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All of a sudden, it feels as if The British Invasion is happily once again upon us-
Have you noticed?!
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Slim Paley Photo of ABC Carpets NYC
It began last week with HRH joining Facebook (more on that in a bit)
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quickly followed by the announcement of Prince William and Kate’s engagement…
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Kate & Prince William at a wedding in late October this year
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and BTW, I think Kate seems adorable and up to the ‘task’. What say you??
Here’s another question I often ask myself (and God only knows how revealing that sentence is);
Would you want to be Royalty??
I mean like a major Royal, a Princess or The Queen? Not some sketchy, thru a marriage three times removed, to the cousin of a distant cousin of some old fart from the Black Forest whose Uncle bought a title in the Congo…
not that there’s anything wrong with that… I’m not judging…
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Slim Paley photo The Burlington Arcade in London
After all, long time S.P. readers will be aware I’ve been known to Tiara shop…
but I always worry about having to wear so much red and blue, both such difficult colours for me. Plus… pantyhose- pretty much a fate worse than death.
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This month’s World Of Interiors cover
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And then there was the news just yesterday about The Beatle’s finally being available on iTunes
“Only twenty-four hours after making their iTunes debut, The Beatles are dominating the service’s album and song charts.”
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But back to Me, The Queen, and Facebook.
So we ‘chat’ ’til all hours of the night now (well, her night). One is so excited about the upcoming nuptials, but Fergie? phew- a floodgate best left cuhhlozed. We’ve reminisced about what fun London was in the 80′s, which then led to the subject of the infamous Early Morning Break-in at Buckingham Palace, or her crib, as she says. Naturally I did’t share my version of the very same night with her, although as I’m pretty sure she doesn’t read Slim Paley (One only has so much free time in One’s day ) I feel I can safely share this (Swear to God) true story with you. To refresh your memory; In 1982, a lone (lonely?) man broke through the massive security surrounding Buckingham Palace and managed to make his way all the way into the Queen’s bedroom (where was Phillip? HRH didn’t go there with me) The intruder actually perched himself on the edge of her Majesty’s bed as they talked about all manner of things for over 10 minutes until security was finally alerted and rushed in to apprehend him. No harm, no foul, really.
What I didn’t share with HRH during our FB chats was, that very same night, or rather, very early the next morning (hey- it was the 80′s) a friend and I were sauntering home from a night of dancing at The Embassy Club, or Tramp perhaps (or both, more likely) and for some reason found ourselves chatting up the Palace Police. Cut to; a little impromptu photo session that I wish I could share with more abandon without 1) incriminating the completely not innocent people involved, and 2) risking you making fun of my hair and clothing. I did say it was the 80′s! The pics were perfectly harmless and in the moment, all in great fun. One involved posing on the “bonnet” of the Palace Police car (Hello, Whitesnake video) with the Bobbies smiling gormlessly away inside. We didn’t think much more about it until later that day we realized our shenanigans had occurred at approximately the same time of the palace breach in security! Needless to say, a few naughty friends suggested we take the photos straight down to the Old Bill, or at least the Sunday newspapers. But we were good girls (although I realize it doesn’t really sound like it) and we kept them under wraps…er, I guess until now 
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The Full Story here, lest you doubt;
Man Breaks into Queen’s bedroom
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My New F.B. B.F.F.
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A slightly more up to date car bonnet pose
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Chanel getting it’s England on
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photo via the Rug Company
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Crockery just released yesterday!
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Handmade Christmas “Crackers” for the dining table from Liberty’s (photo via Faux Fushia)
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Cath Kidston’s shop in Terminal 4 at Heathrow, and now there’s a U.S. catalogue with free shipping direct from the U.K. on orders over $100
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More trimmings from Jessica Light.UK
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Lulu Guinness
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.Cire Trudon‘s new shop in NY
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Thomas Smyth’s home as featured in Canadian House & Garden Magazine.
