London calling

I have an Anglophilic bug right now, actually more like Royal Fever. I just returned from the UK for the the long holiday between Christmas and New Year’s and am a little obsessed over everything British. That includes the coolest designers Alexander McQueen, Paul Smith, Joh Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, John Richmond, Matthew Williamson, to name a few. Although similar to New York, London is not as gritty, but rather more refined and proper. Similar to tweeting rather than sending a note on handwritten stationary. It is one of the world’s most creative cities and I can see how anybody would want to reside there including me and The Duchess Kate Middleton.

Bag: Cambridge Satchel

Kate Middleton in Alice Temperley

The London fashion hunter saw plenty of sales going on at Harrods, Selfridges, and the stylish boutiques, but even at 40% off the 3,000 pound prices, there were few bargains to be found. I did find some goodies at Bluebird and Whistles, and I got this great houndstooth jacket at TopShop. Oh yeah, and a great red jacket at Joseph.

One of my favorite spots was a place called Bluebird. It was a stylish emporium with everything from candles, shoes, and Chloe camera cases, to a manicure salon. One-stop fashion heaven for any Brit.

I picked up on some of the local diction, ate a at local pub, enjoyed a proper tea and scones, had my fill of fish and chips, bashed neeps, meat pies, and ~~spotted dick~~.

The Woseley

Here was my hectic schedule. I took the tube, sat on the loo, and watched my daughter in London Day Parade and watched the telly. I went to Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and saw The Crown Jewels, went to the Tate Modern, saw Matilda at the Cambridge Theater, saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, visited the London Eye, and watched the fireworks explode in Trafalgar Square on New Year’s Eve.

The London Eye

Pow!

Can’t forget the colorful desserts at Fortnum and Mason. They make me think of spring.

Fortnum and Mason

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

The look of the day

Another reason to celebrate London? Coming soon, The Silver Jubilee when Elizabeth II celebrates her 60 years on the throne.

Vogue has a great post on Sally Bedell Smith’s new biography and an exhibition of photographs of the Queen by Cecil Beaton at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Some of the monarchy’s most important jewels will be on display.

I really love London. Maybe I’ll go back for the Olympics this summer?