12th Fan Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Shop in London

London is one of my all-time favorite cities in the world. My husband and I spent our honeymoon there back in 2009 and we've made it a point to visit every year since. London is a city filled with art, history, and culture. Travelers will find that there's something for everyone to enjoy including music, food, historical tours, of course, shopping. For Seahawks fans heading to London for the game next week, here's our style guide on how to spend quality time in London.

Most travelers will spend excessive amounts of time trying to decide where to stay in London. If you prefer to be central to the city, stay in South Kensington where you'll be within walking distance to Hyde Park and have easy access to several London Underground stations.

We've stayed at several hotels in this neighborhood on various trips to London including the Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt and The Crowne Plaza, but our favorite by far has been The Kensington Hotel (shown above) because of the quality of the guest rooms and the service. They were also great with kids and spoiled our children with nightly cookies and milk during our stay. They even put up a small kids tent in our hotel room so that the kids would have a secret hideout.

It's easy to eat your way through London because nearly every department store has a food hall offering everything from light snacks to sweet treats and full meals. There's also street crepes, croissants at cafes, and traditional pub classics like mushy peas and fish and chips. Here are some of my favorite places to eat in London:

Kensington Crepes - This restaurant is my favorite in London because I'm obsessed with French crepes. Kensington Crepes is located just steps away from the Victoria & Albert Museum and they do both sweet and savory crepes. My favorite crepe is Le Complète with turkey, brie, and a free range egg.  My kids love the classic crepe with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. 

Garfunkels- If you check the reviews on TripAdvisor you'll find that many tourists stop here for their first meal in London. Why do people love it? Well for starters Garfunkels serves classic fish and chips, there's never a wait and it's completely family friendly. Yes, it's absolutely a tourist trap, but that's kind of the point. If you're hungover after the game, you should definitely stop by Garfunkels for a traditional English breakfast. 

Pret a Manger - These cafes are basically the "Starbucks of London" and serve coffee along with a variety of food options. They have a great assortment of sandwiches and soups that are easy to grab on-the-go or when you need a quick snack.

Best Burgers - If you're homesick and craving a burger, check out Honest Burger in South Kensington. Their classic cheeseburger pairs perfectly with rosemary fries and chipotle mayo. For those that like burgers but also want an expanded menu that includes salads, check out Byron Burger. 

Selfridges Rooftop Restaurant - If you like al fresco dining make time to visit the Selfridges rooftop restaurant. It features rotating themes and is currently serving traditional Italian food including crostini, scallops with white wine, fritto misto, and spaghetti carbonara. 

Hummingbird Bakery - Famous for its red velvet cupcakes, Hummingbird Bakery is an institution in Notting Hill and serves up delicious made-from-scratch cakes and cupcakes. If you visit the Portobello Market in Notting Hill stop by the bakery for a taste of heaven. 

Biscuiteers - If you love cookies and have "cookie monsters" at home, stop by Biscuiteers in Notting Hill. They do hand-iced cookies that are Instagram-worthy and delicious to eat. Biscuiteers offers single cookies and gift boxes for every occasion. They also do cookie icing workshops and private classes. 

Electric Diner - Located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, Electric Diner is a great place for date night. In fact, my husband and I had dinner here on our honeymoon. The food is great and the desserts are not to be missed. This restaurant is next door to The Electric Cinema, the oldest working cinema in London. They also offer dining specials for guests going to see movies (terms and conditions apply). 

Pizzeria & Canti Prosecco Bar - Located in Harrods, this pizzeria is a great place to recharge after a day of shopping. They serve Neopolitan-style pizzas and also offer rocket (arugula) and parmesan salads and classic minestrone soup. 

Nag's Head - For a classic London pub experience while visiting Covent Garden stop by Nag's Head. They offer a modern take on traditional British classics. Everything on the menu is great! I loved the Beef & Rioja Pie with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and red wine gravy. It's a hearty meal best served with a full-bodied wine.

There's amazing shopping in London any time of year, the question is, what kind of shopping experience best suits your style? For a classic London shopping experience head to Oxford Street to hit all the British faves. Start at Marble Arch near Hyde Park and work your way down the main shopping row. If you love more of an indie scene, head to Shoreditch to shop Boxpark. If you're looking for boutiques, head to Notting Hill. And for a great mix of art, fashion, and food, there's Covent Garden. Don't forget, there's also pretty incredible shopping at museums and art galleries if you exit through the gift shop. Here are some of the "can't miss" places to shop in London:

Primark - This store is crazy big and can be a bit overwhelming so go early if you can to avoid "black Friday" style lines and crowds. The deals are good, almost too good, so it's fairly easy to go crazy here. Primark carries everything from women's fashion to kids clothing, men's merchandise, and home goods. This is a great store to stock up on clothing for kids. They have fashion-forward styles and really, really good pricing for budget-friendly moms.

