London shops

I have just purchased a present for Stella's first birthday. It was just easiest to buy online. By the time I pick up Anna and we've walked home from nursery, it is 4:30. Inconveniently, most shops close at 5pm. Those that don't, shut before 8pm. With traffic across the bridges into the center of Reading and Anna's not-so-demanding evening requirements of a food and a bath, mid-week shopping is essentially impossible. What stuns me is that there is anyone who can manage non-weekend shopping.

Of course, I have also provided some insight into why Saturday shopping, no matter what time of year, is akin to Boxing day shopping in North America. It also suggests that if you're investing in online companies, pick a UK-based one since the retail outlets are literally driving people to the internet by only being open during working hours.

Anyway, Emily suggested a particular item for Miss Stella some months back. Ange, noting it, has been plotting ever since to get the item. However, we've just not come across one (see above for at least one possible reason why we've not stumbled across one in a shop). Ange finally broke down and asked Emily where to get one. Emily sent us the funniest online toy store. Only in London. Or maybe New York. It is called Childrensalon. It has its own coat of arms. It has a profile on "Boys in Suits," with the requisite black and white photo of 10 year old boy--in a suit--who looks torn between attending Eaton or going to play polo. Childrensalon advertises its best selling item as Baby Dior Baby Bottle in Pink in a Gift Box. Though, sociologists and our friends who grew up in rural Alberta alike, will be both amuused and interested to note that the Bobby Baby Boy 5 Piece Ivory Suit also makes the top seller list. And, as it turns out, Chldrensalon is actually too posh for London. It has placed itself in the London commuter town of Royal Tumbridge Wells. Yes, "Royal" is actually part of the name. I suspect if you visit the shop in person, they give your kid a latté.

In fairness to it, though, it was a pleasureable online shopping experience. In fact, I recommend it. If only because there is the chance that someone will get Lisa and Damian's baby the Ivory Satin Ballet Shoes to go with his/her stupid Oilers jersey.