London highlights


Hi everyone. It's great to be back from my holiday and thanks to all my faithful readers for hooking up with my blog in my absence. I had a fab time in London and just want to give you a flavour of what I got up to over the few days we spent there before we went off on our cruise. I met up with my dearest friend Bo who lives in Portugal and we visited the Burlington Arcade first of all. Much to my absolute delight I clocked this fabulous display of brogues in the boutique window of Manolo Blahnik. Read more about Carrie Bradshaw's favourite shoe designer and his new boutique here - it had only opened in the previous week.
A veritable rainbow of suede brogues
Any of this trio would have been perfect with my outfit.
I'm in shoe heaven.
For my foreign readers, the Burlington Arcade, in the heart of London, is a alleyway of boutique designer shops showcasing the most exclusive fashions, perfumes, jewellery, men's and women's couture and every must-have item imaginable. Here's two more of the eye-catching displays...


This from Lulu Guinness.
And this Chanel sculpture with its golden discs stood about three foot tall.

Bo and I have been friends for many years now and one of our common bonds is our love of fashion. She's one of the few people I can happily go shopping with. I'm usually a solitary shopper, but she and I have such similar tastes and know what suits each other; we are always honest with our opinions on what works and what doesn't. As you can see Bo's style is very eclectic - she mixes things up in her very own inimitable way and she always exudes confidence.




Bo is grinning from ear to ear as we've revelled in the window shopping of the Burlington Arcade and next we're off to see this spectacular exhibition at the RA -



The exhibition exceeded all our expectations and if any of you can make it to London in time to see it I would urge you to go. The breadth of artists and art is extraordinary, and we were introduced to so many "new" artists and styles that we hadn't previously discovered. It was moving at times, breathtaking at others, and without question is the most impressive exhibition either of us have ever had the privilege to view.

And finally, Steve and I were luckily enough to be in Leicester Square on the evening of the premiere of the film Zoolander No 2. Amidst the jostling of the crowds of fans, and the TV cameras and crews we managed to catch a glimpse of some of the stars as they sashayed down the blue carpet.






My outfit from the Burlington Arcade was a bit middle-of-the-road as far as the fashionistas of London go, but my silver brogues did attract a few compliments. Thank you to the ladies of the Cath Kidston staff from opposite the Arcade who deserve a mention, as they would like to implement a funky tights and shoes combo as part of their uniform - hurrah and good luck with that!

Trench coat: Jessica Simpson. Skirt: Boden. Polo neck: M&S. Shoes: Office. Tights: Top Shop. Bag: charity shop.
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28 comments

  1. I love that I've made it onto your blog Anna, thank you.
    What a great time we had, drooling over brogues and Monet! Hooray for lovely days with lovely friends xx

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  2. Oh did I mention -
    Coat: Zara, Dress: Mango, Trousers: Karen Millen, Boots: Camper, Scarf: Gift, Bag and beret: Portugal!
    I've always wanted to do that!! LOL xx

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    1. And one day perhaps I can be featured on your (yet to be birthed) fashion blog too xxx

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  3. What fun!

    That display of brogues is wonderful. I'm sure you wanted to buy them all.

    So nice to get together with a very good friend AND one that you can shop with. I know how precious that is since we each have our unique own style.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. So you know that saying "If you need to ask the price then you can't afford them", well I knew I couldn't even afford to cross the threshold! They were utterly gorgeous and I was happy to loll about in front of them for a short while at least.
      I only have one shopping buddy and she's the best x
      Anna

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  4. Oh those brogues had me dribbling!

    The exhibition looks and sounds marvellous; I will try and make it on my next visit to London.

    I'm glad your funky tights and silver brogues have started new trend!

    xxx
    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. The exhibition and the brogues are right next door to each other, so you could have a very satisfying day trip. And hey that's me, Veronica, a real trend setter, hahaha x

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  5. Oh. You had FUN! I could never live permanently in London, but when I go I love to top up on "London experiences" the way you have ... friends, a gallery, theatre, shopping, cocktails. It only takes a couple of days and I'm Getafixed enough to want to return to home and routine. Thanks for sharing Bo with us. She looks quite a girl (I've visited her blog) - great dress over flares ... AND she's wearing my coat!!!
    I love Lulu's designs, and the rainbow brogues are fun, (though I'd be tempted to buy two pairs and wear one of each; pink and green, definitely!), but I honestly think yours are better
    Baci Sxx
    sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com

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    1. Sally I'm with you on that London fix. We rush around topping up for three or four days then retreat. I couldn't take that pace of life full-time. And Bo suggested the exact same thing about the shoes - a different one in each colour - great idea you gals! Just need to get the funds together first x
      Anna

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  6. As a shoe girl...that picture is pure eye candy!! Who wouldn't want one of each (except for the fact of the wallet & not enough room in the closet?) What a fun trip for you!! And I love your brogues also---I'm just now exploring the silver shoes for a future blog series!! jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Eye candy indeed Jodie. Wallet and closet and both prohibitive for me too sadly. My silver brogues seem to be so versatile - I've worn them endlessly on the blog and always get so many compliments on them. I look forward to seeing your feature x
      Anna

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  7. That's so funny the Ck ladies want to do that! Me too!!!
    That brogue display is amazing!!! I too want a rainbow of brogues!

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    1. I know Kezzie, who wouldn't want a rainbow of brogues? I left my blog details with the CK girls and hope they enjoy the shout out. Am heading over to catch up with your latest news now x
      Anna

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  8. Oh, I love all those suede brogues! I want them in every colour, please! Your shiny silver ones are fab-u-lous! Thanks for the London pics - if I could jet over, I would!

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    1. It's such a seductive display isn't it? They look like sweeties for grown ups. If you were to only have one UK destination it has to be London x
      Anna

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  9. Hey I would happily be part of the silver brogue and funky tights brigade any day. It looks like you and Bo had a splendid time. Isn't it fun have a style and shopping kindred spirit?

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    1. Hurrah, I'd be happy to have you on the funky team! Bo and I share so many interests, and shopping is our most fun. We help each other push our style boundaries out a bit farther every time we meet up x
      Anna

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  10. I'd have a ball just by looking at these beautiful windows...

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  11. Now those are some brogues!! What a great window display and color assortment. I also love the red lips luggage. London has some very cool window displays. Thank you for sharing such great photos Anna.






    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

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    1. The Burlington Arcade is a haven for all that's stylish, bright and dazzling. We spent an hour window shopping amongst the well-heeled, spending our imaginary millions x
      Anna

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  12. Hi Anna, London is such an iconic city where something is going on every day. When I was visiting it few years ago, I saw an amazing window displays at Selfriges called Shoemania and also took a lot of pictures. Love your shoes

    Anna from lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com

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    1. Ooo Anna, Shoemania sounds like my kind of heaven! I love to visit London and check out all that's current, but I know I couldn't take that frenetic pace all the time. Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  13. Oh I wish we'd met in London. I love the Burlington Arcade. If you're ever up this neck of the woods again, get in touch!
    And I want a pair of brogues in each of those colours!

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I never thought to get in touch beforehand, but will do next time. This was my first visit to the Burlington Arcarde, but certainly won't be my last. And yes, wouldn't it be grand to have a collection of these in our closet?
      Anna x

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  14. The shoes. The shoes!!! Hahaha!
    Zoolander 2 is playing here in town now and when I saw the big sign I thought of you. xo

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    1. The shoes, the shoes, exactly! Long time, no see Melanie. Glad you dropped by x
      Anna

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