Thursday, May 2, 2013

Your Tour Guide


GET THE LOOK HERE:
Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohls (option) (option) // Top: c/o Wallis (exact) // Denim: Lauren Conrad for Kohls (option) // Shoes: Payless (option) (option) // Bag: Target (option) // Necklace: Forever 21 (option) (option)

In about thirty-six hours Ross and I crammed in about three days worth of sightseeing. Even though we did not get to experience more of the magic that London had to offer, I think we should win a gold medal for what we were able to accomplish for the short time we had.  

Today, just call me your personal London tour guide. 

After we finished our morning and afternoon with Wallis, we hit the tourist pavement. 

First stop the London Eye, a 443' Ferris wheel that offers the most spectacular views of the entire city. I recommend doing this at night, but because of our limited time we hopped on in the late afternoon. I still can't believe I got on that thing....I am petrified of heights.

After a fifteen minute ride we went straight for food. We stumbled upon an Italian restaurant called Prezzo. In my opinion this was the best meal we had during our stay and the prices were actually lower than some of the other places we ate at.

It was time to walk off the pasta, pizza, wine and dessert. We took a couple hour stroll and explored all that was close by; Big Ben, The Parliament, Parliament Square, a park and logically I hopped in a telephone booth. I couldn't resist that one. London still has booths scattered around the city. Crazy to me. 


We headed back to our room, freshened up and hit the town...again. I have to hand it to another cab driver for taking us to another hot spot; a place we would have never found on our own. It was a super hip cocktail bar and club called Eclipse. They even made me my very own special request that wasn't on the menu. Talk about some service. Highlight of the night, some locals buying me a yellow rose because they knew I was from Texas by my accent and my overuse of "y'all".


We woke up early Wednesday morning to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The actual "changing of the guard" wasn't that earth shattering, but something you have to do if you go to London. What baffles my mind is that this production, and I mean production, takes place every single day at 11:30 AM. The two guards that have to stand "guarding" the palace for 24 hours straight can't eat or use the restroom. They just stand there, no movement, no expression and those hats...can you imagine how uncomfortable they must be? Oh, and I told the Queen hello from all of you.


Moving on by foot, we made our way to Westminster Abbey where Prince William and Princess Kate were married. We didn't go inside because that whole timing factor I mentioned. We popped back by Big Ben to get a better glimpse during the day. In case you didn't know, you cannot tour this building nor the Parliament that is attached to it. I actually thought we could and felt a little uneducated and silly when I asked where we bought tickets to get in.


And then it happened. An angel flew down from the sky and landed smack dab in front of us. We were contemplating buying tickets for a boat tour and couldn't decide if we wanted to spend the time doing it. That's when the angel walked up and gave us two tickets for an all day pass to one of the tours. He said he got them from work and wasn't going to use them. I thought it was a little shady and have the mentality of "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." Well, I was wrong this time. The tickets were legit and before I could blink we were on a boat. 

Best way to see hundreds of things in a short amount of time. We cruised along the Thames River and witnessed both modern and historical architecture. We floated under the London Bridge, which was nothing like I expected. It was super small; not the big one you see in the top right picture below. That is actually the Tower Bridge, much more impressive.

We stopped and journeyed to the Tower of London; the place were William Wallace (Braveheart) was beheaded along with numerous other royalty. The history on those grounds was chilling. It was an eery feeling to learn all what had taken place over the years. This is the original fortress where Kings and Queens used to reside. The Crown Jewels are still on display and I almost fainted when I saw all the diamonds and gemstones. I never thought I could engulf so much history that actually intrigued me. I seriously want to read books and learn more about it's past. If there is one place of history to set your sights on in London, this is the place. We devoured every lesson and story while we were there.

Now comes the part where I wish we had a video. We decided that we had to ride the Tube (aka subway). Neither of us have ever been on one before, so to us it was a tourist attraction; a thrilling one at that. It just so happened that we showed up at the station right at rush hour. The only two words that come to mind to describe it is "haul ass". Because if you don't, yours is going to get handed to you or trampled right to the ground. I have never seen people move so fast. We were "those" people. Lost, confused, trying to figure out where we were going, what we were doing....it was hilarious. We stood out like bright little Texas stars and received plenty of not so nice looks. And all I could do was sing, "Come on ride that train...and ride it." What a cheap 15 minute rush.


Besides having our last supper at one of the most sophisticated and sexy restaurants I have even been too, Amaya, our trip has tearfully come to an end.

Reliving it this week with all of you has been the best. I feel like I went to London twice. Thanks for sticking with me. I know my posts have been crazy long this week, but I wanted to document as much as I could for personal reasons and for those who might be planning a trip to London in the future. 

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have.

I do have one last little bit left for tomorrow...all the things I learned while in London. You know, when in London do what the Londoners do. 
 
Shanna

64 comments:

Miranda said...

jealous of your trip! this is one my favorite outfits i think i have seen you have on the blog. I love simple but stylish looks. and i LOVE that necklace!

