Ottolenghi-licious!

Dear Crazy Window readers, we're back and full of energy!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well at Ottolenghi, it most certainly is. What a great way to start the day. Breakfast heaven!

Cool white interior, smooth lines, reclaimed wood floor boards and those little extra touches that make it feel like home. A coloured chair here, a Dualit toaster there. That's right, toast your own bread at your table. Or, go for the cinnamon French toast served with berry compote and crème fraiche. Don't count the calories, indulge yourself.

Too late for breakfast? Lunch is spectactular too. Mouth-watering and oh-so fresh salads sit waiting for you to make your selection, and the scrumptious cakes and giant meringues speak for themselves.

Eat your heart out!

 ottolenghi.co.uk

It's in the loft

How annoying is it when you need something and you hear your partner/friend/relative (delete as appropriate) say "it's in the loft"?

Well, no more. Hearing those words should conjure up notions of good company in relaxed surroundings with great food by an impressive chef.

http://theloftproject.co.uk

Have you herd?

Told you I'd post some elephant photos so here they are

Elephant in the room

Well not in the room, they're outside. All over London actually. Have you spotted one? I'll post photos if I spot any on my travels. Designers have made their mark on these creatures and they're not just to make our city pretty - the fun is all for a good cause too.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/7677435/The-London-Elephant-Parade-in-pictures-260-elephant-sculptures-dotted-around-the-city.html?image=19

Run run run!

Oh my, what a treasure hunt. Fancy a pair of Jimmy Choo trainers? Just run after them:

Foursquare: www.foursquare.com/user/CatchAChoo

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CatchAChoo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatchAChoo

What the ****?

Love it!

www.whatthefuckshouldimakefordinner.com

A head for heights

So many reasons to visit The Banyan Tree spa hotel in Bangkok – here’s just one.

Enter the elevator, hit the floor 59 button and shoot for the stars – literally. Walk up a further two flights of stairs and there you are – at Vertigo. The open-air bar and restaurant on the top of the world. Eat and drink against the backdrop of city lights twinkling against the night sky, just like the stars. Amazing.

www.banyantree.com/bangkok

Hot in the city

Selfridges looks so hot right now, take a look.

www.selfridges.com

Light as a feather

Untitled fragrance by Maison Martin Margiela hits Selfridges. Smell it... on a feather.

www.selfridges.com

Who's that girl?

Or boy?

French Connection has given its mannequins a face. Well, numerous faces actually. Stroll by the Oxford Street store to not only see the clothes displayed but the wooden models "holding" changeable screens showing faces with varying expressions.  Enjoy.

www.frenchconnection.com

Imperial Haven

What a glorious Spring Day! 

Finally the lady was brave enough to show her true colours!

I was out and about, enjoying the warm sunshine, when, after fighting through the crowds, I found heaven in bustling Piccadilly.

Here's a special Crazy Window preview 



IMPERO LEATHER

Is a super, ultra-glam, glorious & chic, leather fashion boutique...and it hasn't even officially opened its doors yet!

This amazing store is located in Princes Arcade, and I'm telling you, the clothes are straight out of a fairytale! 

If you want to dress to impress, and be sure you won't ever be embarrassed by somebody turning up in the same clothes as you, their unique, bespoke designs are perfect.

The window has a sumptuous display that reflects the decadence and elegance of the brand; beautifully crafted leather garments are merchandised impeccably on chrome and glass rails. Cherubims and Archangels embellish the black wallpaper. 

Everything is opulent and sophisticated, the level of detail in every single piece is unbelievable, and the customer service is worthy of royalty!

Visit this store and Indulge yourself.

Impero London

11 Princes Arcade
Piccadilly
London
SW1Y 6DS

OPENS MONDAY 19th April

Size does matter

Easter may be in the past but chocolate is always on our mind especially when you turn around in the middle of the confectionary department at Selfridges and see this:

That's right readers, a larger than life, ridiculously big, oh no I shouldn't, yummy, lip-licking, mouthwatering, giant bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup - mmm. Pour it on your waffles, drizzle it on your ice cream, swirl it around your mousse or do something even saucier with it! Gimme gimme gimme.

www.selfridges.com
www.hersheys.com

Pretty in pink

You know that saying "the best things come in small packages"? Take a look at the prettiest car you ever did see - the Fiat 500 - in pink! Here it is in all its glory at the showroom behind Selfridges, with cute bottles of nail varnishes scattered around it. It's as if the guys who work there painted it themselves! Ask for Chris or Carl by the way.

