In {London}: Selfridge's Household appliances & Shoes Window Display

Who said that every day household appliances can't be fun, fashionable, and funky?

If you're in London, stop by this exhibit by Lernert & Sander in the windows of Selfridge's.  I really love their uniquely designed windows.  Remember when I captured the funky handbags in sleighs and 5 foot cats in boas for their Christmas display here?  These windows are also bizarrely beautiful.

Photographs by Lex Kembery via Fubiz

I love the interesting, public displays that are department store windows.   Have you seen any cool window display/installations lately?

Restaurant Review: The Square (London) - Two Star Michelin food for the same price as a gastropub

lI'll admit it, I am a geek about reading reviews, particularly restaurant reviews - I love to know the general consensus about a place's food, service, and any must try dishes.  Mr. Spend 'n Chomp is an even bigger geek and is a Yelp elite member (basically, he posted quite a few reviews and got invited to some events on behalf of Yelp).  The two of us randomly happened upon a talk being given by Charles Campion, the food reviewer for the Evening Standard. He mentioned that the Square was one of his favorite restaurants in London and lunch was a great time to try it.

Two star Michelin food at £30.00 for two courses or £35.00 for three courses?  I'm there (and that was my nougaty, yummy reward at the end).  I'll share worthy restaurants in cities around the world in the hopes you'll find them delicious and worth a visit too.

 Tip: Lunch is one of the best times to try a high-end restaurant.  Prices are lower and it may be less busy leaving you with more attentive service.

I had an old boss that said "You can tell how good a restaurant is by how good their bread is."  I found the bread here to be divine - crispy, slightly warm, and soft inside.  Mmm.

The chef also sent out this amuse bouche of sea bass.  Divine.

Finally my meal began with a lovely duck terrine with delicate vegetable flavors of rhubarb and beets.

 Then my main was a venison (which I usually don't eat) but the berry flavors really lightened and balanced the dish.

Finally chocolate souffle - yes indeed.  The chocolate flavors really came out.

I'd definitely recommend the Square and will certainly eat there when I go to London.  Reservations for lunch were easy (we only made them a few days in advance) and service was lovely.  Bon appetit

{Shop Highlight}: Burberry Outlet in London (29 Chatham Place) and my newest Burberry Prorsum crossbody bag

A somewhat accessible outlet of a quintessential British brand in London?  I'm there and sneaking you pictures too because I'm a rebel like that.  And if you're in London and ever wondered about this outlet - now you know!

Ok so I'm intrigued by Burberry.  I mean I have lusted after this jacket kinda forever.

Of course owning it would also mean spending a month of rent on a jacket.  Not. there.
Not unless the coat was also a 2 bedroom with a pool and gym inside.

But I was stalking a Burberry bag at the Regent St. (retail) store and found out it went on sale and then got shipped off to the Burberry outlet in East London.  I've never been awed by Burberry but heard they may have the bag I sought as well as some Burberry Prorsum (the highest end line at Burberry) items so I figured it was worth a trip.


The Burberry outlet at 29 Chatham Place, Hackney, isn't close, but is accessible by Bus 30 (which I transferred to around Islington/Highbury tube stop).  It's (Chatham Place) practically across the street from a big Tesco on Morning Lane if you're a landmark oriented person like me.

Handbags
If you just missed something at the retail stores, come here because it'll show up here before it gets to the other Burberry outlets.  Of course they'll have quite a few other bags that didn't make it to Regent Street including factory seconds. 
There were quite a few bags that were just in the stores (like 1-2 months ago), including Burberry Prorsum.
Prices range from £50 - £800 with the mode in the £299 - £499 range.  Oh yes I just used some math on ya!

This snakeskin clutch with a chain was hot, originally £2000, marked down to £50 because there was scratches on the corners.  I definitely thought about it but didn't love that it had leather missing though I should have considered it as a wallet.  Sigh too late now.  I also really liked the details on the tan ruched bag.  I think it was £499.

This was £299.

There were also a few exclusive clutches kept behind glass here ( £599).

