Out and about in London
Do you ever feel like the pace of a vacation really picks up the last few days? We’ve been on the go since we arrived in London on Sunday afternoon.
Wearing: jacket (similar / Plus) | scarf | jeans (similar) | boots (similar)
What I’ve been wearing in London…
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen this orange jacket pop up in my stories. It’s the second of two jackets I purchased at Weekend Max Mara in Bologna. (According to the Sales Associate, it was the last one left in their entire inventory, so I’ve linked to a similar style above.)
It’s reversible (!!!) and quite warm, and I’ve been wearing it daily here in London. It will be a perfect winter weight jacket for home, too.
The weather’s been quite brisk the last two days, 30’s to low-50’s F (though mostly clear and sunny, which we’ve been grateful for!).
Click here for more of my travel outfits and travel wardrobe tips.
Masks aren’t required here, and most people aren’t wearing them either outdoors or in shops or restaurants. We are remaining vigilant, and wearing our masks indoors and on public transport. I have noticed a higher percentage of people wearing masks on the Tube, though the few times we’ve ridden it’s been quite empty.
Yesterday we had to get two Covid tests, one for our arrival in the UK (which we had to pre-schedule prior to leaving Paris), and one to be able to get back to the US. Both negative. 😉 In between we walked quite a bit, enjoying the beautiful fall weather. (We also enjoyed a bus ride in the evening.)
Snapshots of London
We had to zip over to Waterloo for our pre-booked Covid test, and decided to walk back from there.
We happened to stop into the Salisbury Pub (near the theater district) for lunch. Per the sign in the back, this is where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton held their second wedding reception! (Beer and food both quite good, too.)
Fortnum & Mason decorated for the holidays like a giant advent calendar.
A bit of calm and quiet in Hyde Park.
The exterior of Harrod’s, as viewed from the top deck of the bus.
The very girly (and gorgeous) ladies’ loo at Ivy Chelsea Gardens. That’s jewelry designer Tarra Rosenbaum in the mirror, who I finally had the pleasure to meet over dinner.
Today’s the last day of our trip, and we have more meetups and fun planned. Then we pack, and head to the airport early tomorrow for the long flight home. I’ll have more shopping and style posts to share soon, as well as travel updates and recommendations.
Thanks for following along! See you back on the other side of the “pond.”
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
I meant to ask you about that jacket when we met – too busy catching up! It’s a winner!
Wonderful London photos!
I’m guessing you scheduled your covid tests online. Do you get a text message with the results? I hope you’ll include this info when you give a recap.
Fabulous photos , Susan, so thanks for sharing your whole adventure. All places I love and hope to return to. You are an excellent photographer.
I was just in London in late September and I loved being back. Always stay at The Montague on the Gardens near Russell Square in Bloomsbury. Excellent service, beautiful decor, and their Leopard Bar is very special. There’s been some changes during the recent closures, and a garden room is now redone.
Your new reversible jacket is such a find and perfect for your colours. Very envious!
I do have a bonded Max Mara Weekend pale blue/cream reversible coat that is a favourite….sale purchase on-line from TheBay. Blouse and scarves from InWear are excellent with it. Can’t wait for spring to wear it again.
Enjoying my lovely fall wardrobe here on Vancouver Island, for obvious reasons. Crisp air so refreshing. A little less rain would be good!
Enjoy the last hours and have a safe & comfortable journey home. Long hauls (to YVR) are such a slog.
As we seniors were somewhat exhausted from our month long driving tour in the West Country and suffering from colds, I upgraded to Club World on BA… pure bliss to sleep flat for awhile.
Home, healed , and already planning my next trip in April!
Thank you for those wonderful picts.It has been a good while since we have been able to visit in London,so to travel vicariously is great!Hope your family holidays are everything you could wish for.
Nice to see you enjoying my home city. Masks are absolutely required on public transport and many shops ask you to wear them.
Yes, please provide info about where to get a Covid test in London.
Pamela, if this is helpful…Randox is affordable at £47 , and self administered PCP with good turnaround time. Check out UK government site.
Did ours once delivered to our hotel and followed instructions, popping box into slot at nearby pharmacy for speedy pickup. Info and code in e-Mail
I’m amazed at how you squeezed in time, almost daily, to do a post, with photos. Thanks for the vicarious travels. Fingers crossed I’ll get to Paris soon.
Lovely outerwear you have been purchasing. Hope you brought an extra suitcase!
Love that jacket on you! You look fabulous. We’re planning a Rome trip soon and I had a sneaker question. You mentioned sneakers being worn in Italy. Were they strictly designer sneakers? I have a pair of very comfortable HOKA brand sneakers in a dark grey so I’ll be bringing those but was wondering if they’d just look too “clunky” to wear every day. I’m bringing a pair of ankle boots but wondering if I should also bring a pair of EF wedged loafers too.
Thanks, Susan. Safe travels.
Lisa
Superga Italian sneakers/trainers are famous (though I doubt most are still made in Italy). Yes, people wear them in cities. I’d avoid white ones personally, but I don’t care for white shoes in general. There are some beautiful colours. My favourite urban walking shoes are Winonas; canvas Mary-Janes made by Doc Martens – great support for a light shoe and fairly rain-resistant, but that is also because I always tangle laces! I have red ones.
Susan, how lucky you and Mr were to find sunny November days in London! It is also sunny and clement here in Montréal.
I really enjoyed reading about your trip!!
Have a safe trip home.
Planning a trip to Paris in March…and always love your Paris posts. Please share the COVID test info for Paris…
Can’t wait to read your recap. We’re planning to travel to London and Paris after Christmas through New Years. Would love any tips, tricks and recommendations!
Those photos are great. You have a photographer’s eye.
You never come home rested from a vacation. Takes weeks to readjust to normal life again. I know some lil pup going to be overjoyed to have Mama home.. Great post. Love all the color!
It has been so enjoyable following you on your trip. Before you left for your trip did you have to get the booster shot? I am planning our trip to Europe next year. Thank you for all you share with us.
My sister, niece and I are booked for Paris in February (only time the volleyball player has off during the year!). Their first trip, I’m so excited to show them my favorite city. I’ve been sharing your posts with my sister, and she loves them! Thank you so much for sharing.
Your trip is wonderful. I am so glad you haven’t caught the Covid-19 virus during your trip. Fingers crossed it will stay this way till your home. In the Netherlands the contaminations are rising again and restrictions are increasing with it.
Your orange jacket is so nice. Weekend Max Mara is high on my list of favourites.
Have a safe journey home.
Greetje
Excellent post cards from your travels. Fun, generous and lovely, thank you. Your orange jacket is a winner!
I love London and miss it dearly. What a treat to get to see these wonderful pictures you took! Did you buy any goodies at Fortnum and Mason? Safe travels home, Susan!
Remember the 5th of November!
Unfortunately, I think the 5th of November (Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night) is one of those historical events not taught much these days. I used to love Guy Fawkes night as a child, but it was banned after there were several fires and i juries from the fireworks