As you know I live in North London with my fiancé, Daniel. I spent around six years living in South (Putney, Clapham and even a stint in Oval) and have lived in Finchley (North) for around three years. Every week I spend lots of time in the West End. Whilst I love the suburban way of North London living, I feel right at home in the hustle and bustle of town. Aside from all the shops, bars and salons I know London like the back of my hand. It’s a great place to spend a day alone. My favourite place at the moment? Connaught Village.

Luxury Retail

It’s situated in the heart of Hyde Park Estate’s luxury retail quarter. You could say it’s an oasis of calm. Just a quick stroll from Oxford Street and a short walk from Hyde Park, expect to see lots of celebs and fashionistas. It’s a haven for bloggers as the area is postcard picturesque. The Village is home to an exclusive mix of independent retailers, award winning restaurants, sophisticated galleries and leading designers. You might have seen a few of the shops I’ve been lusting after on my last ‘come shop with me’ post. Here are the hidden gems worth visiting during your day alone in London.

The Hair

I’ve said before that for me, a good salon wash and blow dry is right up there with massages and sleep for relaxation. There’s something about being in a salon that makes me feel good about myself. Whether it’s the prospect of big, bouncy, shiny hair or the amazing products they use to massage my scalp. It’s always a place I can switch my phone off and take some time out. On Connaught Street is Fé. It boasts treatments as seen in the likes of Vogue and Harpers BAZAAR like ‘hair botox’ (a deep conditioning treatment that reconstructs the hair) and the recently famous ‘Olaplex’ (an amazing conditioning treatment referred to as the most superior conditioning treatment available today).
If you don’t fancy kicking your day off with a blow out, Fé has a superb offering of nail and tanning treatments. There are also facials (try the Microdermabrasion) and massages. Their makeup is also fab and it’s a place I’m considering to use for semi permanent makeup in the next year or so.
 

Lunch

Just next door to Fé is Stuzzico. A long established and well loved Italian restaurant serving the best of authentic Italian cuisine. Our little bellies could do with some warm hearty food on a day out in London.

Although being pregnant means no wine for me, I’d usually think nothing of having a glass by myself. Especially before a trip to a designer store!

If you’re visiting, do come hungry because you’ll want to try all three courses. Even if it is just for lunch. On my visit, I couldn’t help try the bread with my burrata starter. The portions do come up quite big so I couldn’t quite manage to finish but I would never had forgone the course.

Always ask what the specials are because these are always worth trying. On hearing ‘Saffron Risotto’, I wasn’t quite sure how it’d work – but it did, and my pregnant appetite meant I wolfed down the lot!

Vintage Designer

London’s ‘The Dresser’ has been acclaimed as ‘a gem of a second hand boutique,’ and is now recognised as one of London’s leading ‘designer clothes agencies’ specialising in the buying and selling of high end, contemporary and couture second hand designer women’s and menswear.
The moment you enter the store you’re delving through rails and rails of stunning designer pieces, each carefully collected and laid out. There are some epic vintage designer labels including: Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Versace, Gaultier, Pucci, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Marni, Stella McCartney, Isobel Marant, Alice Temperley, Cavalli, Marc Jacobs and more…
It’s where magazine editors, stylists and even some celebrities come to re-sell designer clothes and accessories on a 50/50%, eight weeks sale-or-return basis so you know there’s always going to be some amazing collectable pieces all at fantastic prices.
 

Aside from the beautiful dresses and clothing, the shoes and bags are absolutely worth a visit. Pre owned Chanel bags like this and not to mention the incredible previously owned shoes are worth the short walk from Oxford Circus. The prices are great.

Have you been to Connaught Village? Where are your favourite stores and where would you spend a day in London alone? Xx