Like any big city, it's inhabitants usually go about their daily business in somewhat of a rageful haze.
It starts when you leave the house and walk into a cold grey drizzle.
You've perfected your cold, hard stare by now and it's the same one you receive from everyone else.
You slowly shuffle into your tube station with all the other quietly furious Londoners and do your best to get to the platform before everyone else.
Having made your way around the maze of tunnels, you'll do your best to read your newspaper in peace and tut loudly at the cretin reading it over your shoulder.
"Oh I'm sorry sir, would you like me to turn the page for you?" You'll say sarcastically (in your head seeing as you're far too British to actually say anything.)
You'll wiggle your way onto an overcrowded train carriage and snuggle up next to a moist, slightly overweight banker who will do his best to make sure your face is buried as deep into his Lynx scented armpit as humanly possible.
Upon leaving the station, the cold, grey drizzle will have blossomed into torrential rain, meaning you'll arrive at work dripping wet and seething with rage about this country, the transport system, the weather, the GOD DAMN pigeons... You name it, you'll hate it.
You'll play this game on a daily basis, only occasionally interrupted by a surprisingly good biscuit, a colleague bringing you a mug of tea, or half a bottle of wine when you get home.
But when the sun shines?
London is transformed.
It morphs back into the place we all knew but forgot existed. Like a relationship gone cold, suddenly you see her in a whole new light. Your heart warms and you realise you could never truly leave her, because you love her so very deeply.
The streets light up, people smile at you in the street, you walk past packed restaurants bursting at the seams with yummy-mummies and bars with pavements full of men with their ties undone.
Ladies slip into summer dresses and boys don their sunglasses in the vain hope that the girls wont notice them looking (we do).
Big cities can be very lonely places, but when the sun shines everyone feels a little closer, a little more human & a little more... like you.
With this in mind, Henrietta & I took it upon ourselves to enjoy our glorious Lady London on foot.
No cabs, no taxis or tubes.
Just a long walk around the city, to show her that despite our daily complaints, we really do love her.


Dress by American Apparel, sandals by H&M, glasses are Raybans and my little satchel is a vintage number from Portobello Rd.









Isn't she a babe?
.




You don't look like a londoner, you look french.
ReplyDeleteWelll... seeing as my idol is Marion Cotillard, I'll take that as a compliment!
DeleteThanks x
yes, she is a babe & so are you! :)
ReplyDeletewww.palindromepoppet.com
I love London rain or shine, but have to say my true favourite is the rain. Despite the surliness, it makes me feel cosy and happy.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I'm just a bit odd?!
Glorious pics. Makes me want to get on a train.
I find the rain really cozy too! It helps me focus at work (as I'm not thinking about playing in the sunshine) and it helps me sleep! Stupid question- do Londoners get very distinctive seasons or is it more of a slow shift? I'm from SE PA (US) and we have very distinctive seasons- I think I would miss it if I moved South or to the West Coast.
DeleteAh so true! I am glad I don't need to get the tube to work everyday now but agree, when the sun is out you remember what a joyful place London is :)
ReplyDeleteSpot on! Everyone asks why I live in London instead of my sunny Sydney hometown...it sounds crazy but you take it for granted in Oz. Here, when the sun comes out everyone is SO HAPPY and the place just bursts with life. Nothing quite like it! x
ReplyDeleteNowhere better! x
DeleteRose I have fallen in love with your dress and was furiously scouting the American Apparel website but can't seem to find it - I would be forever grateful if you could tell me which one it is!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing such a great blog - it's my guilty pleasure!
xx
Hey Flora...
DeleteSooooo.... this is awkward! I've just found the dress online and apparently it's from their 'youth' section. I bought one with '12' in the label which clearly referred to age, rather than size!
Woops!
Anyway, it's here.
Rose x
Thank you so much Rose!
DeleteKeep writing your blog, my friends and I love it - and you (you're definitely our new girl crush, something I'm only revealing as you so kindly revealed your awkward piece of information - only seems fair!)
xxxx
My goodness you make me miss London so much Rosie. Im living in a small town in Western Australia at the moment, and Im craving big city life! THANKYOU for bringing it to me! x
ReplyDeleteI hate some of these pics.
ReplyDeleteBut you look gorgeous.
Also love the way you said 'the pigeons'...
please please please do a tutorial or explain how you do your hair, it's gorgeous (like you) xxx
ReplyDeleteOh! I'll be in london in a couple of weeks! I miss so much the city and I loveeed your post it make me smile :D Can't wait to be there! Hope the sun still shines at that time :D
ReplyDeleteKiss!
