Sunday Stroll Through Covent Garden

Sunday afternoon in London was the warmest and sunniest day of the year so far, after a much delayed spring and a frigid, rather rainy/snowy winter. 

So....I think all of London was out for a stroll, as was I, when I decided to head to the Covent Garden area for a few hours.

Many Londoners were still enjoying their Sunday roasts and refreshments

at the area pubs,

but I began my prowl. First thing I stumbled upon was a photo shoot in a narrow alleyway

bench warmers soaking up the sun at the  St. Paul Church of Covent Garden, often referred to as the Actor's Church due to its long affinity with theater in the area,

and crowds of people, many people, never unusual for the Covent Garden area, but especially so today with the influx of April tourists and locals who just needed a dose of Vitamin D.

The street entertainers were taking advantage

of the crowds,

and the sidewalk cafes were full of diners.

It's always fun shopping at Apple Market

as well as Jubilee Market for bric-a brac,

but beauty mavens are now heading to the new Chanel beauty boutique

where you can find skin care consultation, try on new perfumes, or take advantage of the Chanel nail bar with all its color range.

Another new kid on the block is the recently opened Balthazar restaurant, of NYC fame with a French brasserie style menu that looks fabulous

and a bakery next door

with fresh breads

take-out deli food

all under a beautiful French inspired ceiling.

Quite lovely!

Reservations hard to get!

Also extremely popular on this first warm day was the La Gelateria ice cream shop with long lines outside its door. Note to self: plan a return trip. Must be delicious.

And since most of you know that my time in London is indeed short since we've officially moved back to the US, every stroll takes me by monuments where the memories

and stories of 

the last 5 years sing out. I'm cherishing the time, I assure you.

And to help make the transition back home easier, one of my favorite sandwich shops is now carrying Texan Chilli--London style!

Guess my two worlds are indeed colliding!

Paris style

Final thoughts on Paris this week must include some references to fashion and to that inimitable style that all French women seem to carry off. It's a sense of self-confidence and an emphasis on quality over quantity that distinguish the French women. They may buy very few new pieces of clothing and accessories each year, but they will typically be items of classic style and quality--timeless.

Of course, France is usually considered the capital of haute couture, which sometimes comes off as being a little extreme, perhaps even bizarre, but always something to talk about, such as the dress I saw while walking along the Rue du Faubourg St. Honore. Is it to your liking?

John Galliano featured these hats this spring with his designs. They sure caught my eye as I passed by.

Do you think Jordan needs one of these 18th century dresses I saw in a children's shop?

Of course, the classic Chanel suit is the icon of French fashion and imitated worldwide, but the quality of her studio's work outshines all the copies.

This year for the first time, I made a Chanel purchase--a black classic quilted lambskin bag. I'm sure I will carry it forever, and it's one of those items I should have bought years ago before they escalated in price. Coco Chanel was a fascinating character with a controversial story. I'm looking forward to the movie of her early life which is currently playing in the UK, and due in theaters in the US in September. Here's the trailer if you'd like to get a preview.

So I'll close out this week's postings on our spring trip to Paris with this parting shot of sunset on the Place de la Concorde and a glimpse of a twinkling Eiffel Tower in the background. Magical!

With all the thoughts about fashion introduced here, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share with you the results of last month's poll on the hats that my daughters-in-law modeled in London. Thank you for voting and your choices are as follows. I agree! They look pretty classy in these.