Harrods - It's natural to be at a loss for words when it comes to describing Harrods. After all, it's the world's most famous department store and occupies a 5-acre site, garnering more than 330 departments. At Harrods, you'll find everything from fashion to food, shoes, gifts, souvenirs, on-site restaurants, a champagne bar, a giant toy store called "Toy Kingdom", and even a spa. Up until 2014, there was even an on-site luxury pet store where you could purchase animals.

River Island - Fashion fans may be familiar with River Island because of its past capsule collections with singer Rihanna. The brand has stores across the UK and stocks bold, colorful merchandise for the entire family. River Island has great pricing and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a body positivity campaign for fall.

Selfridges - Hands down this my favorite department store in the world. Selfridges is fun, innovative, and always working on something new. The store was named the "Best Department Store" in the world by the Global Department Store Summit and also has a focus on sustainability. The Selfridges Oxford Street store occupies a full city block and has multiple restaurants, beauty departments, and a 35,000 square-foot shoe hall. Selfridges is also known for exclusive merchandise from cult brands, so if you love limited-edition merchandise you can't get anywhere else, chances are you'll find it at Selfridges.

Liberty of London - Best known for its signature floral graphic prints, Liberty of London is an iconic British department store that is well worth a visit. Located in a beautiful Tudor-style building in London's West End, Liberty carries fashion, jewelry, beauty, accessories, home goods, and gifts.

Miss Selfridge - UK high street brand Miss Selfridge has more than 250 stores worldwide and is also available through partners like Asos and Topshop. The store is aimed at teens looking for affordable, on-trend fashion and is fun to shop for seasonal must-haves. They also carry a full range of fashion in petite sizing.

Topshop Oxford Circus - The flagship Topshop store at Oxford Circus is three full floors of fashion including vintage pieces you won't find anywhere else. The store has a basement cafe, a Hershesons Blow Dry Bar, a nail salon, and even a piercing parlor. I usually go here multiple times on my trips to London either for blowouts or to shop the petites section. There's always a DJ spinning music on the main floor and a healthy line at the cupcake kiosk on level one.

Yes, this is a marathon blog post, but if you're still reading, chances are you're looking for a few things to do in London. I highly recommend visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum to see the current fashion exhibit "Fashioned from Nature". The Tate Modern is another great museum that is worthwhile if you have the time as is the National Portrait Gallery. If you only do one thing while in London, don't miss the Princess Diana fashion exhibit at Kensington Palace. It features her most iconic outfits and includes audio and video components to round out the fashion story.

Enjoy! Oh, and Go HAWKS!

London Diaries: Day Five

Hello London day five! Even this far into the trip I'm still so excited when I wake up every morning just to be here and explore everything the city has to offer. It's fun seeing what's changed since our last trip and discovering what's new. At this point, our family has seen most of the touristy stuff which means we have more time to indulge in the places we love most. <3 p="" vacationgoals="">

Today we started at Kensington Crepes for an easy brunch before heading across the street to the Science Museum. The kids need a break from shopping and I want an excuse to check out the V&A museum which is located next door. The good news is that everything in South Kensington is walkable so it's easy to visit multiple museums in a single morning. Plus, admission it's a budget-friendly way to spend the day. (Note: Admission to museums is free but most of the bigger exhibits require an admission fee.)

Today the Science Museum is showcasing a Robot exhibit that is equal parts cool and creepy. The exhibit includes robots that talk and respond to stimulus, as well as a baby (shown above) that blinks, breathes, and has real hair. It will definitely make you do a double-take. The exhibit is thought-provoking to say the least. It's an exploration of the last 500 years of robots and features over 100 robots on display.

Next, we headed to the Victoria & Albert Museum to check out Undressed, A Brief History of Underwear. Yep, we totally went from robots to racy underwear. The exhibit explores the intimate relationship between underwear and fashion, and its role in molding the body into whatever the fashion ideal is at the time. Although the recent waist-training craze via the Kardashians has seemed to pass, corsets have played a major role for centuries as seen in the garments on display. The exhibit features corsets that were made for women to wear during pregnancy and even post-partum when women were nursing. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the corset was invented by a man. What's interesting is to peruse the collection of underwear on display and visually see how underwear and body ideals physically take shape in the form of undergarments. Today we view underwear as outerwear and design it to not only be functional but to be admired by others. (Note: This exhibit ends on Sunday, March 12th.)

The V&A has an amazing gift shop that's worth checking out when you visit. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs and fashion books. They also have a beautiful cafe and outdoor courtyard with a fountain that is fun for kids to splash around in during the summer months.

For lunch, we walked over to Honest Burger because my husband can only live so long without a good old American burger. We used to fawn over Byron Burger when visiting London, but I have to say, after this last trip, Honest Burgers is my new favorite. They use high-quality meat (35-day dry aged British chuck steak) and serve fries with rosemary seasoning salt. Even the kids liked it. I got my burger without a bun and they didn't even blink. Gotta love a place that embraces a low-carb lifestyle. I'm a fan.

