Sit, Stay, Love

Last spring, I mentioned that something very exciting was opening just down the street from my London home. Many of you guessed from the clues that I gave that it was Anthropologie, the American lifestyle store which is so very popular in the States. The building, located on the corner of King's Road and Flood Street, was originally a gentleman's club built in the 1920's which has seen several renovations, most recently as an antiques center. More about that here.

Guess who has left behind her career of banking in the US to work there? My own daughter-in-law, Cristen, who has moved to London for a couple of years with my son. She loves playing, I mean, working there.

The design of the new store, its second European shop, intentionally preserved some of the original architectural features, 

including the beautiful skylights and stained glass.

The design team on staff keeps it interesting, and Cristen tells me it's all for sale. See the horse laden down with merchandise?  Gone! Could have been ours for the right price if we had jumped on it sooner.

Not only is it a fashion mecca, but the gifts and housewares departments are fascinating.

Something for everyone!

The store is known for being dog friendly, with an open door policy and treats and water available for shoppers' dogs. Recently, they sponsored a Doggie Day called Sit, Stay, Love to benefit the Battersea Dog and Cat Shelter.

The competition began when a winner of the waggiest tail was selected, followed by 

the winner of the Snappiest Dressed in her teal coat who was so shy that she hid under the table, right beside the winner of the Dog that Looked Most Like Its Owner on the right.

In addition to the neighborhood dogs, some came from the shelter

and charmed us with their tricks.

 At the end of the afternoon, they left us begging for more, and a few marked their territory for a return visit in the days to come!