STAMPED: Reviewing Elusive International Hot Girl Culture in London
I also asked my favorite EIHGs for their 10 London trademarks - aka we're un-gatekeeping the niche, cool girl sh*t they're into lately.
We’re deviating off script this Monday because you asked and I am LISTENING. When I was in London a ~week ago, I spent 100% of my time submersed in Elusive International Hot Girl (EIHG) culture. My guides included: a London A lister who somehow finds the time to ALSO be a UN ambassador, a recent Oxford (masters) grad who was raised in London & would put posh spice to shame, the most chic third culture kid I’ll ever know — she trapezes across the world with ease and grace and always has THE BEST STUFF, and a fellow “daughter of the world” who heavily studied philosophy at her ivy masters yet has effortlessly become the finance girl that Yasmin Kara-Hanani hoped to become at Pierpoint. Did I mention that aside from being INCREDIBLY HOT and OVERWHELMINGLY INTELLIGENT — each of these women are IMPOSSIBLY kind, thoughtful, warm, generous, and soulful??? In ELUSIVE (INTERNATIONAL) HOT GIRLS WE TRUST.
So for this week’s TM, by request, I’m going to give you a rundown of the best EIHG-approved spots that I hit whilst in London this time around (neighborhoods, restaurants, cool stores, and things to do). For this portion of the guide, I’m only including/reviewing things I was able to do during my short trip.
At the bottom of this letter, behind the illustrious paywall, I’ve asked more of my favorite London EIHG’s (including a gen z beauty guru running the PR scene) for their trademarks. This is the EIHG social currency that’s oftentimes gatekept out of culture because they’re…elusive. We’ll rapid fire 10 of their niche, London-specific picks (like zany beauty treatments) beeeelow!! Ok — let’s get to it, shall we?
where to get a (whole milk) cappuccino:
Gails is a London institution for a reason. My EIHG bestie’s little sister (who is the coolest gen z i will ever meet…. and also…, goes to Oxford) said Gails is “always busy — it’s where you find all the London yummy mummys”. If you don’t know what a yummy mummy is (in this context) — the NYC version (443 Greenwich meets the Carriage Houses of BK Heights…..energetically) is the rich, hot pilates mom who flippantly commissions art in the same way she flippantly purchases 17 tees from the row. She has recently been sending the nanny to chaperone her kids’ breath work classes.…. as she spent the last three Wednesdays door-knocking for Biden/Harris in Pennsylvania.
And dare I say that Gails has the cult-like appeal of 2000s rom-com Starbucks meets 2020s Erewhon?? I get it. The iced drinks use impeccable ice and achieve perfect viscosity — creamy, velvety, and well-balanced. My hot cappuccino was also delicious (but would have been better if iced). All snacks/treats were divine, and I bought into the cult enough to buy an embroidered tote. Can’t wait to pander with it across the pond (laughs in insufferability🤠).
My bff and I were on a long walk in Mayfair and stumbled into this cafe called H. R. Higgins (apparently 80 years old? OK CULTURE). Has to be top 5 cappuccinos of my life. Soooo creamy, so well balanced, I would go back every day if I could. Def ordering their beans as consolation.
Lastly, whilst shopping in Belgravia, we popped into the Anya Hindmarch cafe (aka British Ralph’s). It was very cute, my cappuccino was very good, and I would definitely return if I’m in the area.
where 2 have a good time shopping:
EIHG JEWELRY? CAROLINA BUCCI. If you aren’t familiar with her work, she’s responsible for the iconic AP with Florentine gold (gold hammered by a small diamond… HAHA). ALSO the (EIHG classic) lucky bracelets that dominated 2010 culture are def making a niche comeback. The lucky bracelets are made of interwoven threads of colored silk and gold — aka the most luxurious friendship bracelet you could have ever made at camp. While she only has two stores (in London and Florence), the lore is that you can make your own beaded bracelets from crystals, charms, and the energetically magnetic stones the goop girls care about (like lapis lazuli). I picked up a passion (lucky) bracelet that is my source of joy at the moment. 10/10.
Dare I say I’ve never been in a more stunning, well appointed store than Jessica Mccormack’s Mayfair outpost. This stop came highly recommended by my EIHGs but…. as I am not in the market for a massive button-back engagement ring…. I was tempted to skip. Well… lemme say that I’m glad I DIDN’T. The store is brimming with such incredible and well-curated art and design that after traveling three flights up the townhome (each curated distinctly), I opted OUT of going to the Gagosian to look at art more “officially”. BUT also spotted my dream ring (?) so worth the browse for somatic inspiration as well!!!!!
