We Are Harvey Nicholls

Not quite there, but nearly..

Today, we went to Pippa's flat to clear out and transfer some odds and sods and a LOT of clothes.

When we moved in December, I was the one that relocated *everything*, while Pippa moved piecemeal -- a few things at a time. This seemed to be a sensible approach as we're still finding our way with the house, and frankly, between us, have too many things. Equally, there's yet a lot of work to do on the place -- so we are rather dusty most of the time.

But this morning's haul of a few 'essential' (additional) items has made the second bedroom, or 'boudoir' look like the stockroom of Harvey Nicholls. There's a painful, but necessary, cull ahead I fear..

During my time with the lovely Miss. P, I've learned a few important and useful things that contribute to well-balanced cohabitation. That women have quite specific clothing and designer preferences (this came as a revelation); that said clothing doesn't come cheap; and that choice is critical -- so quantity (as well a quality) is a must. I've learned too that I will never ever, ever, ever go wrong with a gift bought at the DvF boutique off Westbourne Grove, and that carefully chosen carbon-based baubles are indeed, a girl's best friend.

To make room for the contents of a month of London Fashion Weeks I've had to move my collection of stripy shirts -- not insignificant, in itself -- into to my own, now heaving wardrobe. Humpf. I must cull now too.

However, we did relocate a large pile of cookbooks -- something we've been without since moving (apart from the Nigel Slater Christmas gift). My own extensive *unused* collection of tomes by Jamie, Nigella, Rick et al are still packed in boxes under the stairs. As noted, we've work yet to do on the house and lack shelving. And as a non-cook these things were only ever kitchen ornamentation and never served as practical culinary guides. But, Pippa loves to cook, and is damn good at it too. She now has another avenue of choice, and one I applaud, nay, heartily encourage.

I can live with Harvey Nicks upstairs. Heck, I've got Pont de la Tour, The Ivy and Claridges downstairs.