After lunch we head back to the hotel to recoop and relax. The kids always enjoy a little break and

After a day at the museums, it's off to Sloane Square in Chelsea for date night. Jeff and I try to sneak away at least once or twice on the trip to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city sans kids. We book a nanny through a local agency and sneak out for a night on the town. Sloane Square is a great place to shop and dine. For my daughter's first birthday we took her to Richard Ward Salon in Sloane Square to get her ears pierced. I have happy memories here. For dinner, we decided to check out Polpo, which serves beautiful food and most importantly, Italian wine.

London is a beautiful city to explore and each neighborhood has its own charm. One mistake we made when we first visited was not taking the time to plot out the places we wanted to see so that we can group them by neighborhoods and make the most of our trip. Instead, we spent a lot of extra time and money zig-zagging all over the city. Don't do that. It's expensive and inefficient. By grouping the places you want to see by neighborhood you'll get to experience so much more. 

// The It List //

- Shop -

The V&A gift shop

Zara 

- Eat -

Kensington Crepes

Polpo

Honest Burger 

- Visit -

Science Museum

Victoria & Albert Museum

Sloan Square

- Beauty - 

Richard Ward Salon

London Diaries: Day Four

London is an endless adventure. Today we decided it was time to get out of South Kensington and into a different part of the city so we rode the tube to Shoreditch, a neighborhood about 40-minutes outside of the city. The vibe is very "up and coming" and perhaps a bit gritty. depending on who you ask. The first time I came to Shoreditch a few years ago I hated it and thought it was dirty, but even I've come around. Little boutiques and coffee shops have started popping up, cafes have opened their doors, and the Ace Hotel has arrived.

To get outside the city into Shoreditch we opted for the tube because it's faster and cheaper than a Black cab. We learned our lesson the hard way on previous trips hopping into cabs and shelling out major cash for long journies, so we mapped it out and decided to take the underground from Gloucester to Liverpool street. It was a pretty quick ride and we were blissfully unaffected by the tube strike on the central line. We were greeted in Shoreditch with wind and rain so we decided to head straight to the hotel for check-in.

The Ace Hotel is a departure from the usual hotels we normally stay at in London. It has a unique charm all its own complete with hipsters in the lobby drinking coffee and co-working the day away, plus an in-room record player, 24-hour room service, and bathroom amenities like shampoo and conditioner from Rudy's Barber Shop. Our room was clean, spacious, and safely located on the fifth floor, out of sound reach from the DJ in the lobby.

We had dinner at Hoi Polloi, the hotel restaurant founded by Ace in partnership with chefs Pablo Flack and David Waddington. The concept is "English modernist" with a focus on seasonal produce and forward-thinking. The breads on the menu were vegan, the wine organic, you get the vibe. We had some great cocktails and conversations while enjoying the delicious food.

After dinner, we headed over to Boxpark, a pop-up mall featuring a mix of global boutiques and eateries. The Boxpark is very conceptual and definitely a must-visit destination when you're in London. You'll find collabs like Idris Elba for Superdry, vintage fashion at Nordic Poetry, and souvenirs at The Gift Box. If you work up an appetite head upstairs for a full food court of restaurants or for a sweet treat head down to street level for an epic milkshake at Soft Serve Society. Boxpark could literally be your agenda for a full night out. The energy is contagious and the stores are fun to shop and explore.

The next morning we headed across the street to Forage &Co. for brunch. Fried eggs with avocado and chimichurri for the win. On our trip we found that breakfast was the perfect time to plan our day and strategize our next adventure. Forage & Co. also doubles as a co-working space so if the lobby of the Ace kills your vibe you can always head across the street to check emails and get some work done. After our leisurely brunch, we walked through the shops in the neighborhood including several cool menswear boutiques and then checked out of the hotel before heading back to South Kensington via the tube. Overall, our Shoreditch sleepover was a success. Will we be back? Definitely.

// The It List // 

- Shop - 

The Boxpark
(Shoreditch)

- Eat - 

Hoi Polloi - Inside the Ace Hotel London/Shoreditch

The BoxPark 

Soft Serve Society

Forage & Co.

- Stay - 

The Ace Hotel (Shoreditch) 

London Diaries: Day Three

Three days in and the only way to start the day is with a blowout. Sacrificing valuable suitcase space to pack a hair dryer is out of the question, so I head to Hershesons Blow Dry Bar for a blowout before starting the day. Located in the basement of Topshop at Oxford Circus, Hershesons is your best bet for a super efficient, quality blowout that will last at least two days, possibly three with liberal use of dry shampoo. I usually visit at least twice during my trips to London and I always walk out looking and feeling like a million bucks. And let's face it, the convenience of not having to do your hair while on vacation is priceless.

After my hair appointment, I hit the shops on Oxfords street including Miss Selfridge, Mango, Pull & Bear, Zara, River Island, and Next. The best part about shopping in the UK is the sizing. You can seriously find everything from petite to plus size, maternity clothes that don't suck, tall sizes in longer lengths, and a full array of cool kids clothes.

