I love it when a traditional, old-school brand decides to dust itself off and take on a fresh look that maintains its classic identity. Claridge’s, hotel for the rich & royal since the 1800′s, recently did just that with the help of cutting-edge London design firm Construct. The branding overhaul boasts a major art deco vibe (evocative of the hotel’s marble lobby) that’s been turned on its head with a decidedly modern twist. I’m definitely inspired by the color palette of teal, gold, black & white…and wondering how I can get my hands on one of those fab chevron striped pencils!

Happy Friday, my dears! This morning started on a lovely note: coffee & french toast with A…and checking out my guest post that’s up on the fantastic blog Quintessentially *b*! Hop on over to check out the entire inspiration board. *B* and I recently had the chance to meet up for a lovely afternoon when I last visited London, & I mentioned that I was deep in the process of making design choices for my future home. Flash forward several months, and construction is {finally} commencing, so *B* kindly asked if I’d be willing to share a bit of my vision. Hope you enjoy! XOX

While visiting London last week, I had the chance to take a little step towards one of my personal dreams: learning to arrange flowers like a pro!  Now, I won’t claim to be able to step in for any of the incredibly talented florists I get to work with on my events… but I definitely gained a bit of creativity & skill to use on the arrangements for my living room!

It all started when I was exploring the Marylebone neighborhood, and passed by this breathtaking window display.  ”Jane Packer Flowers,” read the chic black & white sign… and of course I had to circle back and go inside.

The interior of the shop was just as heavenly.  I was surrounded by buckets of roses, peonies, tulips, hydrangeas, & sweet pea in creamy shades of white, beautiful porcelain vases, & innovative designs.  I picked up a pamphlet on the Jane Packer Flower School offered in London, Tokyo, & New York.  A chat with the salesgirl led me to discover the next day’s course on “Arranging Flowers for the Home.”  I was hooked!

The next day, I arrived for school on time and was handed my supplies: shears, twine, & a stylish little Jane Packer apron.

Our instructor was a total artist, and patiently taught us how to recreate Jane Packer’s signature hand-tied style of arranging classic bouquets.  You hold all the flowers in one hand, and rotate the entire bouquet as you go…

The first step in any arrangement is cleaning each individual stem so that it’s free of unwanted leaves & spotted petals.  A time-consuming step, but can certainly make or break a bouquet’s appearance.

Really though, how could you not make a gorgeous arrangement when given such gorgeous raw materials?  The roses & dahlias were in similar shades of pale pink, but their contrasting textures gave the bouquet lots of depth.  It was so much fun to leave with my gorgeous creation, and even more fun to practice my newfound skills at home!

The Wolseley, London

My favorite culinary experiences and meals to remember from September:

The Wolseley, London

(photo above) This buzzy spot looks as though it’s been around for centuries, with gilded wall panels & chandelier-clad vaulted ceilings… but it actually opened in 2003, and has been a favorite of celebs & socialistas ever since.  Thankfully, the modern European food is as good as the scene: lamb chops served British-style with “bubble & squeak,” peppery seared boeuf au poivre, & tuna nicoise (one of my all-time favorite things) was simple & satisfying.  Oh-so-glamorous, and in the tradition of the “Grand Cafe,” serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner from 7am to midnight.

The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, +44 20 7499 6996.

Cecconi’s, London

Since Cecconi’s in West Hollywood is one of my fave Italian spots around, I couldn’t wait to experience the original in London.  This is the spot for classic Italian food served in old-school romantic surroundings.  We were seated in a cozy little nook next to a window perfect for people-watching, and feasted on caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, cod with cherry tomatoes, olives, & capers; & ricotta raviola drizzled with brown butter sauce.  And what’s not to love about prosecco on tap?

Cecconi’s, 5A Burlington Gdns, +44 20 74341500.

Local, Dallas

Local, Dallas

This was the perfect, low-key-and-delish venue for last month’s mother/daughter weekend.  Housed in the historic Boyd Hotel, Local boasts a hip, unpretentious vibe and the most seasonal and, well, local ingredients.  Wild arugula salad with melt-in-your-mouth blue cheese, panko-crusted sea bass with english pea + meyer lemon risotto, rosemary-infused lamb chops with lavender-madeira reduction, this is comfort food with very gourmet taste.  The bill came with the most buttery raspberry thumbprint cookie… southern hospitality at its finest.

Local, 2936 Elm St, (214) 752-7500.

Apologies for today’s light post, but I’m busy savoring my last day in London before flying home this weekend… I plan to spend it strolling St. James Park, catching a musical in the West End, and of course, drinking loads of tea.  So on that note, I’ll leave you with the proper recipes I’ll enjoy upon my return Stateside to recall memories of my afternoons in England.

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea, instructions by Williamson Tea.

Classic Tea Sandwiches (with a twist), from Martha Stewart.

Raisin Scones, from Barefoot Contessa.

Happy Weekend!

Photo Credits: British Girl with Flag, Philip Newton; English Tea, Kristi Schiffman.

