Travel Diaries: My London Weekend Adventures
I’ve been having a fabulous and busy time in London. There’s always something new to discover! The weather was beautiful the first couple of days, and I made the most of it. Now it’s a bit cloudy, with some intermittent rain, and probably will be the same for the rest of my stay. I’ll have lots more to share once I’m back home, but here are a few quick photos from the last couple of days, including a couple of my fall travel outfits.
Notting Hill, hats & afternoon tea
They’re not to everyone’s taste, I know, but I really love these pants. I felt really good and very much myself in this outfit. The bag was a Paris splurge, and cost far less (especially with the VAT refund) than I would have paid in the USA. I’ve worn that leather jacket quite a bit; it’s the perfect weight for this climate.
(It’s funny, but in London I feel freer to dress more expressively and lean into the quirkier aspects of my style. I even received a couple of compliments from strangers on this outfit.)
After a leisurely morning strolling around Notting Hill, we stopped into Jess Collett’s Millinery studio. I was so excited as I’ve been wanting to visit for some time. She creates the most amazing hats for “rockstars and royalty” (including the headpieces Princess Catherine and her daughter Charlotte wore to the coronation of King Charles).
Jess is an absolutely lovely person, and we had such fun trying on hats! She can make custom hats and headpieces for any occasion from casual to, well…a coronation!
Afterward, I met up for tea with a brand representative to discuss an upcoming collaboration I’m really excited about…look for more soon!
On the river and around Soho
I had planned to wear the brown loafers with this outfit, but because of the rain and (potentially) slick surfaces, I decided the sneakers were a safer choice. On the way out the door I threw on the quilted vest, because we were going on a boat ride!
We hopped aboard the Uber boat for a ride into central London. This is a great way to see the city from the water, and you can use your Oyster card for the fare!
We rode past the Houses of Parliament and hopped off at the Embankment pier. (You can actually take the Uber boat all the way to Greenwich from Putney.) From there, we walked up to Soho and stopped at the John Snow pub for a bit of refreshment.
When I was visiting London in the spring, I posted an image of the famous Broad Street Pump, which was the origin of a massive cholera outbreak in the neighborhood in the mid-19th century. Some of you recommended the book “The Ghost Map” which chronicles the work of John Snow, a doctor who first determined that the disease was water-borne rather than from miasma (bad air) and helped modernize the field of epidemiology. I just finished the book a few weeks ago. So I thought it would be fun to visit the pub that bore his name (next to the original location of the pump).
Afterward, we walked around Soho a bit more, then hopped into a taxi just in time to avoid a downpour.
Walking back along the Thames, these two swans seemed very interested in whether we might have any tidbits for them. We did not, and they soon paddled away.
There are some spots along the Thames where the embankments get flooded during particularly high tides. This group of sightseers got stranded and had to wade through several inches of water.
I’ll be sharing lots more travel tips for London and Paris soon, as well as a recap of my travel wardrobe. What are some of your favorite areas to visit in London?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
I’m so enjoying every single bit of your journey; I feel like I’m right there with you. Your outfits are amazing. Thank you always for sharing!
Hi Susan. what did the Celine bag cost in Paris?
On my last visit in ‘23, I stayed with a friend in Hampstead and loved walking on the Heath and the high street. Also lunch in the crypt at St. Martin in the Fields was fun and delicious. Going again next year for a few days on my way to Yorkshire and the Lake District so look forward to your London recap.
Perhaps you feel free to dress more quirky in London because there are a lot of quirky people there. Beautiful bag.
Greetje
Hi Greetje, it’s true, and thank you!
I loved Dover Street Market — so many amazing brands and such creative displays.
Hi Nancy, I love that one too. Didn’t get there on this visit but have it bookmarked for next time. They remind me a lot of Barney’s (which I really miss).
I love the Kyoto Garden at Holland Park and the Chelsea Physic Garden. And lunch at Britannia just off the village green in Richmond.
Thanks for sharing these, Nancy! I do love Richmond…it’s lovely!
Susan I read in one of your posts from the past where you stated when you were younger, you dressed in what you liked and were not hindered by what was in style at the time. I knew a few free spirits back then and loved them for their originality and flare. When you say you feel very comfortable in your barrel leg jeans, especially in London, I feel you’re embracing your past and now bringing it into the present. Good for you!
Thanks, Kandy! I feel the same.
Hi Susan,
Love all your pictures. The one of you on the boat is my favorite of this bunch.
What size are you wearing in the quilted vest ?
Hi Jan, thanks! I’m wearing size Small in the vest.
Beautiful bag.
The pants look both comfy and good on you!
Thanks!
Hi Marie, thanks very much!
Looks like such a fun trip so far. I loved what you said about feeling freer to dress more expressively/quirkily (hmm, is that a word?) in London than in the US. I never gave it much thought before, but when I lived in Wales (almost 20 years ago now), I absolutely noticed that people dressed far more individually and, indeed, quirkily than in the US. There I was, in my all-black NYC uniform (or occasionally jeans + black), while people around me were wearing red boots and a rainbow of colors all together. And looking phenomenal. I learned a lot from keeping my eyes open there. Thanks for the reminder. Glad you’re having fun putting outfits together on your trip!
Thanks very much, SoSuSam!
Love your outfits! Comfy and stylish. $375 pants…..Ouch!
Hi Carol thanks, and yes they are spendy. But based on how often I’ve worn them on this trip, I think they will ultimately have a low cost-per-wear.
