Tuesday, November 20, 2012

An afternoon at Harrods

I'm going to skip a bit ahead in my travel adventures so I can tell you about a fun afternoon of shopping I had at Harrods in London and a couple of splurges I made.

I had high hopes for my first-ever trip to Harrods; it was one of those shopping destinations that I had heard so many people talking about over the years and after seeing the infamous Harrods bag carried by many a stylish lady, I was determined to be let in on the secret of the world's most beautiful department store.



It was even more important for me to visit the store given my family history: my late grandmother was a senior fashion buyer for Harrods in the 1930s, where she had worked her way up from being a Clerk at the age of 14. It was through working at Harrods that she met my grandfather, who was in the rag trade business and was selling his pieces to Harrods.

They say fashion comes full circle and in this case I think it very much does. 

I had planned to make a few splurge purchases on my trip and knew that Harrods would be the perfect place to make them. Not only do they stock every major designer label a seasoned shopper could wish for {including the likes of Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney + Mulberry} the store itself is luxurious and everything from the overly helpful staff, the decadent bathrooms {complete with perfume for you to use}, and the plush decor made my shopping experience everything I could have hoped for...and then some.
Wearing Zara jeans; Paul & Joe t-shirt; Helmut Lang Blazer; Jimmy Choo pumps; Mulberry del rey bag.

The Blazer

I wear blazers all the time - to work, on the weekend, shopping, out with friends - what I love most about them is their versatility. So investing in a timeless blazer that would never date was high on my list. I tried on several but kept coming back to this perfect-fitting Helmut Lang blazer. 



The Classic Pump

I found myself in shoe heaven after discovering the both the custom designed Manolo Blahnik + Christian Louboutin shoe boutiques on the first floor at Harrods. I was tossing up between a stunning pair of Mary-Jane Manolo's {yes, just like the one's Carrie lusted after in the Vogue shoe closet}; Louboutin pumps or a pair of Jimmy Choo patent pumps. I decided to go with the Jimmy Choo's as they are such a versatile shoe that I knew I could easily wear with jeans, a suit or a cocktail dress, plus they are super comfortable {if that is even possible?}.

I have to say that since I have gotten home I have worn the blazer on numerous occasions; so even though it was expensive I know the cost per wear will be very low. The shoes I haven't worn quite as regularly, but I know have a classic pair of pumps to pull out on any given occasion.

If you are ever in London I highly recommend visiting Harrods; it truly is a beautiful place to shop; and if not, well their online store is only a click away!



Rachel xo


19 comments:

  1. I want that blazer...so with you- I wear them ALL the time. And I was debating about wearing some high heel pumps with jeans today and you just totally sold me on it- I get so used to wearing boots in the winter...hard to put the heels back on:)

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  2. How great to visit somewhere that has so much history for your grandparents,I'm sure it made it extra-special!!

    You look fab.....LOVE the Choos!!

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  3. Love the blazer Rachel. Always works out when you factor in cost per wear! You'll definitely get miles out of these purchases:) I loved Harrods when I last visited - its such an experience :)x

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  4. You look wonderful! love everything you are wearing and the bag is great, adore Mulberry :)Harrods is also a great place to visit as long as you can move around, once went in January and just couldn't move at all, so many people ... I do love to visit though. Hope you are having a happy week sweetie

    Bee happy x

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  5. Love the blazer and you're so right about black pumps, they go with everything! A little splurge here & there is so worth it sometimes - especially when the cost-per-wear is low :) xoxo

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  6. Such a cute story about your grandparents! Love how fashion runs in your family -- you look SO chic!

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  7. That story about your grandparents is so sweet - loved reading it! Your purchases looks fab on you, too! xx

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  8. Such a lovely post-- too cool reading about your personal family history with Harrods, and so glad you got to visit there yourself! Your purchases are perfect in my mind-- timeless staples that you'll wear over and over ;)

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  9. Wow, I can't believe the story about your grandparents, so interesting! And I absolutely love your choices, great great picks!

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  10. I loved the story about your grandparents and it looks to me that you got yourself some really fine things in Harrods ;-)

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  11. I love to hear your shopping adventures and it was a pleasure to see you 'in action' in Paris! I wish I was in London as well...The story of your grandparents is so romantic and it's great that you managed to get these stylish souvenirs...Great choices!

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  12. ahh i love harrods. it makes you feel so special when you step through the doors and the story about your grandparents is amazing! great purchases as well :) xx

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  13. I love that your grandmother was a buyer for Harrods -- it is one of my favorite stores/experiences of all time!
    Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.

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  14. What a lovely story about your grandparents! Love the things you bought, both purchases are just to die for. x

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  15. What a lovely story about your grandparents Rachel. Must have given your visit a special bit of context. Your purchases look fab too :)

    Abbey x

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  16. Great post Rachel adore the blazer cannot beat a great cut staple in your wardrobe and absolutely love the story of your Grandparents meeting so extra special meaning to your Harrods experience!
    Carla x

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  17. I loved reading the story about your grandparents, Rachel. You invested in two timeless pieces. :)

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  18. Just catching up on your posts. Your blazer and shoes are great investments - classic and so versatile. I love to go to Harrods when I'm in London (I'm only about two hours away by train) I can see why it's so special to you - lovely story about your grandparents.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  19. I loved loved everything about London and Harrod's, although I didn't splurge on anything (my only purchase was a souvenir mug).

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