EC For a Day

Folks, official word is in: no CHANEL show for me this season. Unless I happen to run into Karl Lagerfeld on the way from the Gare du Nord as I make my hurried way off the Eurostar at 9am, hair blowing into my lipgloss and my eyes cloudy from sleep. Maybe he'll appreciate my frizz and chipped nails, and decide that I need to sit front row and become his muse. Of course, he'd have to introduce me to all his friends, including Princess Caroline, and I'd date Andrea Casiraghi and get free quilted bags and shoes sent to my flat every weekend, special delivery from Uncle Karl.

But unless that happens, I'll be lucky to crowd the entrance with my camera and stalk celebs coming in and out, like I did last season. It was hella fun, though.

Today I went to Spitalfields Market in East London, hoping to find some cool clothes and maybe Pete Doherty (is my celebrity obsession coming through loud and clear yet?). I was slightly disappointed with the selection-- the market's super tiny. It was also not very busy, so every time I ducked into a booth to feel a sleeve or check a price tag, the seller was all up in my grill and I felt uncomfortable just browsing. At Portobello last week, I had to go find someone anytime I wanted a closer look at something or, Heaven forbid, buy it.

I did really enjoy the area, though. I walked around some of the side streets and explored a few vintage stores. I also walked the length of Brick Lane just because of the amazing smells wafting all over the place: apparently, the street is world-famous for Indian food, even though the quality isn't there anymore. Almost every store was an Indian restaurant, and the rest were grocery stores, bakeries, sweet shops, and import/export from India.

When I got home later and read this week's Time Out, I realized I had seen and then decided not to go into a huge warehouse sale, with big design names like Chloé, at trunkshow prices. Bien sûr.

After EC I went to Carnaby Street for even more vintage shopping. I'm searching for hair accessories, so I've made it my mission to hit all the biggest and the best vintage stores until I find what I think I want. To that end, Kingly Court is insane and wonderful for people not (too) scared of peoples' old shit. A couple of the stores are more recent vintage (60s and 70s), while others are a bit older (40s to 60s, I'd say). I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did see a whole lot of old shoes, polyester dresses, and heard some great store soundtracks.

I rounded out the day by doing laundry and giving excellent directions to a Brit on the street ("Where's the nearest tube stop?" followed by "wait, is there a faster way to get to Oxford Street?" Considering I had just gotten off the number 10 bus, I very easily directed her to the stop) and doing laundry.