Last Friday began with a train journey to London town. I love the journey through the English countryside. It always makes me think of the hymn Jerusalem that we sang at school – I used to love belting it out in morning assembly.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mayfair. What a fabulous location! Right across the street from Green Park tube and The Ritz. One criticism though – stop charging for in room wi-fi – £28 for 2 days – a bloody rip off if you ask me! My heart was beating out of my chest with excitement as I came out of the tube. Arriving in London always feels like coming home, yet still so foreign, especially staying in Mayfair. Let’s be honest I never had the money or the inclination to head there in 90’s!
I headed straight out to meet Sue and the girls from AllWornOutBlog.com. A little wander up the road through Berkeley Square, past Rolls Royce dealerships and haute couture boutiques, and I was at Selfridges. After chasing Sue around the menswear and shoe salon we eventually met up – talk about amateur tourists! We then met the lovely Eve, Gina, Belinda and Ann in Aubaine – a fabulous little eatery where we talked, giggled and drank copious amounts of wine. Security turfed us out at 9pm – how much fun was that skipping through an empty Selfridges!?
Double Trouble
We went to the pub too.
Saturday started early, with the inevitable hangover – but there’s another story behind my recovery for a later date…
I wandered North to meet the girls at the Mayfair Pizza Co – another great spot where the staff were amazing!! They tolerated us from 12 to 12 and kindly put us in our own little room. After 8 magnums of prosecco between us I think the other diners were quite relieved.
We talked and talked and then the beautiful Marlene (www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com) somehow had the patience to photograph us all while we nitpicked at our images – too fat, too orange, crooked smile, wonky eyes – you can read how she put us right here.
Here’s one of my outtakes that Sue took – I had a fit of the giggles!
And here is my fabulous souvenir from Marlene.
An amazing weekend with amazing friends, brought together by our love of clothes and writing. I have found an eclectic, smart, driven, funny, loyal, kind group of women who I hold dear and cherish every day. I wish I got to see them all more often.
There were no comedy breasts you’ll be pleased to hear.
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Love your outtake shot – hilarious! It was a fabulous day and I cannot wait (training liver now) for the next meet up!
Hope you arrived home safely and enjoy Hugh’s 6th birthday celebrations
Fiona
x
Aw….feeling quite sad it’s all over. Was just thinking today that this time last week it was all ahead of us! Oh well…we’ll just have to do it all again and who knows, maybe, just maybe, NYC will work in May! Loved this post and love you x
You know I almost, almost, feel like I had been there. I have read so many wonderful blogups about the whole day. I just hope I can come along the next time you have a gathering it sounded like a momentous amount of fun. Glad you are home safe and sound. H xx
Someone’s been having MORE fun than they should *wink* *wink* Joanna, thank you for the shout out. It was such a privilege to shoot all of you. I wish we had more time to chat.
Lovely to see all of what you got up to on your weekend in London Joanna ;0)
It was amazing to meet you…..your zest for life is infectious and your style is fantastic too! I had an absolute ball and along with everyone else I can’t wait to do it all over again! xx
Love that picture of you with Eve. You two are double trouble.
So when are you unleashed on the unsuspecting UK again?
I’ll be back around the last week of June – up North then down South – so hopefully I’ll get to see you in Leeds or Manchester? xx
I love your cardigans so much and those lovely ladies you have posted. I love sue! 🙂 btw, I would like to endorse 120% lino usa too their items are perfect for reviews!
What a wonderful weekend Joanna! You & the girls look like you had an amazing time together! I’m so gutted I didn’t get to make it but after seeing these pics I won’t miss the next! Marlenes photos of you all are so beautiful! Ax