. 
2.**HARVEY NICHOLS**
Attention irredentist fashionistas because you are about to enter a Museum. If anything characterizes Harvey Nichols, it is his eagerness to get the best trends from the best designers on the planet. If only to know what is happening in the world of fashion, this is a must. Delight yourself with the creations of D&G, John Galiano, Space NK or Jimmy Choo, but don't overlook the whole range of young talents who are starting to step on the London catwalks. You will invest in a classic. If after so much visual pampering you want to end the day wasting style, you can visit the Aveda Beauty Center, or have a cocktail on its sought-after fifth floor, the favorite of celebrities who live in or pass through London.
3.**FORTUM & MASON**
Since 1707 it has been the quintessence of British living, the store where Miss Marple would have bought her kitchen towels. The most purist center and acclaimed by those who still remember the old days with nostalgia. And although apparently little has changed since then, the truth is that F&M has been able to adapt to the demands of its new clientele and offers quality without buts in its food, luggage, or household products departments. In addition, it is the official distributor of the Queen.
4.**LIBERTY**
Who hasn't heard of Liberty's famous colored lamps? What's more, who hasn't seen them in a cult movie? Here you can get the original product, but also admire one of the cult shopping centers on the planet, with its unmistakable architecture of black beams on a white background, a jewel that dates back to 1875 and that encloses all the glamor of the Victorian era. A classic that has managed to reinvent itself with names as provocative as Vivienne Westwood, Chloé or Dries Van Noten.
5.**FENWICK OF BOND STREET**
Established in 1891 as a boutique specializing in hair products, it's no wonder that today, having gracefully expanded its offerings, it remains an icon in beauty products, its main course. Be sure to discover their niche brands and their exclusive products, and don't forget to take a look at their bags and accessories section. To finish, gather strength at Carluccio's Café, one of its most exquisite temptations.
6.**JOHN LEWIS**
One of the most acclaimed centers by the British who rely on its wide range of bedding and household products. Quality at good prices in a seven-storey building where you can find everything, even if you like technology. Located on the bustling Oxford Street, if you want to take a break with the best views of the West End, reserve a table at its Panoramic Brasserie.
7.**MARKS AND SPENCER**
Also Marks and Sparks, or just Marks if you want to sound very Londoner. If your budget is tight but you don't want to give in to temptation, this is the destination. Choose the one from Marble Arch, one of the most complete and let the party begin. Its line of reasonably priced underwear is highly regarded, as are its scented body lotions, bed linens and impressive array of flower bouquets.
8.**SELFRIDGES**
Another essential name in the daily lives of Londoners who trust Selfridges every time they want to find something impossible or improbable. Yes, it is very likely that they have it here, with two or three models to choose from. Don't miss their collection of affordable budget clothing based on the best trends of the moment and don't miss out on their more ambitious collections such as Balenciaga or Stella McCartney.
9.**HOUSE OF FRASER**
He is one of the best-known names on the already famous Oxford Street, a beacon in the fog of neon lights and street jostling. Start with an invigorating cup of coffee at Zest and with a renewed spirit go for luxury, whatever your budget you will find something to brighten your day, especially if you go for British design. Cath Kidson or Ted Baker collections deserve a long look. For more pampering, book a treatment at the Clarins Spa. You will leave refreshed.
10.**DEBENHAMS**
Popular and practical, this shopping center is very clear that its clientele is not willing to spend astronomical figures but demands the highest quality. For this reason, it bets on young British creators such as Jasper Conran or Ben de Lisi, who fill their windows with attractive proposals for all audiences. It also has a personal shopper service at very reasonable prices.
_ You may also be interested in it_*
- 100 things you need to know about London- 25 things about London you'll only know if you've lived there- 6 cafes in London where coffee is the least of it- London in the sun: 11 stories from the east- Guide to London
