So as I meandered my way down the maze
of alleys, streets and back roads that make up the intricate lattice behind
Oxford street, I was shocked at just how woefully limited my knowledge of
London really is! For me, (prior to this day) London consisted of the theatres,
Covent Garden and Oxford/Regent Street....and maybe Brick Lane if I'm feeling
adventurous!
The Rabbit warren labyrinth that is
London really revealed itself to me; the smells of the £2.50-for-a-shot-of-espresso
coffee wafting around at lunchtime, the hustle and bustle centred around the
never ending stream of bars and pubs, and of course, the delicately tempting
rustle of the numerous paper shopping bags from the numerous shops that make up
the fashion Mecca that is London!
So as it was my last day of interning
at USP content- the most diverse, innovative and current production company, I
decided that it was time to find the true heart of London.
Red Leather Skirt – Jolly Brown,
Vintage
Cream Blouse/ velvet blazer/ heels/earrings/sparkly bralet – Topshop
Necktie – the market, My first
attempt at Customisation!
Nails - hyppereal by Topshop
Turns out that I found it.... But not
when I expected!
I wound up more discovering the
heart-of-Italy-in-London at around 2 in the afternoon! This delightfully
authentic traditional Italian delicatessen and coffee bar just called to me
from Charlotte Place! The owner had opened shop the week before and was already
hosting a roaring trade! Drying Parma hams hung from the ceiling, the smell of
home roasted Italian ‘espressi’ filled the air, and the owner himself was so
dedicated to providing the top service that I felt simply compelled to order a
latte! (it only cost £1.90!!)
The company dedicated itself to 'food
roots' - sourcing the most traditionally Italian products from the ham farms of
Parma, hence the name 'In Parma'.
In the evening I ended up in Sophie's
steak house, Covent Garden with a raspberry martini, plate of calamari and a
permanent grin as a result of the brilliant company I was in.
It was truly the heart of the city;
by a 6foot long window, with friends after a rewarding and inspiring week of
work.
The whole experience was topped off
by the fact that it was the opening day of London Fashion week 2012... Swarms
of ridiculously well dressed models, bloggers and just general fashionistas
filled the streets of the West end and I could hear the sound of clicking
stilettos from my office!
I am a self confessed TopshopAholic,
but shockingly enough, although the Topshop 'dress up' range has been in
existence for a number of seasons, this studded black velvet blazer is my first
purchase from this collection. Pairing with my staple peter pan collared blouse and leopard hair
heels, while playing it safe with ‘Le Smoking’ velvet jacket; I decided I could
risk bringing out my newest thrift bargain: a red leather skirt!
Originally bought at a pencil skirt
length, my customising fairy godmother, Anj, converted it into an A line mini
for me!
What sartorial choices will you be
making this season?
Love Claira xo
