48 Hours in London

A recap of my two days in London before PFW, plus a look at everything I packed for my entire trip.

Bonjour! Ça va?

I’m writing to you from Paris, where the weather has been absolutely perfect (There may be some rain tomorrow, which would be nice since I can finally put one of my two umbrellas to use—more on that below.), and I’ve already come across some fascinating things—but I’m saving all my Paris musings for Friday’s newsletter. Today, consider this more of a travel diary, a recap of my whirlwind 48 hours in London. It was my first time visiting, and I have to say…I’m obsessed. I need to go back immediately!

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What I packed

Packing is always a hit-or-miss experience for me. I can confidently nail what to wear while traveling, but when it comes to deciding what to actually pack, I tend to get a little lost—probably because I’m such an emotional dresser. I choose pieces that feel right in the moment, but by the time I land and start unpacking, some of them suddenly feel…questionable. However, the upside is it pushes me out of my comfort zone (or gives me a valid reason to shop while I’m traveling).

Of course, aside from my emotions, I take the usual approach—letting the weather influence my choices. (though, in this case, it turned out to be completely different from what I expected, meaning some of my wintery pieces have barely made an appearance). When attending shows, I try to wear something from the designer if I have it, and I always pack a few dressier pieces that work for both dinners and running around the city. More than anything, though, I wanted clothes that felt good—pieces I didn’t have to think too much about. Because when you’re walking from place to place, hopping on the metro, the last thing you want is clothes that feel like a burden. But no matter how much my suitcase can hold, there’s always a limit. That’s where creativity comes in—figuring out how to make everything work together. And honestly, that challenge is part of the fun.

Outerwear

Apologies for the rather terrible elevator lighting. This was my travel outfit—I ended up wearing two layers of outerwear to save space in my suitcase. The Rier jacket served as my inner layer and doubled as a blanket during the flight, which was a game-changer. The silk scarf also proved to be an unexpectedly great source of warmth. Lately, I’ve been reaching for these glasses nonstop. They’re foldable, which makes them incredibly easy to slip into a pocket without worrying about them getting crushed.

• By Malene Birger “Dalimas” wool coat

• 6397 Balmaccan coat

• Sofie D’Hoore “Carola” reversible coat

• Rier “Walker” jacket

  • Limited inventory: XS, S, M

• Beams Plus anorak

  • Mine is sold out, but I’ve included several alternatives in this letter. To add one more to the list, there’s also this great option in dark navy.

• Bottega Veneta blazer

  • Mine is from a few years ago (RIP to the Daniel Lee era), but if you're looking for this exact style, you can still find Daniel Lee-era BV around. Here’s my blazer in stark white cotton (only size US00 available) and a purple version (only a US 2 is available). If you're simply after a structured black blazer, here’s a more casual, everyday option and another that’s a bit more formal.

Tops

• Madewell chambray shirt

• Cos tuxedo shirt

  • Mine is sold out here is another option.

• Charvet Shirt

  • Mine is from my last trip to Paris, where I went through the made-to-measure process. You can find plenty of Charvet shirts at reasonable prices on the secondhand market.

T-shirts

• (2x) Uniqlo Airism t-shirt

• (2x) Sunspel Rivera t-shirt

• Everybody World T-shirt

• Heirlome silk t-shirt

• Matteau Breton striped shirt

Bottoms

This is what I wore to wander around Bicester Village (more on that below). I picked up these paint-splattered Dickies in Dumbo at the flea market under the bridge (is it just called BK Flea?). That day, I was also test-driving a pair of On sneakers—as you all know, I’m not exactly a sneaker person, but with all the walking ahead, they seemed like the smarter choice. Plus, I had every intention of working out… but, of course, that never happened. Haha! I didn’t feel any pain in my feet at all, so I would say they are worth it. The scarf is one I got on my last trip to Paris.

• Alex Mill wide leg relaxed jeans

• VTG Dickies

• Polo Ralph Lauren Chinos

  • Alt

• Brigade USA camo pants

• Von Sono cotton poplin skirt

• The Row satin wide-leg pants

Sweaters/ sweatshirts

• Caron Callahan knit vest

• Still Here Sweatshirt

• Alex Mill “Jordan” cashmere sweater.

Dresses

• (2x) Loewe dresses

  • One is this one and one is this but in black.

Shoes

This is probably my favorite outfit of the trip so far! I wore it to dinner and initially worried the anorak might be too casual, especially since I wasn’t sure about the restaurant’s dress code. But I figured, why not? I ended up loving the relaxed feel of the look, with the shoes and diamonds adding just the right amount of polish to balance everything out.

• On Cloud x 4 sneakers

• Loewe sneakers

  • Mine are the PVC version of these.

• Bally ankle boots

• Belgian Loafers

  • Similar option here.

