Notting Hill and the World Famous Portobello Road Market

Imagine the prettiest, quaint mutli-colored houses lining the road down to a market that goes on for miles with the most unique antiques, shops, and food stands in all of London and you have Portobello Road market. This is where we spent last Saturday. The two hours we had was no where near enough to explore all the stands there but regardless of the time constraint Chelsea and I managed to pick up some amazing finds. We both got genuine 1940's vintage necklaces, mine is ebony and ivory with a black tassel at the end (even better i got it for 15 pounds less than the lady had originally priced it at). Then we stumbled across a young gentleman's stand who made these necklaces out of vintage ties and painted colorful beads; there are multiple ways to tie them up from looking like an actual tie to a playful flower (i of course took the 3 for a better deal to bring home some for souvenirs!).

After milling around through numerous antique and silver shops we stumbled across the all-saints store, which I literally felt like I could die a happy person at that moment. All the windows and inside walls are lined with vintage sewing machines and the clothes in there are completely unaffordable but it was just as satisfying to drool over them than it would be to buy them. There were dresses that probably weighed up to 10 pounds because they are made completely of beads and sequins to long flowing maxies made of chiffon and silk. Needless to say we had to drag ourselves out of that store before some very bad purchasing descicions were made.

Then on to the land of pastries, crepes, and the farmers market.... Yes I definitely had to break down and have a crepe and it was delicious!

On our way back the market was flooded with people and you can begin to see why it is famous for its pickpockets because you are running into a different person every step you take. But we made it out with all belongings in tact!!

Then off we went to the designers market.... Sounds fantastically exciting!!! however the aspiring designers were apparently taking this saturday off because after a long walk through "ghetto London" (think west fifth or main st past parsons before bexley in cbus) we ended up at a small market with about 5 people.... But we got some good brazilian treats :)