April 15, 2013 by Emma
I stumbled across the loveliest sidewalk art the other day
Unfortunately, my last two weeks in London are being spent writing research papers and studying for exams. Honestly, I’m more annoyed than stressed, which is quite a change from my usual attitude during exams! I’ve been trying to make the most of each day though, and squeeze in a bit of fun between the work.
I went to the V&A earlier this week, just to wander around and say goodbye. I love that museum so much- I feel like I could live there. It makes me want to be like those children from that run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While I don’t suppose I could pull that sort of rule-breaking off these days, it was quite the inspiration to me growing up!
On Sunday it finally felt like Spring, so I decided to soak up as much sun as possible. I finally went to the Columbia Road flower market, which I had been meaning to do for ages. It seems like most of London had the same idea, though, as it was absolutely packed. I didn’t manage to get any decent pictures, but I had a lovely time. The flowers themselves were gorgeous and the salespeople hawking their bouquets seemed straight out of the 1920s with their fast-talking quips.
I also managed to check off another place on my to-visit list: Liberty London. I’ve always liked the Liberty floral prints, but I figured that the store would just be another department store. I was wrong– everything for sale was absolutely gorgeous and I wanted to buy just about everything in their sewing and haberdashery department. And don’t get me started on the furniture and decor. I even concocted a whole story about me being an interior designer and working on a house right now so that they wouldn’t get mad at me for taking photos!
Typewriters with plants growing out of them? Yes please!
Category London, Week in Pictures | Tags: | 9 Comments
March 24, 2013 by Emma
I turned 21 earlier this week! Ahh, I feel so old! It’s hard to believe I’m officially an adult, I certainly don’t feel like it. I had the most lovely day– after waking up nice and late, I opened the package I had gotten from my family. My mom had scoured the vintage stores in Hawaii and sent me a bunch of earrings– she knows me so well! That afternoon, my friends treated me to tea at the Laduree at Harrods. We were the ridiculous group of girls artfully arranging our desserts to get pictures! And in the evening, I went to see The Phantom of the Opera with a friend from school. It was ridiculously cheesy, but so much fun. I haven’t seen the movie in ages and had forgotten how bizarre the story is. My 13 year old self somehow thought that the Phantom was the ideal man. While I now realize how creepy he actually is, I feel like this explains so much about my taste in guys…
On Saturday, I went on a little daytrip to Wales with a couple of friends. We had planned this ages ago, thinking that Wales would be lovely in the springtime. Unfortunately, we woke up to a layer of snow covering the ground and gusting wind! Nevertheless, we had a lovely time. The highlight of the trip was definitely visiting the ruins of Tintern Abbey. They were just so magical. I couldn’t help but come up with an idea for a photoshoot, it would make such a gorgeous background for something very 1800s via 1930s mysticism. Too many ideas and not enough time!
Category London, Travel, Week in Pictures | Tags: | 11 Comments
March 10, 2013 by Emma
What a week! Very busy, but what’s new? I just got back from spending a day in Brighton. I fell in love with that city and am already planning when to squeeze another trip into my schedule. After a bit of wandering along the beach, my friends and I headed up towards the heart of the city. We took a tour through the Royal Pavillion, which was absolutely insane. Think orientalism times a million with a generous splash of tacky. There were sculptures of dragons holding up massive chandeliers and banquet halls where dinners with over 100 courses were served. Obviously, I loved it! I wish they would have let you take pictures inside, but alas, you’ll have to go there yourself to see it! We grabbed a quick lunch and headed off to do some shopping in the Lanes. We stumbled upon an antique market called Snoopers Paradise and I just about went to heaven. I could spend hours looking through antiques. And the store had a photobooth! I can never resist a good photobooth so, like the good blogger cliche that I am, had to take a couple quick snaps. Unfortunately, we weren’t very good at squeezing us all in the frame, so you only get me and my friend Ryan!
I’ve been doing a lot of drawing in museums for one of my art classes. This week we were studying the Rococo period, so I drew from a Fragonard in the National Gallery. I love drawing in public, even though I get so self-conscious about my work. Last week, when I was drawing from an Italian Renaissance painting, a super cute guy sat down next to me and pulled out his own drawing supplies. Five minutes later, I look over and the guy next to me had created the most stunning replica of the painting in front of us. I swear, he was Michelangelo reincarnated. So, I just left. What else was I to do?
Earlier this week, I did a ballet inspired shoot with a final year student from the University of East London. It was so fun! I really loved the concept and Jess, the photographer, was great to work with. We did some film shots too– can’t wait to see how they turned out. We worked with a really talented (and sweet!) makeup artist named Lorna! I was so pleased with the makeup she came up with that I left it on for the rest of the day. A bit much for my evening study group?
Now I just have to get busy with all my coursework :O
Category London, Week in Pictures | Tags: | 15 Comments
March 6, 2013 by Emma
I wore this little get-up to style stalk at London Fashion Week a couple of weeks ago and I recently re-wore it for a day at the Natural History museum. Only appropriate, right? I don’t know why these two things seem to have similar dress codes in my mind, but there you go! This way I can commune more with my taxidermied friends at the museum!
I didn’t realize it until now, but I got the the entire outfit at the Battersea car boot. I was so pleased when found this faux fur coat for five pounds, as I’ve been wanting a furry jacket for ages. These fake leather shorts were another happy purchase.
I had such a great time at the Natural History Museum. I’ll always pass by it, but have never gone in until now. I’ve always loved dinosaurs (anyone remember Dinotopia?!), so as soon as I walked in and saw “Dippy” in the lobby, I knew I was in my element. And anyone who knows me can attest that I do have a fondness for taxidermy. I was only disappointed that there wasn’t a wooly mammoth ;-)
Category London, Outfits | Tags: | 19 Comments
February 26, 2013 by Emma
I’ve got Paris on my mind! I’m hoping to make it over there in March for my birthday. I went last term and loved it so much that I have to go back. Do you have any fun places for me to check out? I’d love to discover more of the city! In other news, spring is on its way! I found these intrepid little daffodils today and their cheery color are a nice change to the grey and drizzle of London lately.
This is my version of a go-to outfit: all black (like my soul, haha) with some sort of head covering to hide the fact that I haven’t washed my hair in far too long. It is mid-terms week after all! I had a literature exam this morning and after that had ended, I headed off to my favorite cafe to get a bit more reading done. I’m addicted to their Rooibos Chai. And now I really ought to get back to work on my essay!
PS- Hello to all my new visitors! I really appreciate all your comments, they make my day!
Category London, Outfits | Tags: | 16 Comments
