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LONDON (SPENDING) FOG A Shopping Day In The Uk

LONDON Its Thursday, 10:30 am and Ive just stepped onto the train heading to Paddington Station. There is something very cosmo about arriving by train; I always feel somewhat more fabulous than when coming through airport arrivals. Plus, theres something very classy and retro about it. I imagine ladies with legs crossed tightly, large hats, white gloves and smart Chanel suits; the men in fedoras and suits in various earth tones. Its easy to drift into the past in a place with such history. Even the taxi ride through the streets of London feels nostalgic, and I keep my eyes closedpartly to keep my daydream going, but partly in preparation for the wild day ahead.

Today is a fast and furious one: Ive dedicated myself to a shopping extravaganza! I am keeping a smart head about it though. Because I am spending pounds instead of dollars, Im actively avoiding the latest hotel hotspot (aka $$$$!!!) and am checking in for a stay where the tab will not affect my shoe budget. I tell myself, Kiki, you will only sleep for eight hours herebut a great pair of slate grey Jimmy Choo ankle boots will last you a lifetime!

11:30 am
Check In: THE SANDERSON HOTEL, 50 Berners St.
The Vibe: The Sanderson is a London fave of mine, for atmosphere and for it being within walking distance to the fashion district and Browns Focus, my coveted shopping destination. This spot is ultra hip and funky, and despite its rich, wacky interior, is warm and welcoming (and reasonably priced!). The front desk staff chuckled as I spilled my purse contacts all over the floor, but also raced to help me gather my lipsticks, papers and change as did a tall silver fox gentleman with the most piercing blue eyes. I tried to linger and listen for his room number but alas, the elevator came too quick, and I got ushered in with the rest of the waiting crowd.
The Look: Hip and modern in stark contrast to my mind state during my travel here, reminiscing on horse and buggy days. The Sanderson was designed by the renowned Philippe Starck, and the sheer layered look, asymmetrical dcor and Dali-esque surrealism laced with wild Warhol modernism is perfect for its place in hip Soho. I stayed in the Superior Queen room and became so enveloped in the rooms dreamlike, fresh vibe (created by the heavy use of silver leaf, chrome and mirrors) I almost just stayed in and ordered room service. Thoughts of Blue Eyes and Browns clothing inspired me to venture out.
Don’t Miss: Bathing in the deluxe shower of the glass-walled washroom, adorned with complimentary Agua by Korre’s products.

1:00 pm
Fuel: LA PETITE MAISON, 53-54 Brooks Mews
The Vibe: On a main walking street, La Petite Maison is as great for people watching as it is for refuelling the body with deliciousness, and patrons come here to see and be seen as earnestly as they do to eat. Despite its location in the ritzy Mayfair area and its patronage, which can include celebs (I spotted Elton John on this sunny afternoon sharing a wine carafe with an unidentified fair-haired gent!), the resto maintains a surprisingly casual atmosphere, open and airy, and staff are delightful.
The Menu: Designed for plate sharing, La Petite Maison has excellent dishes for picking and exchanging. Unfortunately, on my own, I stick with one course of delectable French Mediterranean cuisine, cooked to perfection by Zumas ex-head chef and using only the finest local produce and freshest meat and seafood. La Petite Maison is renowned for its black leg chicken with foie gras, and as juices drip fearlessly down my chin, Im quite happy Blue Eyes isn’t accompanying me for this.
Don’t Miss: The Dove Sole Menigure.

3:00 pm
Gear: BROWNS FOCUS, 38-39 Molton St.
The Vibe: Sitting opposite Browns, Browns Focus is the more hipster, edgy version of the popular boutique, designed for forward-thinking women who want to dress with attitude. The vibe is intense because the items are so good; I get thrown into Visa panic when I hit the new arrivals section. I have to try not to let the salespeople see me sweatIm an easy girl to up-sell to and Im already eyeing the mustard yellow scarf by the front cash.
The Stuff: Browns Focus focus is all on cool coveted pieces from hot designers like Balenciaga, Surface to Air and Josh Goot. All the stock is from new, original lines and theres no filler here: all the pieces are must-haves.
The Buys: Pair of Acne dripped paint boyfriend jeans and Martin Margiela asymmetrical wool Blazer
The Damage: 1200 pounds

8:00 pm
Grub: CECCONIS, 5 Burlington Gardens
The Vibe: Im instantly reminded of an early 1900s Venice walking through the front door of Cecconis: accordion-laden music drifts above my head and servers are walking with bottles of deep red wines in every direction. The restaurants dcor and design are apparently modelled after old Italy where it originated, the hostess tells me, and its rich atmosphere attracts top clientele, including a regular roster of royals. This posh environment has minimalist food, cooked classically Italian, although they also host London’s only Cichetti (Italian tapas) bar.
The Menu: Cecconis is one of the best Italian restaurants outside of Italy. Trust me, Im a girl who caves for a good smoked salmon linguini with fresh creme ros sauce. Yum! This time I tried the cannelloni, in a rich, smooth green sauce, pasta wrapped around veal spiced with nutmeg, and with a delicious glass of 1984 Bordeaux to wash it down I had to keep inconspicuously dabbing at drool with my napkin.
Dont Miss: Prosciutto San Daniele with gnocco fritto and fresh Prosecco Bellinis.

10:30 pm
Drinks: LONG BAR / THE PURPLE BAR @ THE SANDERSON HOTEL, 50 Berners St.
The Vibe: Is young, hip and fabulous, steadily with stretch limos parked out front and a beautiful crowd indoors. Patrons are young and chicly dressed, and dim lights and ambient tunes play well over soft laughter and tinkling glasses. I left my boyfriend jeans upstairs to don my lucky black Vena Cava dress and Manolo cage shoes.
The Look: The room of The Purple Bar is draped in violet silk opera curtains and furnished with lavender Queen Anne chairs and purple etched Venetian mirrors. This bar is wildly theatrical and feels like its come straight out of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Long Bar is more sleek but just as enticingly bizarre, with chair backs donning giant eyeballs lining the enormous 80-foot long bar. Long Bar is adjacent to the Courtyard Garden, a lush outdoor retreat for patrons complete with flowering trees, a fountain, and sexy lounge chairs. Blue Eyes was out here, seated on a white leather chaise with a blond woman; we locked eyes and just as I found myself a seat by the lush flower garden he had come around, sans blond but with a fresh martini to offer. We chatted until the wee hours of the morning: delicious, luxurious way to end an evening in London.
Don’t Miss: Cozying up under candlelight by the reflective pool in the Courtyard Garden with a Cuban Spiced martini.

Next: to la gaie Paris! (Also, a scary “blue-blooded” perfume encounter!)

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