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James Merrill Interior
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Slim Paley photo
Scarves and pillows in Liberty’s
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Ring by Solange Azagury
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Slim Paley photo of a building on Curzon St., Mayfair
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Please click below:
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Hey- BTW, I’ve just started “Tweeting” with Tiger this week too-
you don’t think anything could go wrong there do you??!
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Cheerio!
I am thrilled. My 5 year old granddaughter,
Stella, is watching with me. I have shown
her videos of Diana and Charles’ wedding,
which she loves. We’re going to be
watching every detail and loving it.
They are so genuinely in love, and it shows.
How lovely for us in this troubled world…
even if we are Americans…
I could completely imagine a life as a Princess then on to Queendome. Oh yes!! Right up my alley. As I have always said “It’s good to be the Queen!” Best of luck to Wills and Katie .. hope that engagment ring brings her more luck than it did his mum. Brought a tear to my eye when I saw it on her hand … I remembered when ..
Fun story! I had to call my 15 year old daughter in here two times while reading your fabulous post. first for the couch at ABC carpet and second for the wall painted with the union jack. Might be a project for her room over the break.
SP i now know you are crackers! some of the things you come up with….are too effing funny. thanks for a great post and ta ta for now…
Hahaha, c-u-h-lever and funny. When I think you’ve made your funniest blog, next thing I know there is another one!!! Keep them coming pleeease!
P.S I’m thinking maybe it’s time to decoupage some Union Jacks around the house?
HRH on Facebook ?! I am gobsmacked !
Another brilliant post.
I LOVE THIS POST.
It’s a happy, happy time which we are ready for. They are an adorable couple. I hope they have a lifetime of joy. They do actually seem like they have fun, and I hope they keep time for that along the way.
Your photos are amazing as usual. You sure have some happy memories of your years in London. I believe, in fact you’ve traveled the World with many happy memories. Yikes again “it goes in a blink ” Keep sharing your memories and making us smile. Great, great post.
Awesome, and I just wrapped up the season of “An Idiot Abroad” created by Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington…..so funny, I love British humour!
When I was a kid my big brother had a Pinto with a British flag plastered against the car’s back window, the ride was affectionately referred to as “The Who-mobile”. It was the 80′s, it wasn’t really necessary to check your blind spots back then.
More photos of you in the 80′s please, and yes I think Kate is up to the ‘task’, I think they make a smashing couple!
I personally love her. They look so perfect together. She seems to be a woman of great discretion and taste, so hard to find in the day of tiger woods….girls. But I must also comment on the Queen photo, that is the best outfit ever on her ,such lovely colors on her, never thought those words would come out of my mouth… after her film , she seems human to me.
I agree Babe- I think the Queen looks fantastic in that photo. I saw her once, many years ago, she was extremely petite with very sparkly blue eyes and shockingly good skin.
I’d gladly be royalty! Follow my every crazy movement The only challenge would be to keep a crown on my head in the meantime. Great post Slim!
Chin strap perhaps?
I’ve poked Her Majesty to join me in ‘Petville’ on Facebook. Knowing her love of all things four legged, I”m sure to get an acceptance.
I think Kate has the most adorable dimples.
I’ve always wondered how that guy who broke into the palace found the Royal chamber. He probably asked someone in one of the hallways is my guess: “Why certainly’, sir, no problem at’ll—just go down this long hallway, turn right, then make a sharp left…..”
Yes–I’d would like to be a Duchess or Queen but only in the ‘Princess Diary’ way where Julie Andrews appears to pluck me out of obscurity and train me for my eventual greatness.
Love all things English.
Thanks, again, Slimmy, for another marvelous post.
Ha – so funny. You naughty 80s girl you those poor palace police could have lost their jobs. You could have sent to the Daily Mail and you could have been a page 3 girl!
Love all the Union Jack stuff but could never have it in my house, it would feel a bit gimmicky.
Love Kate Middleton, I think it is so sweet, the media here and in the UK have been so bitchy about her clothes and why would you want to marry into that family etc. Please. Just let them be. Although I think the ‘I am giving you my dead mother’s very very famous engagement ring but NO PRESSURE really’ is all a bit weird-a-rama.
