London for a Long Weekend

Over the past long weekend, I traveled to London with my fashion class to study street style, go to museums, and engage in activities around a new city! We took the Eurostar from Paris to London, which went by much quicker than I expected. I love London, and had such a fun time with new friends going back to some of my favorite spots in the city. We had a booked schedule of activities and exhibits every day, along with walking tours around fashionable districts. In our free time, we explored new neighborhoods.

It was really interesting to visit London after spending almost two weeks getting into a routine as fashion students living in Paris. London feels very familiar, and I think most of the students in our program agreed because it feels comfortable to spend time there, especially without a language barrier. London resembles a big urban American city like New York City or Los Angeles, but it also has its own unique quirks.

Must visits: The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Design Museum

Click here for a more in-depth foodie and fashion post with recs from my Spring Break!

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

One thing I have always wanted to do while in London but never have is go to high tea. I organized for our entire program to reserve tables at the Ivy Chelsea Garden, a restaurant that has been a dream of mine to visit. When we arrived to the Ivy, the interiors were absolutely gorgeous. The attention to details was incredible! We waited by the bar waiting area while the tables cleared, and every decoration felt extremely luxe. And don’y get me started with the bathroom… I went back twice just because it was so beautiful and photogenic! Pink florals and gold decor everywhere! The actual afternoon tea experience was spectacular. I started with the English breakfast tea, and then we all got the summer afternoon tea menu, which included a tower of miniature sandwiches, delicious scones with jam and cream, and plenty of delicious desserts. My favorite part was probably the scones or the madeline with lemon curd… delish!!!

Dishoom

Another bucket list London spot I finally got to try was Dishoom! It is well-known as a fabulous Indian restaurant group with a few locations without London. We went around 5 pm because getting a table, especially without a reservation, can be super challenging on any day. I have been wanting to go to Dishoom for the longest time since reading about it in online. The ambiance and food here did not disappoint! We shared the samosas, garlic naan, black daal, paneer, and chicken. Everything tasted amazing and the service was great… and I can’t believe that by the time we left the restaurant, a long line of people wrapped around the block.

Victoria and Albert Museum exhibits: Africa Fashion and Fashioning Masculinities… both spectacular.

London Shopping Favorites

Liberty & Selfridges

Dover Street Market: a classic.

Bricklane Vintage Market

Aime Leon Dore (new locations)

Carnaby/Soho/Oxford St

Savile Row: fine tailoring, historic in London’s fashion history


London Fashion Trends I spotted over Spring Break and now Summer:

  • Breezy lightweight summer layers

  • Vintage mix

  • Fanny packs

  • Straight leg jeans

  • Fun hats

  • Satin bomber jackets, vintage, twill/cotton jackets

  • Cool sneakers, streetwear influence

London, you were so much fun and I’m happy to be heading back to Paris!

xoxo,

Josie

Josie Wall