london

From top: 1) the iPhone predicting good weather, 2) Mom and Austin settling in aboard a British Airways flight to Heathrow, 3) the incredible Langham London hotel, 4) the beautifully executed visual brand standards of the Langham, 5) sweeping view of London from our hotel room, 6) eggs benedict at the Wolseley, 7) DJ Bruce Wayne spinning some great tracks at the Picadilly Circus Nike store, 8) fit for a princess at Moira of Bond Street, 9) Penhaligon's near Mayfair, 10) picking out a new fragrance, 11) most beautiful hosiery in the world can be found at Wolford on Molton Street, 12) Liberty of London, the absolute best retail experience in England, 13) fantastic charm chop at Liberty, 14) the magical top floor of Liberty, 15) rewarding ourselves with macarons at Ladurée Harrods. 16) tired feet after a long day of London retail therapy.

cotswolds | blenheim palace

One of the most aesthetically pleasing palaces in the world, Blenheim was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the current residence of the Duke of Marlborough. Located in the heart of Cotswold Country, it is a respite for those seeking a glimpse into the grandeur of English heritage and culture. It is currently maintained by the Spencer-Churchills.

From top: 1) the front gates of Blenheim Palace, 2) built between 1705 and 1724, the plan of Blenheim is Palladian while the architectural style channels a unique version of English Baroque with elements that would later make its way into Second Empire, 3) the boxwood hedges of Blenheim trimmed to resemble birds, 4) Pimm's & Lemonade at the Blenheim Cafe, 5) a 14k gold beefeater charm I acquired that day at a local Cotswold jeweler. 

england | oxford

Creativity, Language and Design are three words that well describe the Oxford, England area. Located west of London on the M40, Oxford is a rich haven of English energy and intellectualism. We took a tour of the BMW-owned MINI production plant and walked about the well-planned streets of Oxford.

From top: 1) the MINI Oxford Plant entrance, 2) takeaways from the MINI tour, 3) the well-planned and walkable streets of Oxford, 4) Oxford University, 5)  scrumdiddlyumptious cookies in a local bakery window, 6) the Crown, a local Oxford pub with a lovely little courtyard, 7) Sissy and James and their young English American love.