tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post4937854879825374146..comments2024-03-05T09:10:31.164+00:00Comments on Coulda Shoulda Woulda: March 2014 Instagramy Post Part 1Coulda shoulda wouldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-3089816530137507182015-01-27T17:27:49.506+00:002015-01-27T17:27:49.506+00:00Lovely post, your dog is absolutely adorable! Lovely post, your dog is absolutely adorable! Serviced Apartments Residenthttp://www.thearmitage.com/locations/hyde-park/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-3927720386291647462014-03-30T23:30:35.812+01:002014-03-30T23:30:35.812+01:00Hi Naomi, I just had to come back and tell you thi...Hi Naomi, I just had to come back and tell you this is one of my favorite posts ever. I smiled all the way through and chuckled as well (London swans!). Would you believe I never had any desire to visit London until this post of yours? For some reason, I didn't imagine Magnolia trees to thrive where you are ...tiffany rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16105832290440620053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-13629982092152939412014-03-19T20:27:02.738+00:002014-03-19T20:27:02.738+00:00Actually very quiet! But busy still...You are righ...Actually very quiet! But busy still...You are right - I said snow and then it got freezing again! Yes I watch real housewives - guilty Colleen and I love it. xxCoulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-10227691559113357612014-03-19T18:50:39.208+00:002014-03-19T18:50:39.208+00:00What a fab month you are having. London sure looks...What a fab month you are having. London sure looks good - I think I need to pay it a visit. Humour me Naomi.......do you watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills lol. Perfect timing for Design Week for you whilst you're in the midst of renovating. You must have been running out like I do during the Selfridges sale. Don't say the 'SNOW' word, you will jinx us eeek! xxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16533644247275257358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-78938525557642053722014-03-19T06:54:23.428+00:002014-03-19T06:54:23.428+00:00Yes Italians do it differently and dare I say as a...Yes Italians do it differently and dare I say as a generalization I turn my head in Italy whereas in Paris it's a bit safe....controversial statement I know!!! Who does like the letter C Pammie?? ;)<br /><br />Anne, I am also fascinated by peacockery as I like to put it and I find the former communists are most guilty of this font you think??Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-12875196062121451432014-03-19T06:13:27.300+00:002014-03-19T06:13:27.300+00:00Hi Pammie, funny you mention Russians and their st...Hi Pammie, funny you mention Russians and their status love...so true....unfortunately my partner's best friend (Russian) insisted on showing us his Rolex, Porsche etc etc every time we saw him...it became rather tiring and we don't see much of him these days. He knew we didn't place value on that stuff but it seemed like a rite of passage he had to follow every time he had a new toy! This is my 1 person case study though so I'm sure not all Russians are like that....same as not all Asians! But the cultural idea of what determines status fascinates me!Annenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-59954306741709498602014-03-19T00:40:27.244+00:002014-03-19T00:40:27.244+00:00Have to admit. Do love the double CC and have a b...Have to admit. Do love the double CC and have a brooch and a couple of necklaces with the logo. But not overwhelming in size. Just nicely subtle. No bag though. In London kept having twinges about making off with FF's beautiful black Chanel. But couldn't do it.<br /><br />Suspect some of those bags with the giant logos (talking really giant - not medium or smaller sized) are designed specially for certain markets and certain types of people. <br /><br />At lunch on the roof terrace of La Rinascente in Milan one day (the store opposite the Duomo), observed just about every woman there (except me) was carrying a beautiful designer bag. From their other clothes and accessories, deportment and style it was clear that these were all the real deal. None of them had shout out logos or labels. Nor fakes. Women of all ages, girlfriends, mums and daughters and nonnas, having a lovely time. All speaking Italian. So elegant and chic. Sigh. Then on our way back through the store my eye was caught by a lovely dusty pink Mulberry Alexa. Not Chanel or Prada - but I love it. Pammie xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-86729824000038830612014-03-18T15:20:08.061+00:002014-03-18T15:20:08.061+00:00Yes it is interesting to see how each country and ...Yes it is interesting to see how each country and city even have their own social code. Certain brands defintely do better in certain countries than others. I know what you mean about logos but sometimes it is quite ironic and if carried with confidence one can make it look stylish but it really depends on the person! The Freys were lovely but I am waiting for a few pictures from them before I post! xxCoulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-20202554606148904872014-03-18T15:18:02.692+00:002014-03-18T15:18:02.692+00:00Yes London in bloom!! Magnolia trees do very well ...Yes London in bloom!! Magnolia trees do very well here. Mind you most plants do well here with the weather. I hope your snow lets up soon...