Of all the neighbourhoods in London, Notting Hill is one of my favourites. I first stumbled upon Portobello Road ten years ago (on my first visit to London by myself, all wide-eyed and overly enthusiastic and probably searching for Hugh Grant), and it was love at first sight. Even though these days, Portobello Road is horribly overrun with noisy tourists every Saturday (and tacky souvenir shops have subsequently popped up between the antique shops), the neighbourhood still retains all of its bohemian charm.
I love treasure-hunting for vintage jewellery, china, antique maps and curiosities on Portobello, the cafes and boutiques along Westbourne Grove (where I always stop for Diptyque candles and lunch at Ottolenghi and, when I have a bout of homesickness, a beauty fix at Aesop and the perfect Australian brunch at Granger & Co) and strolling the leafy, mansion-lined residential backstreets (and dreaming of living in one of those glossy townhouses myself someday).
For me, this place is doubly-special for all the wonderful moments I have spent there, and whenever I have a case of the mean reds (to paraphrase Holly Golightly), a day wandering Notting Hill is always just what I need to put me back in a good mood. Dearne, my dearest friend and fellow-Australian-in-England, and I would always meet here on weekends for brunch, treasure-hunting, walks around the neighbourhood (she actually did live on those leafy streets) and endless chats about boys, shoes and the meaning of life (see previous case in point here).
So it was only fitting that for our last girl date before De moved back to Australia, we crammed in all our favourite things in Notting Hill. I put on my most ladylike skirt, pinned on a few brooches (favourites from previous Portobello Road treasure-hunts) and raced off to meet De by the curiosity shop on the corner. After scrambled eggs at Granger & Co and a stop at Diptyque (obviously), we strolled those gorgeous streets searching for the prettiest pastel townhouses in her neighbourhood and soaking in the last of the summer sunshine. After one last twirl around Portobello Road, we said a very teary farewell on that perfect, pastel street.
Yet as hard as it was to say goodbye to someone I treasure so much, I feel so grateful to have such special people in my life and to be able to make memories in places this wonderful.
Wearing: Topshop skirt (sold out, but similar styles here), ASOS shirt, Zara sandals (sold out, but gold version here and similar style here), Kenneth Jay Lane bracelets, vintage brooches (from Portobello Road, but similar styles here and here), Chanel ring (sold out, but similar style here), Jersey Pearl necklace, Grand Bazaar necklace, Chloe sunglasses.
Oh Notting Hill, I love you!
Love, Miss B xx
Thank you De for the photos (I miss you already!)
I love how you used the colours of the houses as the background to blend with your outfit. Works so well together. I agree, Portobello is a great place to find all sorts and hidden treasures.
Mary
popgoesfashion.com x
Totally with you on being in love with Notting Hill!
Gorgeous photos!
Gorgeous. That street is like made for you. All in beautiful colors. Your skirt is gorgeous.
http://www.fabulous-30s.com
i LOVE those houses. Remind me of my home xo
I am in love with this skirt! I need to visit Notting Hill next time i’m in London!
xoxo
Stacey
Five Minute Style
It looks so beautiful! You look gorgeous!
Wow, those houses make the perfect backdrop! I’ve never been to England (let alone Notting Hill), but you make it like so much fun. It’s definitely going on my bucket list now!
Oh my, this post is stunning!
The skirt, the buildings…. ahhh !!
Love it!
xx
Ylenia
I went to Coco Nail Bar in Portobello Rd for a manicure and pedicure service and it was so good. I recomend this place.
xx
Marta
Such a cute look! Loving your skirt! Notting Hill is too pretty!
xx
Giovanna
Oh my, I have to go here and take photos of these pretty colorful buildings! I love this! So gorgeous!
My student daughter took me to Columbia road flower market and Spitalfields market, they’re fabulous. I think they’re on a Sunday, please go along to them in the East End, I just loved them, so colourful and quirky! What’s not to like?
I love Notting Hill! It’s definitely great place for photoshoots and vintage shopping. Shame a lot of the stuff is overpriced these days, but it’s still a cool place to visit.
Adela x
oh lovely photos! I love your witty comment about hugh grant.. I think we have all had that thought at one point or another!
I too adore notting hill.. I don’t really have any go-to spots (apart from the brilliant charity shops), I sort of like to wander aimlessly until I stumble upon something fabulous! Ooh you are the second person to recommend Granger & co.. I was there yesterday peering at the queue forming outside.. I’m really curious! Definitely on my hit-list for brunch sometime x x
omg these photos KILL me. SO SO beautiful. I wanted that skirt so badly but it was sold out long long ago! You look absolutely ADORABLE in it and I just can’t get over how beautiful the scenery is. Obsessed!
Beautiful pics, and the skirt is simply gorgeous!
I love finding favorite places! Brattle Street in Cambridge MA, USA is one of mine, it’s lined with historic mansions, quaint gardens, and mix-matched brick and paved sidewalks. It leads into Brattle Square and then Harvard Square which are also wonderful places to explore; there’s even a picture perfect floral shop!
Wooow.. Beautiful! What is The name of The street of The houses in your background? And do you know fun, trendy eat places in London for 4 students girlfriends from Holland? Kind regards, Marjan!
My first exposure to the Notting Hill area was when I watched the Disney movie ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ as a child, and became fascinated by the Portobello Rd scene. That together with an antique-loving, furniture-designer father, I had drooled over the thought on wandering the neighborhood for years before I had the chance at about age 12. I go back every time I am in London. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos, it makes me miss it terribly!
Hey hey,
I wanted to ask where exactly are these colourful houses at Notting hill, is it Portovbello Road itself? The reason why I am asking is we are planning to do some engagement photoshoot next weekend and I am looking for some nice spots in Notting hill area. Many thanks