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A stroll through Mayfair

Saturday 20 August 2011
Little L's godparents suggested we spend a night at their place in London before heading off to Paris the next day. It's also the perfect excuse to catch up with the rest of our Kiwi friends. Everyone has been jetting off in various directions since the beginning of this year that I consider it a remarkable feat if all of us happen to be in the country at the same time.


station
Little L wanted this photo taken for her grandparents. After a short train ride, we've finally arrived in London.

Little L and I strolled down Piccadilly and ogled at the ornate architecture. The beautiful Palladian buildings that lined the streets of London never failed to stop me in my tracks.  Instead of straight lines and minimalist design that are congruent with the modern day constructions,  these neoclassical buildings have intricate and elaborate ornamentation. I brought my camera with me this time so let me take you through some of the most incredible shopping spots in London.


green park




de beers
De Beers



oldbondst
This is the most expensive strip of real estate in Europe. It's no surprise that all the premium designer houses have a presence on Bond St.

tod's
Tod's mocs and D bag.


door knocker




DG
Dolce & Gabbana


BV
Bottega Veneta



royalarcade2
The interior of The Royal Arcade



royal arcade1
The Royal Arcade was once simply known as The Arcade until a couple of shops, Charbonnel et Walker Chocolatier and shirtmaker H. W. Brettell were patronised by members of the Royal family. Both companies now hold the Royal warrant.



 charbennel
Charbonnel et Walker has a factory in Turnbridge Wells and continues to supply their goods to the royal family to this day. 



chanel
Let's not forget Chanel.



chanel2




tiffany
Who can resist Tiffany's robin egg blue boxes?



tiffany2
And their delectable display of blings



tiffany3
More blings



burlington arcade2
Let's now turn into Burlington Arcade which is an elegant covered passageway of shops, built to order in 1819 by the younger brother of Lord George Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire who owned a mansion nearby called the Burlington House.


burlington arcade1
The arcade is policed by beadles in their smart uniforms



burlington arcade-cartier1
One of the many shops in the Burlington Arcade. This one trades in secondhand watches with Cartier taking precedence in their display windows.



burlington arcade-diamond


royal plaque
The royal warrant


saville row
We mustn't forget the famous Saville Row


I hope you've enjoyed our little walk through some of the most prestigious shopping strips of London.





7 comments:

  1. I enjoyed the stroll.... :)

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  2. OMG, thanks so much for the mini-vacation for the mind. Those photos are gorgeous and make me want to plan a trip to London soon. My boys keep bugging me, they want to take a ride on the double decker buses (and I want to go to Harrod's and Selfridges). Thanks for the post. Have a great time in joyeux Paris!

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  3. Thank you for all the eye-candy from London--how I'd love to be walking those streets. And your daughter is so precious!

    Have a fabulous time in Paris. Both of your friends have provided fabulous ideas for the week, and I heartily second Les Enfants market in the Temple district--I lived right next door to it for a year. The cheese stand was a daily hit for me.

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  4. Hi adorable L , thanks for the pose for us . :D
    Have a wonderful time in Paris .

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't wait to see all of this for myself! Thanks for the beautiful preview!!

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  6. chicology, I'm glad you've enjoyed the photos.

    Sharon, I think your boys will LOVE London. There are so much to see and do. Yup, I definitely agree. Throw the boys and your hubby into the double decker explorer bus and tell them to get down at EVERY stop while you head off to do some shopping at Selfridges and Harrods. Don't forget Harvey Nichols too!

    AA, Little L is quite a handful but thank you! I must check out Les Enfants. Fingers crossed the weather holds up tomorrow here in Paris.

    Mi, talk to you soon!

    Lauraloo, get yourself here ASAP!!

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  7. That was fabulous! I love all the pictures, but I think your added history made it even more interesting! I've never been to London so there's always a mystique about it! Thanks for taking us on this "stroll"!

    xo, sam

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