The three main fashion trends for women found in all the shops on the high street are the leather jacket, the concert tee, and florals with dark grounds, which are normally reserved for fall/winter. We're also still seeing the cut-out trend take on multiple forms this season including sweaters, t-shirts, and dresses. The sheer overlay trend is also going strong and morphs into flowy tops, skirts, and even footwear (as shown above).

If you have kids or want to shop for them while you're in London, don't miss Hamleys. Founder William Hamley opened his first store in 1760 and added a second shop on Regent street in 1881. The store was bombed five times during World War II and is still going strong featuring five floors of toys and games for children.

After hitting the high street it's a must that you visit Liberty of London. The store was originally opened in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty and is well-known for its floral prints. The store is an experience in itself and has a full Manolo Blahnik wall of shoes, a fabulous selection of printed silk scarves, a Le Labo perfume counter, a Nike lab, a gorgeous assortment of Needle and Thread dresses, plus a fabulous flower shop that looks beautiful and smells delightful.

Later that night Jeff and I snuck away for a date night in the city and headed to St. Christopher's Place, which is a little area off Oxford street with shops and restaurants. We ended up at a restaurant called Cocochan for sushi and dim sum. The ambiance was great, the food was delicious, and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back.

We've packed in a lot to our first few days in London and one thing is certain, my feet and legs are killing me. If you're heading to London you should know that you're going to walk miles every day. yes, that was miles with an "s" at the end. Despite getting around in a black cab of taking the tube, there will inevitably be walking involved so get ready for sore legs at the end of the day. I cope by stretching and soaking my legs in a salt bath when possible, it should be noted that I have not surrendered to wearing flats. Yet.

If you've forgotten something at home, don't worry. You can get anything your little heart desires in London.

If you forgot to pack your beauty products:

• Look for a Superdrug or Boots store. These chain stores are similar to Bartell's or Walgreens and have everything from beauty products to pharmacy items. Some stores even carry snacks like fruit packs and groceries. You can also find adapters here if you forgot a converter at home and need to charge your electronics. 

If you need baby items:

• Look for a Mothercare store on Oxford street. They carry everything from clothing to baby items like bath tubs, strollers, and high chairs. You can also get diapers, wipes, and bottles here. 

If you need to stock your mini fridge at the hotel:

• Waitrose - For grocery items like milk, juice, fresh fruits and vegetables, and breakfast items for the hotel. They also have a great assortment of manages if you need to stock up. 

• Tesco - Here in the UK Tesco isn't a gas station, it's a convenience store. You'll find chips, snacks, desserts including donuts from Krispy Kreme, and wine. 

// The It List // 

- Shop - 

Liberty of London

St. Christopher's Place

Oxford Street shopping

Selfridges

Hamley's

- Beauty - 

Hershesons Blow Dry Bar 

(Check out these tips on how to make your blowout last longer)

Superdrug

Boots

- Food - 

Waitrose 

Paul 

Tesco 

Cocochan

- Baby - 

Waitrose

Mothercare

London Diaries: Day Two

Jet lag is the worst. We woke up throughout the night despite our best efforts to stay asleep and finally woke up around 10 a.m. Fortunately, it was sunny today which made it easier to get up and get going. Our first stop today was Kensington Palace. Originally my plan was to see the Princess Diana fashion exhibit, but we realized on arrival that it doesn't actually open until later this week. So instead we checked out Victoria Revealed. The exhibit is inspired by the Queen's own journals and gives an intimate account of her life. She was just eighteen when she became Queen of England. If you haven't been watching the series on PBS you should start right now. If you were a Downton Abbey fan, it definitely helps fill the void.

After the museum we walked over to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. It's a beautiful place for kids to escape the city and play. The gated park has multiple play areas including a sandpit with a giant ship for kids to climb. There's also a cafe with drinks and snacks for kiddos who work up an appetite. This is a fun park to explore. (Note: The nearest tube stop is Queensway station)

After the park we took the tube over to Bond street for lunch at the Selfridges Food Hall. I didn't realize department store dining was a "thing" until I started coming to London. You can seriously spend the entire day shopping and eating your way through London via department stores. In addition to a rotating-themed rooftop restaurant, Selfridges has a casual food court downstairs featuring Yo! Sushi, EAT, Lola Cupcakes, grocery items, and more. Upstairs on level four you'll find a multi-vendor Selfridges Kitchen with salads, deli items, and other fast-food options, including a full Starbucks. There's also an Oyster and Champagne Bar, a sandwich shop, and multiple full-service dining options within the store. There's truly something for everyone which makes it an easy and convenient stop for families.

After lunch we shop the store and check out Material World which asks the question, "What on Earth Are you Wearing?" The campaign features 8 sustainable designers that each represent a different material including leather, denim, wool, cotton, and linen.  Featured brands include California-based Tortoise Denim, British Knitwear label Tengri, Swedish label Deadwood, and wool by Le Kilt. The Oxford street windows also feature displays from the campaign and are worth checking out.