And of course she will be Queen of Australia, not just the UK. Unless we become a republic before then!
xoxo
I could not be more excited! I was only 5 when Diana and Charles married, but I will never forget that wedding. I think Kate is ADORABLE, and totally up for the challenge. She has big shoes to fill, but I think she is poised to do so. It’s an exciting time!
I love a good palace breach of security story. Have always been thoroughly entertained by the repeated breaches of security at Buck House. We are talking the height of ineptitude here. One incident is funny, but to have it happen over and over?! And to chat with an intruder while he fires up a cigarette in One’s bed chambers?!?!
Even funnier …. chatting up the security detail in the front yard while the intruder is making his way to said bed chambers!! HA HA!
William and Katey are adorable! I could have cried when I saw Diana’s engagement ring on Kate’s hand. Pretty sure I’m one of Di’s biggest fans of all time.
(Liz? NOT so much.)
Kate looks like she’s up for the job. Alot has changed and alot has been learned since the mayhem of Diana’s day. William has already stepped up like a gentleman and demonstrated that he will not tolerate Kate being bullied by the press. I think they’re going to live happily ever after!
I love the “distraction” story — but why can’t I make the photo larger?? :{}
GREAT photos — the liberty pillows are especially wonderful.
What do you think of the photo itunes used of the Beatles? I think it is the worst photo I have ever seen of them all. There are so many great shots. This is one of those things that I look at and think to myself “who sat in a creative-corporate boardroom and chose that shot — and what were the options”. The mind reels.
I would ne-vuh want to be full blown royalty. To much scrutiny, to many restrictions.
I don’t usually do much on fashion (more your territory), but I have done a couple of pieces on Chanel, including a fabulous video of Coco Chanel defining l’elegance, in thick French, while enjoying a ciggy, of course.
Stop by the market if you have a chance…
You won’t do! Too funny.
These photographs are great. Thanks for sharing with us.
Teresa
Great post!!! More photos please?? Super legs. Have a wonderful Brit-filled week-end. Maybe you can ring up the Queen once more.
No bias here but as an ex-patriot Brit this blog particularly warmed the cockles of my heart… and I am still laughing about the bat intrusion a while back… I really look forward to your every blog!
Slim, Yer killin me here!
I just woke up to your brilliant post on a foggy grey English morning1
Oops, sorry, something went wrong there…
Hilarious post – reminded me of the many reasons why I love living in this great quirky country (except the weather!).
Lucky the US and UK have such decorative flags, can’t imagine Karl doing a German version of the Chanel bag anytime soon.
I think William and Kate will make it work, they are a much more normal and modern couple than his parents ever were. Despite being a bit of a Republican at heart I find the Royals endlessy fascinating.
Slim, how about giving Kate some discreet fashion advice and taking her shopping – she’s very pretty with a great figure but she dresses far too old and ‘safe’ for her age – you’d be her perfect stylist.
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No wonder my FB conversation with HRH keep getting cut short, she would prefer to talk to Slim! Seems rather rude of her I think (though I am absolutley sure you are more interesting Slim) it’s just I am one of her royal subjects and we have important “country” business to talk about. Like what I shall wear to Williams wedding. Happy weekend Slim. XO
Anglophiles Unite!!!!
I’m rooting for Kate, I really am! They have been together for so long, one has to hope they are really in love…….
Your 80′s story and photo. What a hoot!
And I especially love the the mosaic Union Jack photo.
Want to see some fun Union Jack pillows?
Go to this etsy shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/designercushions
She does a nice job!
I like these pillows Emily- you are right, she does do a nice job! they are very “Vivianne Westwood for The Rug Company”
Fab post! Happy weekend! xo
Good Morning!
Great pics and yes! I’ve noticed the innovation and I’m loving it…
Talking about “chic” stuff, go take a look at my post today.. OPRAH might buy a 68 mil house in New Jersey.. what do you think about that, Slim?
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
I am properly obsessed with the U.K. but I’ve seen HARDLY ANYTHING about the engagement!! Do I live under a rock?
