London called and hunny, I answered!

Although I was just in the city in January, my recent summer visit was simply tops. Capital! as the Brits say. I reconnected with my semi ex-pat, Euro Princess (EP) best friend but added my sister to the mix, and we had a time and a time and a time.

First off, we stayed at an adorable flat in Chelsea that gave immediate “I live here” vibes, with wonderful shops and restaurants within blocks of our glossy black door. The rows of white columned flats with uniform black numbers made my inner control freak swoon! I was a lunatic for the perfect English roses smattered across the city, dipping my nose into every one I encountered on our walks through the neighborhood. 

The hits:

• Luigi’s— I will melt into a puddle the moment a jovial, Italian man greets me with “Ragazze!” Add spicy salami, and I’m a goner. Luigi’s is chock full of authentic Italian goods, from meats and cheeses to prepared meals and sauces. Perfect for an apertivo! 
• Gail’s Bakery— Although a chain, Gail’s reminds you of the great moment in the early 2000’s when innovation and the internet were just getting off the ground, expertly merging old-school charm with incredible efficiency. It’s like a Nancy Meyer-directed scene come to life— Something’s Gotta Give x Coffee. They serve an excellent iced latte, along with the most simultaneously adorable and delicious pastries. My sister was addicted and is now working on her “post-Gail’s availability” plan.
• Daylesford Organics— I was preparing for a franchisee conversation by the time I wrapped at DO, multiple hours after sharing a pizza and salad trio over a bottle of rose. Ummm, Amelia Thompson much? Daylesford is another Nancy Meyer-reminiscent place, immediately calling to mind the moment Diane Keaton shops for over-priced produce and specialty snacks in her crisp, white turtlenecks. It is a perfect spot for a delicious, fresh lunch and their home goods shop on the bottom floor is brimming with tea towels, platters, servingware and a most IYKYK mini shopper. I cannot wait to have someone ask me about it!
• Jigsaw— this may be the equivalent of saying I love the Banana Republic on Fifth Avenue, but Jigsaw is a fabulous mid-level shop with great knits and even better sales associates. When I tell you we patronized nearly every available Jigsaw in the region, I am not exaggerating. I uncovered three great knits— one my mom will hate, one she’ll love and one that I will wear so much that she will inevitably end up also hating. A split decision!
• Briciole— The last time I ate this much in one sitting, I was in Milan, so let’s just start there. From the moment I walked through the doors of this fucking perfetto Italian deli/restaurant, I knew. “I will eat everything, I will drink everything, I will dive into every moment of this meal.” It was a five senses experience for me. Six when you include pure, delirious joy. We started with a rocket salad, giant Aperols, arancini, two red pastas (including the greatest ravioli outside of IT), and ended with another red pasta, more Montepulciano and an affogato to make you scream. Dai, dai, dai!
• Daphine— Even when Amelia Thompson misses, she still hits her MF target! The shopping appointment was booked for Monday, a fact made crystal clear only when we were already on the way…on Tuesday. Despite the snafu, we had one of the best shopping experiences of the weekend. Daphine is a five-year-old jewelry brand that is bringing the best of Jaipur-inspired recycled gems to the overstuffed accessories industry. I walked away with the Antoinette heart necklace that is red tourmaline stones scattered across glossy gold hearts. As my sister tried on every available place in the Daphine shop/offices, I was tempted into a stack of slightly off-kilter slim bands that add so much to my Yurman pinky ring. Millie, our associate, was darling in an effortless and relentlessly patient way as 3 American girls-turned EPs shopped their way through a day-late appointment.  
• Consignment— A broad, but important category. The sheer volume of incredible vintage/consignment acquisitions was other level, even for me— a person who can find secondhand in a Wal-mart. I landed at LHR with one clear objective, Chanel flats, and your girl was giving M&A efficiency. Sign of the Times delivered the most perfect pair of aubergine and black leather flats that coordinate with 100% of my wardrobe. I put them on immediately and they elevated my outfit and life immediately! Another star was the most on-brand tie-dye miniskirt by MSGM which propelled me to the sweet moment in 2016 when I slipped myself into the tiniest vintage Moschino mini in Florence. An Italiana through and through.
• Dishoom — that’s the entire review! Just gooooo wherever you can get a table and order 60% of the menu with as many gimlets as you can stand. 2 visits, 0 regrets.

London, you sneaky girl, I LOVE you. Not like NYC feral, unfettered love, but we are getting quite close. Xx

There’ll be a smile on my face

There’ll be a smile on my f-

(I’ve been literally smiling)

(It’s so, so, so good)

(So good)

Danielle (smile on my face)— Fred again…