I don't know anything about cars but here's what I do know: it's small, cute, has wheels and lights, and if your name is Barbie, you can get one with a Swarovski-encrusted interior. No mention of a free Ken with purchase though. Vroom vroom. 


www.fiat.co.uk
www.swarovski.com
www.selfridges.com

Makeover on Bond Street

So, there I was minding my own business window shopping in the likes of Harry Winston (oh-so-sparkly diamonds), Michael Kors (cutaway swimming costumes, hmmm), Mulberry (hello lover) and Smythson (is it wrong to wish the year away so I can get a beautiful new diary?) when I saw Fenwick is having a makeover - or "just powdering our fascia" as they so cutely put it. That's all. It made me smile.

www.fenwick.co.uk

Ooh bad, bad, very bad

Zadig & Voltaire has opened its funky store on South Molton Street. Alright, alright, it's been there for three months (well, two and a bit) but I didn't know!

Lovely soft-to-touch jumpers with cool diamante detailing on the back - a horse, angel wings, skulls... and so-hot-right-now army trend inspired jackets and trousers. 


And then there's the postcards all over the walls.

Like it. Like it a lot. Uh oh.




www.zadig-et-voltaire.com

Put a spring in your step

How cute is the Scholl promotion at Kurt Geiger?? Just look at the so-right-for-spring pastel colours! And we thought Scholl wasn't cool. Nope, it's official, looking after your tootsies while looking after your style can go together. Those shoes were made for walking people. Work it baby.


www.kurtgeiger.com
www.scholl.com

Shower with Warhol?

What is going on at Molton Brown? Their window is all Andy Warhol-esque – I’m liking it but I can’t figure it out. 

Anyway, shhh don’t tell but their Regent Street store is having a launch party for their new Wilde Fairyfleur range on Thursday from 5pm – champagne, cupcakes and I believe goody bags galore. Don’t say I said so. Call up to be put on the guest list. Don’t you just love April showers?

www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Hey Jude-ith

If you're ever north of el Riviera Thames, take a trip to Primrose Hill, not just for its panoramic views across London from the top of the green, the cute and quaint coffee shops or the vibrant pubs but also for the treasure trove that it is Judith Michael & Daughter. 

This boutique is filled with all things vintage, antique, unusual and wonderful - I want it all. From frames, signs, cushions and doormats to jewellery, keepsakes, mementos and stationery, this is where you'll find that special something to enhance your home. On Friday I enjoyed purchasing some vintage French pharmacy and perfumery boxes and an old photo album that I will fill with my grandparents' old black and white memories. 

www.judithmichael.com

Thx Thx Thx

For all the thanks you get...

Meet Leah Dieterich the talented creative director and writer who's lovely
mum told her to always write thank you notes. So she has. For everything -
and for that we are thankful.

We like to copy the letters and frame them for suitable areas around the
home. Like the one to books - it's on our bookcase. Just an idea.

Anyway, thxthxthx Leah.


http://thxthxthx.com/



Honey V

HAPPY CHOCOLATE EGG DAY!!!

Don't you just love Easter?

Waking up and discover an abundance of chocolate waiting to be eaten! Forget the calories, forget the spots and remember, Jesus' resurrection only happens once a year - ahem.

French Connection won my golden chocolate star for most irreverent windows this  year - I love their campaign, and their Jesus-esque starring male model; the whole hippie-beardy-messy-chic look completely grabbed me. The windows displaying mannequins with Playboy bunny style ears is utterly amusing and totally compelling in my opinion. 

Thinking about chocolate Easter eggs, Liberty have an amazingly mouth-watering selection and as always BEAUTIFULLY displayed. Indulge yourself - Charbonnel et Walker Banofee egg, stunning yellow box and simply Delishhhhhhhhhhh!!! 

The cutest gift is the Emperor Egg Box Limited Edition from Montezuma's Easter - 6 Organic eggs also at Liberty. Perfect present if you are going to a friend's house for Sunday Luncheon, so I hope they're open today for trading....

Paperchase has the most gorgeous selection of tiny accessories, such as sequin chicks and bunnies (you should see my sideboard) perfect for decorating your Easter table.

Enjoy!

Honey D

www.liberty.co.uk

www.charbonnel.co.uk

www.montezumas.co.uk

www.paperchase.co.uk

Snogging is good for you

What a wet afternoon! Where is Spring hiding? Is she afraid of Mr. Winter? Be brave, bright lady!

I was soaking wet looking for something fantabulous to happen, with wet hair and shoes, my mood was absolutely vile.

I had been wandering for hours when finally something caught my eye, like a big, juicy, pink fairy lighting up the grey clouds covering Covent Garden: SNOG - the new frozen yogurt store.

And the dark clouds left me miraculously...Hallelujah!

This brand new store is vibrant, with multi-coloured droplets of happiness hanging from the ceiling; white trees adorn the lovely walls, and seating and tables are made with the same FUN; it's like being in wonderland, a pure delight!

I fully recommend a visit to this paradise, especially on a rainy day.

Good night and SNOG, SNOG

http://www.ifancyasnog.com