Jeans and a Teacup said...

What an amazing trip Shanna! I'm going to keep all these things in mind for one day when I go to London (hopefully!). And all your outfits from London have been AMAZING!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

i'm exhausted just reading today's post!! I can't belive you went on the London Eye either!! I would have freaked hahaha sounds like an amazing day :)

Anonymous said...

Love hearing about your adventures... you saw so many things! My girls would have loved that ferris wheel!

kariotakis said...

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Kariotakis
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Ashley said...

I don't think I could ever do the London Eye...heights terrify me!! But so cool that you were able to stop by Westminister Abbey!!

I am in love with this white blazer...I didn't even know LC had a white one...so cute!

Annie said...

It's been so fun reading about your amazing trip Shanna! Sounds like you and Ross had the best time ever, you kicked ass with Wallace, and you looked SO cute :)

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Danavee said...

You did such of good job of making great use of your time there! I'm impressed!!!!!! I love seeing it through your eyes!

Katie said...

how awesome that you guys got to go! and your hair looks SOO beautiful in those outfit pictures!

Chelsea Oliver said...

I'm loving all your posts about London! It's definitely on my top 5 places to visit...eventually! So happy for you to have this experience - have fun!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

Helene said...

it looks like you guys really got to see and do almost everything!! you looked "brilliant" doing it!

pretty little things said...

love that necklace girly! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

There is just too much awesomeness in this post! I'm insanely jealous of your trip!

The London Eye is a must do for me when I finally get myself across the pond. My husband is weary of it, but I'll drag him on lol.

Now I know the boat tour is a must-do as well and I'll have to remember that Parliament is not accessible by us mere civilians. Because I will ask lol.

Amy Shaughnessy said...

This was my favorite post of your trip. Oh to see all of that history!! I'm soooooo obsessed with 15th century England and want to see all of these places. To walk where royals from hundreds of years ago walked would just be mind blowing to me.

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Always Maylee said...

Haha you and the subway, I love it. It's the same here, if you don't haul ass, you will just get shoved around and miss the train. Love following you around London. What an amazing trip and memorable experience!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Unknown said...

I'm loving all of your England photos, I want to take a vacay there so badly! I'm also in love with this outfit, it reminds me how badly I need a white blazer!

http://simpleeasystyle.blogspot.com/

TheTinyHeart said...

Ahh this really makes me want to go to London! One of my mom's good friends lives outside of London so I'm dying to go. I'm laughing at your experience on the tube. It's the same in New York and I can spot the tourists right away ;)

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Ashleigh said...

That is so amazing! I am so happy you went! I'm a total anglophile, and obsessed with everything British. I named my daughter London! We are waiting to go when my daughter is older so London can see...London lol.Thank you for posting your pics and telling us about the trip. You deserved the Wallis ambassadorship and I know you will do great things with it!
-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Ladies in Navy said...

looks so fun! love the coral top!
kw Ladies in Navy
Target giveaway!

Rachel said...

That necklace is so fun! I hate using the subway in NYC, but you definitely get used to it (just like the tube!)

Alyssa said...

I was in London for one brief weekend in college, but I didn't do half of these amazing things–I'm sad I missed so much! Oh well, guess I'll just have to go back ;)

Unknown said...

First of all, your leopard wedges are to die for!
Ok, to London...You are lucky you got to see all these incredible sights! I have only flown into the airport, but someday I hope to actually get a chance to sightsee...I will definitely use your blog posts as my tour guide ;)
You looked so chic running around with your hubby, I'm glad he got to enjoy the trip with you!

xoxo,
Whit
Simply Whit in a Sequined Life

Anonymous said...

I am in aweee of this trip and your goregousness! :):)

Elle Noel said...

One- I want to go to London ten times more than I did before (and I thought that was already at a ten) Two- I seriously need to familiarize my self with Kohls. You're outfits are on fiya!!

Unknown said...

You look adorable! Having so much fun reading about your trip!! : )

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Sarah Tucker said...

Okay, when Chris and I go to London, it looks like you have to come and be our tour guide :)

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Love everything about this post - how awesome that you got those tickets and could see so much in such a short time.

You guys rocked it and made the most out of your trip. That is totally my style!

Makaila said...

... that choo-chooo train! I love that song. :P I'm 100% sure that the Texas start DID radiate from both of you! ;) Loved this sharing point of the trip.. major kuddos for fitting in as much as you possible could.

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

What a Fabulous time! And even more good luck on your trip.

Anonymous said...

Awww. It looks like you had a great time! (And I'm a little jelly that your husband takes pictures for you. Mine refuses).

Gwen said...

So cute that the locals gave you a rose! I've loved seeing all your pictures and reading about your adventures!

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

That's so nice that the locals gave you the yellow rose! And how awesome that you got the free tickets for the boat tour?! Isn't the Tower of London awesome? It's my favorite!