Next stop: Harrods. If I were traveling alone I would allocate a full day just to explore Harrods, a luxury department store in Knightsbridge. The store occupies a 5-acre site and has over 300+ departments and over 300,000 people visit the store each day. It's kind of a maze inside so I would recommend downloading the store app or picking up a map when you arrive. This time we took the kids to see Toy Kingdom and explore new arrivals. When I have time to shop solo I'll definitely be back to peruse womenswear and of course, the shoe hall.

Last stop of the day, Byron Burger, which just happens to be close to our hotel. They have a cult following in the UK because it's one of the only burger joints that serves a decent American-style hamburger. I recommend the Bun-free skinny cheeseburger, but if you're adventurous, you might like the "Cluckosaurus Rex", which is a fried chicken breast, onion ring, bacon, cheese, pickles, BBQ sauce and jalapeños. It's not for the faint of heart.

Until tomorrow!

// The It List // 

- Shop - 

Selfridges to check out Material World

- Eat - 

Byron Burger

Yo! Sushi 

 - Play- 

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Hyde Park 

- Visit- 

Princess Diana exhibit at Kensington Palace

Victoria Revealed at Kensington Palace (re-opens in June 2017)

London Diaries: Day One

Back in 2009 my husband and I visited London on our honeymoon and instantly fell in love with the city. The sights, the sounds, the shopping. There's so much to soak in and experience. When we decided to have kids, we agreed that we wouldn't give up our love of travel, so now we bring them with us. They love the journey overseas and together we savor every trip.

We arrived in London on Sunday via the red-eye from Seattle. It was a 9-hour direct flight that arrived at London Heathrow around noon. I've never been a good sleeper on a plane so by the time we arrive I'm exhausted yet excited to be back and determined to stay awake until the evening so that my body can adjust to the time change.

Once we take the 45-minute cab ride into the city and check in to our hotel in South Kensington we unpack and get settled in our room. We've stayed all over London on our trips, but always near Hyde Park so that the kids have somewhere to play. This time around we are at the Vanderbilt hotel but we've also stayed at (and loved) The Kensington Hotel, The Cumberland, and the Crowne Plaza. They are all within walking distance of the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum, and Harrods.

The most important thing to do upon arrival is to get to know your neighborhood. We always make it a point to figure out the nearest tube stop for the London Underground. It's the cheapest/fastest way to get around the city. This time we are closest to Gloucester Rd. so we head over to buy Oyster cards. You can buy these via the automated machines at the tube station and load whatever dollar amount you want. Then you just swipe in and swipe out to pay your fare. It's super easy.

Our first adventure was taking the tube to Leicester Square on the West End of London to check out the Lego store. It's the largest Lego store in the world and features two floors of Legos. We had to wait in a 10-minute line (aka a "queue") before getting inside. It was worth it. The store has several photo opps including a red Lego brick phonebooth and a wall featuring the city of London, in brick form. They also offer a "Lego Mosaic" experience that involves a quick pic in the photobooth and getting a mosaic Lego portrait back, made entirely out of bricks. It's pretty cool actually and costs 99 pounds.

After the Lego store, we rode the Tube back to South Kensington and headed to Waitrose, the local grocery store, to stock up on drinks and snacks for our hotel. (This store closes early on Sunday so be sure to check the store hours before heading over.) London is a picnic-ready town so it's easy to find things like half-bottles of wine, ready-to-go meals, and even pre-mixed drinks like rum & coke.

If you can, stay up as late as possible on the night you arrive so that your body clock adjusts to local time. We all passed out around 8 p.m. and woke up throughout the night before finally waking up the next morning around 10 a.m. That first night can be a little rough, but if you come without kids, I would definitely recommend a late night coffee or cocktail to get you through so that you are well-rested for day two.

// What to Know Before you Go // 

- Eat - 

Drink plenty of water on your flight so that you aren't dehydrated on top of being jetlagged your first few days in the city. Of course you should have a glass of wine on the plane, but don't over indulge. 

- Stay - 

If you want to jump right in to the London experience I recommend staying somewhere central in the city so that you can explore all that London has to offer. I love the Kensington area because it's walkable to everything. You'll also want to get an Oyster Card so that you can hop on and off the tube. 

- Play -  

The Lego store was a fun first-stop in the city for the kiddos. It's located in Leicester Square which is also on the edge of the theater district. It's a fun place to shop and walk around. The kids will also love the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum which is literally just around the corner. Admission to free, but I encourage you to donate if you can.

- Pack - 

If you're traveling solo you can skip this step, but if you're traveling with kids I recommend packing picnic utensils like forks and spoons so that you can stock your hotel fridge with easy snacks and juice boxes for the kids. Department stores in London generally have food halls in their basement where you can stock up on healthy picnic fare to bring back to your hotel. If you need grocery items for your Airbnb try finding your nearest Waitrose.  

