LDN

The last weekend of every Month signifies two things - pay day and time solely dedicated to 'us'.  So last weekend we decided to go to London... 

Originally we were going to drive up and back in a day but then an amazing friend of mine offered the use of her flat whilst she was away for the night.  Bonus!  Talk about location, location, location - she lives right on the river just down from the Design Museum in Shad Thames.  We travelled up by train (always a treat as it's a rare opportunity to do absolutely nothing!) and were there by midday on Saturday all set for a fun filled weekend.

On Saturday we went to South Kensington and Chelsea.  We had a (dirty) burger in the Bluebird Cafe, strolled along the King's Road (where I saw Emma Forbes and can now add that to spotting Nigel Havers in Bath) and bought some goodies in Kiehl's.  I did venture into a few shops - namely Whistles, Reiss and Massimo Dutti but didn't actually buy anything?! 

We were both saddened to see that London Lighting on Fulham Road has closed down.  Thoughts of this shop bring back so many fond memories - as Designers it was an amazing source of inspiration and as a teacher it was a given that we would take A Level students there to look at the amazing array of products.  I am due to start teaching 6th formers again in September...where will I take them now???

We needed to pack light so I wore my most favourite dress - a midi by Earl Jean.  This is one of very few second hand items (a bargain and very lucky find a couple of year's ago) that I own and it is a great fail-safe.  It can be dressed up for the evening or down by day and people always comment on this dress - including random strangers!

With heels on the Saturday night...................................................with a Summer knit and sandals on Sunday

Oh my goodness - I just looked to find the Earl Jean website and look what's on there?!!.......

On Sunday we were true tourists and headed for Buckingham Palace!  We caught the tail end of the changing of the guards ceremony and then proceeded to the Diamonds Exhibition via a tour of the state rooms.  My boyfriend and I had a joyful time pretending to be Wills & Kate whilst walking to the sound of the very regal music playing through our (free) audio guide headphones.  We finished up with a nice cup of Earl Grey in the Garden Cafe before exiting after a short stroll through the beautiful grounds.  I have to say (and I'm not a particularly patriotic person) this is well worth doing and it felt particularly poignant - what with the Jubilee celebrations and all.  We even got a little inspiration for the colour schemes on our own wedding day (one day!)...