5.18.2010

ENGLAND


Something you might not know about James and I is that we're both English citizens. My dad is English, born in Coventry, so I recieved citizenship through him. James on the other hand was actually born and raised in Yorkshire (Northern England) until he was 12 and most of his family still lives there. This past week, we've both been back in the old country. James is working on a house here in London and I've been working a bit too. I actually shot over by Buckingham palace the other day which was interesting. At one point everyone was sure the Queen was coming out... but sadly no, no sign of her, not even the corgi's.

When I'm in London, I usually stay around Hyde Park but this time I'm staying in London's east end. I have to say, I really like it here! There are so many boutique vintage stores around and I love the street style I'm seeing everywhere. The kids around Hoxton and Shoreditch actually remind me of characters from the TV show, The Mighty Boosh, all future retro'd out. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I suggest you take 2 minutes out of your busy day to watch this classic Mighty Boosh clip. James and I have been inspired to randomly sing this song all week long:

Trust me, you'll get into it eventually.

The other night we were invited to Brown's 40th anniversary dinner. Browns is still owned and run by Mrs. Burstein, or Mrs. B as she is known - a classy lady if ever I saw one.  I was really interested to learn what a patron of fashion Browns has been and how, through the years, Mrs B. has championed the talents of John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and others very early in their careers.

At the dinner James was sat next to the beautiful Eva Herzigova who apparently gave him top secret travel advice for our honeymoon (which he still wont tell me!). Meanwhile on the other side, I got to chat with my pal Henry Holland about the good old days... aka, 2006. A funny story about Henry: I remember a time I was flying from London to New York, I came out of the washroom and nearly fell backwards when I saw a man with a neon pink shirt that had my name in giant letters printed on it!! I realized it was Henry right as he realized it was me staring back at him. Then came the awkward moment of whether or not we should acknowledge each other and that we were both riding in coach (oh the horror! The shame!!). Henry broke the ice and asked me why I was back there and I could only respond with "well, whats your reason?!".  Anyway, I joined him and we sat next to each other, chatting it up the rest of the flight home. He did zip his jacket up after he realized what he was wearing though...

On Saturday both James and I had the day off. Since it was so nice out we decided to take a long leisurely walk over towards the London Eye. Along the way we found the Globe Theatre which is a reconstruction of the exact theatre Shakespeare's company would perform in 400 years ago right along the River Thames. We bought tickets to Henry VIII but the only ones we could get were standing, which we did... for hours!! Still, its all part of the experience, or so we are told. After that, we continued on to the London Eye but the line up was massive so we opted not to go. 

After a photo opportunity at Big Ben (Tim Walker style camera trickery!), we found a park where this cute little squirrel started to follow us. James stopped and beckoned the squirrel over and to our surprise all of a sudden he ran straight up James' leg!!  James took it like a man... well maybe... he might have squirmed just a little bit. Of course, I need to document everything so we tried to make the squirrel do it again but he wasn't having it. Now, he seemed to want to chase after me!! A little side note: squirrels terrify me. A friend of mine was attacked by one once (its true!) and since then I'm always on edge around them. I can shoot with all sorts of animals on set, but a wild squirrel is a bit of a nightmare for me. Anyways back to the subject. I realized the squirrel wanted to see what was in my bag, so I handed the bag off to James. In the end the squirrel jumped back onto James leg and we got our picture of Mr. Squirrel and James chatting it up. After that a pigeon walked over to James and then a duck?!  Now James thinks he's the animal whisperer and that all animals of the land will flock to him...

We have one more week here in England and then its off to Toronto for '
Strut For a Cure.' Then of course there is the wedding, just 22 days away! Exciting times!!

XOXO
COCO

71 comments:

Brunch girls said...

Oh my, that clip is hilarious! We love Browns, that must of been so fun, Mrs. B sounds fabulous! Hope you and your hubby-to-be enjoy your next week in England!
Btw We LOVE the gown you wore!!

Anne said...

I love that clip, oh so funny! I too, am a British citizen, go Britainia!!! Lol, it was funny to hear about yours&James' experience with that squirrel! Literally counting down the hours until Strut for a Cure. Sounds like you had a blast at the Brown's 40th anniversary dinner, as well as around England... spectacular pictures! May your and James' adventures in England and everywhere else continue and long live the Queen & Rococo! Kisses Coco!! xoxoxo

Threads:and:Vino said...

futuuuureee saaiiillorrrss..my roommate and i have been replying it all night, thanks foe the new found british entertainment...tweetin the hell out if

Dominic Clarke said...

Yeah East is great, I like Brick lane mostly. oh just stay in England.. ok cool:)

Jamie McCarthy said...

Great post, Coco! Love the Future Sailors video - The Mighty Boosh is my favorite show.

Clare Ruth said...

Loving the pictures! The squirrel is cute, but yes I think I would be a bit worried if one had its eye on my bag too.
Can I just say that you write really well, I always find that your blog updates flow so well.

Good luck and have fun at Strut For a Cure. I really wish I could come, but I live down in Australia :(

Clare

Bryony Rose said...

