Xanadu

I hate clothes shopping with a burning passion. Between the borderline extortionate prices and the inability to find anything that doesn’t make you look like a complete idiot, I simply cannot fathom the people who not only willingly go clothes shopping more than is entirely necessary, but who actually seem to enjoy it. My ire is normally reserved for the big chains such as Top Man, but strolling down Oak Tree Lane one day, I couldn’t help but be drawn into Xanadu, a small, independent clothing store that more closely resembles some sort of occult specialist, courtesy of their skull displays in the window. Having browsed through the clothes on a couple of occasions (although never bought any, I’m afraid to say), I can say with some confidence that they’re not really to my tastes, being something best described as ‘spiritual’ or ‘hippy-​esque’. However, I’m sure there are plenty who’d love their wares, and the prices are very fair. They also do various related items, such as candles, and offer treatments, such as hot stone therapy (£40) and all body massage (a very reasonable £30, which is better than many of the spas in the city).

I really like this shop, I think that it is different and alternative, especially in comparison to the other stores in Selly Oak. It has a variety of clothing for both men and women and is what some may call a ‘hippy shop’. I have never bought any clothes from here, but they have more to offer as well as clothes. They also sell candles, crystals, pretty ornaments for home, incense and lots of other healing and holistic-​style materials. They also offer various treatments too such as reflexology and massage. You would have to enquire about these though as I have not booked any myself. I like coming in here as it is peaceful and I like the candles and incense. The staff are friendly and are willing to chat about the things they offer here including spiritual advice. Overall, it is a good shop if you are into this kind of thing!

Brummie bohemians rejoice! Xanadu is a great little fair trade clothes shop located in Selly Oak, that’s a much needed establishment to the area. Students at University of Birmingham can finally become hippies again (which is exactly what the student life should be like!).
Stocking men’s and women’s clothes, each item is handmade to perfection and imported from the likes of India and Nepal. There’s a brilliant selection of garments that rival the Hippy Buddy shop in the Oasis Market perfectly. In fact, I find this shop a lot more convincingly authentic when compared to most other stores in the same league.
As well as fresh, uniquely, natural-​made clothes, Xanadu also sells didgeridoos, candles, incense, singing bowls and many other spiritually inspiring products. There’s a great selection of religious symbolisms and buddha statues sold in store too; I’d love this place to be my house, I’d feel so cultured and relaxed! Especially when you realise that Xanadu are massage therapist as well! When can I move in?
This is a brilliant shop that basks in everything bohemian, and even the store front has been hand designed too. I wish more shops were as beautifully creative as this!