Hello, long time no see! I'm back from my jaunt to London, harbouring a scratchy throat which may be the price to pay for getting up close and personal with the crowds on the tube, but such is life. For our week in the city we were staying in a friend's flat in the Barbican; one of those right at the very top with a rooftop view (see it on my instagram here). Steve took these shots on our way back from breakfast one morning - eating out is a treat, but eating breakfast out every day seemed quite decadent.
I have to say that I was really happy to have included the red boots in my last minute packing. I wore them four times in the course of the week which isn't bad going.
St James Park was looking very autumnal.
Buckingham Palace always draws the crowds - I'm surely not the only one who hopes to see the Queen peeping out to give us a little wave?
As we crossed Horse Guards Parade in the late afternoon sun I noticed that the London Eye wasn't so far away. I was heading there for one of my bloggers meet ups later in the week.
We finished our walkabout day at Trafalgar Square where we stopped to watch the street performers before taking in a movie at Leicester Square.
Next day I'd arranged to meet up with fellow bloggers Ashley and Laurie outside Selfridges and while I was waiting I popped in for a little browse. The cafe in the basement was cake heaven!
And this is what happens when you put a clutch of bloggers together - lots of pointing cameras at each other!
In between all the photos we talked. And talked. And talked some more and most of it was about blogging. Ashley and Laurie both do a lot of work with brands so I was keen to hear how that ties in with their everyday life. It turned out I was the only one to be in full time employment and yet they are both so busy with family commitments as well as attending blogging events that we all seemed to be equally rushed off our feet. Our common mindset is very much of seize the day with everything that comes along. They met up for the first time during a project earlier on this year and their friendship has blossomed as they support each other on their blogging journey. They now host a joint link up - take a look here. Ashley's son was designated photographer for the day and did a great job.
My outfit details - jacket: Michael Kors, sweater: H&M, shirt: Sainsbury's, tights: H&M, skirt: Gap, boots: Primark, sunglasses: Quay Australia.
Coming up on the blog on Monday is the monthly 5 Over 50 challenge of which Laurie is part. Later on next week I'll cover my second bloggers meet up along with some more London sights and stories.
Laurie couldn't pass up this photo opportunity.
Anna x
Oh, how I love London! I want to go back! It's been nearly 8 years. Thank you for the lovely pictures of the sights and of you, and of your blogger meet-up, Anna! Squirrel!
ReplyDeleteOh Sheila, come back to London and we'll have our very own blogger meet-up! You, me, Vronni and Kezzie and that's just a starting bid. We had the best time ever and are already planning our return in March...
DeleteAnd yes, lots and lots of squirrels in St James' Park!
Anna x
A day that I won't forget! It was so lovely to meet you Anna, just not enough time! We will make a day of it next time I'm sure you will agree. Some fab photos of the city here, something I should do more of! xx
ReplyDeletewww.vanityandmestyle.com
Yes, do make a note in your diary that I'll be back in March. The only problem with London is that there's so much to do and not enough time to do it all. Next time I'll try to draw up a masterplan so that I know what I'm hoping to achieve.
DeleteAnna x
Looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted that you decided to take those red booties. I knew they'd work with everything.
How wonderful that you were able to stay in a friend's flat. That makes London a bit easier on the pocketbook.
Suzanne
You were so right about these red boots! The MK jacket and those boots were my two favourite pieces and really held my outfits together. I suppose they were the start of my capsule wardrobe, only I didn't realise that at the start.
DeleteHaving a base in the city certainly helped eke the funds out a bit further, but golly it was still expensive!
Anna x
I can feel the energy in this post! Time really flies when you're with friends who blog. It looks like you had such a fantastic time. Those red boots are knock-outs! And so are the sparkly blue ones. Well, everything you took shone with your personality. You make me want to travel!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about the time flying, Melanie. The whole week seemed to rush past me in a blur. My capsule wardrobe was not quite right, meaning I had some wierd clothes combinations that wouldn't have normally made the grade at home, but hey, you can wear what you like in London!
DeleteAnna x
How fantastic it must be to meet other passionate bloggers! And to meet in London! Wow! I enjoyed this post very much!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great opportuntity to meet up with these gorgeous ladies at last, and yes London was the perfect backdrop. Glad you liked it!
DeleteAnna x
Lookin so stylish out and about in London Anna!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jude! I had such fun.
DeleteAnna x
It sounds like you've had a fabulous week in London!
ReplyDeleteOh those cakes - I had to wipe dribble off my keyboard...
You look lovely in your outfits and how nice to meet up with more bloggers. I'm looking forward to more about your London trip already.
xx
We did have a lovely time, fitted lots in and enjoyed every minute of it. I wonder if you visit London often as you live quite near Veronica?
DeleteHave a good week!
Anna x
Anna, wonderful that you met with Laura and Ashley, sounds like a wonderful afternoon. I would like to see Selfridges, as i have only seen the representation of it on Tv's Mr. Selfridge. Hubby and i will be going to Italy next year, hope to one day see London and other parts of England. you all look lovely.. great boots!
ReplyDeletejess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
It was so good to meet them, to hear that we all have the same feelings and worries about blogging and getting it right. Selfridges is great, steeped in history and most definitely worth a visit. Lucky you to be going to Italy - it's wonderful.
DeleteHave a great week!
Anna x
Oooh, you stayed in the Barbican!! Swit swoo!!! I went to Guildhall as part of my University learning so I spent a lot of time there. I have much affection for it!x
ReplyDeleteYes, how lucky we were to stay somewhere so central and yes, posh! I'm hoping we can return for another jaunt next spring...
DeleteAnna x
I can so feel the feeling of three bloggers meeting. And taking pictures haha. You are so right. That is what you do.
ReplyDeleteYou all looked great. I am regretting having passed up on the red sock boots. They do the trick every time. Love them now.
The last picture of Laurie with that yellow board.... priceless.
Greetje
Put a clutch of bloggers together and all you can see is cameras flashing and clicking away, but oh what fun it is!
DeleteRegret is a dreadful emotion and I'm so sorry. I wonder if they still might be out on eBay?
Laurie spotted the yellow photo opportunity and was on it straight away - a real pro!
Anna x
Fun! You all crack me up taking pictures and being perfectly poised when the camera shutter snaps. Beautiful professionals!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, that's us Julia, we're real pro's! This was a great opportunity for us to bond and share our blogging stories, and yes great fun.
DeleteAnna x