Clothing
The classic trenches for females were £349 and up, less for the windbreakers.  Quilted jackets were £99 - £129. Polos were £39 or £49 for the puffed polo.  I also saw a few Burberry Prorsum trenches (not the knotted ruched one in the first picture) for £550.

This was the clearance rack.  Those white jackets at the back were £99 from £995.  Sigh of course they weren't my size.

Men's shirts were £29-£79 though sizes were random.


Accessories
Scarves started from £79 for cashmere and I saw a £19 small silk scarf as well.  Umbrellas were marked down to £49 (cute but I would never spend this much on something I lose so easily).

Ties were mostly £25 or £35.

Shoes
A decent selection from the past season.  Heels were popular with few flats and usually smaller sizes (European 36-38).   Some sale heels were £79 though flats I liked were still £115.

My buys
I ended up getting this Burberry Prorsum bag.  It was about 38% off (I originally got another bag at a bigger discount) but I loved the chain, glazed leather, and cross body strap (as well as satchel straps).  I don't like logos on my accessories, but felt this was subtle enough.  It was £350.  Obviously would have loved to pay less, but I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of this and it's classy with that sassy checked chain.

I also got a copper skirt (side seam was loose so I got a small damage discount) for my mom for £20 (£290 Retail, marked down to £29).  I hope she can wear it during the holidays!  I debated this for a while because I'm trying not to be bought in by price (hence not buying that snakeskin-esque clutch), but by function and I think my mom or I would wear this skirt.

Note: Remember to ask for a VAT/tax refund if you're not a UK resident!  They will print this when you are paying at the cash register.  You'll get back about 10% after administrative fees are taken into account and you send it in at customs at the airport. Have your items in your carry-on luggage because customs will ask!


Verdict
It's not really that far and worth a trip for handbags and some clothing because there are some random deals here.  There is a Primark on Mare Street as well so you have a cheap clothing shopping option.  The store is bright, clean, and organized.  There have been other reviews stating this is or was a rough neighborhood.  No. The only thing of note was that there were probably more South Asian and some African immigrants here and that is not my definition of a rough neighborhood (btw, there is a Tom's Euro Afro fusion restaurant on Morning Lane that had good food, including spicy yams and fish).  A friendly guy helped direct me when he saw me referring to my hand drawn map (nope, no smart phone yet) and even paid NYC a compliment (so obviously he was cool).  Check it out if you can!

CnC Living Recommends: London Sunday UpMarket w/Bahn mi, Ethiopian vegetarian snacks, Thai curries, custom clothing, and vintage

Food (Mexican, Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese and more!), handmade jewelry, cool clothing, and housewares?  Yep, this would be why markets containing all of the above are one of my favorite activities in London.  Snacking and shopping are always a winning combination.  Here is a quick list of markets if you're interested in exploring different ones.

Sunday UpMarket is my favorite London market because it's a medium size, has some unique vendors, and an amazing international variety of food.  It's also got a little bit of an edgy vibe as evidenced in the items you'll see for sale.
 
Food
There's so much to choose from, but here are my quick hits of the favorite places we've tried.
Mon Me Banh Mi is one of my favorite Banh mi places in London.  I was their first customer!  I found them in my internet quest for banh mi and their flavors (great pate and sauce) and meats didn't disappoint though I would have liked a crisper baguette.  Unfortunately I haven't seen them the last few times I've been to the market so hope they're still there!

Aren't their shirts cute?

This was a favorite Thai place.  Their green curry was awesome though I saw last time they seemed to shred chicken into the curry at the end (not the same, if you ask me).

I thought it was funny that the Mexican stand prominently displayed Old El Paso.  Though Old El Paso has done very well in the European and Asian countries I've visited.  This stand was always jumping and had fun music.

I actually tried a Brazilian pastry, coxinha, a chicken croquette and practice my limited Portugese at the Brazilian booth here.  Unfortunately I didn't get pictures, but it was a tasty treat for £2 and every Brazilian I've met is fun to talk to so check it out!