I've been working around the east end everyday and have failed to cross paths with you yet! Hope you're having a wonderful time here anyway and best wishes for the wedding x so excited for you :) x x

Initials.CC said...

superbe !

CELINE&CHARLOTTE

Just Another Londoner said...

although i live in london i basically never go to east london but i think i should start! i love the mighty boosh, best song is the cheese song :) (or the chosen one) x

K said...

Haha! St James' park is a bit mad for animals. I take it you didn't bump into any pelicans? They really ARE scary to get chased by. Oddly, I was on southbank the other weekend and saw two actors from the mighty boosh! xxx

C. Anne said...

Can't wait to see the shoot at the buckingham palace! Were you given a short tour? You looked beautiful at the Brown's event, very grecian goddess!

kayang said...

Omg you looked so stunning in the little picture of you and James!

Layla said...

fantastic last post!!

Anonymous said...

I think you're great and inspiring
Keep doing your thing
I wish you all the best :)
Thank you

Style Souk said...

This is such a beautiful love letter to England.

And thank you for the tip about avoiding squirrels - I've always thought them to be shifty little buggers!

Robbie said...

You do know I just might've been able to get James & you straight to the front of the queue at the London Eye... maybe even ride for free. I still got hookups back there. Let me know next time so maybe it could be arranged. The London Eye is not to be missed!

Anna Rachael Pang said...

hey coco!

your trip to london sounds relaxing and fun! I'm actually interning at Fashion magazine now but sadly won't be able to attend strut for a cure! have an amazing time and maybe i'll see you around/meet you

p.s. I'm so excited for your wedding! I know it'll be so extravagant and amazing!

anna :)

Mahadi said...

Since you have like 4 days left in England I think you should come to Brighton. The weather is really nice this weekend and Brighton is on the coast so you can go to the beach, but it's stoney :(. I think I would pass out if I saw you walking around Brighton haha.Enjoy the rest of your stay

Elisabeth said...

I'm going to London on Wednesday!

Unknown said...

My dad has dual citizenship - the U.S. & England. I'm bummed that I don't!

I actually came across your blog via Moded'Amour & saw that you commented on her sunnies! You visit Fvncy.com you could enter for a chance to win 3 FREE pairs of sunglasses from Paola Loves To Shop!

http://www.fvncy.com/2010/05/100th-post.html

KeepItFvncy,
M.E.

Sara Bow said...

Great Blog!

the last pics are great XD



X

Balkan Couture

Anonymous said...

Those pictures of James with the anaimals are great!I LOVE the squirrel story.It reminds me of the last time I went to the Reiffel bird sanctuary in Ladner with my boyfriend.Turns out HE'S scared of geese,oh and possibly an overly friendly chickadee that landed on his shoulder.He is also 6'5" and 200 lbs.Great image of him hiding behind me while while pushing me forward at arms length,as i laugh hysterically.Mmmmm.I don't know how he'd have handled a friendly squirrel.Good job James!
Have a great trip,looking forward to coverage on strut for a cure!My walk is this Sunday 05/30 woop woop for fundraising!
-Jude
white rock,b.c.

RedPoppy said...

I've just gotten back from London, it's really such a magical place. Last year's visit my sister was chased by a squirrel half way around Green Park. Something about those animals......:)

http://www.redpoppyfashion.blogspot.com

nina said...

Hi! I love your blog and congrats to your wedding. Back in april-09 u wrote about Cheap Jacks in NY. I'm going to Paris in september and was wondering if u could share some info on any great vintage stores in Paris? Or just any great clothingshop that isnt to high in prices.
Cheers,
Nina

victoria.clow said...

Great to hear you on CBC-- good luck at the benefit!

Anonymous said...

COCO!Great interview on Canada AM http://www.ctv.ca/canadaam/
Way to show the love to Canada girl!!!!rock on!
-jude

MarieBayArea said...

you are one of my favorite models. i just love your irish dancing. i'm so happy to have found your blog. the dress you wore to the Brown anniversary dinner is divine. you look smashing!

APieceOfCrap said...

BIG BEN! I Love London :)! hope you're having a good time in the city!

Our brand new blog, and our first. Take a peek.
www.apieceofcrapdepartment.blogspot.com

best regards from Sweden

Anonymous said...

Oh Coco!!! Can't believe you're in London! Hope I'll bump into you soon (I'd be so coco-struck! lol) x

Fernanda dauphine said...

wow, squirrels always run from me.. hey maybe James does have an animal communication thingy, I wonder how Coco's puppy behaves around him

http://fashionstylerocks.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos
http://pinacoladakisses.blogspot.com/

EChang said...

I love the Mighty Boosh! I'm not English myself but one of my friends introduced me to Old Gregg. That's probably one of the more bizarre sketches, but still..

pumps & luiers said...

thanks for your comment! hilarious video! and hooray for weddings - mine is only 12 days away....

D e g a i n e said...

great post and great blog, I just found it today!


D e g a i n e

http://www.fashiondegaine.com

Pretty Shiny Sparkly said...