Misty, Handbags + Handguns said...

The best part of this post...

"Come on ride that train...and ride it."

HAHAHA! I love it.

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Wow! You are much braver than I am. I never would've gotten on that ferris wheel.

She Is Moments said...

I love the gorgeous bright colors you are wearing! The coral and mint just pop!

~maureen @sheismoments

A Muse in Purple said...

What a wonderful whirlwind trip! You looked amazing and I'm sure you impressed them! So exciting!

Caroline said...

THIS LOOKS LIKE SO MUCH FUN!!! (And I'm obsessed with your leopard wedges... seriously, so cute!)

I applied to study abroad in Oxford and find out tomorrow whether I get in or not. I'm trying to not get my hopes up, but these pictures are not helping!!! I'm dying to be in London right now!

Style-Delights said...

Such a whirlwind trip!! Love ur outfit -as always- and the photo-travelogue!! I want to visit London this summer!! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style Delights Blog

Michaela Quigley said...

Love the outfit! Looks like you had a great time!

Tiffany said...

After reading this I instantly messaged Justin and told him we are going to London. AMAZING.

Kayla Peveler said...

You literally look STUNNING. That necklace is ADORABLE and I think I need one ;)

Unknown said...

I love your blog! I just started mine and would love anyone to stop by and check it out. Thanks! www.happierhappenings.blogspot.com

Andrea said...

Such a great tour guide! I am so behind on blog reading and starting here! I can't imagine seeing all of those amazing sites!! Of course you look fabulous the whole time!! Love ya!

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

So many fun photos! The one with the yellow rose is to cute. (And I'm a really loving your white blazer!)

Fizz and Frosting

Hannah @ Just Call Me HaHa said...

Bah, we went to London last year and your trip is bringing back so many memories! I'm so glad you were able to experience it!

larias220 said...

Love, love, love the leopard wedges! What an awesome trip!

Dhruvi said...

Love these pictures, and all your London outfits!

Dhruvi
Stilettos & Sequins

Courtney B said...

Shanna!! You look AMAZING in these photos! That first outfit? LOVE everything about it. So stunning on you!
What an amazing experience! Someday I hope to go to London!

Rachel said...

So sad that reading about the trip is over!! I love each outfit from each day, it's hard to pick which one I would love to duplicate myself first!

I love how you said you had to haul ass on the tube. You all REALLY got to experience it, especially if it was rush hour!

This has only increased my desire to go to London! Maybe it has officially passed Italy on my top 10 places I want to visit and gone to #1. So glad you had fun and got home safely!

Unknown said...

Great pics Shanna! I am impressed with how much you got to see in such a short time. And thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us!

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Brooke said...

Looks awesome! I've always wanted to do that feris wheel!

Cool!

=) Brooke

Bri said...

The outfit: Love all of the color combos!! The pop of leopard is always a must and the necklace is perfect. I need it. ;)

London trip pictures: Keep them coming! I have enjoyed them so much! And I am so happy for the opportunity you had to go and enjoy it!

Rebecca said...

It makes me smile to read how much you have enjoyed being in London and your experience on the underground made me laugh, it really is crazy in rush hour.

Jamie said...

Wow, you got so much done in such a short period of time!! I did a very similar thing the first time I was there because I had only tacked on 2 days to the front end of a work trip (we have a major office in Southampton, which is about an hour and a half south of London). If you ever find yourself back there, as a shopper, you have to go to Covent Garden - amazing shopping!! It was recommended to me by one of my British coworkers and it did not disappoint. And, as a person who grew up in the northeast where almost every city has a subway, I can say if you ever find yourself on one in the US, you will be severely disappointed and perhaps confused by it, because the London tube system is SO well done in comparison. :) Looks like you had such a great time - now I really want to go back!

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

I know I should be commenting on sooo many other things....but here's what I want to say....your hair looks AWESOME. Seriously. :)

Unknown said...

What a lovely necklace!

Tiff Ima
Style Honestly
$30 Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Stesha said...

whoever took your photos rocked it!!! love the outfits!

xxS

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

YAY!!! This is so awesome! If I never get to London, I can die satisfied having lived vicariously through you :)

Unknown said...

I am loving white blazers right now!

www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
www.daisyraeboutique.com

Unknown said...

I have loved getting caught up on your London trip! London is my favorite city and I can't wait to take my husband there - were planning to do London and Paris for our ten year ... In four years :) so glad you got this opportunity - all that hard work is paying off! Congrats lady!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
FitTravelerAJ said...

How FUN! And how lucky that a nice stranger gave you guys those tickets for the boat ride!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

Anonymous said...

These pictures are soo pretty!! I knew about Parliament but I didn't know you couldn't tour Big Ben.

Unknown said...

Love your pictures Shanna. Looks like you had a fabulous time. I've never been but it's on my bucket list along with France, Italy, Greece. My dream is to eat my way through Italy.

Agi:)

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