Travel Guide: 48 hours in London

London is my favorite city in the world and if I had my way, I would spend weeks at a time just soaking in the sights and sounds of this rich international city. It's a melting pot of culture, food, art and most importantly, fashion. The first time I visited back in 2009 I was on my honeymoon. That trip sparked what would later become six subsequent trips back to the U.K. to explore, linger in museums, sip coffee in chic cafes, and of course, shop. No matter how many times I visit, I continue to be inspired by the colors, textures, and attitudes about fashion that transcend any given season. London gives us many colorful ways to reinterpret fashion trends and create a style all our own.  If you only have 48 hours in London, here are the must-see shopping destinations to add to your list and a practical guide of what to pack for the adventure.

// Shop //

As one of the world's largest department stores, Harrods is a shopping experience you can't miss when visiting London, even if you're only in town for 48 hours.  The store spans seven floors and boasts more than 300+ departments including a champagne bar, food hall, and Toy Kingdom. Shop 'till you drop them head to Urban Retreat at Harrods for a luxurious Crème de la Mer Body treatment or signature massage.

I like to think of Selfridges as the cool, younger sister of Harrod's. In department store land that means unique shopping concepts, experimental pop-ups, indie brands and out-of-the-box merchandising. In addition to having the world's largest shoe department (35,000 square feet to be exact), Selfridges also introduced The Beauty Workshop back in 2012 bringing in a variety of beauty vendors including Hersheson's Blow Dry Bar, The Paint Shop, and Blink Brow Bar. Shoppers can splurge on express beauty services in between retail therapy sessions and then treat themselves to a refreshing cocktail at the rooftop bar.

Kurt Geiger opened his first store on Bond Street in London back in 1963. Since then, the brand has consistently pushed the envelope with stylish, fashion-forward shoes for men and women and now maintains additional brands including KG Kurt Geiger, Miss KG and Carvela. Celebs including Kylie Jenner, Claire Danes, and Karlie Kloss love Kurt Geiger. Don't miss the coveted shoe chandeliers in each shop.

Topshop at Oxford Circus aka "the mecca for cool girls" is a must-see shop in London. Boasting three floors of fashion including fashion-forward clothing for petites and an epic vintage clothing section, Topshop is also home to an EAT restaurant, Hershesons Blow Dry Bar, Strip Wax Boutique, Bleach Hair Salon and Wah Nails. Tip: If you have long hair and don't want to pack your styling tools for your trip, book an appointment at Hershesons Blow Dry Bar at Topshop. The styling team is crazy efficient and will even assign two stylists to blow dry your hair in tandem in order to get you out the door looking fab in 30-minutes or less.

If you have time to hit Covent Garden, don't miss the Lulu Guinness store. It's a fun, tongue-in-cheek brand for women who want to express their personal style without getting caught up in trends. The product mix includes luxury handbags,  fashion-forward but surprisingly functional luggage, and must-have tech accessories.

// Stay //

At this point, we've stayed all around the perimeter of Hyde Park in London. It's central to everything and it's a great way to escape the city when you need a nature break. On our last trip, we stayed at The Kensington Hotel in South Kensington and found that it was, without a doubt, our favorite hotel in London. The staff is friendly and the location is within walking distance to a tube station and local attractions like The Victoria & Albert Museum. The walk to Harrods from the hotel was less than 10 minutes which was an added bonus. If you're traveling with kids, request a tepee tent for your room so that the kids have a hideout.

// Play //

Here's a fun fact: in London admission to most of museums and art galleries is free. This means you can spend your time taking in the city history and culture without having to spend your shopping money to get in. This is critical information if you only have 48 hours to spend in London because you won't feel guilty popping in and out of museums as you explore the city.

Last time I was in town the National Portrait Gallery was showcasing Vogue 100: A Century of Style, a tribute to British Vogue, born in 1916 during World War One. At that time, shipping the US edition became nearly impossible so the Brits launched their own version to fill the fashion void. The exhibit featured magazines from the archives, behind-the-scenes videos from photoshoots, and an insider view of key moments in fashion including the 1947 launch of Christian Dior's 'New Look'. The exhibit ended in May but keep an eye out for other fashion installments by visiting the museum's website.

Must-see galleries for fashion and design in London include the V&A Museum, The Fashion & Textile Museum which is currently showcasing an exhibit on Missoni, and Tate Modern. If time permits, you should also check out events and showcases at Somerset House, which is home to the British Fashion Council and hosted London Fashion Week from 2009-2015.

// Pack // 

When it comes to packing for your trip keep in mind that London is a lot like Seattle in terms of weather. Don't let the clouds fool you, the sunshine will peek out and blind you, so it's a good idea to keep your sunglasses with you as you explore the city.

Show above:

1. Karu 'Kenley' Sunglasses via Moorea Seal. These babies were so popular they immediately sold out, so check out the Aerin if you want something similar.

2. When traveling, I like to pack light to leave room for shopping. My make-up bag is no exception. So instead of packing multiple eyeshadows, I opt for a palette with multiple color options like this one from Ciaté London via Sephora. I also like to take full advantage of beauty products that multi-task like lipsticks that double as blush.

