May 17, 2012

Metropolis

There's something about London in the sunshine that brings out the best in people.
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? 



.
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127 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:48

    You don't look like a londoner, you look french.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welll... seeing as my idol is Marion Cotillard, I'll take that as a compliment!
      Thanks x

      Delete
  2. yes, she is a babe & so are you! :)



    www.palindromepoppet.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. 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.

    Perhaps I'm just a bit odd?!

    Glorious pics. Makes me want to get on a train.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  4. Ah 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Spot 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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Flora11:59

    Rose 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!

    Thank you for writing such a great blog - it's my guilty pleasure!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Flora...

      Sooooo.... 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

      Delete
    2. Flora18:35

      Thank you so much Rose!

      Keep 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

      Delete
  7. Anonymous12:02

    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

    ReplyDelete
  8. I hate some of these pics.
    But you look gorgeous.
    Also love the way you said 'the pigeons'...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous12:25

    please please please do a tutorial or explain how you do your hair, it's gorgeous (like you) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh! 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

    Kiss!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous13:02

    You girls certainly do love to show some leg! Although you both have lovely legs :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow 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 ...
    Viva London!

    Tabara x

    ReplyDelete
  13. she really is a babe. London is like no other, it really does give you a huge hug when the sun shines.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous13:11

    The tourism board really should be paying you. I've never wanted to go to a city more in my entire life after reading this!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Aaaaah you're right, that is the perfect weather for London!

    ReplyDelete
  16. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Come back, we miss you!

      Delete
  17. Your writing is beautiful! You should write poems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thankyou Disa!
      Just ramblings really x

      Delete
  18. Meryl14:22

    You've articulated what I've always thought so perfectly! More sun now please!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I 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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous14:54

    Did you say your friend is a model?
    Do you know what agency she's with? I'd love to book her for an ad campaign we've got coming up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is indeed!
      She'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

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:58

      Thanks. I'll look her up. Are you with the same agency?

      Delete
    3. No, I don't model.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous17:22

      Do 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?

      Delete
    5. Umm... I think she's new so might not be on the website yet.
      Maybe you should call them or tweet her @henriettalily x

      Delete
  21. Love your dress! Gorgeous photos, I wish I lived in London!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I adore London and miss it so much! Can't wait to come back and visit on a rainy or sunny day!! Beautiful post!

    Jaimie
    www.jaimiehart.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. That dress is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  24. this sounds like Boston to a T!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clearly I need to visit Boston! x

      Delete
    2. Anonymous01:35

      ....just like Vancouver also :)

      Delete
  25. You 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.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh, the GD pigeons! Great post - she really is a beauty of a city!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a cute dress! You both looked gorgeous enjoying the sunshine.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Aww I loved this post! I'm studying abroad here and leaving this week, this made me incredibly sad to leave!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, sorry Julie! I'm sure you'll have an incredible time though! x

      Delete
  29. Anonymous16:12

    Have you broken up with your bf? You haven't mentioned him recently?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we split up a couple of months ago. x

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20:28

      Favor please? Post his email address so we can send him a message about how big of an idiot he is? Thanks!

      Delete
  30. Anonymous16:52

    Will you marry me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous20:33

      Ever see the film 20 Dates (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138987/) Maybe you could do something similar and blog about each?

      Or 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?

      Delete
    2. Ha!
      I 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?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous20:50

      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.

      I'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

      Delete
    4. Hmmm cute idea, but I think I'll late fate run its course!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous23:02

      https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9O0AujkQza4/T6X_BP_ZgyI/AAAAAAABcxU/XFlTIXXGZxE/w497-h373/girls%2Bvs%2Bboys......jpg

      Delete
    6. Anonymous01:02

      Ok so let me try this again
      Age: 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?

      Delete
    7. Nope! Still leaving it to fate! x

      Delete
    8. Anonymous01:11

      Seeing as her ex was a fat 30YR old Jew I don't think Rosie has "A Type".

      Delete
    9. Actually he was 29.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous07:22

      LOL. 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
    11. Anonymous10:41

      !! Just fell in love with you even more

      Delete
  31. You both look stunning and I wish I was there with you, looks like a fab day out!

    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish you were here more than anything in the ENTIRE WORLD bumble bee!
      Bzzzzzz!
      x

      Delete
  32. I really like your little striped dress, and love how you've thrown in an accent color with your shoes! Too cute!

