Glittering Fools

Entrance to Fortnum & Mason Before coming to London, I had no idea what a Royal Warrant Holder was.  Sounds official... sounds boring.  I quickly learned that the royal family has given out and still gives out warrants to businesses they buy goods from including clothing, food, drink, and other items.  Around 800 businesses are royal warrant holders, and hold around 1200 warrants between them because some have received warrants from multiple members of the royal family.  My two favorite stops of the day were definitely Fortnum & Mason and Floris perfumery.     Eggs Royale at The Fountain Restaurant at Fortnum & Mason Fortnum & Mason opened in 1707 and has since remained true to its roots- providing shoppers with a comfortable and luxurious place to shop for goods produced by some of London's finest.   setting up for an event with hat designer, Phillip Treacy  The department store's tea room ...

We wrapped up our trip with a behind the scenes look at the Catherine Walker shop and offices.  Since Catherine's death, her husband Said has continued designing, most notably for Kate Middleton.  Said told us that there are three things that set Catherine Walker apart from other designers and coturiers. First, they use male tailors to produce their clothing.  Second, everything they make is made in Chelsea and (third) is made specifically for the client.    Our last London afternoon was spent at the Berkley Hotel for their famed Pret-A-Portea.  Each season, a new menu is designed modeled off the current runway trends. the trends the menu my favorite was the spiked blue Louboutin pump cookie and the chocolate (python) Miu Miu handbag.   our tea tray kept being refilled, so these cute little take out boxers were very helpful 8 hour flight - thirsty is an understatement 

We started off our morning at Kensington Palace with a private breakfast in the Orangery champagne at 8 a.m. on a Wednesday? Why Not followed by a private tour of Kensington Palace On display currently are several gown worn by the Queen, her sister, and Lady Di:  A few of Diana's most memorable  it was acceptable in the 80s Then on to tour the rest of the palace:  medieval version of Shark Tank  Someone's having a rough morning #turnt a walk on the morbid side  xoxo  -gossip girl

I must admit that I was nervous on the way to meeting William Banks- Blaney, dubbed "The King of Vintage" by Harper's Bazaar .  I was ready to be very intimidated by a man who regularly works with Victoria Beckham and is frequently featured on the Rachel Zoe project.  However, I was pleasantly surprised as I, a mere mortal, felt instantly comfortable and at ease as I walked into Banks-Blaney's appointment-only store.   In 2009, Vogue's Vintage King ( casual ) began holding pop- up sales, offering clients haute couture pieces from his vintage collection.  His collection grew as did his clientele, with around 400 people attended one of his sales.  In 2010, Banks-Blaney opened his store, WilliamVintage, and launched his online store in 2013.  Some of his clients include Rihanna, Lily Allen, Gillian Anderson, Anja Rubik, Tilda Swinton, Lana Del Ray, Emma Thompson, and Nigella Lawson.    When I talked to William and asked him questions about h...