Apologies for the hiatus I took from writing. I couldn't find the words, I had nothing to wear. I nearly did a Grace Wears Absolutely Nothing post but thought that sort of thing could go viral, in a bad Paris Hilton kind of way. I thought about getting back to nature. But looking out across the morning rain, I just felt so uninspired. If your soul is in the lost and found as mine has been in the past few weeks, I find the best thing to do is turn to familiar pastimes, get out and about to recognise the old and discover some new. In anticipation of more consistent writing in the coming weeks, I thought I would share a handful of restorative, simple pleasures that have returned me to normal. The main one being an evening with the English cricket team but for various legal reasons I am not allowed to share the photographs. Spoil sports.
NEW THINGS
Le Pamplemousse from Miller Harris
Pamplemousse is the best word in the French language! How could I resist? This delicious scent which has just been relaunched by Miller Harris (I have a love affair with the brand; read here) and is a refreshing change from my usual ones. Inspired by grapefruits in the gardens of La Pameraie in Marrakesh, it has top notes of Grapefruit, a heart of Orange Flower and a base of Vetiver, this is the fragrance equivalent of a gin and tonic on a verandah after a long hot day.
Bee Ring
My beautiful ring from Bill Skinner which brings me joy every day. The jeweller used to design for Butler and Wilson and Vivienne Westwood so that distinct charm and eccentricity comes through in his work. The costume jewellery is wondrous. Save the bees!
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| Buzzzzzz |
NEW OLD THINGS
Charity Shop Finds
One of my favourite things is striking gold in a charity shop. Indeed one man's trash is another man's treasure...which is good to know. Only £12 for this rather wonderful Chinese silk dressing gown. The Trinity Hospice Charity Shop on Notting Hill Gate never ceases to amaze. A quick dry clean to get rid of the cooties and it was ready to go. Ni Hao.
One of my favourite things is striking gold in a charity shop. Indeed one man's trash is another man's treasure...which is good to know. Only £12 for this rather wonderful Chinese silk dressing gown. The Trinity Hospice Charity Shop on Notting Hill Gate never ceases to amaze. A quick dry clean to get rid of the cooties and it was ready to go. Ni Hao.
Unicorn
Oxford Revisited to reminisce about my youth and a small trip to Unicorn. A shop I frequented in my academic years. If you have been there before, you will know all about it. The old lady is still there, quite comfortingly, sifting through mountains of clothes. She would be a top candidate for Britain's Biggest Hoarders....On my return home, I took one look at my bedroom and freaked out. I am starting to see worrying similarities.
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| The Shop... |
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| My Bedroom.... |
The Right Trousers
Lime Green Bow is the most wonderful company run by Clemmie Myers. When she first started out I bought a coat with blue and white harlequin print. It became a wardrobe staple. Ever since I have gone straight to her if I want something beautiful and unusual. She sources one off vintage items from around the globe. These vintage couture trousers are pale pink with diamanté in the middle of the appliqué flowers and graze the ankle. Look at her website - I defy you not to want everything.
OLD FAMILIAR THINGS
Bluebells & Blue Things
Due to a unusually mild winter followed by a bit of rain we are enjoying a bumper crop of bluebells carpeting the enchanted woods around the country. I happened upon these beauties over the Easter weekend while I was on a gloriously long walk. So intrinsically English, for me they summon up Penhaligon's infamous scent (Kate Moss' favourite), and Emily Brontes mournful poem (The Bluebell is the sweetest flower, That waves in summer air: It's blossoms have the mightiest power To soothe my spirit's care) and also reminded me of everything in my wardrobe the colour of bluebells that I haven't worn in an age and need revisiting. Inspiration really can be found where least expected.
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| Anya Hindmarch Shagreen Marano |
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| Theyskens Theory Bubble Dress |
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| Christian Louboutin Shoes |
The Man With The Dancing Eyes
I pulled out this old favourite for a bit of inspiration. I used to carry it around like a bible and filled it with photos and letters. The most romantic old fashioned fairytale for a modern generation. Written by Sophie Dahl and illustrated by Annie Morris, the story follows the escapades of the heroine Pierre (a style icon of mine) who lives on a house boat called the Glimmety Glammety and falls in love with her Man With The Dancing Eyes who sings her Bob Dylan and brings her sweet peas.
Mr. Wonderful!
Mr. Wonderful!
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| My obsession with Lapsang Souchong started here. Luckily Blue is not my style icon. |
When none of the above have made me feel better I have also turned to chocolate, vodka, Carole King and late nights which have helped maintain some equilibrium too.
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