Feather Sweater Weather + London Recap.

And this is the last of the outfit posts from London (tear!) I packed this cozy Elizabeth & James feather sweater and am so glad I did. While the feathers make it fancy (great for cocktails when you still want to be warm) it’s also just one of the softest, most perfect things I own. I love it.

Today I thought I’d share a little travel diary with you with some of the fun things we did. I was only there for a few short days, but still managed to cram quite a bit in!!!!

Outfit Details: Elizabeth & James Sweater (also here, here, and here) // Rag & Bone Jeans // Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals // Chanel Bag

First of all, I stayed at The Laslett Hotel in Knotting Hill. After watching too many romantic comedies, I’d always wanted to stay in that part of town and it didn’t disappoint. I especially loved the rows of bright colored flats, pictured here.

I arrived on Thursday morning and checked in, and then dashed over to Aromatherapy Associates where my friend had booked us massages. Best idea ever. If you are jet lagged, I highly suggest getting an energizing aromatherapy massage when you get into town… it really, really helped (and it was the most amazing treat – I don’t remember when my last massage was!)

After massages, we went to Harrod’s for tea… and then wandered around. Honestly, it was so crowded that I had to leave… but it was still a fun experience. After Harrod’s it was Harvey Nichols and then I walked all the way to Liberty of London which had been at the top of my list. I stayed there a while. So many amazing designer pieces… plus all of the signature Liberty stuff. I ended up buying pajamas… these ones, to be exact! After Liberty, I trekked over to the National Portrait Gallery to check out the Faces of Britain Exhibit, and then it was home to get ready for New Years Eve!

New Years Eve was spent at our friends Gus & Ruby’s house. They cooked the most amazing three course dinner. A fresh salad with beets and prosciutto, Arctic Char, foie gras… mmm.. basically death by food (and jet lag.) I took a black cab back to my hotel and slept like a baby.

The next day was New Years Day and I was surprised how many things were actually open. None of the museums, though, which was my main goal for this trip. And so I slept in and then I shopped. I walked all the way from my hotel to Selfridge’s where I bought the cat top that I wore here and the dress that I wore here.

After a productive little shopping trip, it was time for a Negroni, naturally. I went to the bar at the Chiltern Firehouse, which is basically the coolest place ever. It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation at their restaurant, but the bar was fairly empty. I made friends with the bartender, who informed me that their New Years Eve party didn’t end until 9am so they were all a bit wiped. My friends met up with me at the bar and we had some snacks, and then I headed home and to bed!

The next day I woke up and laced up my sneakers for what I referred to as my day of culture. (But only after shooting these photos.)

My first stop was the Tate Modern, which was incredible. I was there for hours. They had two really fantastic exhibits… Alexander Calder (cool moving sculptures) and The World Goes Pop (my favorite of the two as I really love pop art). Those two exhibits plus two additional floors took me about three hours to see it all.

After that, I headed to the Saatchi Gallery which I also really loved. Thanks to those of you who suggested it on Instagram! Near the Saatchi Gallery was a Jigsaw so I popped in there for a bit more shopping. I finished up my day of culture by visiting (both) Serpentine Galleries, and then it was time for a nap!

After all of that museum + gallery hopping, I was tired… but I made myself go out. So I went to Beach Blanket Babylon (on Merritt’s recommendation) where I sat at a table in the bar with my book, a big bowl of their risotto, and a glass of wine. It was really nice. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten over the stigma at eating at restaurants by myself, but yes… I usually bring a book along. My friends had been at Cats (the musical) and met up with me (more wine) and then it was back to the Laslett for a nightcap. Fun fact: the bar at the Laslett is actually open 24 hours. We were in bed my midnight but I still thought that was kind of cool.

The next day (Sunday) I had a 5:30pm flight, so all that I could do was squeeze in one last museum… The Victoria & Albert! My sister had said such wonderful things so I had to go.. and they didn’t disappoint. There was so much inspiration (think Turkish tiles, Egyptian jewelry) and the shoe exhibit was breathtaking.

I walked back from the V&A and then it was time to go home. Again, a really short trip but I loved every minute of it and am pretty proud of how much I did and saw!

photography by Holly McGlynn.