According Blair Waldorf in the hit TV series Gossip Girl, “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping”. So if you’re in Colombo and want to seek out happiness the kind that Blair Waldorf speaks of, here are a few upscale shopping destinations you should definitely checkout.

 

Before you set out on adrenaline-pumping shopping adventure, it’s important that at first you get comfortably settled in a Colombo city hotel that’s conveniently located. Thus, The Steuart by Citrus will be the ideal option for you as this boutique hotel in Colombo is within 12-15 minutes distance from some of Colombo popular shopping destinations such as ODEL, Arcade Independence Square, Barefoot and Lakpahana.

 

Sri Lanka’s first department store, ODEL should be the top of your list of designer shopping destinations in Colombo as here you can find a wide range of designer products that’s not just clothing but jewellery and home ware as well. You will also be able to buy international branded wear such as Michael Kors, Lancôme, Christian Dior and so much more here. The Embark designer brand by ODEL is a great way to shop and give back at the same time as a portion of profits from the sale of merchandise is used to fund their foundation that cares for the wellbeing of street pooches.

 

Next, head over to the Arcade Independence Square where Tommy Hilfigher, FCUK, Charles and Keith and more await for you to splurge yourself. This Colonial style shopping complex also has a few local high-fashion brands such as Azarya and Stone N String.

 

For an authentic Sri Lankan designer shopping experience visit Barefoot, Designer Barbara Sansoni’s eclectic boutique that is famous for its brightly-coloured handloom products such as household items (bedspreads, cushions, and serviettes), stationery and clothing. Lakpahana is also a great place to buy Sri Lankan designer wear as they sell traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts and clothing. Housed within Lakpahana’s premises is Zudhora, Colombo’s newest and trendiest designer experience that presents uniquely Sri Lankan clothing created to match the latest international trends.

 

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Melissa Somawardana, concealed under the name of Kanya Mae, writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.

 

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