When being faced with an inevitable bout of last minute Christmas shopping, there is only one place I can head, and that’s Regent Street. Move over Fifth Avenue and Champs-Elysées, this elegant ‘Mile of Style’ is brim full of covetable international brands, housed beautifully in Grade II listed facades, now welcomes over 7.5 million tourists a year. Despite its popularity, hustle and bustle, I don’t ever find shopping on Regent Street ever too hectic, but actually a totally enjoyable experience. Amidst a well curated stretch of flagship fashion heavy weights and a scattering of trusted high street honeys, there is a supreme lack of feisty, jabbing elbows from fellow shoppers, and importantly, plenty of places to get some R&R if you (and your credit card) need a break.
Last week I dashed to Regent Street for some Christmas shopping and some pre-Christmas lunch pampering. I immediately felt incredibly festive when I arrived, red-cupped Pumpkin Latte in hand, I was so excited to see the street’s famed Christmas lights glistening in the sunshine and the shops looking all sparkling and lush with their over flowing Christmas decorations.
I headed straight to DryBy, a blow dry and nail bar just off Regent Street which offers a capsule collection of five classic hairstyles (I chose ‘The London,’ obvs!) With its dusky pink walls, rose-toned lighting, wooden floors and a marble styling station, the beyond stylish salon is one of the prettiest and chic places to get those follicles spoilt.
DryBy: 74 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7RZ
Blow-Dry’s range from: £28 – £42
Nails range from: £21 – £55
Flicking my glossy, tousled locks (‘coz I’m worth it), my next stop was Space NK on Regent Street for a make-over. I love having my make up done, and the benefit of booking a make-over at Space NK is that your make-up artist has at least half a dozen different brands to choose from, so you really do get the best of the best.
I had my face cleansed and prepped which left my skin feeling glowy, and then made up for my Christmas festivities later that afternoon - LOVE me a professionally flicked cat eye… HOW DO THEY DO IT?!! A real little discovery of the day was Chantecaille’s Mermaid Eye Colour in Seashell (RRP. £29.00), which can be worn wet or dry as an eye shadow or eye liner. However, despite being on the wish list, this was a day of shopping for others… (“I’ll be back…”)
TLC Loves… Space NK
Primped and preened, I headed to one of my high street faves, L’Occitane, a brand I was properly introduced to earlier this year, and one I’ve used religiously ever since. Inspired by Provence, one of my favourite places in the world, I’m excited to share my new found L'Occitane love with my family this Christmas. I found lots of brightly wrapped gift collections in the Regent Street store, but inevitably ended up leaving with a selection of my firm favourites to pop under the tree later this week. FYI: The Lavende Foaming Bath (RRP. £20.00) is magnifique!
TLC LOVES… L’Occitane
A trip to Regent Street wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Anthropolgie. Breathe in the gooooood, exhale the baaaaaaad… Is there ANY other shop in the world that smells so gawddang good?! Anthropologie is less of a shopping location, more a sensory experience, igniting all your senses with its rich, artfully packed, variety of treasures. An average customer’s visit to Anthropologie lasts an hour and 15 minutes, and you can instantly understand why. I am a massive fan of their home wear and you can always find the best presents for your loved ones (and yourself… at it again, oops!) Alongside buying myself a Safari Beaded Headband (RRP. £32.00), I did get some of my friends and family some pressies too…
TLC Loves... Anthropologie
Shopping bags in hand, I was ready to spin through the revolving doors into the refined British splendour of Hotel Café Royal, a five-star hotel on Regent Street, and the perfect location for a festive feast. The hotel is looking completely magical, and my girlfriends and I merrily tucked into their Festive Menu, which also has some delicious vegetarian options, beside their opulent Christmas tree. The perfect end to a successful, and stress free shopping day.
In collaboration with Regent Street
Photography: Ella Sadika
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