Anna Wintour at London Fashion Week, 2009

Disclaimer: I’m usually not one to spot & tell when it comes to coincidental celeb-sightings… but this one is too good to pass up.  Last night we headed to The Wolseley, an old-school London establishment that manages to attract the hippest clientele every night of the week.  Upon entering I came face to face with none other than Anna Wintour, aka the real-life devil who wears Prada, subject of just-released documentary The September Issue, and editor-in-chief at American Vogue.  I have to admit, I was starstruck, and might have resorted to sneaking an undercover iPhone snapshot if The Wolseley didn’t maintain the strictest “No Photographs” policy… after all, we wouldn’t want crazy celeb-stalkers taking advantage of the A-list clientele, now would we?  Anyway, Wintour was in town for London Fashion Week, the first trip back to her homeland in two years, and I must say the rumored ice queen looked amazing (she turns 60 this November) in an icy-pale cap-sleeve top and dramatic gold-medallion necklace.  She even graced us with a rare sunglass-free appearance, thanks to The Wolseley’s safe haven from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.  Dinner was delicious, by the way: classic British fare served in the swankiest of settings.

The Shop at Bluebird in Chelsea

I’m giddy with excitement as I begin my week in London, excited to savor the innovative fashion, cutting-edge design, and old-world charm that makes it one of my favorite cities in the world.  Every trip to London yields new discoveries, whether stumbling upon a new neighborhood lined with chic boutiques, or savoring exotic curries and classic British pub cuisine.  I’d love to hear any must-see spots recommended by readers, so please share… and I promise to give a full report upon my return to the States!  A few new places on my must-see list:

Shops at Bluebird

Housed in a former grocery store, this concept boutique is in a huge warehouse space containing a “gigantic book department brimming with arty volumes, a tech area offering wonders like a backyard swing that emits an increasingly louder laughing sound the higher you go, and tons of offbeat clothing and accessories.” (according to my Lucky Mag city guide.)

Brissi

Brissi in Notting Hill

This shop looks right up my alley, with one-of-a-kind luxury pieces that make a home beautiful & serene.  I can’t wait to get my hands on their linen hemstitched napkins in shades of white & greige, and be inspired their well-edited collection of vintage French furniture.

Portobello Road Market

Teacups at Portobello Road Market

I’ve tried (unsuccessfully) to make it to this world-famous street market on previous trips to London, so I’m bound & determined to set aside an entire Saturday morning to browse vintage duds, fresh produce & flower stands, & antiques treasures just waiting to be found.

Eat

Daylesford Organic

I’ll fuel up for shopping at Daylesford Organic, a cafe & market that boasts everything “organic, fresh, seasonal, & local.”  With vegetables picked straight from their on-site garden, and cheeses made daily in the Creamery, I’m sure I’ll manage to do a little shopping here too, while I eat.  A girl’s gotta multitask!

River Cafe

Interior of the River Cafe in Hammersmith

This seems to be THE foodie destination for those in the know, and I can’t wait to dig into the seasonal Italian menu (with items like wood-roasted sea bass with salsa verde, and veal slow-roasted with sage & garlic… yum!) while gazing at a gorgeous view of the Thames.

See

Tate Modern, Futurism Exhibition

Interior of Tate Modern; Poster from Futurism Exhibition

The Tate Modern is truly one of my favorite museums in the world, both for its breathtaking design and its cutting-edge art installations & exhibitions.  I’ll catch the tail end of the current Futurism exhibition.  A little background from the museum: “Drawing upon elements of Divisionism and Cubism, the Futurists created a new style that broke with old traditions and expressed the dynamism, energy and movement of their modern life.”  This exhibit celebrates the centenary of the movement.

West End Theatre

I’m going to be a bit spontaneous here, and check out what shows are available for last-minute tickets.  I love a night at the theater, and we’ll end it with a cozy meal at a British pub… fish & chips, anyone?

In the spirit of today’s arrival in London, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite images from photographer Philip Newton’s portfolio.  Something about them captures both the chill in the air and the sunny disposition of England.  Hopefully I’ll have lots to share from the week’s adventures! And by the way, the above picture has officially inspired me to pick up a pair of classic Wellies for this fall’s rainy days.

British Parliament & Big Ben

Back from a week in London, and brimming with design inspiration from some of my favorite spots in the city.  Because London is truly an international place with people from all over the globe, an amazing mix of influences form its unique design, food, and fashion identities.  Below are a few of my favorite images captured in the city’s restaurants, hotels, and sights.

Hakkasan is one of the coolest restaurants in London, with amazing design & innovative Chinese cuisine. Don't miss the tiny sign outside the door.

The London Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world and has become a cultural icon of the city. It provides such a dramatic backdrop to the skyline.

The Tate Modern boasts a world-renowned art collection set against breathtaking architectural design. The collection is free & includes international work from 1900.

Zuma serves amazing sushi in a warm & stylish environment with the best people-watching. Try the teriyaki-glazed salmon and crispy squid with green chili & salt.

St. James Park is steps from Buckingham Palace and my favorite place for a morning run. Beautiful English gardens surrounding a serene pond.

There's just something I love about the taxis in London... so much more old-school & classy than ours in the U.S! The drivers are great sources of London info & tips.

The Dorchester Hotel: so traditional, so elegant, so English. The classic spot for afternoon tea & crumpets, and a just-renovated bar that is so hip.