I hope you all had a lovely week! Sorry for not posting, I've been insanely busy. Since I've been neglecting my blog a bit the last few weeks, but hope to return to posting more regularly.
Monday and Tuesday were filled with plenty of work and chores. Wednesday I enjoyed a morning visiting the V&A. I spent lots of time looking at clothes on display in the Fashion section as they rotate somewhat frequently. When I went looking for the Photography gallery, I learned that part of it was closed because a new exhibit is opening April 5th. "The Glamour of Italian Fashion" will be a installation about the history of Italian fashion, and of course, I will be going to see it. After looking through the jewellry room, I headed outside to get some fresh air and relax by the fountain, but instead, ended up photographing it. I have been really inspired by the movement of water ever since seeing Marilyn Minter's photography for the 2009 Jimmy Choo campaign. I really love the series of photos, but don't know what to do with them, as I normally photograph landscapes, people, or shoes.
I enjoyed photographing other areas of the V&A, particularly the light fixture that I mentioned in a previous post that was made by Bocci.
Wednesday afternoon I visited the British Museum and enjoyed a bit of hot tea, as it was a very cold and rainy day. Thursday was spent working and doing laundry- growing up really is overrated in some regards. I resent that I've let myself get in the swing of things in London, as I feel that it's taking away my desire for spontaneity. I don't want to get stuck in a cycle of working, writing papers, doing laundry and buying groceries. While all these things are necessary, I don't want them to overtake my life. I know it sounds odd, but it's so easy to get stuck in a routine.
Anyhow, I left the office early today (I'd worked all my hours!) and met my boyfriend and went to Camden Market. I'd never been, so I was unsure what to expect. At first all I could notice were the cheap designer knock-offs and London paraphernalia for as far as the eye could see, but soon approached the main market. Various booths and vendors were arranged about the area and were selling jewellry, scarves, vintage items, and of course, delicious food.
My boyfriend and I decided to split what initially appeared to be an ice cream sandwich. We didn't really know what it was, but everyone was eating them. We went into Chin Chin Labs and ordered a "Crown-Wich", which is ice cream between two Crownies. Crownies are essentially cookie-shaped brownies, also known as the food of the gods. I was excited and everything (because food is amazing, obviously), but I fell in love with the food once I realized how the ice cream was made. Chin Chin Labs prepares all of their ice cream when you order by using liquid nitrogen to make the ice cream. I don't know the science behind their magical ice cream formula, but it's some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted. The vanilla was so delicious and the ice cream wasn't overly sweet, which allowed it to be paired with a sweet crownie. On top of the amazing desserts, the workers were so nice. They were excited when I asked if I could take photos (you wouldn't believe how many people say "no" in a really angry way) and were so incredibly friendly! Anyone in the London area has to make a trip to Camden to get some of this ice cream- my boyfriend started planning when we could return before we'd finished our Crown-Wich.
After spending some time in Camden, my boyfriend took me to the Burlington Arcade. I had not been before today, and he insisted that he show me around the area. I was amazed by the gorgeous window displays of endless diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and fine jewellry. Fine cashmere sweaters and leather gloves were perfectly arranged in the windows- it was a work of merchandising genius. Each shop had their best on display in their windows- inviting only the wealthiest to enter the store to make a purchase. I was overwhelmed with excitement when I saw the Leica Camera shop, as I have only heard about Leica Cameras in books in magazines. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's a European-based brand, and for whatever reason, has little American presence. I began to take a picture of the store front when I heard a woman talking to me. Initially scared, I don't really remember what I did. Few things are more terrifying than having one eye closed, the other eye looking through a lens that refigures the world, and having a stranger approach you in a large city as you hold your most prized possession in your hands. Fortunately, it was my art professor! The chances of seeing her at that exact shop at the exact time in a city of over 8 million has to be incredibly low, but what a lovely surprise it was! We adored the cameras and looked at a display of Rolex watches before she went home.
Before returning home, my boyfriend surprised me and took me to the London Eye! It was so lovely because we got there just as the sun was setting. When we went to get our tickets, the woman said "Oh! There's glitter in your hair! I love it!" At first I was confused, but then I remembered that I had used my fairy dust at work today. At Upper Street Shoes, we are not just employees; we are shoe fairies. I even have my own wand, wings, and fairy dust (jar of pink glitter). At work I was tripping over my words (it's Friday, I couldn't help it), so I brought out my fairy dust and threw a bit of it around my desk. What I forgot, though, is glitter is a contagious disease with no cure. I happily told the lady I was a shoe fairy at Upper Street, and that I needed a bit of fairy dust to make it to the weekend!
xo
BJordan
