A Little Lonely without TopShop?

Once upon a time...

On a brief visit back to the most beautiful coastal stretch in Australia (you know what I am talking about), I learnt that my friend Ruth had made that ever exciting decision to move to London for a year or two. Me being me, I became SO UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED that I thought it was necessary to put together 'Ruth's List' of all the must-see/eat/shop places in London, the UK and Europe. These are the places that have never failed to fill me with happiness. I created 'Ruth's List' in July 2009 but the best things in life are often timeless or grow and age with you. SO let me share some of these with you now! I will start with the best:

Topshop

My all time Favourite Store is what dreams are made of. That is if you dream of all-round, up-to-date, affordable fashion that is freaking amazing. Lets be honest, we don’t all have Blake Lively’s bank balance, so if you want to wear the hottest London styles, for a reasonable price, hit up TopShop.

The best store by far is Oxford Circus. Yes it is definitely worth facing the elbows, umbrella’s and foot stomping crowds to get in there. Once you're in, you're in until closing. They even have an EAT in there. There is absolutely no reason to EVER leave. (Unless your impatient but lovely boyfriend bugs you enough.)



For all my lovely Aussies out there they also have an amazing online store www.topshop.co.uk for all you lovers that want the happiness of TopShop in the heat of AUSTRALIA. AND Australian postage is only 5-8 Working Days and only £9.00. ! What wouldn't you do to look like this everyday...

The newest trend is Straight From the Orient and consists of wide legged Trousers, intricate prints, florals and wooden block heels. I am loving the floral headpieces paired with a tight up-do.

Then there is the new Urban Traveller range, which reminds me of one of my besties Michelle. This free-spirited, festival ready, effortlessly beautiful. Inspired by exotic places all over the world, this range is perfect for Summer Festivals in Europe or Splendour In The Grass in Australia.

Its probably important to mention the best thing about TopShop is their Boutique section! They stock vintage inspired brands, and styles from all walks of life. They even have a range of real vintage one-off pieces that you can find absolute Gem's in. They stock the most beautiful vintage style handbags that I have only seen in the Oxford Street Store - OMG - They are AMAZING! I have had one for 2 years now and I have used it to death so it's time I reinvested!

Topshop also stock Barry M The Most Colourful Name in Cosmetics! Their nail polish rocks my world! Everything from colour to finish is just PERRRFECT. They are such a steal starting at £2.50 - £3.00. It really is the budgeters answer to MAC makeup - and we all love Mac makeup.

Since the royal wedding cork platform heels are the hottest thing to own. (Thanks Kate) These are my favourite of TopShop's range. ONLY £52 so only $79 when converted to Australia. They could be the best investment you've ever made!

Ok, I have a confession to make! Ruth's List wasn't this detailed - I got a bit carried away! Next time, I will keep each store/eatery/place short and sweet and let you know about the other advise I have given to those impending, free spirited, travelers out there!

Until then, Lots of Love

Sandy xx

Pretty in Pimlico

To begin with, Living in London is incredible. I know it is said often so perhaps I should also say that I didn't always feel that way.


When I first arrived in the heart of Wintery January 2008, I thought it was horrible. It was colder then I could have ever imagined (Think stockings+leggings+jeans+5x top layers just for a trip to Sainsbury's), I was also more tired then I had ever felt before. Basically, from the share house in Dollis Hill, London just seemed like so much hard work for little in return. I cannot emphasis enough how wrong I was.


I guess you could say my turning point, like many others before me was The Shopping. Not just any shopping... the WINTER shopping. Never in my life had I seen so many winter coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, and accessories I couldn't name if I tried. Coming from the sunny Gold Coast of Australia, its safe to say that the only jacket I owned previously was almost never used.


Then something else dawned on me... Let me try to paint a picture, in London, Europe is on your doorstep. And by that I mean it takes less then an hour to travel to Paris, France by the Euro-Star to enjoy yummy pastry’s and experiment with weird French cuisine like escargot and frogs legs (If that's what your into) . From there opens a world of opportunities and cultures just hours away from each other. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking churches and cathedrals and so so so much history. Did I mention the parties, incredible music, even more incredible music festivals and that overwhelmingly awesome European vibe where almost everyone is friendly, helpful and all your dreams come true. And wait, what about the shopping?


Now, over three years after my first touch down in Lovely London, I live in a pretty little flat in Pimlico with amazing people, who LOVE to drink tasty wine. I have a great group of friends who LOVE shopping just as much as I do, if that is even possible and I can safely say that London is where my heart is. (That could also have something to do with 'The Boy' but that is another story for another time.)


What more could I ask for?? Really??


Love from Pimlico


Sandy xx