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 :)

Matthew Williamson Stole My Heart

Today was our first day of class and walk of a London "high street-where all the top designers and retailers are".

Another very interesting and major topic we covered today is "fast fashion", which the British are masters of. This type of fashion refers to the retailers ability to watch a runway show, "knock-off", and produce clothing in stores in a mere 3 weeks!! The most successful fast fashion store is Top Shop (which has amazing, affordable clothes).

Today we got a tours of Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson, and took a walk down Savile Row which has notorious custom tailors.

Pictures: 1) Abercrombie & Fitch in London (some major event with girls taking pictures with half naked men) 2) Savile Rd tailor, that some how reminded me of the pants I made for the Mad Hatter costume 3) Tailor working on a custom suit 4) cool upside-down mannequins and reflection 5) Matthew William store that we unfortunately couldn't photograph inside; his new summer collection is incredible. It has a huge inspiration from India with many vivid colors and long flowing garments. 6) Stella McCartney's store 7) Vivienne Westwood's original store (4 stories) 8) VW blouse from the new collection 9) Williamson dress I would die for

Tour de London!

Today we had orientation for classes (which start bright and early tomorrow at 9am!) and got a bus tour of the city which was very informative as well as beautiful!

Our apartment!!


We also learned that the queen will be having a parade for her birthday June 11th (which is very exciting bc we get to go see it!) However, it is not really her birthday which is in january, but the celebration is pushed back so the weather is better!! Haha oh to be queen and be able to do whatever you desire!

HERREEE!!!

Chels and I have finally made it to London which is amazing by all accounts I've seen so far!!! Our hostel is also really nice besides that fact that no one else speaks English! We went exploring today and found a great little restaraunt called TAS! YUM! Chel has a gigantic bruise from her rolling duffel already.... the things we do to bring clothes!

Sitting in the airport with an hour and a half to go! So excited/ about to have an anxiety attack at the same time!

Running around like a crazy woman trying to get everything packed and ready to go!! The countdown is at 5 days!!