CHELSEA. This large building is home to more than 120 antique dealers, making it a top destination for collectors. It offers something to suit every need, including an especially large collection of Oriental items, tons of prints and paintings, beautiful antique picture frames, furniture, jewelry and sculpture. A conveniently located, one-stop antique shop. TUBE: Sloane Square

MAYFAIR. Bond Street is actually composed of New Bond and Old Bond. Together, they establish an enclave of high-end designer boutiques that cater to folks with pounds to spare. (If you're counting, Old Bond is the more upscale of the two.) Running between Piccadilly and Oxford Street, Bond Street features shops specializing in fashions by Chanel, Versace, and the like. Several auction houses lie in the vicinity as well. Just east of Bond, Savile Row boasts an international reputation for its bespoke tailoring, or top-quality custom garments. TUBE: Bond Street

CHELSEA. Terence Conran ­ furniture designer, style maven, restaurateur ­ established this store in 1987 as a showcase for home design. Well-displayed merchandise includes clean-lined furniture, dishes, kitchen accessories, pillows, lighting, fabrics, books, and more. Just walking around the space is enough to give you inspiration for your own home. Set in the midst of Chelsea shopping venues, the store is in good company for decorating sprees. Plus, the adjacent Bibendum restaurant serves fabulous brasserie cuisine. TUBE: South Kensington

KENSINGTON. Fashionable apparel at affordable prices is the mainstay at this chain of clothing stores. The H&M empire ranges into more than a dozen countries, and London itself has a good variety of locations. H&M, which stands for Hennes & Mauritz, can easily clothe men, women, and children, thanks in large part to their own brands of classic and fashion-forward clothing. Cosmetics and accessories also figure in H&M stores. TUBE: High Street Kensington

MAYFAIR. As London's most famous toy store, Hamleys has become something of a tourist attraction, and crowds add an even more festive mood to the already carnival-like store. The toy selection is vast, and the displays enchant children, as well as their parents and grandparents. However, what sets the store apart is its staff. Friendly young folks who love their jobs demonstrate the latest toys to rapt visitors of all ages. Something for every price range. TUBE: Oxford Circus