Mr. Spend 'n Chomp also likes the Ethiopian food here (the vegetarian stand, not as much the other one).  They have great seasoned, stewed vegetables and fresh injera (sour spongey bread). 

Picture from here since my picture didn't come out.

Clothing
Options range from funky suit jackets to t-shirts and vintage pieces.

One of our favorite vendors was Reggie Flippo who makes the coolest blazers.  Reggie also makes blazers with contrast stitching and fringe detailing.  My husband owns this pinstriped blazer with a hoodie and it was pretty reasonable at £75.  He gets compliments on this blazer constantly so of course he wanted another blazer when we went last week but Reggie wasn't there.  Come back!

There are also a number of t-shirt stalls with celebrities or the artist's own signature logoes/icons (I wanted my husband to get one with a panda wearing headphones, but he deemed it not masculine enough, sigh!)  Like the baby hanging out with the rock star, super model t-shirts?  Nice right?

The entire first floor is now devoted to vintage clothing and accessories.  I didn't find anything, but it was nice walking through.  There were quite a few fun pieces from the 1950s and 1960s.

Housewares/Decor
There are lovely stalls ranging from lighting (£18 - 45)...

...to paintings (sorry didn't catch the prices)

J

Jewelry/accessories
Small vendors sell lovely fascinators on the spot, handmade brass plated jewelry, fresh water pearls, and other goodies.  Alas, no pictures here either but definitely some nice options!

I'd definitely recommend Sunday UpMarket in East London for great food and a few shopping finds!
91 Brick Lane
London E1 6QL

Worthwhile Activity: London's Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum - art, fashion, and design

It's hard to pick a favorite museum in a historic city full of lovely museums. But it's such a worthwhile activity since most museums in London are free.

But the V&A is definitely up there because it showcases an eclectic mix of art, architecture, and design spanning a few centuries.  I love seeing more than one medium at a time and especially loved the photography and artifacts from centuries ago (like the fancy Backgammon set and comb below).  The V&A is also a small to medium sized museum so it's not terribly overwhelming and can be leisurely be perused in a few hours. 

We entered the main hall and were presented with a piece from the exhibit, Decode.  This exhibit explores and uses computer code to create fluid pieces of work.  There is supposed to be a hidden message here, but I don't see it.  Do you?

One of my favorite pieces was this photograph of Lily Cole.  I think this was a Tim Walker photo (he loves surrealist photography).  Fashion model and the camera in equal proportions.

They actually transported this amazing 18th century staircase to the museum.  Wow.

Another highlight was a room dedicated to full size clay reproductions.  Wow, look at this pillar.

Finally I loved the small everyday objects from centuries ago...
...the loveliest comb with intricate carvings

...and the prettiest Backgammon set ever

...finally to the loveliest piano ever.

As always, though the museum is free special exhibits may require a fee.
Cromwell Road
London SW7 2RL
+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Photo Love: Fancy and Inspirational Graffiti a la Tate Britain

It is my last full week in London so I thought I'd post a few highlights of fun and interesting things I've done in London.

This is from the Sackler Octagon at the Tate Britain (a small but comprehensive museum of art spanning a few centuries in Britain).  It's a beautiful space in the center with quotes painted on the walls, floor, and ceiling.

I liked: "It's only just begun." and "I still believe in miracles."

Perhaps I am an optimist at heart.  Or maybe I'm simply not a pessimist and refuse to succumb to feelings of dread and hopelessness even when I'm down  We all have some times when we're blue, but hope and perseverance are still ours.  I can't guarantee that my next adventures will be amazing but it's just the beginning and I'm sure I'll have fun.

FFF - Blogger giveaways, Damien Hirst Paintings in London (ending soon!) and

Happy Fun Free Friday lovelies!

We're soaking in the warmer temperatures here (and of course lots of jamon, mmm).  We will be heading back to our chillier temperatures in London, but we'll still have a good time of course (markets and oyster parties are in the works).

Everywhere
Fancy custom monogram stamps or starfish hair pins?  Yes, how fun!  Enter here sponsored by the Etsy Wedding team.

