Last weekend my boyfriend Daniel came to visit me in London :)
He is originally from Portsmouth, England. We first met when he studied abroad at MSU a year ago and its been happy days ever since!

Our hotel was in Peckham because we wanted to go as cheap as possible, but still, you know, clean. Peckham is a little urban area that reminds me quite a lot of Detroit (except less crime, no guns and basically just plain safer). In the midst of the urban landscape we were welcomed to the Peckham Lodge by a beautiful garden full of colorful flowers. Even though we didn't spend very much time in our hotel room, the stay was quite enjoyable and really just what we needed for the weekend.



Our first night out was spent at the Piccadilly Institute, a night club (with delicious food) right smack dab in the middle of Piccadilly Circus. The nightlife is always vibrant and the big lit-up screens remind me of Times Square. Once we arrived we met up with my flatmates and danced the night away.


Our first stop Saturday morning: The London Aquarium! I had been wanting to go ever since my last trip to London, which was a year ago and far too brief. We had a lovely stroll about the aquarium, learned a lot about sea creatures and even snagged a souvenir at the end!




The rest of the day we spent walking around London… the north bank, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and we popped into the National Gallery. It houses beautiful paintings with so much history; the place truly fascinates me.




Sunday we wrapped up our amazing weekend with a delightful visit to Camden Town. The markets were hopping. We window shopped, ate some delicious food, and drank sangria. The nice thing is that you'll never go hungry when you're there. You could literally point to anywhere on a globe and you'll find that country's food in Camden. I had paella and Dan had kielbasa. So scrumptious! I love the energy in the markets. There are so many beautiful things to see, and some really nice and interesting people. I was particularly fond of the assortment of vintage shops. Camden is definitely one of my favorite places in London!

Fancy hats, horse races, pitchers of Pims . . . Friday I spent the day partaking in what is perhaps the greatest British tradition of all time, the Royal Ascot!

Dressed in our most elegant headwear and lightweight summer dresses, we boarded the train from London to Ascot. The sun was shining bright and the sky was the clearest blue, so in a nutshell, perfect weather awaited us.

Based on tradition, ladies are expected to wear elegant dresses and hats, while men are to wear waistcoats and top hats. This is the norm for attendees in the Grandstand, and of course, the Royal Enclosure.


Our tickets were for the Silver Ring which, for those who are not familiar, is a less demanding structure where Ascot-goers are able to portray a more laid back style, yet still maintain a proper sense of fashion.


The event commenced with the royal procession, where the queen and other royalty paraded around the track in gilded carriages, which were led by guards in shining red uniforms. There were several races throughout the day, each of which we stayed for. To get the best view, we made our way to the front of the gate and watched with immense exhilaration as the horses sped down the track, cheering for our favorite. I placed a small bet but unfortunately had no success. Ah well, c'est la vie. Ascot was amazing and I am so thrilled to have had this classic British experience!

Friday, as we were lazing the day away, my flatmate Sarah and I concluded that we should probably get dressed and join the outside world. Best quick fix for a lazy day? Shopping!

The nice thing about Covent Garden is that there is always something to do/see. On this extremely sunny day we were witness to crowds of locals, tourists and street performers alike. We purchased delicious macaroons from Ladurée and spent way too long in the Disney store looking at all of the Disney character stuffed animals.

Dressed in a velvet calf-length skirt with just enough of a slit down the side (thank you Nasty Gal), I maintained the Parisian theme by pairing it with a short-sleeved black and white striped crop tee. London-esque ankle-length booties with golden buckles completed my look. Shopping bags in hand and a clear sky as my background, the following photos portray nothing short of happiness.

Saturday was a fabulous day because one of my best friends from home flew all the way to London to visit me. What better way to spend the day than showing her all of my favorite sites! We ventured out that sunny afternoon to all of the classics: Buckingham, Big Ben, the Eye, and of course, the obligatory red phone booth. My ensemble was inspired by a light and carefree feeling that really only a sunny day in London could bring about. Distinct daisy print on my trousers as well as subtle flower print on my fresh white blazer suggested a slight obsession with spring. My white sandal platforms (a piece I had searched high and low for back in the States) are brought to you exclusively and effortlessly by Topshop.

On this, my first visit to Camden Town, I decided to portray a typical London style; black simplicity. My Guess leather jacket and I took the tube from Waterloo to meet up with my friend Katie and have a look around the market. I found a few little trinkets, one a jewelry holder, and then some other souvenirs to take home to the family. The Oyster card holder with William and Kate's faces on it was yet another tempting purchase. Late lunch/early dinner was a humongous piece of pizza from a calzone stand, whose cheese was unlike any substance I've ever tasted in the United States. Camden is a lively and interesting place, full of delicious food and eccentric clothing. The black platform lace ups I was wearing are originally from Aldo, but everyone swears they look like Prada. Paired with a 90's throwback ruffle sock, I'd call my "First visit to Camden" look laid back, with a touch of bold.

(After the market had closed)