Those of you who read this blog regularly know I’m an unabashed Anglomaniac. Is that a word? Well it’s fitting for a girl like me who lives for visits to England. I ask you, what is not to love about a country filled with tiny thatched cottages, ancient castles, fabulous gardens, tea and scones and everything beautiful and romantic? I’m in my element there and so was thrilled to get another chance to visit even if it was just for four days.
I had a list so long of things to see and do that I actually needed a few months. I squeezed all the English culture I could into myself along with Pimms cups, scones, and clotted cream. Running about trying to see all I could may have prevented me from coming home 10 pounds heavier. Getting squished in the Tube doors a few times may have helped as well. 🙁
Typical arrival into Heathrow…
Right away I am hit with why London is a fabulous place…Just look at the cool Tube posters for summer exhibitions that I didn’t have time to see!
One look at this snap I took of this cute couple should tell you it wasn’t summery weather when we arrived. Yes it was June. You never know what to expect. Last time I was in London they had the hottest summer in 40 years!
I was grateful to have my pashmina wrap (a blanket basically), I take on planes with me to use as a shield against the wind. Silly me packing dresses, skirts, and 3 pairs of sandals! What a California girl. Like I haven’t traveled before or something.
I had to hit the ground as soon as we got there to look for warmer things. Selfridges was quite close and I wanted to snap a photo for my mom who just finished watching the Mr Selfridge series. Have you seen it yet? Is it as good as everyone says? I have downloaded it and I’m just waiting for a night when I won’t pass out to start watching!
Selfridges is gorgeous and huge and a bit overwhelming. So many stores within a store.. It reminded me a bit of Harrods. They were just selling more summer things that no one could wear of course…
We wandered down to the Bond Street area for my boys who have been waiting five long years to get back to the 7-story kid’s nirvana that is Hamley’s Toy Store..
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| I love how all the streets were festooned for the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.
Mission accomplished. Right away my kids were drawn into this fun catching game by one of their toy barkers. Lots of toy interaction here.
Sorry for the rough photo.
Of course we bought one! Good souvenirs here too. This is a great stop to bring a gift back home from.. I particularly like their Union Jack umbrellas which are nicely made and not too expensive.
Around the corner is the famous Carnaby Street with everyone celebrating Brittania. I loved it! Carnaby is another fun area to shop or eat at…
A hat shop window!
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Yes, those are bunny heels!
They embrace the flower here…
And the frog!
Yes those are donuts.
I really wanted a pair of these Provencal inspired sandals, but never made it back.
The number one rule of travel shopping…Do not even think you’ll get back because you won’t! If you think you might want it- get it!
How cool is this? How many shopping areas would offer such a place? What a nice spot to hang out here while you peruse the books and inscriptions…
Around the corner is the bastion of British flowers, Liberty!
It just wouldn’t be a trip to London without a stop at Liberty. So much to love here…
The building itself is half-timbered and so unique. It was constructed from the timbers of two old ships.
If you are a lover of florals this is your spot. You can see the famous Liberty prints that stores like J. Crew, Vans and so many others have been using in their recent collections. They also have a very fun housewares section as well as handbags, scarves and much more.
Last time I was here I bought the most wonderful toile sheets and a gorgeous make-up bag. This time I purchased a cute tote and a few beautiful lavender sachets for drawers.
Their outdoor flower shop. They aren’t pretentious and sell bunches in jam jars as well. Another thing on my bucket list was to have tea here. The cafe has the most darling mis-matched china sets and just all that kind of girly goodness. Didn’t make it. Maybe next time.
While we are talking shopping, Fortnum & Mason is not to be missed. It’s been on Piccadilly St since 1707! I had never been before and I was in for a treat…
The display windows are fabulous!
Inside there is not just tea, but a gorgeous store filled with more treats and treasures. Here is another fabulous place to bring a souvenir home from. They are famous for their hampers, or what we call picnic baskets, filled with goodies. They sell high end teas, confections and foods as well as beauty, accessories, home goods and jewelry.
My shopping buddy checking out the top floor.
The honey section. I love how everything comes in a collectable container like these pretty honey pots.
Stiltons and blue cheeses come in cute crocks.
The biscuits (we say cookies) come in the most gorgeous tins.
The Prince of Wales has his own area of goods produced at Highgrove, his royal estate and farm. It’s a large section and I believe he donates the proceeds to his charities which is nice.
The hot chocolate section.
Out in the air again we wandered the streets. Make sure you have time to wander! This is a great city to do it in and one of my favorite things to do on my travels.
Other things I love about wandering London…
Cute entries with umbrellas!
Everyone has flowers somewhere in their entry.
Boxwood is everywhere as well…
The men just look so dashing here.
Even the older gentleman step it up and I love that!
You will see men in bespoke (made to measure) suits all over London and yes it does make a difference. The men look impeccable and so handsome! Coming from California, and Silcon Valley, land of the work chino, I really can appreciate this.
I also like that English guys wear a button-down as we would a t-shirt. So much more attractive in my opinion!
Well, I hope you enjoyed a little bit of what charmed me on this trip!
Next up I’ll show you the rest of my London visit and some pubs, parks and palaces!
Stay tuned!
Kim
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