It's Hanako's blog birthday!  She has great fashion, recipes, a couple of cute pugs and is doing a giveaway of her favorite things to celebrate.  Sprinkles red velvet?  Oh yes!

London
Modern art fan?  Well it's worth checking out one of Britain's most well known modern artists as he tries to paint (he's more of a sculptor); Nothing Matters and No Love Lost are being shown through the 30th and 24th of this month.  It's free at both White Cube buildings and hey if you go to Mason's Yard you could always head to nearby Laduree at Burlington Arcade afterwards for macaroons.

 

NYC
Jazz fans, check out Hank Paper's Ascension: the Journey of John Coltrane.  This is a new exhibit at the Harlem School of the Arts.  I've always wanted to learn more about jazz and love photographs so this combination sounds awesome to me.

With that I leave you one of John Coltrane's classics, Moment's Notice.  Aahh a nice melody on a cold day.




Have a fab weekend!

FFF - Bon Bon Rose Giveaways, London Ice Sculptures, NYC FIT American Beauty Exhibit

TGIF!  Though this whole week has been Friday because of some HUGE news we got lately (will share soon, promise).

Now for some fun free things...

Everywhere

First off, remember to show those awesome ladies Kristin and Megan at Bon Bon Rose Girls some love.  It's their bloggy birthday and they've teamed up with some great artists and artisans for a week of giveaways!

Oh to win a lovely print like this one "He Loves Me Not" from Love and Lemonade (aka Nina at Femme Rationale).

London
Yes we all know it's pretty cold outside.  At least celebrate it by going to the Ice Sculpting Festival at Canary Wharf tomorrow.  This year's theme is cool trading.  There are also free ice sculpting lessons for those interested (intrigued but Mr. Gadget would probably be afraid of me sculpting my fingers instead of the ice).

New York
American glamour is revisited at FIT's exhibit -  American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion.
Oh that Halston gown - swoon!

Have a fabulous weekend!

London Oxford Street, bizarre Selfridge's windows, and why Italian friends who can cook rock

Hello lovelies, another weekend over, another week starting up.

I have a pretty awesome weekend because I finished buying gifts for my family in Taiwan, FINALLY figured out how to package all these cookie favors (err just gotta test it out, stat and hope I can give you a semi-useful DIY), and had a lovely belated birthday dinner with some friends in London.

So I spent Saturday afternoon walking along Oxford Street (1 of the main shopping streets here).  The street was closed to car traffic and there were already 2 million people riding the underground so I was forced to walk an extra mile to catch a bus.  Yeah.

Oxford Street was insanely packed with shoppers.

This lighting display was SO London - yep it was rainy as usual.

 

But it was nice to see some of the department stores totally lit up.

Saw a elf on stilts.  Yep, totally normal.

Then of course the strangeness of the Selfridge's window displays.  I really don't travel around Europe catching weird window displays - it just happens.

First, somewhat normal display (and there were cute handbags in the sleigh)

Then the funkiness starts.  "Who's a Pretty boy then?"  Yes it's a cat with a feather boa and an enviable collection of shoes.

Puss in Boots and champagne.  Obviously.

Finally half-cow, half-milk maiden, all champagne.  Huh?

 

My friend said that there's a form of marketing that's geared towards creating shocking reactions from people.  In that way, they're very memorable and people talk about it because it's weird.  I believe the Selfridge's display definitely qualifies for this area of marketing.

But I am glad that I got to see some friends for a nice dinner later that night.  The restaurant was insanely popular and didn't take reservations.  I think they create an appetite for their food but making you wait so long.  But the food was pretty good.  Best part - my lovely Italian friend made tiramisu!  I don't always love tiramisu because I think there should be a good marscapone cheese to ladyfinger ratio and some places are just darn stingy.  I requested my friend's tiramisu for my birthday and he didn't disappoint (with help from another friend visiting from out of town)

 

Mmm, tasted amazing (looks kinda liquidy here) and everyone at the table agreed .   Wish I could have shared some with you too!

How were your weekends?