Pri Mark(')s the Spot

How could it have taken me so long to go to Primark? It's crazy good. And the crazy part is mostly because you go crazy because it's so cheap, and you buy a lot of stuff you really, really don't need. Except the shoes! Oh, the shoes. They are over-the-top trendy and so cheap and wonderful. I got a pair of strappy flat gladiator sandals that were black patent and embellished with BOTH zippers and studs. All that, right on your feet. I also got a silver pair of flip flops with some boho braided details, and some black sneakers that are a weird Euro-combo of Chanel-like quilting and Chucks.
Had a minor incident with the washing machine, but all was back in order before we ran out of clean socks. In the last week or so I've sampled some tasty steaks at Garufa Grill, had a great Saturday at Portabello Road, did a brass rubbing of a dragon with my kid at the Brass Rubbing Center at St Martin-in-the-Fields, and took a quick dip into the National Portrait Gallery to get a better look at the Tudors.
With 23 days left in London, I am starting to panic a little. I've got at least one fashion/shopping event lined up, and a really fabulous wine event. I have a list of museums, parks, restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods a mile long to get through before we go! And we're making new friends all the time, and want to see them all again. Wish me luck.

The (Sold-) Outnet

Man, I tried. I was so excited for the 1st anniversary sale. By the time I logged on, all bags were gone--some fierce ones, too--Fendi and Marc Jacobs? Hello?!!! All shoes gone. Tried my luck on a Chloe cream coat, a Marc Jacobs dress, a Just Cavalli dress, and an Anna Sui satin jumpsuit. They were all sold out when I finally got to the "place order" page. I couldn't bear to waste one more second of my life on it. I mean, a satin jumpsuit?? How many of those do I need?
Anyway, there's all kinds of sales on the high street right now. Midseason, I guess. Going to hit Primark for the first time tomorrow. Hopefully will have lots to report! TTFN

Just Ask

Last night was fun! The Swarovski event was nice. The space was really beautiful. Cool DJ's, champers, make-overs from The Organic Pharmacy. I should have taken a friend with me because everyone was there in little groups and after the daywear presentation from my-Wardrobe.com I bought some earrings, collected my booty and headed home. Here are some pics from the event:







I decided to walk back by way of Carnaby Street. Some incredibly styled girls standing outside The Make Up Store caught my eye. There was some sort of event going on inside and I asked if entry was by invitation only. They answered that well, yes, it was, but just, um hold on...and just like that I was in! A wonderful woman, the host of the evening, maybe the manager? I didn't catch her name but she welcomed me, told me about the brand, asked about my blog, and sent me downstairs for some wine and nibbles (some sort of fish roe on crispbread, yummy), and (YEA!) a goody bag. Back upstairs and a really nice make-up artist (again, I don't have the name but she's pretty, blonde, and engaged) helped me pick out a gorgeous highlighter that I am so excited about. And there was a 20% discount! I could have gone crazy in there--they've got skin care, home spa, and so many color choices in their cosmetics! Wow. They have a great loyalty program and lots of in store classes. I will definitely be back and if you haven't checked them out you should (32 Carnaby Street or www.makeupstore.co.uk).
Oh! the girl on the right in the snap from the Swarovski! Incredible. She's Anna Kompaniets (www.anart.co.uk and www.akleriah.com).

Raw Deal

I just poured myself a gorgeous cup of coffee from the French press that managed to retain a tiny bit of crema-ish foam on its surface. It reminded me of 2 things, the first being my recent trip to Italy and all the wonderful espresso that followed the many wonderful meals we enjoyed while there. The second is that I am now well enough to drink coffee again, only just recovering from a flu that prevented me from eating, thinking, or writing about food for about 4 days. So, before any more time passes, I wanted to share with you some of the most delicious things we ate and drank over those 14 days. The highlights: tagliatelle with pork; cotoletto di vitello; proper cappuccino in the morning at the hotel; lunch in Bolgheri where everything was amazing but especially outstanding were the tartare, the papardelle with braised wild boar, and a simple chickpea soup. To drink we had wines from Michele Satta (our host), hubby and I also took advantage of the Enoteca's incredible selection of wines by the glass and shared between us a glass 2006 Sassicaia and one of 2006 Ornellaia; that night we ate something so taboo, so deviant, I can barely stand to mention it--raw pork sausage. We spread it on toast. Decadent, delicious, a little disgusting if you think about eating a whole bowl of it with a spoon, but the deviant nature of the act made us excited and giddy; a wonderful lunch in the home of our friends in Florence where they served an antipasti of sun dried eggplant that was amazing, especially when piled on top of bread with fresh cheese; an apertivo of little white truffle sandwiches washed down with a gorgeous white wine from Antinori; "the herb that hurts you"; some very delicious pizzas; apple crostada; a salad with cold black rice; and, um, I am actually finishing this about a week after I started it, and really can't remember what else. Hubby took some amazing notes, but oh! He wouldn't stand for it if I left out our night of beef with Dario Cecchini, especially the Sushi Del Chianti. The rest of the night is a meaty blur of wine, Dante, smoke, socks, and did I speak French at one point? Anyway, it was awesome and my kid really rocked it that night. He ate his weight in steak, napped at the table for a bit before waking and eating some more, colored with strangers, and posed for pictures. Really great trip.
And back in London, over my flu in time for an Easter feast washed down with champagne at Langtry's, dim sum lunches, lovely sunny afternoons with friends in their garden, and a couple fashion events. Last night's was a total bust--except for my kid who scored the jelly beans and Maltesers from my otherwise totally lame goody bag. Tonight though, I am going to an Instyle event at the Swarovski Crystallized Store. I walked by the shop on my way home last night, and suspect the real biz might have been going on last night given the number of paps outside the store. It looked really nice inside, so I am hoping some of that carries over into tonight's event. Fashion show, make-up, jewelry, goody bags, champagne--how bad can it be? I'll let you know...