[LONDON] MERRY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT LIBERTY

As a kid I used to dream about what Santa’s workshop would look like, picturing a remote, snow laden landscape, buzzing with elves crafting toys, while Santa would sit on a gingerbread throne eating cookies in prep for his big night. (Thus the brilliance of the movie Elf.) Now, as a grown woman I envision the making of Christmas to happen in the fashion of an elegant old English department store, with dark, wooden tudor-style beams, 4-story crystal chandeliers, and mannequins wearing fashion-forward gowns and golden crowns.  In a word, I imagine Liberty.

Self-proclaimed “the home of Christmas,” this London establishment from 1875 decks its halls unlike any other retailer. It embraces its old world charm by playing up its architectural accents with modern and quirky decor details. Walking around the store, you find papier-mâché reindeer busts and flowers hanging over exquisite fireplaces, gold glitter flooring below wrought-iron clad windows and shabby chic furniture propping up shoes.

And while the store’s interior design is a playful mix of old and new, it’s Liberty’s luxury list of inventory, from contemporary designer clothing to fun accessories to quirky home goods, that makes it a truly unique shopping destination. As well as their exclusive and famous floral prints, which are found across a range of products from handbags to cocktails sets to boxes of candy.

So this past weekend, with my Christmas list in tow, I toured the multi-level store, bottom to top, scouring for special gifts.  Below are just a few of my favorite things.