OF THE LONDON DEPARTMENT STORES I went to… Selfridges was the best. Listen, canonically, I loooove a London department store. Like my version of Eloise at the plaza was staring up at the displays in Harrods as a child. However, they were entirely overwhelming this go-around. Selfridges had some(..) cool stuff, and I cheekily picked up a “Be Honest” tee from my queen Victoria Beckham. My bff picked up a version of the perfect Le Monde Beryl flats that I have been screaming about on every platform (I wanted these but restrained myself 4 once). I love befriending sales people who work the floor because they get all the tea. From a demo POV, I learned that le monde beryl flats have become VERY popular amongst the chic London zillennial, so that’s exciting reporting for TM culture.
If you love a bloody sale…. BICESTER. This has to be the bougiest outlet mall I’ve ever experienced (there’s also one outside of Paris!). Like this place has a private club called “The Apartment”…… which I could only describe as a very English and very bougie sky lounge… but for an OUTLET mall. All your needs are expertly tended to, they give you an extra 10% discount, and had we not been on a mission, I could have stayed by the fireplace cracking (literal) chestnuts for hours.
Anyway, Bicester has fabulous deals. In last Friday’s TM I mentioned picking up a FAB pair of shiny croc Celine loafers (v on sale here!). Tons of good blazers from Saint Laurent (makes me question if we should be buying those full price?), and hefty discounts at Bottega (I was talked down from buying this gold calfskin pouch…. sigh).
In a previous Friday TM, I waxed poetic about The Row’s London store. TBH a strong must-visit. I won’t repeat, aside from saying THEY HAVE ICONIC VINTAGE FURNITURE & THE TURRELL WAS SO MAGNETIZING IT MADE ME WANT 2 CRY. I’ll let you read & be the judge.
Note — Marylebone high street/the areas around The Row + Carolina Bucci are very cute!! Good shops, good walks, just stay away from busy streets!
where to rest ur angelic little head:
Always chic to stay with a friend!!!! but if not an option (or not of interest), the Nobu Hotel in Portman Square (Marylebone) fulfilled all of my needs for the first half of my trip! Central location, approachable price, comfy AF bed + pillows, spacious (enough), great room service (I think I ate miso cod every day), AND it features one of the London EIHG workouts of choice — the Nobu Pilates Studio. I am.. not a pilates girl, but my EIHG bff said it’s consistently rigorous and fabulous.
where to eaaaat:
THE BEST SUNDAY ROAST I’VE EVER HAD IS AT FIFTY CHEYNE. I was lucky enough to get a res (which are apparently hard-won) because an NYC EIHG in my life knows the owner & Head Chef, Iain Smith (who is also the nicest person ever?). A very chic and posh (lol) room of patrons. I’d recommend spending an afternoon in Chelsea before popping over for an early dinner. It’s more food than I have ever eaten on thanksgiving, so it’s best to give yourself time to digest LOL. Skip the starters and get the aged sirloin (Iain approved) — I also heard that the Chicken and Cauliflower roasts are both insane. Still praying to get the chance to consume a braised cabbage, gravy, and roasted potato combo that’s that good again.
Important to me, but maybe not to you…. force a London EHG/EIHG to take you to their favorite neighborhood pub for some fish and chips and a fat glass of wine. That’s culture to me, innit.
We hit The Good Earth for the obligatory Big (Hungover) Lunch on Saturday. Everything was delicious, and the shredded peking duck was a hit. Would go back, but also wouldn’t prioritize over going somewhere new….. take that as you will (7.75/10?).
4 CULTURE & OUTDOORS
We went to the very lauded (and I’m told.. very sold out) Van Gogh exhibition at The National Gallery. The collection was expansive and intimate (some pieces are rarely seen/rarely on loan). I walked away with a deeper appreciation for Van Gogh, his artistry, and the pain that fueled a frenzy of masterpieces. It was emotional and exhilarating. Worth it.
While I loved long walks through Mayfair and Marylebone, and really appreciated exploring the windy streets of Chelsea and Belgravia…. CHISWICK HOUSE & GARDENS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, BRIDGERTON WALK EVER. There’s a pond with ducks, windy paths, storybook bridges, a small obelisk (?), and during this time of year — autumnal landscapes. I could have gotten lost walking in fractured loops for hours. Must visit. Bring a coffee or tea from Gails if u wanna honor the Chiswick Culture.
I have been told that the vibes are now anecdotal text > photos….. so consider my series of London vlogs dropping on instagram/tiktok this week as the visual album for this letter LOL.
& MORE (ENGLISH BREAKFAST) TEA FROM LONDON EIHGs BELOW. ILY — TM x