I can’t wait for the upcoming nuptials. I’m a giddy 13-year-old again and I hope my daughters will love watching it with me.
In other news, Great Gatsby goes Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio will play Jay: http://littleinterpretations.com/2010/11/19/the-great-gatsby-movie-miss-or-hit/
I miss seeing ABC Carpets NYC. I used live in NYC and it is great for design junkies. It has so much soul. It’s like if Paul Smith’s had an underground lair, I love it.
Slim, There is no way I would want to be queen, princess, duchess or lady. Well, I am The Lady Eve, so maybe a lady wouldn’t be so bad. BUT…I believe you have no life at all once you sign on at The Firm. Kate will make a good queen, I think, because she IS a commoner. In America we don’t even have a word that is used in the context of “commoner.” Doesn’t it sound sort of dirty? “You commoner!”
As for you Slim Paley, Distracter of Bobbies, you almost caused Prince Charles to become King on that sweaty night of ’82. I was going to school in London at that time. I wish I had known you then. If I had then you might have been allowed to see my Big Hair Pics from that same time. Those pics will stay forever glued into my floral, polyester, plastic sheet insert photo album for my grandkids to see, along with my vintage Alexander McQueen that remains in my closet. Have I said too much? I’m not even a grandmother yet.
love it! this post is too funny and what a great roundup to boot. will be a tweetin’!
Whitesnake! Love it! That brings back memories…
Wouldn’t want the Real Royalty thing, living under the microscope and all. I wouldn’t mind inheriting old Uncle Title-Holder’s old family country cottage that I could fix up (family fortune intact and all) and enjoy anonymously. I am looking forward to watching the Big Wedding though!
My daughter (a Jr. in high school) is loving the fact that Kate was an art history major. That’s what she wants to study in college and her dad and I keep shaking our heads. But I guess if its good enough for the next Queen of England (and the first college-educated one), it should be good enough for my girl… sigh…
…and the ONLY jewelers to open on Rodeo Drive this year are both BRITS! Solange Azagury-Partridge and the divine Stephen Webster!
ohhh- I really like Stephen Webster- I’m on Rodeo today, perhaps I can check the shop out. Thanks Dawn!
So much good stuff in one post! I want to hear more about your modeling and acting days….
Thanks P & P, but no, I was never an actress. Too shy
What I always really, REALLY wanted to be? A writer and a small book shop owner. I still have the shop all designed in my mind’s eye.
I thought about being a florist- except I didn’t want to get up that early!
I love that there is an upcoming wedding in the royal family. Something fun in the news to look forward to, plus a little fantasy… Kate’s a very lovely girl, with a great figure and good taste in her clothing choices. God save the Queen!!
LOVE that photo of you! What a great story!
I loved this post Slim. The picture of you is great. I thought GRANDAD would have made a comment or two, being British and all. Keep us posted on your royal conversations, and if by chance you are invited for tea, or the wedding………..
B J
Small bookshop designed by the inimitable SP?
I can only imagine how warm and inviting and cozy…and…
I have the books! …about 5000 in my (very) eclectic collection — design, signed first editions, poetry, short stories, biography, fiction… let’s do it!
The Rolls Royce Silver Spur Flying Lady has now officially become only the second most attractive hood ornament ever to come out of England.
awwwwwwwwwwww:)
Fun blog Slim Paley! But as far as wanting to be royalty is concerned? Royalty? Really? It’s the 21st Century and the very idea of royalty is rather ridic. I can hardly believe anyone still buys into this stuff.
DAHLING; WHICH COUNTRY’S COLORS LOOK BEST ON YOU? AN INTERESTING QUERY.
NO MATTER…YOU ARE MY QUEEN. TA TA
its great..we need it…if you want the flip side however, check out ‘diana in heaven’…not for the faint hearted.! xc
What fun! Just love Thomas Smyth’s home! And please keep us posted on her highness’ views of Kate and William’s nuptials. Since I noticed Charlie Sheen is now following me on Twitter, we can trade notes.
thrilled you used my cracker shot from Liberty x
Cheerio, pip pip old mate. Fancy coming round for a cuppa?
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