• Renate Jacob gold jazz shoe

• Roger Vivier platform sandal

• Khaite beaded sandal

  • I’ve worn these twice now, and I think it’s safe to say they’re very much a “dinner shoe.” I did manage to walk from one event to the next a few days ago without any issues, but I don’t think I could last more than four consecutive hours on my feet in them. To add a bit of comfort, I’ve been wearing fishnets as a buffer—not because of the beading, but because the strap across the foot is where potential discomfort comes in. I opted for the highest heel, but there’s also a lower heel and a flat version that I imagine could be much more versatile beyond just dinner outings.

Bags

• Lura Tote

• Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Speedy

• Il Bisonte clutch

Monday, March 3rd

James Smith & Sons

Rows of walking sticks all with handcarved toppers.

• This was my first stop after checking into my hotel—I stayed at The Marylebone Hotel (which, I’ll admit, I’ve butchered the pronunciation more times than I’d like to admit—haha!). This storied umbrella shop has been around since 1830, and to this day, they still hand-carve all their handles in the basement. I first came across it in Cathy Horyn’s essay on personal style, and later, Becky Malinsky mentioned it as well on Lauren Sherman’s Fashion People podcast—which felt like a clear sign that I had to visit. I initially really wanted one of with the whangee crook handle, but there wasn’t one in the size I wanted, so I ended up choosing an umbrella with a mallard head handle and a greenish blue cover. What’s also special about the shop is that all the handles are still handcarved in the basement of the shop, and if something were to ever happened to my umbrella I can almost send it to them to repair.

The Dovetail for lunch

Sunspel visit

• Longtime readers will know I have a particular affinity for Sunspel t-shirts. To me, they check all the boxes of what makes the perfect tee —the weight, the collar placement, the sleeve length, the overall fit. So when I heard about their bespoke t-shirt program, it was a no-brainer—I had to try it. The program has been running for about four months now and is currently only available at their Jermyn Street location in London. At the moment, it’s exclusive to their classic T-shirt, but there are plans to expand it to V-necks and long sleeves in the future. The customization options are extensive: you can choose from five different fabrications (lightweight, medium-weight, heavyweight, sea island cotton, and silk cotton), select your preferred color (though some shades depend on the fabric), and modify the neckline finish, sleeve length, and body length to your liking. You can even add a pocket (there are a number of different pocket types to choose from) and, for the pièce de résistance, a monogram—which, for me, is a must.

  

  Shirts made for members of The Rolling Stones.

  It turns out Sunspel has actually been offering this level of customization for quite some time—just not to the general public. Previously, you had to be, well…someone like The Rolling Stones or James Bond (“The Riviera” was designed for Daniel Craig’s James Bond and remains a popular style.) to access it. Now, that exclusivity has lifted, making it available to anyone willing to invest in a perfectly tailored t-shirt. Yet, naturally, I had to ask: What’s the justification for spending this much on a t-shirt?

  

  Working with Tyler on my bespoke t-shirt.

  For context, the starting price is £160, with the silk cotton option (exclusive to this program) going up to £310, depending on the fabric you choose.

  For many, a t-shirt is practically a second skin—a piece we throw on without much thought, often overlooking its importance. Yet, despite how unassuming it seems, it’s arguably one of the hardest-working pieces in our wardrobes. Because of how frequently it’s worn and washed, its crispness inevitably fades, which is why some might find it hard to justify spending this kind of money on something that, to many, feels almost disposable.

  But if we can rationalize investing in a bespoke dress shirt or even custom-made boxers from Charvet, why not consider a bespoke t-shirt? Part of what makes people comfortable paying premium prices for trusted brands is the expectation of superior craftsmanship and longevity—something that should, in theory, outlast that pack of 12 tees from your latest Prime next day order. Moreover, if a t-shirt is the foundation of so many outfits, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in one that actually lasts? This program also speaks to a broader shift—bespoke and made-to-measure experiences are becoming more accessible. Not necessarily in terms of price, but in the ease of entry. More and more brands are offering customization services without the need for exclusivity, making it possible to book an appointment and create something tailored just for you—without feeling like you need to be a certain type of person to justify it.

  This new approach to customization made me even more eager to create something uniquely my own. For my bespoke piece, I chose Sea Island cotton—one of Sunspel’s signature fabrics and among the rarest cottons in the world. Grown exclusively in the Caribbean, it’s prized for its exceptionally long staple fibers, which make it incredibly durable and resistant to pilling. The fabric has a perfect weight that transitions effortlessly across seasons, making it a versatile choice year-round. I opted for a boxier fit, lowered the sleeves, and, of course, added a monogram. But instead of my usual red thread monogram, I chose tonal embroidery. The turnaround time is about four weeks, which is quite fast for a bespoke piece. Each one is crafted in the same Nottingham factory as Sunspel’s standard shirts, ensuring the same level of quality and craftsmanship.