You girls certainly do love to show some leg! Although you both have lovely legs :)
ReplyDeleteWow this post really speaks to me. I can't count the number of times I've wanted to "end things" with London and move back to Paris ...
ReplyDeleteViva London!
Tabara x
she really is a babe. London is like no other, it really does give you a huge hug when the sun shines.
ReplyDeleteThe tourism board really should be paying you. I've never wanted to go to a city more in my entire life after reading this!!
ReplyDeleteAaaaah you're right, that is the perfect weather for London!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of Lady London! :)
ReplyDeleteStep into Estherina's World
Oh you make me miss London like crazy! It's pouring rain here in Nova Scotia, Canada and I want to go back to England oh so badly!
ReplyDeleteCome back, we miss you!
DeleteYour writing is beautiful! You should write poems.
ReplyDeleteOh thankyou Disa!
DeleteJust ramblings really x
You've articulated what I've always thought so perfectly! More sun now please!
ReplyDeleteI really did LOL at this piece of writing. I do not miss the commute into work every morning and you have described the way I felt perfectly. I think that's why I used to end up in a bar practically every night of the week, delaying the journey home. Your LEGS... I die xx
ReplyDeleteDid you say your friend is a model?
ReplyDeleteDo you know what agency she's with? I'd love to book her for an ad campaign we've got coming up.
She is indeed!
DeleteShe's with Oxygen. I'm sure she'd be fab in your campaign. I've seen her in action & she's a total pro! x
Thanks. I'll look her up. Are you with the same agency?
DeleteNo, I don't model.
DeleteDo you mean Oxygen London Model Management? She doesn't seem to be featured as one of their models. Or is she under a different name?
DeleteUmm... I think she's new so might not be on the website yet.
DeleteMaybe you should call them or tweet her @henriettalily x
Love your dress! Gorgeous photos, I wish I lived in London!
ReplyDeleteI adore London and miss it so much! Can't wait to come back and visit on a rainy or sunny day!! Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteJaimie
www.jaimiehart.blogspot.com
That dress is perfect.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like Boston to a T!
ReplyDeleteClearly I need to visit Boston! x
Delete....just like Vancouver also :)
DeleteYou look so lovely Rose! I know, whenever the sun come out I always fall in love with cities all over again. London in the sunshine is pretty special though.
ReplyDeletexxx
Oh, the GD pigeons! Great post - she really is a beauty of a city!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute dress! You both looked gorgeous enjoying the sunshine.
ReplyDeleteAww I loved this post! I'm studying abroad here and leaving this week, this made me incredibly sad to leave!
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry Julie! I'm sure you'll have an incredible time though! x
DeleteHave you broken up with your bf? You haven't mentioned him recently?
ReplyDeleteYes, we split up a couple of months ago. x
DeleteFavor please? Post his email address so we can send him a message about how big of an idiot he is? Thanks!
DeleteWill you marry me
ReplyDeleteWhy not!
DeleteEver see the film 20 Dates (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138987/) Maybe you could do something similar and blog about each?
DeleteOr let's have a contest where we (your devoted readers) set you up on dates and then we all vote on who you have to go on a second date with?
Ha!
DeleteI don't usually blog about dates but that's an interesting idea.
How would I know that the guys wouldn't be crazies & chop me into little pieces?
Well that's a silly question. We (your devoted readers) like you so why would we want you chopped up? Sorry but we can't garantee no crazies.
DeleteI'm sure there could be a way to get this done. Just establish some ground rules first...
Age: 18-25
Education: In process/ educated
Finances: Somewhere between Does still do laundry at home and can afford to pay rent
Location: Within 10 miles of you
Mother: must love his mom unconditionally
Just a start? :D
Hmmm cute idea, but I think I'll late fate run its course!
Deletehttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9O0AujkQza4/T6X_BP_ZgyI/AAAAAAABcxU/XFlTIXXGZxE/w497-h373/girls%2Bvs%2Bboys......jpg
DeleteOk so let me try this again
DeleteAge: 23-29
Education: University a plus but not necessary
Finances: Able to buy Rose present(s) at least once a month
Locaton: London but willing to travel
Mother: Calls her once a month
Does that change your mind?
Nope! Still leaving it to fate! x
DeleteSeeing as her ex was a fat 30YR old Jew I don't think Rosie has "A Type".
DeleteActually he was 29.