    ~Jacy

    http://laviedelenore.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Rose! I love your blog, I have a similar one about being a 20-something in the US. Read and enjoy!

    http://ohmymusings.tumblr.com/
    xoxo Oh My Musings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried clicking on your blog but it says no posts... x

      Delete
  34. Sarah18:30

    Hi Rose,

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  35. In Seattle, the same thing goes. Hard faces in the rain, but best friends when the sun shows his gorgeous face!

    ReplyDelete
  36. This maybe my favorite Londoner post ever!
    I miss London so much!

    Louise x
    http://rural-metropolis.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Rose!

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Lucinda,
      These are just iPhone/instagram pics.
      You can follow me @rosiethelondoner
      Rose xx

      Delete
  38. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous20:18

    I'm bored at work and was happy to read something that made me smile (and with pretty pics too)

    Can't wait to go back to London some day.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous20:19

    "The sun is always sinhing behind the London grey sky"! That's my theory! hehehe
    You 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

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beautiful photos ;)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anonymous21:04

    I 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
    PS LOL at the creative methods people seem to employ to get you on a date

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous21:19

    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.
    Tessa Goodman
    p.s loved your reference to You've Got Mail a few posts ago, gotta have a bit of Hanks in your life

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous21:34

    I think I know exactly where that photo of the cameras was taken, because I can see it from my window! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22:59

      Where is that because I love old cameras and would love to take a look at what they are selling?

      Delete
    2. Portobello rd. x

      Delete
  45. I 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.
    Kellie

    kelliessmalltownliving.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel the same way about living in MI!

      Delete
  46. Anonymous22:51

    Your such a talented writer! Thank you for sharing your amazing blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous22:52

    Hey, 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anon, Notting Hill mostly! x

      Delete
  48. Katie23:04

    Fabulous post! You are a brilliant writer and it's a pleasure to read your blog. We're headed into winter now in Sydney...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Katie!
      That's too bad... come play in London for the summer! ;)

      Delete
  49. Anonymous00:10

    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

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous00:55

    I 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...

    ReplyDelete
  51. Ashlee01:49

    You 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou Ashlee, what a lovely thing to say! x

      Delete
  52. Laila02:24

    Rose, 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.

    (Luckily though I'm in London in for July and August! Can't. Wait.) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Laila, let's try and have a cocktail when you get to London! x

      Delete
  53. Oh 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

    ReplyDelete
  54. Oh 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?
    Kisses from L.A!
    Lizette

    ReplyDelete
  55. hi there like your blog has now question time in my blog

    ReplyDelete
  56. when 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!...
    Ah...Viva London....and Viva Rose and Henrietta!
    Ciao from Sicily

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhh I'd love to be in Sicily!

      Delete
  57. Anonymous08:58

    Beautifully 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 ;)
    Lisa x

    ReplyDelete
  58. 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.
    You said very well that thing about London - I feel exactly the same. :) And love sunny London :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou gorgeous girl! x

      Delete
  59. Rosie you really hit the nail on the head there!

    ReplyDelete
  60. And this is why i love living here.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Catie12:42

    As 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!

    ReplyDelete
  62. As 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should defo give it another chance!

      Delete
  63. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome Hoooommmeee!

      Delete
  64. I 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 :(

    ReplyDelete
  65. HOW 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.

    ReplyDelete
  66. pff 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

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous13:45

    Sooooo pretty babe

    ReplyDelete
  68. Such a beautiful blog post.
    Looks like you and Henrietta had a nice walk around the city!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Anonymous23:26

    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?

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  70. sonia04:16

    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!
    x sonia

    ReplyDelete
  71. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  72. What 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.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Anonymous11:30

    Hi Rose,

    Bit 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Anon, I'm a pretty standard size 10 everywhere! x

      Delete
  74. Does 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha yes it does! How funny! x

      Delete
  75. Anonymous08:47

    Rose, I have a question do you know where I can find knee-high-boots in London?

    ReplyDelete
  76. Anonymous11:54

    Damn, I am madly in love with your little vintage satchel! P,s; very pretty pics, London is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I think everyone secretly loves London rain or shine!
    Love the american apparel dress too

    www.magapiesandbuttterflies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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