Day #6: Shopping!

So.....I had been saving my money to be able to (potentially) do some damage on this trip. So today was the shopping day! Here's the stories, in pictures and words.....  

I dressed up a little today, but only wore the sweater when I went out. I wore the sleeveless dress when I went down to breakfast. On the way I started talking with a little boy who was telling me all the things he was going to see that day. When I mentioned that I was going outside, too, he looked at me very seriously and said "I think you will be very cold." Cracked me up! 

Signs at the local coffee stand. If you know me, you know this is how I feel about coffee. 

This group was filming in Piccadilly - found them as I was walking. Not sure why the leader was singing into his iPhone, but they were very serious about it. 

Apparently Ralph Lauren is a big luxury brand here, and Ralphies Coffee is a hotspot. These large bears greet you at the door. Personally the huge bear head on a smaller size mannequin creeped me out, but it worked for them. 

First stop, Van Cleef & Arpels. I didn't hold out much hope of finding what I wanted, but I got some lovely chocolates and a bottled water. Also, the sales person was very kind and informative. 

Stop #2: Harrods. I had some time between VCA and my next appointment, so I decided to take a break at Harrods. Enjoyed a lovely lemonade and some great people watching. Plus, they had a mini Dior wall! If you remember the pics of the one in the Paris museum, this was very similar. Beautiful.  :) 

Stop #3: Love Luxury. No joke, I had been looking forward to this stop for most of my trip. I found Love Luxury through a google search, then through their Instagram page. They sell box fresh (meaning never used) and pre-loved luxury bags, specializing in Hermes and Chanel. If you know Hermes, you know trying to get a bag from the store is a game. It's ridiculous. Besides, I would much rather buy a box fresh or pre-loved bag. 

So....I went to the store with several bags in mind. There was one bag I really, truly wanted but knew was out of my budget, so I didn't bring it up. But apparently my guardian angels had other ideas because one of the bags Marya (the store manager) pulls was the very same bag. And she's able to offer a discount on it that brings it down into my price range. This bag had never been used, came with the original receipt, and had all the accessories. It was an offer I couldn't turn down! 

I'll include more of their info in my next post (trip summary), but if you're bag shopping this is a place I would definitely recommend (and you know I don't do many recommendations). Wonderful staff, great product. If you're looking for a luxury bag, they're it. 

The front of the store. They're selling the SUV if anyone is interested.....  :) 

Me, the bag, and Marya (the store manager). I got to talk with her and several other staff members. All so wonderful and helpful! 

Hermes Kelly 28 - this was the bag I really, really wanted (and thought I wouldn't get). Now to figure out how to get everything home! 

I'm ending the trip by seeing Hamilton this evening. Looking forward to seeing how it plays in London. It's just been open for a few weeks - the YouTube video of their West End Live performance this year was what convinced me I needed to go. 

Tomorrow is the plane ride home.......