Yes, I know it is over a week since I returned, but I had a huge deadline, so didn't have time to post ... sorry!

Anyway, from my very brief half-weekend in London:

1. I did manage to have champagne high tea - in St. James restaurant, in the 4th floor of Fortnum&Mason: http://www.fortnumandmason.com.....urant.aspx
This was the only one I was able to reserve (the others must've been booked for months!). It was truly a great experience. I had a glass of champagne, and a great tea (two pots: one contains the tea essence, the other boiling water; then there is a milk jug, and a sugar container), a three-levels stand with sandwiches and scones, and for the topmost level I got to choose two pastries. There was a hats exhibition in Victoria&Albert museum during that time, and the pastries were in the shape of little hats! Also, live music, and all patrons dressed to nines. Amazing, and definitely recommended if you happen to be in London.

2. Of course I went to Victoria & Albert, and the hats exhibition is extremely educating, well-organized, and fun.

3. I managed to get to Tate Modern (the tube during weekends is terrible though - half of it is under construction, and the other half is so full it is often impossible so squeeze in the train). Interesting, but too modern for me.

4. Tate Britain was inaccessible due to the construction on the tube.

5. Did a little shopping (really very little): bought a jacket and two pairs of shoes:
a) The jacket is from Marks&Spenser, believe it or not. Here it is open: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink (the yellow scarf is of course inspired by Angie), and here closed: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink
I am completely in love with it: it is both tough and girly at the same time; it is grey cotton, and shaped like a biker jacket, but has cropped sleeves and a very wide open collar. Oh, I found it on their site: http://www.marksandspencer.com.....#038;page=
(it is from their "Limited Collection").
b) mary janes from Clarks: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink
I am not sure you can see the color clearly - it is tan-taupe, sort of a color of a very tanned skin, if this makes sense. Extremely comfortable, I have to convince myself not to wear them every day.
c) Wedge sandals from Clarks: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink
Again, I am not sure you can see the color clearly - it was called "Lavender ash" (isn't it the most amazing name for a color?). Basically, it is greyish-taupe, with lavender tint. Not sure it makes sense ... I just love how modern they are, and that hint of a ruffle on the T-strap is to die for.

I didn't have much time to shop, and also the prices are quite steep. I did enter Topshop and felt old and fat at the same time, so tried to get out as soon as possible Oasis has a nice concept, but too hippie for me. Marks and Spenser sells all sorts of collections, and some of them are truly hideous (knit pants disguised as office wear, for example). But I couldn't pass the jacket, I just loved it too much. I actually left it on the hanger and went back to it after a while.

I also went to the brick-and-mortar Bravissimo shop, but I will do a separate post about it, for the busty gals on the forum (bravissimo sells bras and clothes for well-endowed women).

Oh, and of course I brought home maybe 2 kg of loose leaf tea from Fortnum and Mason I just LOVE good tea (only loose leaf, of course)!