  

  Along with my custom order, I picked up a few new pairs of underwear and a sweatshirt made from a special fabric designed by Jonathan Anderson, who was the brand’s creative director about 15 years ago (a fun fact I only recently learned).

  

  My bespoke shirt order sheet.

Church’s

• I ended up buying another umbrella. The justification for this one is that it has a different handle, and it’s foldable.

Turnbull & Asser

• I went in mostly to look at the nightwear and was considering a nightshirt, but I ended up opting for just the boxers instead.

Dinner at St. John

St. John is known for their madeleines

Tuesday, March 4th

Travel to Bicester Village

• On my last day in London, I partnered with The Bicester Collection to do a little shopping in preparation for PFW. Bicester Village is part of the same group as La Vallée Village—the off-price luxury shopping destination I wrote about earlier this year. About an hour outside the city, Bicester is an easy train ride from Marylebone, complete with a dedicated kiosk where visitors can wait for the train or even pre-schedule hands-free shopping. The journey itself is a delight, with sweeping views of the English countryside—rolling green fields, farmland, and postcard-perfect scenery.

  Being more present

  The first stop was The Apartment. At Bicester, it spans two stories, with fitting rooms that rotate different brands, reflecting the constant stream of new arrivals. I learned that stock is refreshed daily—so if you visited two days in a row, you’d likely see completely new offerings. But beyond the shopping, what stood out this time was the hospitality.

  As I entered, a group of five or six women—friends, or maybe family—paused for a group photo before stepping inside. Their personal shopper photobombed them playfully before leading them upstairs, where a spread of treats and drinks awaited. Clearly, this wasn’t their first visit. Watching them laugh and chat with their shopper—someone they had obviously built a relationship with over time—made me think about the ongoing conversation around the "death of retail." But here, on a Tuesday morning, these women were buzzing with excitement, cards in hand, proving that retail isn’t dead—it’s just alive where experience and connection matter.

  

  This dress was an absolute dream, but with my luggage already over the limit on the way to London, I had to leave this disco fantasy behind—at least for now.

  Beyond being a hub for hands-free and personal shopping, The Apartment also hosts exclusive events with cultural figures beyond fashion—writers, directors, and more—offering a level of access that feels like true luxury.

  After soaking it all in, I set out to find something travel-friendly and perfect for Paris. Bicester has the largest brand matrix of its European sister properties, with some brands occupying multiple floors, so I knew I was in for a long day.

  One of the first stores I visited was filled with pieces from a recently departed creative director—a reminder of fashion’s constant game of musical chairs. Seeing the last remnants of a designer’s tenure is always bittersweet, but chatting with the sales associates reframed it: Bicester and its sister villages are, in a way, a final refuge for finding pieces from designers who have moved on. With that in mind, I continued my search, sifting through racks and displays, weighing the significance of each piece—not just as fashion, but as a snapshot of a designer’s era.

  

  I had to fuel up before making any shopping decisions.

  By lunchtime at Cecconi’s—one of four restaurants on the property—I had already scoured most of the stores and had a shortlist of contenders. Over arancini truffle balls, pizza, whipped ricotta, pizza, and a crisp butter lettuce salad (washed down with a Campari Spritz, because why not?), I mulled over my options. Crisp white pumps that would pair beautifully with a skirt suit or Bermuda shorts? A two-piece knit set perfect for summer with a sandal and glowy skin? A quirky crystal-embellished heel? A shimmering disco dress practically begging for a night out? Decisions, decisions.

  

  After lunch, I found the perfect gift for Nick. Too excited to wait, I sent him a picture the second I bought it. With that settled, it was time to make my own decision. I landed on a two-piece set from a Spring/Summer collection I’d always loved—partly because Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams was on the show’s soundtrack. And with the designer now moving on, it felt special to own a piece from their tenure.

  

  With my purchases in hand, I swung by The Apartment for a quick latte before heading back to London to close out my last day in the city.

Jacque Marie Mage

• Before dinner, on my way to another store, I unexpectedly came across the newly opened Jacques Marie Mage boutique. I popped in to try on the Yves sunglasses, which had been on my list for a while. That’s the beauty of trying things on in person—what looks great in photos doesn’t always translate. In this case, the Yves didn’t suit me at all, but I did find another pair that I really liked.

Mouki Mou

• I first heard about this from Becky Malinsky (on the same podcast), and then a Sunspel representative mentioned it as well, so I felt that I had to check it out. I ended up leaving with a silk cotton dress from Arts & Science.

Dinner at Mayfair

The duck was amazing!

See you all on Friday!

xx

JJ

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