3. A versatile leather jacket is a must-have item when packing for London. It goes with everything from dresses to jeans and you'll find yourself reaching for it when constantly. I like this quilted Moto Jacket from Topshop.

4. Be ready to do a lot of walking in London. Seriously. I run a 5k in the week leading up to my overseas adventures just so that I'm in peak performance for my trip. I mean, come on. I have to keep my stamina up for shopping purposes. If you have a Nike Fuel Band or a Fit Bit, you'll want to bring it with you because you'll rack up some serious mileage on your trip. From a fashion standpoint, if you plan to wear heels, go for something practical like these Laurel Peep Toe Booties via Nordstrom.

5. Versatility is key when traveling. Pack an easy long sleeve blouse like this one from DVF via Shop Style. You can wear it by day with jeans, or tuck it into a leather skirt for a night on the town.

6. And since graphic tees are all the rage right now, you can't go wrong with this oh-so-cheeky "Karl is My Father" tee by Seattle-based T+J Designs. This will be your uniform for the plane ride home paired with a leather jacket and dark denim jeans. Done.

Bonus items
Mexican Filigree earrings from JJ Caprices instantly take your outfit from day to evening. Light-weight and lovingly handcrafted, these earrings are gorgeous and great for travel.

A watch is one of my everyday essentials for travel. I love this Marc Jacobs 'Baker' watch with leather strap and rose gold plating. It goes with everything and keeps me on schedule.

Whether you have four days or a mere 48 hours to explore London is a city that will capture your heart and open your mind.

How to travel in style with kids

Travel tips from a stylish mommy who's been around the globe with two little ones in tow

The first time I took a trip with my son Liam he was just a little over a year old. I was scheduled to be in New York for a few days so that I could attend a Fashion Group International Conference and there was no way I was leaving him back in Seattle. (I would miss him too much!) I have a blurry photo that my husband took of Liam and I in Times Square at night and it's a picture I will cherish forever because that trip marked the start of our family travel adventures. My husband and I traveled a lot before we had kids but after our son was born we were both too exhausted to even think about the prospect of globetrotting with a tiny one in tow, but several months after the New York trip we ventured off to London and then spent a few days in Paris. We've been going non-stop ever since- now with a second kid in tow- and loving every minute of it. Traveling with little ones is definitely an adventure, but trust me, it gets a lot easier and every kid benefits from having the opportunity to explore the globe. Here are my top tips for traveling (in style) with kids. 

Tip #1 - Buy your child a seat
The first thing I recommend to any parent traveling with a little one (i.e. a child under three) is to spend the extra money and buy your child a seat even if the airline doesn't require it. I know, it sounds a little counter-intuitive, why spend the cash if you don't need to? But trust me, it's worth it. Having the extra space on the plane to get comfortable is the key to having a stress-free flight, especially if you're traveling long distances. My son loved spreading out his toys on the seat and I loved not having to constantly worry about elbowing the person next to me.
Bonus tip: If you buy your child a seat don't forget to sign them up to earn frequent flyer miles.  

Tip #2 - Fly direct if you can
Sometimes even a small layover can add on numerous hours to your total travel time so in order to avoid meltdowns we find it's helpful to book direct whenever possible. Traveling from Seattle to London on a direct flight is around 9 hours, but with layovers you're looking at almost 15 hours+ of total travel time. For a small child (and even some grown-ups) that's small eternity, so if the airline offers a direct flight and you are traveling with kids, my advice is to take it. You can thank me later.

Tip #3 - Pack light for your flight  
It's almost second nature for some parents to pack everything but the kitchen sink in their diaper bags, but somehow I missed that bandwagon (including the diaper bag) and always strive to pack light when I travel, kid in tow, or not. My carry-on bag always includes kid-friendly snacks and toys, plus emergency items like children's Tylenol.  Essentials for my travel bag also include a phone charger, aromatherapy lotion in peppermint or lavender, dipes + wipes, plus at least 1 disposable sippy cup so that I can kid-proof any in-flight beverage. If your kid is notorious for spills don't forget to pack an extra outfit, or two. But remember, the more you pack in your carry-on bag the more you have to lug around (in addition to carrying your kid), so whenever possible, pack lightly. If you forget something and can't live without it, chances are you can buy it at the airport or upon arrival at your destination. This also goes for magazines and books! Whenever possible, I download anything I want to read on my iPad in advance.

Another tip for traveling with kids is to pack smaller toys that they haven't played with in awhile so that they get the experience of playing with "new" toys on the plane. This little trick kept my baby entertained for hours on our last flight to London.

