Shop til you drop, then pick yourself up and shop some more!

We went to Liberty (thanks to Rirral and Ali):

Which was just beautiful: Not just the haberdashery and fabric departments, but the whole shop. It's filled with beautiful, gorgeous, unique lovelies. (Not the staff though, the ones I encountered were haughty and aloof).

Then we took a cab to VV Rouleaux (following  Ali's advice again), stopping on the way when we spotted an unexpected treasure: The Button Queen

We leapt out and bought some little gems before heading on up the street to this trimming palace:

Which is just so, so gorgeous. I can't describe how lovely it is, you have to just trust me and resolve to go if you ever get the chance. (And the staff here were just lovely; enviably young and stylish but also friendly and enthusiastic).

Thank you so much to you all for the lovely birthday wishes and ideas for places to go in London. (Raspberry made an almost identical trip a couple of months ago which I discovered after I got back- spooky!) I followed bits of everyone's advice, except Small Fox's that is, as I'm not so excited about the idea of seeing "Harry Potter's wang" as she is!!! 

Although David made a sterling effort and gave the best impression I've ever seen of someone who lives for fabric, buttons and trim, we didn't just shop!

We also went to The White Cube gallery to see this:

Which was both dazzling and breath-taking. There's been a lot of criticism in the media of this piece of work with particular focus on the issue of plagiarism. I have nothing enlightening to add to this and I don't feel I know enough about all the facts to be able to offer an opinion, but I would advise anyone who has the chance to go and see this work to do so because it's a unique experience, regardless of whose idea it was first.

We also fitted in a visit to the Natural History Museum to look at dinosaur skeletons and found time to eat in Covent Garden.

David and I had such an excellent day, so thank you again bloggy friends for all the excellent ideas and advice.

I'll be back next week with my finished bird-pocketed apron featuring some of my London booty... watch this space!

Comments

[rirral]

looks like a birthday to remember! I have a friend coming over from the states next week so shall be replicating your day no doubt - although I doubt I'll be able to afford as much liberty treasure as you managed you lucky thing!

[Sonya]

I love how the Liberty store front looks like a storybook house, complete with flowers in the front. So lovely. But your loot - Fabulous! I could just eat those beautiful buttons.

[Sarah]

I should find you links to some of the press photos for Equus. They are HOT! And it looks like you had a good day, even without Daniel Radcliffe's man bits!

[Ali]

Hats off to you - a girl who knows how to shop!! Great haul and it sounds like a great day.

[ambika]

This really sounds like one of the most heavenly days imaginable.

[Betsy]

WOW! You got some beautiful stuff, really. What a fun way to spend your b-day, I'm so glad it was a good one.

I visited Liberty with my mother about thirteen years ago--I had no idea what I was looking at although she was agog and still talks about it. Now I wish I had a time machine!

[Dees]

Thanks for the tour!!!!It sure looks like you had a fun time!wish I could have snug in your bag and see everything with you!
xoxo

[Mirre]

I love Liberty's!! And what a load of gorgeous fabrics you bought... happy birthday!

[lady macleod]

pretty, pretty, pretty. I was so lucky to hit Liberty's a couple of years ago when they were having a sale in the canvas and stitching department. It sounds like you had a fun holiday.

[Kristy]

I just love the spiralling tree fabric!I have a trip to London planned this month I just hope I can fit some of these in!

[A Fanciful Twist]

My Goodness! How wonderful! It is like sotry book land in your world. How terribly lovey! All of it!! Happy Birthday again and again!! xoxoxox

[melissa]

i am seriously jealous of your new fabrics. i can't stop looking at them!
sounds like you had a lovely day.

[Kelli]

wowza on that haul! Awesome. looks like you are having a blast. can't wait to see what you create!