Category Archives: LONDON LATELY

london lately: the hunt for good mexican

last night we met my (very cute & pregnant) friend liz and her husband for mexican food. london is kinda a mexican food desert – there is a fancy place that everyone loves, but i just think it’s alright. i don’t want to eat my guacamole on a baked plantain coated in a light dusting of raw chocolate, tossed in a cayenne glaze and topped with a tequila-pickled jalapeño. i want to eat it on a thin salted corn chip. that’s it.

picante took me back to american mexican restaurants… the owner hails from california, his ingredients are hand made, and your plate is full of food. just like america. freedom-sized servings.  i went to town on some enchiladas verdes, mexican rice and black beans last night.

picante is near victoria station and are only open for dinner on wednesday & thursday nights. they don’t have a liquor license so it’s BYOB. there was talk of relocating soon, so watch their facebook for updates.

london lately: selfridges

a few fridays ago i was in a rut. it was warm & sunny. staring at my piano was the most boring thing in the world, so i called it “saturday” and went to selfridges.  the first day of fashion week is the best time to go shopping. i had the store largely to myself, and i was in love! it is a must-see for any visitor.

the store is mostly comprised of mini-curated shops representing all the levels of fashion from high street brands to luxury designer. you can find shops from H&M to COS to Isabel Marant Etoile. they also have a shop curated on a theme (the quiet shop feat. minimal, unbranded designs) and several restaurants, tea rooms, a salon spread out through the store. i didn’t know much about the store, just that i should go. i really enjoyed myself and came away totally inspired.

my trips to selfridges, to a museum or to a cheesy matinee are what Will calls “directed leisure.” not the most active pursuit of inspiration, but a feeding of your brain and your interests that keep you alert and fresh. seeing how other artists translate ideas and emotions in a palpable form is really valuable to my creative process. songs and fashion can (sometimes) function in the same way. i want to write songs that people can take with them into their own lives; they can insert their own story and give it their own meaning. that gorgeous leopard coat is impeccably constructed but it becomes beautiful when a woman wears it on her first trip to paris. one of the many ways i fill my well of inspiration.

do you ever do any directed leisure? what helps you look at your work with a fresh eye?

p.s. how hilarious is that hairy stool in the acne shop?

london lately: music video outtakes

some outtakes from the music video last week! we (purposefully) wandered around the city and found some beautiful spots.

 1 & 2 brydges place – narrowest alley in london | 3 church on brick lane (i think) | 4 pub in camden with awesome decor

i don’t have as many details as per usual… was sidetracked making sure i didn’t look like a doofus. can’t wait to share this song & video with y’all. happy friday! have a great weekend!

Built by 360 Zen

© 2014 Alva Leigh