Prior to this past month, I had only been to London once before (back in 2003) and only for a very short weekend, but I remember LOVING everything about it. I studied abroad in Florence when I was in college, and looking back, I think my favorite part of living in Italy for three months was actually visiting London for one weekend!
Now that I’m living in Paris full-time, I’ve already made it over to London twice this past month, so that just goes to show you that I really do think that it’s the city for me.
The vibe is so energetic and upbeat, the people are friendly and open, the shopping is incredible and the sights are just magnificent! Plus, I feel right at home in an English-speaking country. (Sorry France, friendliness is not your strong suit.)
There’s also nothing more charming than being in London during the holiday season. I kept having visions of Hugh Grant and cast in the movie “Love Actually” everywhere I went.
SO cute, right? Watch out, world…I may be packing my bags and calling London home soon!
Here are a few of the highlights from my travels that I wanted to share:
THE SHOPPING:
I have lived in New York, Los Angeles and now Paris, I actually think the shopping is best in London. Sure, some things can’t compare (i.e. Galleries Lafayette and Printemps are SPECTACULAR in Paris, and I absolutely prefer them to Harrod’s or Harvey Nichols in London); but when it comes to high street, fashion-forward items that I actually buy and wear right now, I’d take London any day. Oxford Circus is a playground for incredible shops and boutiques, and I was blown away by the adorable charm of Liberty London (SO much more enchanting than Harrod’s, if you ask me), and spent a good amount of time stopping into UK shops like Warehouse, Oasis, Miss Selfridge, & Other Stories and more. Other shopping highlights: Fortnum & Mason, Cath Kidston, Garrard (former jeweler of the Royal Family!), and the list goes on!
When it comes to designer goods, it’s actually a steal at Heathrow airport (don’t forget it’s tax free, too!) and so much cheaper than the U.S., if you know what you want and can purchase efficiently without missing your flight back home! I was actually personally escorted to a different terminal (there’s a boutique in Terminal 3 and 5, FYI) just to visit Chanel, and was dismayed that their strict airport policy is only one handbag purchase per person.Where’s a travel companion when I need one?!
I debated long and hard and almost snapped up a rose pink caviar classic mini bag for myself, but instead did my sister a good deed and got her the navy square mini in lambskin that she’s been eyeing for awhile.
All good deeds don’t go unnoticed, right? 🙂
THE DINING:
I don’t actually like traditional British food, but I do love high tea and desserts, and London does an impeccable job of delivering on both. If I lived in London, I would have afternoon tea all of the time, it’s truly one of my favorite things to do!
I’ve been dying to get into Sketch London for quite some time, so when they invited me to their holiday press event this week, I was beyond elated. The restaurant (which is normally quite hard to get into) was impressive everywhere I looked, and the pink tea room was, of course, my favorite part. Everything was perfectly adorable and decked out for the holidays, which made me the happiest girl in the world.
Take a look at their magical Christmas tree below and tell me you aren’t now entirely convinced that every tree should be adorned with roses and sparkly ornaments from top to bottom?
Other notable discoveries during my time in London included the Royal Blend tea from Fortnum & Mason, as well as their cute ice cream parlour on the second floor. I didn’t actually partake in the ice cream (it was too cold outside!), but they did let me sample two flavors on mini cones, and I just about died with delight.
Dominique Ansel also just recently opened a bakery in London, that was very close to where I was staying towards the end of my trip, and over the course of three days I tried his famous cronut, an almond milk latte, the tomato and burrata tartine and a chocolate chip cookie. Absolutely delicious, every single item!
Go check it out–and it’s not nearly as crowded as his popular NYC location.
THE HOTEL:
I had the pleasure of staying at the London Marriott County Hall for a few days and it was such a luxurious treat! The historic hotel just unveiled some rather gorgeous renovations, and their service and attention to detail can’t be beat. I wrote about my stay on JustLuxe, so be sure to check it out!
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