Hair Matters

Hair matters. Went to a perfectly good hairdresser here in London and I let myself be talked into red. The first time I saw the colorist she had black hair, the second she had a reddish blonde. This ought to have been the first tip-off. But no, I wanted a change to go along with new flat, new job and new city. Since I believe in good hairdressers over shrinks, off I bounced and emerged looking like Vivienne Westwood and then faded to Raggedy Ann. It took four hours at London's best hair colorist, Jo Hansford, to turn me back to a lovely chestnut brown.

So lesson learned: there's no point pretending to be a redhead if you're not. Unless of course you're Christina Hedricks from Mad Men and can actually get away with it!

I'm choosing hair over clothing this year.

Umbrellas

A charming umbrella is the ultimate in elegance. On a stroll through London stumbled across this charming umbrella and cane shop right next to Tottenham Court Road station. Founded in 1830 they make their impressive selection of umbrellas (lavender, creme brulée, and mint green amongst many others!) in the basement workshop. The shop assistants are discreet and well-mannered. We carefully selected a rosewood cane that might meet the exacting standards of my terribly vain 80 year old grandmother -- fingers crossed.

James Smith & Sons

LOUBOUTINS

Here's a link to a snippet of a great New Yorker article on Christian Louboutin:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/03/28/110328fa_fact_collins

Afternoon Tea

What is the best place for Afternoon Tea in London? Reader, someone has to answer this question once and for all. My best friend and I are picking up the gauntlet at great risk to waistband and wallet. In order of preference:

1. The Connaught : Chocolate scones! Amazing cakes! Lovely setting! Great service! Go! www.the-connaught.co.uk/afternoon_tea.aspx
2. Milestone Hotel: Waiters gave us six extra macaroons. How to resist? Very cozy sort of chintz and fireplace.
3. Langham Hotel: Okay but the bar is better. We ended up there...
4. Brown's Hotel: Sorry but disappointing service.

In April we'll go to the newly redecorated Savoy - can't wait!

Parisian Chic/La Parisienne by Ines de la Fressange avec Sophie Gachet

Karl Lagerfeld apparently once said that no one had more chic than Ines de la Fressange, and her new book skips lightly through how to be as chic as a Parisian. She gives tips (be more rock than bourgeois) but more importantly addresses to great shops, hotels and restaurants in Paris. Most of these are reasonably priced, which is a relief. It's a fabulous read. Although like most truly chic women her style is inimitable! Wouldn't it be fun to go to Paris and follow her Roger Vivier flats to all those shops?