DIY Summer Attempt #1

I saw this necklace at Anthropologie last May and absolutely fell in love but could not afford the $200 price tag. So today I am going to attempt to recreate this darling nautical piece with $10 worth of pearl beads, navy striped grosgrain ribbon and string from JoAnnes!! I'll letcha know how it goes, I think the last time I beaded necklaces I was in 2nd grade haha.

A Traditional English...Friday

As I am wrapping up my final weeks in London, I have realized that there is sooo much I still want to do and see! I currently have my planner completely filled with events and places I want to go see before I leave (warning: I might need a strong push and shove to get me outta here). Here are a few things that are my "must-do" check-list

1. Traditional Tea @ Soho Hotel
2. Abbey Road
3. V & A Museum, especially the Grace Kelley Exhibit
4. Champagne Bar at Harvey Nichols
5. Brighton, A small town on the beach (an hour out of London)
6. Markets on last time, so bittersweet!
7. Futbol Game @ Wembley
8. John Mayer Concert
9. Climb the top of St. Paul's Cathedral
10. And finishing my studies of course :)

I did check off two major sites last Friday. I went to the Tower of London, which is right on River Thames and is one of the most historic sites in London. It was used primarly as a jail to house criminals and at one point was the most "scariest" place to be held. Now it is open to the public and houses the crown jewels which were the largest and sparkliest treasures I have ever witnessed--they didn't even look like they could have been real!(Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any pictures).

Afterwards, I headed to the National Gallery and was able to see Van Gough and Monet in all of their beauty. I am so fortunate to be able to see these pieces face to face, especially since the infamous yellow sun flowers piece is located in London and also just so happens to be a previous source of inspiration for one of my earlier interior design projects (go figure-it's floral!)

Of course no Friday is complete without a quick pop into Anthro to start your weekend off right as well as scoping out the new summertime goodies. I was killing some time and decided to try on some pieces and fell in love with this particular dress...It might just be the perfect addition to the wardrobe this summer, as well as a great birthday dress. I think it would work flawlessly with my evening backyard garden party I am wanting to plan for my 21st get together :)

Images Courtesy of : Dress, Design, Decor & Anthropologie

SNOW DAY

St. James Park

Today I woke up to several inches of snow and no school so I decided to go explore central London and try to find the Institute of Contemporary Arts for research for my studio class. I was quite proud of myself for navigating there by myself and not getting lost--even though the bus is just a straight shot there :)

I walked all around St. Jame's Park which was so beautiful in the snow and you can see Buckingham Palace, The London Eye and Big Ben all behind the trees that frame the frozen pond. St. Jame's reminded me a lot of London's version of "Green Lake" in Seattle...it is was very busy even during the early afternoon with joggers, kids and people just like me taking in the sights. It was nice to be out of the hustle and bustle of the city and just go relax in the quiet park.

My professor had recommended going to the Contemporary Art Insitute for research on our multi functional retail space. I don't know much about contemporary arts but I thought I'd give it a shot and it's free entry :) The institute is in an old traditional building right across the park and consisted of 2 small galleries, a book store, theater and cafe. I have to say I didn't really understand the pieces in the gallery, one was a display of found objects just scattered on a table and the other was a huge collection of sketches and paintings dealing with the idea's of symbols...I think it may have been a little above my head haha. Well it was the thought that counts...

I saw an Anthropologie on the bus on the way down so I decided to venture back up and find my absolute favorite store :) I was in absolute heaven...3 stories. What I love

especially about Anthropologie is that every store is designed differently with an unique concept. The one in London had a very natural, backyard kind of garden feel with a huge 3 story high plant wall (that was watered with the excess rainfall) and lit with loads of natural light coming from the ceiling which was one giant glass atrium. Oh so eco chic. I ended up taking my time walking back so I could continue to window shop slash save a couple pounds :)