London: Last Day

Today is my last day in this beautiful city and I decided to attempt the underground by myself for the first time. Destination: The Tate. This is a slightly daunting mission as I'm still not 100% at ease with the London Underground and only vaguely know where everything is let alone understand The Tube completely but I'm doing it regardless. As long as I get off at South Kensington I'll be fine.

I've been suffering with the worst art block lately so I'm hoping to get some inspiration while I'm here. Whilst I brush past the Victoria and Albert Museum my curiosity gets the better of me and I take a peek inside. It turns out they have a fashion exhibition on the history of wedding dresses. How could I not go in?!

The exhibition has Dita Von Teese's wedding dress designed by Vivian Westwood. I'm a big fan of Miss Von Teese and I adore her style so you can imagine how in awe I was of her purple gown.

At 11:15 I decide to take a little break. Sitting on the white bench staring at these beautiful exquisite dresses designed by the likes of Vera Wang,  John Galliano and many others. Wedding  dresses of the Duchess of Cornwall, Gwen Stefani and Kate Moss are all on show with a brief history of marriage and the wedding business and how far it's come traditionally (with more couples deciding to marry in their early thirties and cement their careers in order to have a more lavish wedding) and economically (how same sex marriages opened many doors for designers). I can't seem to take my eyes off a Ian Stuart Couture piece. I'm mesmerised by it, so detailed and delicate looking.
The ticket price for this exhibition is £13.50 and I personally think it's worth it, especially if you're into fashion.
Here is the link to their website: http://www.vam.ac.uk/ 
Has the exhibition inspired me? I guess not since designing has never really appealed to me. However I can't help but notice a young student walking and sketching some designs of her own. Obviously taking notes for reseaerch, she's sketching the dresses and it's inspired me to return and have a sketching session of my own so I can improve on my artistic skills and expand beyond photography.

In the middle of the museum there is a huge courtyard with cafés, a mini pool (no, seriously) and swarms of artists, art lovers and tourists taking a time out to process the tranquility that one finds in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

I quickly popped into the Science Museum which a must for science and technology lovers. It's free entry but there is a donation box as you enter, and you will feel guilty if you don't give some money. I only went in to use the toilet and I donated £3.

I also quickly visited the National History Museum too but then I receive a call from Catrin and I'm on my way back to the Underground. I'm meeting her in Liverpool Street to do some more vintage shopping. Destination for this little vintage spree: Brick Lane and Shoreditch. I wasn't as lucky this time and manage to get on the wrong train. Luckily the train I need is behind the one I'm on so I get off the next platform and climb on board the right train and I eventually reach my destination.

Just like day 2, we decide to do some vintage shopping, I was looking forward to Oxford Street but thinking about it,  Oxford Street has the same shops as Cardiff. The usual high street brands. If I fancy something from Topshop, I can just buy something from here. In terms of vintage shopping, all
Cardiff has to offer is Hobos, so I'm going to make the most of these bargain buys!

The street art in Shoreditch is incredible, such creativity, such talent as you can see below.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my visit to London town. Hopefully I'll visit again soon xx

London: Day 2

Today was a jam packed day full of adventure! We decided on this break we would focus on the well known outskirts of London rather than Oxford Street do be a stereotypical tourist, and of course to do some more shopping.

Our main points of interests were Soho, which is home to great traditional British pubs and a whole load of vintage stores. Did I make a purchase? Yes I did. Will I make an article about it? Yes I will. Coming soon though...

Carnaby Street was also on the cards today. We found some great little shops. Shops that you would never see on the Cardiff high street. That's why I love London so much, you get unique shops which have great second hand and vintage clothing for a great price while still having your high street brands right on your doorstep.

Chinatown was a winner with me. Bought a load of kawaii sweet treats that make your mouth water. Beautifully decorated too, fully recommend a visit.

During all of this my main goal was to find a comic book store we searched all day but found it ten minutes before it closed for the evening. It was absolute heaven. Unfortunately they only had a small manga section (which most comic book stores have) however I did make a purchase. Death Note Vol I and II.

My second day in London was, again a wonderful day. The weather was on our side. It wasn't too busy and everyone just seemed relaxed. They say London can be a lonely place, and I can see why. No one looks you in the eye, manners are out the window sometimes but if I could live there, even for a year. I would be happy.

Enough of my ramblings. Time for bed. Last day tomorrow.

xx

London: Day 1

Officially on my way to London. No one can be more excited as I am. I'm leaving at just the right time since the NATO Summit's luncheon is taking place in Cardiff and they're police everywhere and also work is introducing a new lunch menu which will not be popular. Anywhooo, I shall write these articles as a diary to make it slightly more interesting to you my lovely readers.

09:21 - On the megabus and leaving the centre. It's peaceful and tranquil on the bus, everyone is plugged in. Only problem is I'm already desperate for the toilet (I hope we have a break inbetween)

For at least an hour I'm dozing in and out of consciousness on the bus, probably missing some beautiful views of England such as old country villages. 

The above is how I imagine London to be. The views that I pass are beautiful, certainly the most gorgeous views unfortunately the driver is too quick for me to snap anything significant, just one or two imagery. This is the  London I know, the London I'm aware of, the London I'm used to. My friend lives on the outskirts of London so this trip shall be a different experience of London all together, I'm getting too excited to see her.

13:05 - I just passed Harrods. I've only been in once and that was with Girl Guides. So I will have to go in there too, however if I can't this time there is always next time.

 Officially on the tube with my friend and her partner, on our way to my home for the next three nights. We have to change halfway and get on another train but luckily it's not rush hour. Really need to get used to the metro if I'm to survive London living. 

After we reach out destination and we finally get settled we decide to head to Camden for some shopping and food. I've never been to Camden before so I'm quite excited. 

We arrive after a 15 minute train journey and I'm blown away by Camden already. So many punk shops! So many unique shops! And everything is so cheap!

There is a part of Camden that is just  food stalls, far as the eye can see:- falafel stands, noodle stands, burger, pizza, Indian you name it they have it. I opted for the noodle.

Did I make a purchase while in Camden? Whyyyy yes I did. But that will be for another article. My friend and her other half bought their first house purchase as a couple too, look how excited and happy they are. 

There is one shop you definitely have to visit when in Camden and that is Cyberdog. It's one big massive rave in there, I'm not saying much more but trust me, you will not be disappointed by it however no pictures inside, I learnt that the hard way and security will be quite rude about it too, even when you apologise profusely.

All in all today has been a great day, didn't make many purchases but oh well  tomorrow for some vintage gaff! And maybe (hopefully Chinatown).