Coffee Bag from Guatemala

From Manhattan to Queens

Fall Inspirations

Hi All,
Today is a departure from the Europe shots to enjoy some of Autumn in New York inspired by Colombian sartorial details. The "ruana" cape and the "Carriel" bag are both from Colombia, South America. Actually the bag used to be my Daddy's ;)  All pictures taken on-the-fly by the inimitable Miguel amid GORGEOUS brownstones and neat signs. The door alone is a piece of art!

...Locked out :/

 

London continued...THE MEWS

My adventures in London continue!

Visiting The Royal Mews

Where the Royal carriages, horses, cars, et cetera are kept and cared for used to be stationed at Charring Cross. It has been (yes, "it") located at Buckingham Palace since the early 1800's.

As little as 50 years ago the families of the stable-keepers lived and had their children schooled in the community of the Mews. Sounds quaint doesn't it? Either that or good fodder for a British soap opera ;) Ideeeeas people!

The square where the stable keepers' children used to play...

 

 

 

 

The same square from the other side

A description from the official site of The Royal Collection

The Royal Mews houses the State vehicles, both horse-drawn carriages and motor cars, used for coronations, State Visits, royal weddings, the State Opening of Parliament and official engagements.  Visitors can see the Gold State Coach which was last used during The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 to carry Her Majesty and Prince Philip to the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.  
For most of the year the stables are home to the working horses that play an important role in The Queen's official and ceremonial duties.  They are mainly Cleveland Bays, the only British breed of carriage horse, and the Windsor greys, which by tradition always draw the carriage in which The Queen is travelling. As they may be on duty, undergoing training or having a well-deserved rest away from London, the horses are not always on view.

The Queen takes great joy in name the horses. Sweet, right?

En vogue

Take a good look at this jacket because it's a Where's Waldo in future pictures...

 

Did i mention i saw Kate Middleton's wedding dress on display in the exhibit at Buckingham Palace?

 It was GORGEOUS!!! (needless to say...and Kate's waist was super tiny). Designed by Sarah Burton.  The lace applique was exquisite. Handmade with the flowers that represent England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales (rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock), the four parts that make up the United Kingdom, it symbolized unity and power...in a dress.

Never underestimate the power of a good dress.

...unfortunately no photographs were permitted. Below are three pix that are not my own so you can see the coaches in context :)

Kate and William

The lovely lovely and beloved Diana

 

These are mine...

 

Check this elaborate coach!!!! Wooooh! Talk about making an entrance. Can you hear the trumpets and drums in the distance?

My fantastic tour guide, Jo (like the Super Nanny) explained that this car has canvas seats because at the time of its manufacture that quality of canvas was more valuable and exclusive than leather.  Also, it has no rear view mirrors because the Queen is not supposed to be seen unawares. 

 

 

 

FYI: GET THE OFFICIAL TOUR IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE  The Royal Collection Website

GUESSING GAME!!
1. Does the Queen drive the above car?
2. Would she need a license to drive?

  Happy like a kid. I've always wanted to learn to ride *sigh* one fine day I shall...