The second Shop.Drink.Play saw another successful night of fashion, music and cocktails.
 My SDP partner Sarah and I worked tirelessly to bring together eight designers, a venue, sponsors and guests together to celebrate the independent spirit in fashion and music.
 
Straight from the excitement of Mexico City, yet with a case of suspected bronchitis on my chest, the show went on. We held the second SDP at 12 Hay Hill -  a beautiful, breezy members club in the heart of Mayfair. Cocktails were served thanks to our sponsors Sauvelle Vodka and Imbibery cold-pressed juices.
 

 
Cocktails were served thanks to our sponsors Sauvelle Vodka and Imbibery cold-pressed juices. Snacks were provided by our friends at Propercorn and our fabulous gift bags were filled with treats from Sjal skincare.
 

The soundtrack of the night was a mix of NU Disco and vocal deep house. As you know, I'm quite into disco at the moment and find it's a great ice-breaker for an eclectic group at the beginning of the night.
 
Sarah and I would like to thank everyone who came to the second Shop.Drink.Play and supported the local talent that inspired our fashion trends. Till the next SDP, a bientot!

The gala dinner before the Mexican race was held at St Regis Hotel. A glittery ball gown affair to the tune of Pompougnac-esque music. Jazzy upbeat tunes that are safe across all age groups.

After the gala a few of us still had energy for a night cap. I'm always intrigued by cities such as Mexico City which are not easily accessible to foreigners unless you have someone in the know to show you the hot spots. Or in this case, spots where you won't be found dead soon after. So given we had a guide and willing one, I took the opportunity to explore.

We found ourselves at a small happening place called Dixon. A 70's inspired lounge with current deep house music and what was quite evidently the cool kids on the bloc. Table service where more than four glasses couldn't even fit on the table. That kind. After that was due to close - about 2am, we shimmied on in our black tie to a very underground club by the appropriately dark name of Dinsmoor. 

What's it like to be on an afternoon flight bound for Mexico City full of Mexicans?
Think of it as a small village wedding that you accidentally crashed and couldn't get out of. Copious amounts of alcohol, females congregating around you yet you're not part of the conversation, and more alcohol. So as you guessed I had not one wink the whole eleven hour flight.

Straight off the plane and to an FE welcome dinner, inevitably followed by 'just one drink' at the after party venue Love Polanco. Too much tequila later and that was a very weird first night in Mexico City. But let's be honest - the only way to beat jet lag.

After a healthy catch-up, my friend took me to the streets for a wander. Of course thanks to the Spanish colonisation, these parts of town had a Buenos Aires feel to them. A pretty path under cascading trees was constructed in the middle of the road. The buildings and their architecture down to their paint colour was all so fascinating.

The afternoon was pleasantly finished off by running into some friends in a cute restaurant named "Rosetta". I'd been told of this place but didn't expect it to be so charming. And the food. Wow. Rustic charm paired with sensual food and a carefree spirit really made for a perfect afternoon.

Also a place worthy of mention is Rosetta's cafe patisserie, a stones throw away. Plump, glistening balls of chocolate iced doughnuts. Flaky crispy pastries with rich marmalades of native fruits. The coffee selection is vast. Want almond milk with your latte? Expect a frothy cloud of perfectly steamed almond milk. Just avoid coming at lunch time, where a mad rush of locals will have you easily pushed out of the small cafe and onto the street.

Ojo de Agua Condesa | Calle Citlaltépetl 23C, Cuauhtémoc, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, D.F.,
Rosetta | Calle Colima, 166, Delegación Cuauhtémoc, Col. Roma Norte, 06700 Ciudad de México, D.F., 
Panaderia Rosetta | Colima 179, Cuauhtémoc, Roma Nte., 06700 Ciudad de México, D.F., ​