Super fun Coco! Can I give you the tame squirrel that live in my parents' backyard? It terrorizes us whenever we aren't wearing long pants!

Pretty Shiny Sparkly

Jen said...

Oh your about to get married? I must trawl through your blog, I am getting married at the end of the year :) I haven't been to the uk yet but really want to go - good thing my fiance has a british passport :)

Anonymous said...

My gosh! I love Noel Fielding! The Mighty Boosh = BEST. :)

MELANIELIKES.BLOGSPOT.COM
Follow?<3

Andy said...

The last pic with that squirrel is so cute! LOL

Le Chat Noir said...

Love you're blog!
It's inspiring!!

http://writingfreebird.blogspot.com

Wish you the best!! x

Sandii3 said...

can't believe you're in london, hope i seee you, and have a great time in london
plzzz follow my new blogg http://ohsosandii3.blogspot.com/
xxx i would appreciate it thanks

stylespotterfashionblogger said...

Love your blog. Just did a post on you!

Fashion Cappuccino said...

I always secretly wish I were English! Lovely photos!! xoxoxoxo

Melanie Greenwood said...

Coco! your blog is awesome! congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Im from Toronto and have worked on and off with Elmer Olsen as a local model...well, all the best:)

Joy | The life of Joy said...

Your blog was in a magezin so i checked it out. I'm quite in love with your blog! Defently follow :)

vintage birdy ♥ said...

that clip is hilarious!

Love,
vintage-birdy.blogspot.com
{no, it's not about birds}

Carmen said...

Loved the pictures and the post! I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in London!

Thank you for your lovely comment.

Carmen.xx.

rachel red lips said...

you look absolutely stunning at the event! my boy is an english citizen too :) though i haven't been to england yet!

<3

Fabiola "Fab" said...

pretty cool blog! lovely photos!

Stéphanie said...

Lovely pictures !

Maria Confer said...

Oh, how I love London. If I could live anywhere abroad, it would be there. You're so lucky to have citizenship.

That squirrel is awesome, I can't believe he jumped on James.

P.S. Thank you for the sweet comments.

Lulu Letty

Maria Confer said...

Oh, and I forgot to say. I love that clip. Noel is awesome and I loved him on The IT Crowd.

Lulu Letty

Elaine said...

Oh, how fun!!! I've never been to England but I've always wanted to go! Your stories and pics make me even more determined!!

clothed much, a modest fashion blog

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

oh my. you are the first person ever to say that I look like my brother!! I always thought I looked like a combination of both of my brothers, as it is, but most people tell us that we look nothing alike, which is good in a way too. Thanks for all the comments. Keep them coming. i really appreciate them!!

I've always loved british humour shows by the way. something fun about them.

Unknown said...

I love your blog Coco!!
First, you are both so lucky and cool to be English citizens! and your pictures are gorgeous.. I especially love the white gown.
Also love the cute series of squirrel pictures :)
xoxo,Page

Anonymous said...

That squirrel is darling! Definitely my second favorite animals. <3

-Dyanna Pure
www.thesfstyle.com

Anna Christina said...

I love that cli and that animal haha, my compliments for you, you are so pritty, x christina.

Angela Joy said...

coco! you haven't updated in so long! we want to hear about your glamorous wedding!!!!

Meg said...

Sounds like so much fun! Your squirrel story reminds me of one time I was hiking and my friend and I stopped for lunch and I left my backpack a bit away from where we were eating. When I went to grab it after lunch, a ground squirrel jump out of it and just about gave me a heart attack!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Coco, on your wedding. I love your blog and modeling work and wish you all the happiness you deserve!

Lexie said...

bahh! i have never been to england before -- i am jealous of your travels!

Daphne said...

The Mighty Boosh has been a favorite show of mine for so long - and none of my friends understand it! It's a very bizarre show, but my sister and I will frequently burst into scenes from the program.

Great blog, Coco!
xx
AZD
www.xAZDdesign.com

Margaux Snell said...

Hey Coco,
It's Margaux Snell! What happened to your facebook account? I wanted to tell you all about my time modeling in Paris but then I went to search you and you were gone :/

Hope theres some other way I can talk to you. Hope all is well with you and James!

Natalie said...

That is crazy! James is like Dr. Doolittle.

Unknown said...

You always look lovely... <3

www.fashiondoohickey.blogspot.com

ronelmarin.net said...

such a lovely couple you are

iamronel said...

great to know that you came back on your old country..:))

Ser said...

Congratulations on the wedding!!
We love you!!

Desired Youth said...

How cool!
I really love that last picture.
Haha

vintage birdy ♥ said...

hehehe the clip is funny :p
congrats on the wedding!


Love,
vintage-birdy.blogspot.com
{no, it's not about birds}

Anonymous said...

So you too have that British humour I do say
http://pinacoladakisses.blogspot.com/

María D. Valderrama said...

England is so cool! I love it...I like a lot that you follow with this blog is very nice from you, it let us know that models are real and kind people (well some of them haha).

Love ^^