Destinations: A Fashionable Travel Guide to London

To contact us Click HERE
Tonight I'll be fawning over the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in between packing up clothes and kitchen appliances (we're moving out of our condo this weekend). In celebration of the Summer Games, here's a fun and fashionable travel guide to London.

London Style & Fashion
You gotta appreciate the Brits' affinity for clean lines and sharp design. Here, some of my favorite summer looks from London and British fashion designers:

Rosie Huntington Whitley in Stella McCartney spring/summer 2012
Photo courtesy of glam.co.uk

OK, tear yourself away from Rosie's legs for a second. I know, it's tough. (Those gams are seriously unfair.) I loved this circle print dress from Stella McCartney's spring/summer 2012 line when I saw it on the runway (from the comfort of my couch via live stream) and think Rosie did a fantastic job of taking it from runway to everyday by adding a skinny belt and structured bag.

Photo courtesy of McQ by Alexander McQueen

Cute, girly and...is that a Little Red Riding Hood look I'm seeing? There's no chance in hell I could pull off this fishnet and vixen red shoe combo, but I do love the lines of this dress. Paired with some simple black heels, I think it could be a viable summer office ensemble.

Photo courtesy of Ted Baker

In Phoenix, summertime outfits often consist of flowing, cotton dresses and flip flops (that's on a day I'm feeling ambitious). So my whole idea of "Oh, this jumpsuit would be so great for summertime cocktail parties" is a complete fantasy. Either way, it's a work of art - no?

Photo courtesy of Angelika London

 

 

Created by designer Olivia Anne Totman, Angelika London's summer collection is all about lightweight fabrics and bright, playful prints. Maxi and mini dresses and tank-tops are emblazoned with butterflies, golden feathers and dream catchers. The collection is a sprightly alternative to the other more structured looks above.

Photo courtesy of LUXE City Guides

Find London's best shopping spots with LUXE London, a tongue-in-cheek travel guide to the city. With tips and advice on everything from the best places for lunch to the area's top hotels, this pocket-sized travel guide is packed with valuable info and fits easily into your tote.

London Hotels
A big event like the Summer Olympics means a big influx of tourists. And that means a ton of new London hotels. One of the most anticipated is The Ampersand Hotel in London's South Kensington District. Aesthetic focuses on five central concepts: botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy — all part of South Kensington's DNA. Read more about The Ampersand and other London hotels on my SheKnows.com Checking In column.

Photo courtesy of The Ampersand Hotel