DeleteLOL. haha but you could seriously do soooo much better than him!You need a cute guy from sunny California! :) You should come here! Have you ever been?
Delete!! Just fell in love with you even more
DeleteYou both look stunning and I wish I was there with you, looks like a fab day out!
ReplyDeletexxxx
I wish you were here more than anything in the ENTIRE WORLD bumble bee!
DeleteBzzzzzz!
x
I really like your little striped dress, and love how you've thrown in an accent color with your shoes! Too cute!
ReplyDelete~Jacy
http://laviedelenore.blogspot.com
Thanks Jacy!
DeleteRose! I love your blog, I have a similar one about being a 20-something in the US. Read and enjoy!
ReplyDeletehttp://ohmymusings.tumblr.com/
xoxo Oh My Musings
I tried clicking on your blog but it says no posts... x
DeleteHi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I've thought the same thing about Boston a thousand times! We FINALLY have some sunshine today as well.
Glad to see everyone in London getting into the happy spring mode as well. Beautiful pics!
Sarah
In Seattle, the same thing goes. Hard faces in the rain, but best friends when the sun shows his gorgeous face!
ReplyDeleteThis maybe my favorite Londoner post ever!
ReplyDeleteI miss London so much!
Louise x
http://rural-metropolis.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks Louise! x
DeleteHi Rose!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how you're formatting your pictures?
I assume you're using an SLR but some have a kind of Instragram feel? Unless they are from Instagram...
Thanks!
Hey Lucinda,
DeleteThese are just iPhone/instagram pics.
You can follow me @rosiethelondoner
Rose xx
I love this post! Next time I'm face-to-armpit with a sweaty banker I'll think happy thoughts and remember how lovely London is in the sunshine. I'll imagine myself sitting by the river with a cocktail!
ReplyDeleteI'm bored at work and was happy to read something that made me smile (and with pretty pics too)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to go back to London some day.
"The sun is always sinhing behind the London grey sky"! That's my theory! hehehe
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous, but just one question Rose, when was that? Because I'm still wearing my winter jackets!!!
I can't wait for summer!
beijos
xxx
Mariana
Beautiful photos ;)
ReplyDeleteI think most Londoners cherish that only real spring day. I'm already reminiscing. It keeps the soul-destroying reality of how utterly rotten April-May has been a bay. You have summed up the love/hate relationship with LDN perfectly! x
ReplyDeletePS LOL at the creative methods people seem to employ to get you on a date
Even you can make london sound like a heavenly place, when really, all that's changed is a bit of sun. I think we are all solar powered, as soon as the sun comes out we are become a bit more pleasant and bright.
ReplyDeleteTessa Goodman
p.s loved your reference to You've Got Mail a few posts ago, gotta have a bit of Hanks in your life
I think I know exactly where that photo of the cameras was taken, because I can see it from my window! <3
ReplyDeleteWhere is that because I love old cameras and would love to take a look at what they are selling?
DeletePortobello rd. x
DeleteI have been feeling the same way about living in Michigan. People are so much more friendly and happy! I have been finding it difficult to stay inside at work. I am a teacher and sometimes it is nice to take the students outside.
ReplyDeleteKellie
kelliessmalltownliving.blogspot.com
I feel the same way about living in MI!
DeleteGorgeous!!! x
ReplyDeleteYour such a talented writer! Thank you for sharing your amazing blog :)
ReplyDeleteHey, the scenery looks pretty amazing, I didn't know London had parts like those shown in your pictures. May I ask which areas were the pictures taken in? x
ReplyDeleteHello Anon, Notting Hill mostly! x
DeleteFabulous post! You are a brilliant writer and it's a pleasure to read your blog. We're headed into winter now in Sydney...
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie!
DeleteThat's too bad... come play in London for the summer! ;)
GURLLLL. I LOVEEEE THISS. SO MUCH. AND I LOVE YOU. like i love this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yvEYKRF5IA ENJOYYYYYYYY. BYE BEAUTIFUL! :) <3
ReplyDeleteI laughed when I read this! What an accurate description!! I particularly love the relationship analogy you've drawn upon! The same thing happens in Toronto too! What an amazing influence the sun has on us human beings...
ReplyDeleteYou are so lovely, and your writing is laugh out loud brilliant. I get so excited everytime I see that there's a new post. You inspire me to go out and see the world!
ReplyDeleteThankyou Ashlee, what a lovely thing to say! x
DeleteRose, I'm a long time reader but first time commenter - but I had to finally write and let you know how much I love your blog and this post is an absolute beauty - you write so elquently. I have to say, despite its sunny reputation, you could have been describing Sydney, my home, in the wintertime.