I love your blog, Susan, especially when it comes to travel. I will be traveling on a month-long visit to Malta, Spain, Portugal & the Canary Islands (Spain again:) and staying a few days between flights in London on the way home in mid-December. Do you have a recommendation on a place to stay and must sees…dining/great pub?
Hi Mary, I’ll be recapping some of my favorites from the trip soon.
Hi Susan,
Love your posts!! The brown leather jacket looks fabulous on you.
Will you share your size and opinion on fit? Would love to order but in between sizes.
Thanks and enjoy your travels!!
Beth
Thanks so much, Beth. I took size Small in the leather jacket.
Loving all these travel posts. I’m living vicariously through you, Susan! And … absolutely LOVED “The Ghost Map.” It was fascinating. Thank you for mentioning it. I read it during vacation. When I returned to work (at a small women’s liberal arts college), I passed my copy of the book to our faculty member who assigns the book to his public health majors. He was thrilled to get another copy.
Thanks so much, Lee Ann! History is so fascinating, especially when the books are so well-written.
Enjoying your posts from Paris and London. I have noticed when in Europe people dress in very individual style. Often with colour and yes quirky details. I think that in North America( I live in Canada), there is more pressure to conform, not stick out? I am not sure, but after our recent trip to Ireland and Scotland, I am trying to wear clothes that I have in slightly different ways, more me. Thank you for tip about the book on Dr Snow. Will look it up, sounds interesting.
I only follow a couple of ‘fashion bloggers’ , I like how your blog is evolving. very much enjoy your posts. Your style is a little different to mine, but I still get good tips. Enjoy your tome in London.
Hi Lesley, I agree! I also noticed a lot of very individual looks when I visited the Netherlands in the spring too. I love their style and energy.
Sue, your “quirky” outfits are my favorites. You don’t need to apologize for wearing pants with barrel, wide, etc. legs. You pair them with items with simple lines and solid colors, and they make you look like a fun, energetic, interesting person. I’d love to see you explore these looks further.
Hi Dianne, thanks so much! I do plan to let this part of my style come out to play more often.
What a fabulous fall adventure! Love it! So glad you’re out and about and having fun! You look great!
Hi Barbara, thanks!
You look like you’re having so much fun, especially on the boat, great photo of you and fab colours on you!
Enjoy the rest of your trip xx
Thanks very much, Julie!
Say hi to Annie for me! From Rebecca
I did and she says hello back!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your journey you look fantastic! I love the new bag and the Me and Em sweater especially, such an incredible color ! I grew up in London and know it well especially by walking and have so many memories of me and my Papa on Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill. Going to check out the book stalls by The National Theatre.
If you can go see the Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery. Have fun!!
Thanks Francesca, and thanks for the tip about the Van Gogh exhibition.
I love your Nili Lotan pants. I have them in blue denim (I wearing them right now, as a matter of fact) – I love them and wear them all the time. I sized down 1 size but I could have probably sized down 2 sizes, but I like them baggy. Your trip looks fabulous. I wish I’d known about the uber boat – genius that you can use the Oyster card. Oh, I love London.
Thanks, Katie! I think they’re so fun.
I’m one of the people who recommended The Ghost Map. I was fascinated by the story since I found out my ancestors lived about 2 streets over from that pump, at that same time. So glad you enjoyed the book & had a visit to the pub!
Hi Jill Ann, thanks! I’m guessing your ancestors were some who survived the cholera epidemic then, fortunately.
I love your style, Susan! You look so happy in Paris.
Thanks, Tamara!
Good tip on the Uber boat! I love Notting Hill, but it was much edgier when i lived in London in the late 80s (in nearby Bayswater) – a true artist’s community. I kind of miss that, though there are still a couple good secondhand shops nearby I always manage to visit. Yotam Ottelenghi’s deli there is very good, and I always visit.
Love the V&A. Best museum gift shop I have ever seen, and I always manage a meal in their excellent cafeteria, in the beautiful dining room, before seeing whatever special exhibit is on.
I love your quirky style! Glad to see you letting it out to play!
Thanks very much, Kristina! I love the V&A too.
I second the V&A recommendation. That dining room is amazing, and I spend money in the gift shop like it’s water. Then there are the week’s worth of fantastic exhibits. A magical place.
Take a long boat from Little Venice to Camden Lock and go to the market there. It was a great outing.
Susan,
I love your travelogues. I feel like you take us in your pocket along the way.
My husband and I plan a trip to London and the surrounding area in September of 2025. In the past, I stayed near the British Museum. Could you recommend other areas for good hotels with access to public transportation?
Thanks for sharing your adventures.
LindaR
Thanks Linda! Pretty much anywhere in central London will be easily accessible by public transport, whether tube or bus.
Love your travel sequence! You look good in every photo. Casual but put together in your own way. I’m reminded again of that acorn necklace you mentioned a few weeks ago because I saw the link chain. I couldn’t find the chain to go with the brass acorn on Tara’s site. Will any gold chain match? Thank you.
Susan, I have admired the Ruti vest you wore and wondered what size it is, if I can please ask. You and I are about the same build. I hate all of variation with sizing, so like to eliminate returns and exchanges whenever possible. This is a beautiful piece I think I would like to add to my wardrobe.
Thank you for sharing all of these unique products I usually would not be aware of, were it not for you.
Hi Lois, thanks! I’m wearing size Small.
Your brown leather jacket looks like the best, glossiest, most unctuous dark chocolate! You make it look amazing.
Thanks so much, Alexandra! I absolutely LOVE this jacket.