London Lessons Learned Part 1

Its THURSDAY— that means the weekend starts today… well officially tomorrow…. okay actually in two days!

Either way I hope you have had a great week.  Anything fantastic happen????

As the title would suggest I wanted to share some of the lessons learned while living abroad and this edition will be those silly daily things that took some getting used to.  I mean, I have a whole list of deep and meaningful lessons learned but for today lets keep it light!  Recently, I spoke a bit about some of the fashion difference between London and Denver in this post and so much of that applies to the lessons learned.

I learned lessons in fashion habits, in grocery shopping, in social norms, in trash collection, in restaurant services, in ordering wine, doing laundry and how to transport myself around the city.

Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

shop the look:  Denim // top // booties // clutch // bracelet <similar> // jacket <similar>

Gingham…. a new favorite… and ever popular! I stumbled upon this top, a bit by accident, but thrilled I did.  It is a dream to wear and I love the pattern. I have bee known to love stripes but I think gingham is taking over! The three-quarter sleeves guarantee its transition into the spring.  It runs a bit large so order down from your typical size (especially for the smaller busted ladies).  I paired it with the classic British black denim.  These new jeans are great as they are long enough to be worn with heels but can be rolled for a cute bootie and are much softer than some of my  others.  There is a bit of stretch in them making them perfect for work where you sit a lot! The bracelet was a gift many years ago but I have linked several others <similar> <similar>.  This long pendant should look familiar from this post <here> but I obviously have it on repeat.  I love how long it hangs!  Every fashion forward close needs a classic black leather jacket and this one, while several years old, has been an absolute staple!  I have linked several <similar> <similar>.  Snag one up ASAP.

Now to quick of list of learnings!

• Grocery shopping is done online- otherwise I have to carry everything home in a bag or on my back- online!
• Wine comes in different sizes here- I can get 125ml, 250ml or a bottle -always order the 250ml (why not??).
• Hunter Boots are worn on the commons/park for walking your dog- not as a fashionable boot.  They are for mucking.
• There are very few dryers around London- most people have a washer only- and if you have a dryer like we do it take 6.5 hours to complete a wash and dry cycle and I do not transfer the clothes- it is one machine- a washer/dryer combo.
• You do not tip at a restaurant or a bar and if you choose to it is only 12.5%.  It is certainly not expected.
• Neighbors are not your friends- it is weird to smile at people walking down the street – not because everyone is grumpy but because everyone is on their own agenda and that is just social norm.
• On trash collection day all the trash must be inside a large black plastic bag and must be placed on the sidewalk by 6am… there is no machine dumping trash cans- it is all done by hand.
• Getting around the city without a car is really easy in London- there are plenty of options- bus, train, tube, light-rail- and some days I may find myself on all them…. until there is a strike and NOTHING is running- no public transport.  I stay home those days.  Ha.

While the lesson are wide and varied I am ever thankful that I had the opportunity to experience an entirely new culture and lifestyle!

Thank you for continuing along this journey with me-

With Love,