Tag Archives: Topman

Topshop / Topman finally opens in the Mother City

Posted on by
4

topshop1I have been waiting for this moment ever since I checked out that little Topshop/Topman pop-up store inside Unknown Union all the way back in July of last year…

And today, a whole 9 months later, waiting patiently during all that time, even turning the other cheek when Johannesburg got their first store towards the end of last year when we all know Capetonians deserved to have one first ;) … Topshop / Topman SA finally opens its doors in the V&A Waterfront today.

I was extremely lucky to be part of a group of people who were let in last night for a sneak peek and a bit of a pre-shop (yay!), so I can at least show you what’s waiting for you before you brave the craziness that I’m sure will be their first few days of being open.  I mean, there were people camping outside the store last night already!  There was a rumour going around that the first 10 people to enter the store would each get a R1500 voucher, so I guess that’s one good reason to be camping out with your Mc Donalds.  But another good reason is the amazing fashion inside that you don’t want to miss out on.

Price wise I’m gonna say it’s pretty much on par with Zara.  For the men, I took down some random prices to give you an idea:  sneakers R499, suit jacket R1699, suit pants R549, chunky knit R699, T shirt R279, short sleeve shirt R439.  For the ladies, have a look out at the things I took home below for some pricing examples.

The really cool thing about this store though is that it’s the first to offer a personal shopper service.  And get this, it’s FOR FREE.  All you have to do is call the store up before the time and make a booking (their number is 021 419 5934 or even email them on topshopps@edcon.co.za).  How cool is that?  I’ve always freakin’ wanted my very own personal shopper… livin’ the dream now I tell you… livin’ the dream.

Fuelled with enough sugar to kick start a jet plane, thanks to the awesome candy bar we were treated to:

DSC06777

I was ready to shop my heart out.  So enough talking now, I took a lot of pics, and we need to get going.  We’ll kick off with the guys:

topman1

DSC06751

topman2

topman3

topman4

Before I get into the ladies fashion, I have to note that they also have a make up range.  I’m no expert in this field, but my friend Leigh from Lipgloss is my life definitely is, and she gave it a big thumbs up:

DSC06819

So that’s good to know…

On the shoe front, expect things to be a little edgier and offbeat than you’d normally see here in Cape Town.  But I think that’s what I really liked about it.

topshop1

topshop2

DSC06720

Then they also have amazing jewellery, lingerie, hoisery & sleepwear sections:

topshop3

topshop4

And of course, lots and lots of fashion daaahlings:

DSC06715

DSC06719

topshop5

topshop6

topshop7

DSC06797

DSC06813

My OCD heart totally loved the fact that they’d given their changing rooms a little bit of extra thought.  Instead of just giving you like the standard hook to hang things on, they’ve also given you a rail for those items which might not have a hanger.  Genius! (well I got excited about it at least)

DSC06816

Those jeans were awesome btw… I just don’t really “need” jeans right now…

What did I settle on in the end?  Well I gave myself a budget beforehand, so I didn’t go completely mad, and I wanted to pick a few key pieces that could work with a lot of things in my wardrobe.  So this was it:

topshop_loot

Clockwise from top left: bird necklace R219, bird T R229, two tone crop jersey R499, blazer R779 (that lining in the blazer is absolutely stunning, the pic doesn’t quite do it justice)

And how much do you love the Topshop bags?

DSC06823

If you stare at it for too long… that cat starts sending you subliminal messages… all I heard was “you must shop more, more!!!”

I didn’t really do too much mingling while I was there (I was way too overwhelmed with trying to decide what to take home with me), but I did manage a quick catch up with my favourite SA fashion ed, Chu who now works for You/Huisgenoot:

DSC06810

I know I’ve said this before, but he is such a lovely guy…

And Clouds and I at least managed to squeeze in a pic in front of the Topshop/Topman signage as a “we were there” moment:

DSC06808

I was actually rocking a Topshop blouse I got at the JHB store.  Loving that blue cross body bag of Clouds.

A huge thanks to the folks at Topshop / Topman for letting me loose in their amazing new store last night.  I have a feeling I’m going to be popping again for another visit over the weekend.  Also to Kerrin Tessendorf from House of Busby for hooking me up with an invite. :)

As a final note, I’m going to say:  Topshop / Topman is maybe not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.  But what I loved about it was that there’s a little something for most.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a festival type, a grunge lover, a sophisticated lad, a feminine lady, or just someone who loves to chill on the couch.  There are lots of options.  And I’m certainly a fan.

xxx

Topshop/To​pman pop up store – 30% off everything

Posted on by
Reply

You guys should already know about the Topshop/Topman pop up store at Unknown Union.  Why?  Cause I bloody told you about it ages back already. ;)

So this pop up store was always a temporary gift to the Mother City as a way for the Topshop/Topman people to suss out the local scene.  Good news though is that an article on Business Day Live back at the end of Jul announced that SA would be getting their first stand alone Topshop & Topman store in Nov of this year.  Sadly the guys & girls over in JHB will be getting their hands on these fashion gems before us, with the first store opening in Sandton.  But let’s hope Cape Town will follow shortly after.  I mean, how could it not?

But until then you have until 29 Sep (yup, next Sat) to pop into Unknown Union in Kloof St to snap up some of the great pieces which are still left and get this, at 30% off!  Oooh, I love a good deal…

Photo credit: Unknown Union

Unknown Union is situated at 24 Kloof St (right next to Scar Hair).  Call them on 021 422 2843 if you have any further questions.  And happy shopping. :)

xxx

Topshop and Topman 2nd delivery at Unknown Union!

