Saturday 26 November 2011

Boys in my life!

Hello all!!!

Hope you're all good and having a good weekend.

I am as busy as a busy bee, but I also make sure that I find time to play. And played I did today, as I visited my favourite charity shop in London. And what did I buy? Would you believe it, I got myself three boys. Let me introduce you to the new men in my life:

First one is the "hard one", and of course, naked. How else???


This one I have been ogling for a while now and I have finally laid my grubby mitts on him: Isn't he gorgeous? And of course, the fact that he lost one boot in space, adds to the charm.



And,... this little beauty is pure marvel. I love it that this is sold to little girls and boys as toys. Click on the images to enlarge and check out those shoes. I know many a boy and a girl who would kill for them.



And here is how they look on my book shelf:








And I URGE you to watch this video and listen to the words carefully. I promise it will make your day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4gPZPKJc0s 


Have a fab rest of the weekend (I am off to watch something called "Black Elvis" (??!!). See you all soon.

Red xx

Wednesday 23 November 2011

What, Christmas lights on already???

Hello all,

I rarely go to Oxford Street, however, I needed to buy a few things in good old John Lewis and so I braved the crowds the other day and headed for the Mecca of high street shopping.

I took lots of interesting pictures, mainly shop windows adorned in Christmas attire which I will share with you in the next few days. For now, I am posting the tacky lights from Regent Street and Oxford Street in Central London.

Firstly, this was my view from the bus, on the way to the shops. The sky was dramatic and so one of my favourite buildings in London looks even better than usual. I've lived in London for over 20 years and I passed by this building probably a million times at least, but I have to admit, the architecture and the grandeur of it still amazes me. I know, it is a touristy place, but for some reason, it doesn't seem to matter. The building seems to be untouched by the tackiness of the stuff around or the going ons inside the house. See what you think (click to enlarge the pictures):






Yep, you got it, it is the beautiful Houses of Parliament. Years ago, I promised myself that whenever I pass by this building (my bus that takes me to Central London goes by), I will look up from my book and look at this historical building. And, I always do. In a small way, it still gives me a thrill when I see it.


Up to road, just before you turn into Regent Street, you will see this amazingly tacky sight in Piccadilly Circus:




Yes, we are getting ready for the Olympics next year. The most obvious sign is that every, and I mean EVERY road in London has some kind of repairs going on. The traffic is slow, new buildings are springing up, all the roads are dug up,... looking at it, you wouldn't think that recession is going on. Lots of money spent on every corner. Many people I know get very annoyed by it. As for me, I don't worry about it - it'll pass. There are other more important things in the world to think and worry about.


And once you've turned the corner, it's Christmas lights galore. Now, don't get me wrong - I love the superficial side of Christmas as the next person, but even I think that it's too early for the lights to go on. They switched them on, on the 1st November. That's at least a month too early, in my humble opinion.








As you can see, there's that obligatory advertisement from one of the Christmas season's movies. The amount of electricity and money spent on this,... the mind boggles. Oh, well, I suppose, it at least brightens up the area (got to find the positives in everything :-), or do I?

The next decoration installment comes from one of my favourite places in Central London. It is the divine St Christopher's Place. I've been coming here for years and years; shopping, browsing around or having a coffee in one of the outside cafes. It is just off Oxford Street and it is a safe haven from the bustle of the shopping madness. And their decoration is more stylish and modest. More my style, I think.




And on the other end of Oxford Street, Bond Street end that is, a bright, shinning, slightly vulgar star:




And an umbrella, of course. What else????!!!




And what did I buy, I hear you ask. Well, I am not the biggest fan of H & M, although I don't mind it. I am more of a boutique kind of girl, but I quite liked this dress and thought, after braving the crowds, I deserve something brown :-)




Don't you, in particular, love the light switch in the background? I already worn it to a party, and can I just say, it is comfy!!! (I didn't wear the light switch, but the dress. Although, there's an idea!!)
Also, spot the use of the word tacky in this post. My wow words have escaped me today - I don't seem to describe this Christmas bonanza with anything but tacky!


I hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour of Central London and this season's Christmas lights. I was being a bit cheeky looking down on it, but in all fairness, it is not that bad. It is nice to see London bright, sparkly and ready to celebrate. It can often be so gray, I need to be more appreciative of the light coming in!!


Hope your streets are bright and you are ready to celebrate too!!!


Red xx

Saturday 19 November 2011

More stylish Camden people, part 2

Hello all,

as promised in the last post, here are few more pictures of stylish people in Camden:

Faces are bit blurred, but the coat is great!


I love this vintage jacket. The colour is beautiful.


Stylish or funny? What do you think?


I like the hat, just not sure if I'd wear it.
 

Shorts are very in this season on London's high streets.
 

A mish mash of colour and furry hats. 
 

And by far my favourite people I spotted that day in Camden Market. They look fabulous, funky, stylish and that pink coat is to die for!



So, there goes the tour of stylish Camden Market. Whatever people in Paris, Milan or Rome think, in my humble opinion, Londoners are the most stylish people, at least in Europe if not in the world. We don't follow rules when it comes to clothes, eclectic and colourful is the name of the game.

Hope you are all having a stylish weekend too.

Red xx

Thursday 17 November 2011

Stylish London - Camden Market, part 1

Hello all!!

I haven't even noticed that I have been away for two weeks from the blogging land. I have been visiting blogs daily, but just haven't had the time to post my own. So, here is a backlog of things I snapped in the last few weeks and this time it comes from Camden Market.


20 years ago, I used to adore Camden Market. I spent all my time there. I worked in the shops selling shoes and other things, did hair wraps on the bridge for one summer season, went out to gigs and small cafes and bars,... And then,... I stopped. Over the years, the market turned into something else. It lost its charm, big chains moved in, and I rarely went to visit.
However, I went back two weeks ago and although it is not what it used to be, I have to admit that it was nice browsing through again. The fashions have changed, new people moved in, lots of food stalls found their home there, but tourists still come as well as a Londoner or two.


So, here are a few people looking stylish on the streets of Camden Town.

I was trying to get a picture of a girl in the hat, but ended up snapping this stylish guy. I think he is a better model:








Funky hair guy!




Cool guy, cool girl in green!






Two cute girls celebrating a birthday.




And if in moment of madness you purchase one of these "beauties", please note that there will be no refund. You are stuck with the unfortunate purchase.






So, this is my first installment of the Camden Market style. There will be more stylish people to come very soon.


Hope the autumn is treating you well and you are stylish in your own unique way.


Red xx