Tip #4 - Buy Diapers on Arrival
I'll admit, I once managed to disperse an entire package of diapers into my suitcase before leaving on an overseas trip because I was a newbie when it came to traveling with a baby and I was worried about finding them on arrival. Since then, I've realized that taking up valuable suitcase space with diapers is a waste and as long as you have enough diapers to get you to your destination and a few extras "just in case" it's easier and sometimes cheaper to buy diapers at your destination rather than sacrificing suitcase space. With the exception of Hawaii, we generally travel to cosmopolitan areas where drug stores are readily accessible and stock all the diapers we could ever need, which means I have more room in my suitcase for shopping.

Also, another quick note on packing- don't bring an extra suitcase for your kid (no matter how cute the suitcase is). Try and pack as much of their clothing into your suitcase as possible so that you aren't stuck at the airport with one of those trolly carts because you have too much luggage. My rule is: if we can't carry it between the three of us (my husband, my son and myself) we don't bring it. This is especially important if you have to carry around additional items like a car seat or stroller. Speaking of car seats, we have found that it's far easier to rent a car seat from the car rental company if you are planning on driving than it is to carry one around with you. We have always had great luck with car seat rentals (clean, functioning properly, etc.) when we've needed them and with our AAA membership the car seat rental is often free.

Tip #5 - Bring picnic supplies 
In Europe, it's common to eat meals outside in the park by having an impromptu picnic, but the picnic supplies I recommend are actually for your hotel room. I like to pack plastic forks and spoons so that we can have yogurt  in the morning and things like pre-packaged salads for dinner or a snack. Be sure your hotel has a mini-fridge so that you can shop during the day and store your food. You can also pack an empty water bottle in your suitcase for use on arrival. Most hotels have lemon or cucumber-infused water in the lobby for guests, making it easy to fill up a cup and then transfer it into your water bottle when you get back to your room.

Tip #6 - Take the umbrella stroller with you 
Our umbrella stroller has saved us too many times to count. My daughter naps in it when we're on vacation and she's too tired to keep walking and we also like it for keeping her contained when we are en-route somewhere and don't want her to get lost in the shuffle.

When it comes to picking an umbrella stroller for your trip, you'll want to find one that is:
1) Easy to fold up (preferably with one hand)
2) Has a strap attached so that you can sling it over your shoulder
3) Has storage space so that you can stash diapers and snacks for your little one/s.

Our favorite umbrella stroller is the Uppa Baby G-Luxe because it reclines and has a bit of storage. For our last trip we retro-fitted it with a cupholder attachment and an organizer. These little attachments made all the difference in our experience and were well worth it in the long run.  When we fly we usually take the umbrella stroller straight to the gate and then have the flight attendants gate check it so that upon arrival we can strap our daughter in and make our way to baggage claim as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Tip #7 - Dress the Part
I like to dress up when I go out of town, but I also like to be practical. This usually means finding the right balance between casual and comfortable. Pack some light weight tops, a few pairs of jeans, a dress (or two) and a sweater that can be added if it gets chilly in the evening. Scarves are also great for travel because they can multi-task. When it comes to shoes, I live in sandals when visiting places like  Florida and Hawaii, but in Europe I prefer flats that are good for walking around and chasing my kids. Last summer my shoe of choice was a great pair of beige patent leather ballerina flats by Steve Madden since they were a neutral color and went with everything. This summer, I'm living in my Dolce Vita nude sandals with studs.  The theme here is to pack shoes that are neutral so that they can go with everything you've packed.

Another tip that is absolutely essential for traveling with kids? Pack a cross body bag so that you can keep your hands free. My favorite is the BEVÉE Convertible wallet because the crossbody strap can be removed to turn the bag into a clutch for evening.

Tip #8 - Take advantage of blow dry bars and express spa services
Let's face it, most hotel blow dryers are total crap and definitely not an option for someone like me who has a lot of hair. Instead, when visiting cities like London and NYC I like to research blow dry bars in advance that are close to my hotel. Hands down, Dry Bar in NYC is my absolute favorite. In London, Hershesons Blow Dry Bar is the BEST! These express services are incredibly efficient and also serve as an affordable splurge for moms who need a little R&R while traveling. Don't forget to check nearby salons and spas for express spa services. A 30-minute mani? Yes, please. Selfridges in London has a great beauty workshop that offers a variety of beauty services including a full nail bar, lash services and of course, spray tans. For the ultimate in pampering, don't miss the Urban Retreat at Harrods.

Tip #9 - Take advantage of Frequent Flyer programs
If you travel with kids in tow, be sure to sign them up for their own frequent flyer accounts so that they can accumulate points toward a free trip or discounted ticket. We took several trips with my son before realizing that as a paid customer he was also eligible to earn travel miles. Don't make this mistake. Sign up your kids now before your next travel adventure.

Tip #10- Keep Calm and Carry On 
This is the most important travel tip of all. Travel is an adventure and no matter how much time you spend planning everything out, at some point you have to embrace the fact that not everything goes accordingly to plan. Trust me, I'm a total "Type A" personality and this one was hard for me, but once I learned to roll with it, traveling got so much easier. Little ones pick up on your stress and will react to situations based on how you handle them, so remember to keep calm and carry on, and your kids will too!