Posted on by
Reply

I got some fantastic news in my inbox yesterday… Unknown Union‘s 2nd shipment of Topshop and Topman goodies are available in store now!

Yes, you too can own these awesome things…

If you missed it, I told you guys about the Topshop/Topman pop up store which will be running at Unknown Union until the end of October over here.  Click on over there if you need to get a feel for what their stuff is like.  I for one am a HUGE fan.

With this order there will be a much bigger selection of Topshop stuff with over 100 new styles.  In my last post I noted that I thought the Topman selection was a bit better (because Unknown Union owner, Sean, had carefully hand picked the items and the man has pretty damn good style).  But this time they’ve done the same for the ladies.  The selection now also includes some sexy hotpants for summer, a much bigger selection of jeans, more tops and accessories like scarves, stockings, shopper bags for R250 and backpacks from R599.

But don’t think the guys have been left out, there are new Topman things as well including more cardigans, long sleeve T-shirts & shorts for when things star heating up here in the Mother City (which I’m hoping is soon cause it’s too bloody cold at the moment! ;) )

Now listen up, you’ve gotta get your butts over there ASAP cause stock numbers are limited.  And when I say limited I mean only one per size.  So you don’t want to miss out.

Address: 24 Kloof St
Contact #: 021 422 2843

xxx

Topshop & Topman pop in to visit the Mother City

Posted on by
6

Unknown UnionLast Wed eve I popped into Unknown Union in Kloof St for the launch the Topshop & Topman pop up store which officially opened on Thu, 12 Jul.

Now listen up, cause this is pretty cool.  This is the first time either of these two brands (who are both owned by Arcadia Pty Ltd) have set foot on African soil.  Like ever!  And of course it makes sense that they selected Cape Town as the best place to set up shop, cause everyone knows Capetonians looooove fashion.

I have not yet been to the UK, but even so, I do know a lot about these two brands.  I know that they are known for their fashion forward clothes at prices which do not break the bank but without skimping on quality.  I also know that Topshop has done some really cool collaborations with the likes of Scottish designer Christopher Kane and supermodel Kate Moss.  And I can also guarantee you that I’ve spent way too much time drooling over their clothes online…

Therefore you can understand how excited I was when I got an invite to be one of the first lucky people to check out their amazing stuff in the flesh.

Now Unknown Union refers to themselves as a “boutique retailer”.  They have already brought quite a few international brands to our shores, like Pendleton, OBEY, Penfield & Warriors of Radness, plus they have their own Unknown Union label.  The store itself if something you kinda have to experience.  It was designed by New York architect Raphael De Cardenas (check out: www.architectureatlarge.com) and is really something quite unique.  Let me show you:

Unknown Union Cape TownI made my way up the winding stairway to the top floor and was greeted by a shopping mob, all people who were obviously just as excited as I was to get a sneak peak at “the good stuff”.

Topshop Topman Cape Town

One thing that stood out for me right off the bat was that everything was priced under the R1000 mark.  Now yes, that might not be considered as “cheap” – but in my book I certainly do consider it well priced for a well established, imported label.

So let me show you some of my favourite things.  I’ll start with the Topshop side of things of course because well, I’m a girl…  I absolutely loved this summer look – it’s so fresh and fun, could see myself rocking it with a cute pair of wedges:

Topshop Topman Cape Town

Top R350, skirt R490

Then this vintage feel blouse:

Topshop Topman Cape Town

R480

Oooh and these sexy pale yellow skinnies (there were other colours too – but my heart belonged to the sunny side):

Topshop Topman Cape Town

R650

And then this silver & white knitted crop top:

Topshop Topman Cape Town

R350

All of these items could happily live in my wardrobe.  I just have to do some talking to my credit card about it first. :)

Now lets talk about Topman. Overall I thought the Topman selection was a bit stronger.  I loved their selection of coloured denims:

Topshop Topman Cape Town

R600 – R690

As well as these cool sunnies & wallets – priced too good to say no to:

Topshop Topman Cape Town

Sunglasses R140, Wallet R250

There were some really great winter things:

Topshop Topman Cape Town

Long sleeve tops & knits – R490 to R680

And then these really fun short sleeve shirts for summer (guys, this might seem weird to most of you – but you need to start sorting out that summer wardrobe like now.  Otherwise you’re left with sad looking vests and ugly saggy shorts just because you’ve only woken up way too late.  This is solid advice, so go with it.) :

Topshop Topman Cape Town

R490 – R520 (their short sleeve T-shirts were cool too & they’re priced at around R390)

I got to catch up with Sean Shuter, owner of Unknown Union and a former New Yorker.  Turns out he’s the man behind this Topman collection as he hand picked every piece.  The Topshop pieces were selected by the Topshop guys in the UK, but he did tell me that they’ve got two more orders coming in which will include more ladies accessories & bags (woohoo!) and it will be carefully selected to suit our Cape Town market.

Unknown Union Cape Town

Me with Sean

Now listen up (again) – this pop up store is only up & running until the end of September.  So get your butts over there ASAP.  Sean says that this collaboration is being used as a way to “test the waters” and if the response is good, who knows, maybe we’ll be seeing a stand-alone Topshop/Topman store here soon…

Oh yeah… Because who could possibly resist the charms of this city?

Here’s hoping.  With Zara almost here (like seriously, when is that store in the V&A opening already!!!) a Topshop/Topman addition will bring further happiness to my shopaholics anonymous group.  We meet on Saturdays.  At the shops. ;)

xxx