The big 2-4

So I turned 24 on Saturday. It was the first time I'd actually celebrated it in London since those obligatory London-Eye-when-you're-12 trips. As my birthday falls right in prime 'summer' time, previously, most of my university friends had disappeared home before we could have a birthday bash, and last year, I was in Venice.

It started with a brilliantly overdressed breakfast/brunch at Stories on Broadway Market.

 

We dropped by the Hackney City Farm to make friends with the animals (a Silkie, Biddy and Larry above). Then we headed into Shoreditch and Spitalfields (where we caught a bit of Okinawa Day) and we couldn't resist popping into House of Hackney's new flagship store. Flanked by a florist out front, the shop gives onto a gorgeous studio featuring the most gorgeous prints - from wallpapers to cushions, dresses to bikinis, I would have bought everything in there (had I a more generous bank balance).

From there, we strayed out of our familiar eastern stomping grounds and headed to Harrods. I was lucky enough to try on two pairs of infamous Louboutins - the Dafodile 160mm in suede (above) and Rihanna's favourites (which I can't find online). And we also got to see the 'VIP' room where archived shoes are showcased. After that we just had to go and fawn over the pets upstairs - the two sweetest French Bulldog puppies should have left with me - before a cursory sweep down the Egyptian Staircase and back home.

We had my birthday meal at Lardo's little sister, Coppa (post coming tomorrow) and then bundled ourselves home for some obligatory drinking games, a change of clothes and an old favourite destination for lots of dancing the night away. It was great to be able to celebrate a birthday with my London pals and ring in the big(ger) 2-4.