Cotton Rose: a day in London town

On Friday we took a trip into London. The husband and I used to visit London fairly often, but since having the girl we have not been. He has, for work and other various visits, but I have not. The thought of traipsing around with a small child did not appeal. Now Girly girl is 6, it was time to show her why London is so fabulous!

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen many of these photos on Friday night. I took so many pics, and this post is long. It was wonderful to be back in London, and I was as excited as a child on Christmas Eve. I love the smell, the energy and the atmosphere. The most wonderful place to be.

There was a point to the visit. I really wanted to see the Hollywood Costume exhibition at the V&A. They have a pair of genuine ruby slippers, and they are only here until the 18th November. Like most little girls, whenever I watched The Wizard of Oz, all I really wanted to see was Dorothy's shoes. I thought they were the prettiest shoes I'd ever seen, and I have no doubt at all it started off my obsession with shoes. I needed to see them in real life.

Tickets were booked. It was a day of firsts, so it was pretty special.

First travel on a train for the little lady. Despite the nonchalent look, she was VERY excited.

(She's drinking orange juice, not coffee!)
Our train left at 7.39, we were in London just after 9.

Queen was in residence. Nice to know.

Husband & girl larking around as we waited for the doors to open.

Inside the museum.

Photos were not allowed in the Hollywood exhibition. Such a shame. I did not care for costumes from Starwars (Darth Vader, eeww.), Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Harry Potter etc. I loved the costumes worn by the ladies, some of the waists were teeny tiny. Joan Crawford and Viven Leigh, I'm talking about you. There were two dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe - curvy yes, but not as 'large' as some people have made out, her waist was also teeny. Loved Dorothy's dress, but it was the ruby slippers that had my attention. I went back time and time again. It killed me that I couldn't get my camera out and take a million photos.
So don't ask. Just don't ask. But ....

Yes, it's blurry. The Husband took it quickly. He knew I dearly wanted a photo, so he took a sneaky chance. He should have donned that Superman outfit, because he'll always be my superman for doing it!

Sequins and beads were missing, they were still a dark red, but faded and old. Best of all, they were worn. Oh how worn! You could see where Judy Garland and worn them, the writing inside was rubbed away, they looked like well used shoes. She had worn them and trotted down the yellow brick road, time after time after time by the looks of it.
Just perfect.

After that, we hit a few shops!

Fairy Tales - the theme to Harrods Christmas windows. This Elie Saab dress for Sleeping Beauty was so exquisite.

The ultimate Cinderella shoe.

Versace had a Cinderella window, gorgeous, but I'll take the Louboutins thank you very much!

Had to visit Ladurée.

Not all windows needed a fairy tale theme. Simple but perfect.

Inside, Girly Girl was beyond herself with joy when we found Cinderella's Slipper Salon. We waited patiently for our turn (ignoring the annoying woman trying her hardest to barge in past us without waiting. Selfish idiot).

Isn't this exactly how shoe shops should be?

The Girls chosen Cinderella shoes. I'm glad she opted for flat shoes, she will wear them a lot more than the ones with a tiny heel.

In all the times I've been to London, I have never hopped on a bus. Usually it's taxi or underground. The husband used to work in London, so he has no qualms about getting lost. We jumped on a bus (which has GOT to be the best way to see London), and made our way to ...

A shop that every child should visit!
Lego-made William and Kate waved from the top floor.

Hamley Bear snuggled the girl as we left the shop.

We walked down to Fortnum & Mason, before making our way back to Liverpool Street Station. If I had to choose between Fortnums and Harrods, I don't think I could do it. I adore both.

Random pics.
Telephone boxes, not always red.

Somewhere I'd love to live.

Shoes & food, I think that just about sums me up. This was my little stash. Macaron, F&M tea, and truffle butter from Harrods food hall. I'm planning on using the truffle butter in mashed potato later on today.