<br /><br />Experience is key and next year I will not be admiring any architectural features I can tell you and I will bring a suitcase and a wingwoman!! Swans are cobras cousins I am convinced ...Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-3019559494964697952014-03-18T15:16:30.828+00:002014-03-18T15:16:30.828+00:00Yes we have a bit of fog as well but the weather h...Yes we have a bit of fog as well but the weather has been stellar of late. Osborne and little is a very English brand of fabrics and wallpapers - they are great quality and I would suggest you look at their website bc their is something for everyone. Yes that new range is based on orchids and other flowers - a new style for them - thanks for coming by Steph!Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-20443136280676648312014-03-18T15:15:08.777+00:002014-03-18T15:15:08.777+00:00I think it hits on my brass fetish! Isn't that...I think it hits on my brass fetish! Isn't that exact place one of the best places in London though! I love that bridge...Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-37262603510543737922014-03-18T13:23:56.309+00:002014-03-18T13:23:56.309+00:00Wow-Is that really London right now? All those blo...Wow-Is that really London right now? All those blooms...and where is all the snow?.Im seething with jealously..I am on board with next years trip to the Home Dec sale but as I am not one of those competitive shoppers I am afraid I might slow everyone down as I debate and decide and convert from dollars to pounds. I would be taking pictures of the stained glass dome also. <br />Swans are beautiful and majestic but I would not want to meet one in a dark alley-they could get my purse, phone, and car keys and leave me a bruised, whimpering mess. For some reason that just makes me respect them more<br />I especially love the koi paper. Bebehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16890730800940018414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-79426911071599087942014-03-18T08:38:12.447+00:002014-03-18T08:38:12.447+00:00Yes Spring is ready and Nature is all in blooming....Yes Spring is ready and Nature is all in blooming... It is amazing how fast is goes consider that it looks to me that we had so few sunny days... I am so ready to start my garden, but I know I have to wait patiently a bit longer. The mornings have been beautiful and I have enjoyed watching Nature. <br />I don't know Osborne and Little, but from your pics, it looks they have beautiful fabrics/wall paper... I love your pics, you really have an eye for deco... I am not that much of a risk taker when it comes to deco, rather using plain colors and eventually using fabrics to bring an accent...<br />I didn't knew that Royal Copenhagen had a new range... It looks great... <br />Your posts are always very rich and the comments too!FunkyStephhttp://funkysteph.canalblog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-65007713271493256712014-03-18T05:17:26.494+00:002014-03-18T05:17:26.494+00:00Koi looks gorgeous, love grey and that goldy colou...Koi looks gorgeous, love grey and that goldy colour together. How I miss old Londinium when I see your photos., how many hours did I spent at that exact place probably watching that exact swan with the kidsAbout Last Weekendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04716571630418078937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-53384902455035862492014-03-18T04:03:38.460+00:002014-03-18T04:03:38.460+00:00So fascinating about the re-sellers. Thank you fo...So fascinating about the re-sellers. Thank you for explaining. Also rather appalling that people so desperately need status and are prepared to pay a fortune in China for the bags in the hope of acquiring it. Says very bad things about a society. It also explains why so many go for the huge logos on bags and other accessories. The ones the French call the show-off bags. French women I've talked to in the stores say the Russians like the big logo ones too. I guess if the status is so important then they want a bag that shouts out the name of the designer. <br /><br />These are always the accessories I avoid as my preference is for discretion. Was once given a silk scarf with just the name of the designer in huge letters screaming across it. I gave it to an Op Shop because I knew I'd never wear it. I don't care about status but I do care a bit about class with a small "c" and to me the show-off bags are very unclassy and not worth the money. I buy things because I love them as works of art, style, design and fine craftsmanship. Not because of labels. Glad to hear the Freys were a delight too. Pammie xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-72745241800555941592014-03-17T22:29:16.809+00:002014-03-17T22:29:16.809+00:00Funny you mention the Slane museum bc Ben pen trea...Funny you mention the Slane museum bc Ben pen treat his doing a talk there but I am just so tired and didn't get my act together! But I was thinking of going but apparently no pics allowed and you have to have a guide so they are strict... Yes I rarely go to sales but dare I say it was worth the pain bc I spent less on my haul of two baskets than it would have cost me to buy just two rolls and I needed 5 apparently!Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-43597111139626856872014-03-17T22:20:53.874+00:002014-03-17T22:20:53.874+00:00I love blossoms from fruit trees..those pastel, sw...I love blossoms from fruit trees..those pastel, sweet smelling , delicate flowers on a bare twig.. They dont really do well in Sydney ..so whenever I see a blossom tree, I get quite excited. <br /><br />I've never been to London but there is so much to do and see there (so Im reliably told) ..have you ever been to the Sir John? Soane's house / museum ? looks fascinating <br /><br />I admire your strength going to that sale ...I couldn't stand it , smrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-50095690742972507442014-03-17T22:17:32.549+00:002014-03-17T22:17:32.549+00:00At 6 quid a roll I am going in with bodyguards nex...At 6 quid a roll I am going in with bodyguards next year! :)Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-19237866185458872442014-03-17T22:16:02.241+00:002014-03-17T22:16:02.241+00:00Living in London half the people I know are in fin...Living in London half the people I know are in finance!! I feel your pressure but for some reason people stick around as I think it's hard to make such a wage elsewhere...but I am glad you get to switch off bc I know sooo many who don't!Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-76918386973825166222014-03-17T22:11:36.098+00:002014-03-17T22:11:36.098+00:00Yes but also status in Asia is ruthless so while h...Yes but also status in Asia is ruthless so while having something doesn't prove anything not having it does...very complicated and slightly different from other Asian countries in China...but yes I know what you mean. I love beautiful objects but I worry under the prism of a blog things get misconstrued so I worry on how things may come across too. But yes those stories are true, the hit Gangnam style was a satirical take on things like that if you dug deeper!Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-77662115274682490542014-03-17T22:07:22.446+00:002014-03-17T22:07:22.446+00:00P.S. thanks, I hope I do get to retire at some poi...P.S. thanks, I hope I do get to retire at some point! Though a few years away at least...I work well under pressure but honestly, I won't miss the adrenaline and stress...I'm a different person outside of the office and don't really like how "hard nosed" I have to be when in the office. It's emotionally exhausting.Annenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-71384545728186867412014-03-17T22:02:18.042+00:002014-03-17T22:02:18.042+00:00Ah resellers! It all makes sense now!!!! No wonder...Ah resellers! It all makes sense now!!!! No wonder they were a level beyond anything I had seen before! It actually made me see the luxury world in a different light and I felt rather cynical about it all...I just don't understand placing so much value on status. Don't get me wrong...I love my closet full of ferragamo shoes and Dior bag - simply because they are beautifully crafted pieces and designs of a level of sophistication that you just don't tend to find with cheaper brands...but I don't wear them hoping people will recognize the brand and my ability to afford them - in fact, I'm mortified when anyone says "omg are those ferragamos" and I feel awkward that they even know I spent so much on a pair of shoes and fear negative judgement! A friend of mine lives in Singapore and she told me graduates in her office go without food/live on 2 min noodles in order to buy a designer bag!Annenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-4354997985637035982014-03-17T17:44:12.353+00:002014-03-17T17:44:12.353+00:00I cannot do crowds trying to look at and choose s...I cannot do crowds trying to look at and choose something worth having. I can feel for you trying to get through all those people to what you want to look at. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01649567646783537650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-72099001367239598562014-03-17T14:30:55.612+00:002014-03-17T14:30:55.612+00:00All luxury goods in Asia are on average double the...All luxury goods in Asia are on average double the price what it is in Europe. So the plan is they fly over - buy a few bags to resell so that pays for the airfare, the hotel, and other expenses. They get a mini holiday and when they go back they make a few thousand pounds. The stock to the big Chinese cities is always tightly controlled as they have a VIP system that is a lot stricter and it is like all those Communist years accounted for nothing. So a lot of clients with all this new made money don't have the connection to buy what they want so they resort to shopping overseas. The Chinese have the highest spend of any country at the moment - on average they spend almost £2000 per tourist! Imagine? That is why there are queues in Chanel and other luxury brands in Selfridges...There is a massive subculture of luxury economics going on and I do worry about the implications. ( I tend to worry about abstract things sometimes!) I would have loved to bag a few bargains overseas but shipping is always murder!!! I once found an art deco cocktail cabinet in Birmingham and it cost more to deliver it than the item so I decided never again...I must say the Freys were another delight with no attitude and super friendly I am glad to preview. xxCoulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042823968101983560.post-35131462995945050502014-03-17T14:25:06.661+00:002014-03-17T14:25:06.661+00:00Thanks Mikky - but I will take more pics for you b...Thanks Mikky - but I will take more pics for you but one is not allowed to take pictures on the street itself as it is banned - it is on a private road that is shared with Kensington Palace. But I was just thinking how funny it is that ultimately the weather is such an equalizer here in some respects...Yes Millie does get black booties when wet :)Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.com