ReplyDelete(Luckily though I'm in London in for July and August! Can't. Wait.) x
Thanks Laila, let's try and have a cocktail when you get to London! x
DeleteOh Rose! I feel exactly the same way about London. And now that the sun is out I miss it every single day! Nothing compares to London on foot when the sun is out... it's such a beautiful city and the great weather really highlights that! I can't wait to go back in July. x
ReplyDeleteOh I have the same love/hate relationship with my city, only opposite there's too much damn sun. I'd much rather have gloomy, rainy weather, wanna trade?
ReplyDeleteKisses from L.A!
Lizette
hi there like your blog has now question time in my blog
ReplyDeletewhen the Sun shines everyone feels a little closer, a little more human & a little more...But When the Sicilian Moon Shines...Everyone could feel the Love coming, everyone falling in Love!...
ReplyDeleteAh...Viva London....and Viva Rose and Henrietta!
Ciao from Sicily
Ahhh I'd love to be in Sicily!
DeleteBeautifully written post. As I look out at a very overcast and grey irish carpark I can only feel the jealously bubble up. London tends to get better weather than this side of the sea but it is the cross we have to bare! Keep you the great wrting and beautiful pics. You'll just have to be my ray of sunshine ;)
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Rose, I love your posts. I dont necessarily comment on all of them, but I am looking forward to it and read them all many times :) Photos are amazing and you look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteYou said very well that thing about London - I feel exactly the same. :) And love sunny London :)
Thankyou gorgeous girl! x
DeleteRosie you really hit the nail on the head there!
ReplyDeleteAnd this is why i love living here.
ReplyDeleteAs a former Seattle-ite, I totally understand the rage (only we curse about the seagulls). And YES the sun makes everything completely worth it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAs I am reading this I am wearing the American Apparel bodysuit equivalent of your dress which I bought in London. When it rained all week long and I convinced myself I would never return. My bf won't let me get off the hook that easily because he keeps insisting that London is so so so beautiful in the sun!
ReplyDeleteYou should defo give it another chance!
DeleteI am flying back to London tonight after 11 months travelling and this post has made me weep wit happiness! Can't wait to get back to good ol' blighty.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Hoooommmeee!
DeleteI love visiting London, especially when the sun does actually come out! I'm not much of a rain person...makes me feel cold and sick :(
ReplyDeleteHOW do your legs even exist?! They're perfect! I love the last picture the most, makes me wish so much I was staying in London for the Jubilee.
ReplyDeletehaha thanks Kate!
Deletepff have to wait 1 more year till i'm going to live in london (i'm going to study there ) but now i'm even more excited
ReplyDeleteSooooo pretty babe
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful blog post.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you and Henrietta had a nice walk around the city!
Gorgeous pics. You always pose so well in photos - you look casual but are clearly showing your best angles. Perhaps a how-to post on posing is in order?
ReplyDeletexo
hello! could you pretty please tell me where i could find those shoes that henrietta is wearing? they look cute and comfortable, just what i'm looking for. it would be muchly appreciated!
ReplyDeletex sonia
It's pretty much the same over here in Bergen too, but during this last week of sun... WOW, it's like someone took all the people and replaced them with happy-happy super smilers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I'm getting ready for an internship in the city and it sounds like I'll love it if it is anything like your post (it would be better if it wasn't so hot and sticky when I'm going to be there) but I'll remember to wait for the sun.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose,
ReplyDeleteBit of a strange question I hope you don't mind me asking, but I think I'm a similar body shape to you and was wondering what size you buy your dresses from missguided.co.uk (I remember a black one you wore to a dinner I think...)
8 or 10? Because your very slim but tall so wondering which size is best?
Thanks!
Hey Anon, I'm a pretty standard size 10 everywhere! x
DeleteDoes Portobello Road really exist?? Sorry, I'm obviously not from England,but one of my favorite songs is Portebello Rd from an old movie, Bedknobs and Broomsticks... it talks about this awesome place to buy the weirdest things... it would be SO COOL if it was real, cause next time I'm in London, that's the only place I'm going to visit!
ReplyDeletehaha yes it does! How funny! x
DeleteRose, I have a question do you know where I can find knee-high-boots in London?
ReplyDeleteDamn, I am madly in love with your little vintage satchel! P,s; very pretty pics, London is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone secretly loves London rain or shine!
ReplyDeleteLove the american apparel dress too
www.magapiesandbuttterflies.blogspot.com