Archive for October, 2008

High Tea of Highgate

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

If someone crawled into my brain, pulled out my idea of the perfect tea cafe and made it a reality, it would be High Tea of Highgate. HT is owned by proprietress Georgina Worthington, first off, is that the cutest name ever? It is so perfect it sounds made up. Highgate is an idyllic, quiet neighborhood in London where my BFF lives. High Tea is the definitely the crown jewel of this darling enclave.

The scones were literally the best I’ve ever had in my entire life. The tea was exquisite. The atmosphere sublime. Georgina bakes the scones every morning and I’d be there 5 minutes after she opened her doors to sample them every chance I got during my stay. She also offered a selection of tea accessories like tea towels, tea pot cozies and even pieces by Ella Doran.

Mark it on you list of must sees in London. They open at 11 am, make sure you’re there in time to sample a scone right out of the oven.

High Tea of Highgate

Feeling Rosy

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

cathkidston_96Rose prints were everywhere in London, on stationary, dishes and most notably tote bags. Just about every woman of every age was carrying a rose printed tote, either as a secondary bag or as their handbag. I’ve never been one for rose prints, but somehow in the midst of “English Roses” the whole thing won me over and charmed me.

I especially love the print on this Cath Kidston carry all tote.

If you’re feeling rosy visit Cath Kidston

Charlotte Hardy

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

charlotte-hardy_97The first thing that caught my eye when I walked into High Tea of Highgate were the great paintings on the wall. Turns out they were painted by Charlotte Hardy. Her work is whimsical, feminine and sweet. Her paintings capture a vintage and Victorian feel and her color stories are simultaneously bold and soft. Charlotte’s work really embodies everything that charmed me about London: it’s fresh, clever, colorful, floral, vintage and decidedly English. Charlotte Hardy

Cute Respite

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

artbox_92These are difficult times. And when times are tough, cuteness is my safe harbor. My darling respite from the troubles of the world (read: Sarah Palin). Nothing soothes me like an adorable food item with a face, or polka dots and lace. Enter Artbox. While wielding my sad little American dollars around London, I came across the Artbox store in Camden Lock, where lo and behold they had a passport holder that said Hello Jessica, for about the price of a Starbucks latte ($8.50).

Artbox has lots of cute stationary, cards, accessories and more for your enjoyment. My favorites are the fantastic girly sketchy scenes. I’m working to find out where to get them in the US. The site is in Korean so it’s tricky to navigate, but there are many treasures to unearth so go forth and scavenge cute lovers!

ArtBox