A Fashionista’s Day Out in London

October 22, 2013April 24, 2014 dotcomwomen

London is one of the fashion centers of the world and is renowned for its designer stores and trend setting inhabitants. Any fashionista who is planning a day in London will be able to choose from a host of fashion related activities.

Breakfast

Kensington & Chelsea is a stylish area and breakfast at Colbert in Sloane Square will give you the perfect opportunity to relax and indulge in a little people watching while you choose from the extensive breakfast menu. Colbert is modelled on the boulevard cafes of Paris and the menu reflects this but there is also a full English breakfast available. Colbert also has the advantage of being in the perfect location for a spot of shopping once you have finished your breakfast.

Shopping

Harrods - the world's most famous department store in London's Knightsbridge. — Harrods – the world’s most famous department store in London’s Knightsbridge.

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to Harrods. This iconic store is instantly recognisable and it stocks virtually every top designer. Fashionistas will particularly enjoy a visit to the Shoe Boudoir which stocks about 92 different styles of Louboutins. After leaving Harrods it is easy to pop along the road to the other iconic store in Knightsbridge. Harvey Nichols opened in 1880 and is still a magnet for fashionistas. The store concentrates on beauty and fashion and is the place to go if you are looking for current trends. Other notable areas for shopping include Kings Road in Chelsea and Oxford Street. If vintage is your thing then you should head for Camden where there is a large collection of vintage shops. The Arches at Stables Market is probably the best place to start.

Exhibitions

'The New Look' jacket by Christian Dior — ‘The New Look’ jacket by Christian Dior and Evening Dresses by Balenciaga at ‘The Golden Age of Couture’ Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum

If you want a break from shopping then visit the fashion collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. This includes couture pieces from the post war era including Dior’s “New Look” and rare evening dresses from the 1930s. The museum also periodically runs special exhibitions which often have a fashion link. These have included retrospectives on David Bowie and Kylie Minogue.

Afternoon Tea

Even a fashionista needs to rest occasionally and the Pret-a-Portea afternoon tea at London hotel the Berkeley is the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries. The menu changes every six months to reflect the changes in fashion and is designed to reflect fashionable themes and colours. The current menu includes delicacies such as an Alexander McQueen honeycomb yellow dress with a marzipan bee and a Manolo Blahnik slingback chocolate biscuit heel.

Dinner

London is full of amazing restaurants but the glamour of Cecconis makes it a perennial favourite. The lavish art deco surroundings which include marble floors, ornate mirrors and wraparound windows give an air of luxury. The menu is a diverse mix inspired by Venetian food.

Evening

Start your evening off with a cocktail in the lush purple decor of the Artesian Bar in the Langham Hotel. The extensive drinks list includes all the classics plus many signature drinks including the Langham Martini. Artesian is regarded as one of the best cocktail bars available and proved very popular with the fashion crowd during London Fashion Week.

No fashionista’s trip to London would be complete without a visit to a club. Mahiki is the place to go if you want to dance and spot celebrities. It is a popular choice of the younger royals with Prince Harry being a regular visitor and stars such as Scarlett Johansen drop in whenever they are in town. Despite the huge popularity, the door policy is relaxed and there is no need to book.
A fashionista’s trip to London can be filled with choice and variety from people watching over a Parisian style breakfast and designer shopping to stylish afternoon teas and trendy clubs. One trip will not be enough to enjoy all that London can offer

Sources

http://www.colbertchelsea.com/#about

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/the-culture-edit/2013/01/best-breakfast-in-london—colbert-riding-house-caf%C3%A9–quo-vadis

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8326067/Hot-for-the-latest-heels-at-Harrods-new-shoe-room.html

http://gouk.about.com/od/ukdepartmentstore/qt/HarveyNichols.htm

http://www.camdenlock.net/fashion/vintage.html

http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/f/fashion/

http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/fashion-afternoon-tea/

http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/80359/Cecconi%27s

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/pubsandbars/london-fashion-week-bars-recommended-London-308.html

http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Nightlife/Mahiki/f2a3/

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