Last year in June, I headed down to Chichester, in 'Pallant-bound' and 'Bill's, Chichester', and now I'm back again, for both the Pallant and a pit-stop at Carluccio's. The magnificent cathedral guided me to the centre of the city, down charming cobbled streets to the art gallery to view the last marvellous hour of The Scottish Colourist J.D. Fergusson exhibition, after which I passed the Stik men, by a London-based street artist, whose work is to be found across Europe, Asia and the USA. I ended the day at Carluccio's with a lovely meal comprising hand-made tortelloni and wine-braised venison, followed by a delightful cioccolata fiorentina. Wrapped in layered winter greys: a Lowie cape, a TK Maxx merino wool jumper, Nicole Farhi trousers and my Louis Vuitton vintage bag. Both Thierry Lasry sunnies and Versace reading glasses (two pairs are needed when you get to my age!).
A stroll along Bermondsey Street yesterday in the sunshine... and could not resist calling by the charming Cave London which sells flowers, wine and chocolate... spoilt for choice on Mother's Day! At the moment it is also showing colourful new paintings by Tom Leamon. I was in simple monochrome: black InWear skinnies, biker boots from Harrods, white T-shirt, some Chanel sunnies and a charcoal cardi from Nicole Farhi.
... from Somerset House, a major arts and cultural centre with riverside views. Nothing like a good stroll across the cobblestones of Fountain Court, after all, these boots (by Ras) are, surprisingly, made for walking. Even though it's almost springtime, the weather still requires lots of layers, starting with a pair of red leather skinnies, you may have seen in 'Double leather' and 'Artists' Open House'. I'm not one for DoT (Dress-over-Trousers), but here I'm wearing a checked one by Betty Jackson, recently worn in 'Let's all be Friends!'. Yet more layers with a Nicole Farhi cardigan, and a Joseph tweed crombie-style coat. Gucci sunnies and a charming tweed bag always brighten my day!
Don't you just love a place where pretty much everything is for sale? From a slice of delicious lemon loaf and a glass of hot chocolate (complete with marshmallows) to quirky collectables and pieces of artwork on every wall. Where? The Montage in Forest Hill. You may recall a post last year in June. This time I'm sitting in a little wallpapered hideaway within the maze of rooms that is the magical Montage, wearing a silk embroidered Chinese jacket from nearby shop, in Sydenham's Kirkdale: Syd's Vintage, run by Claire Draper. Alongside the jacket: a pair of plum skinnies, a purple John Smedley knit, funky Ras boots, all topped off with a Nicole Farhi coat over the shoulders.
Grey with a chance of sunshine was this morning's forecast... which meant grey upon grey layering of wool and a pair of vintage sunglasses. Even the trees are grey... a small but perfect cluster of Betula pendula (silver birch). The dress with the quirkiest, extra-set of sleeves, tied afront, is by Dolce & Gabbana; a cardi by Nicole Farhi; a frock-style coat by Marni; and yet another coat: a mid-century vintage one from the cathedral city of Canterbury. The double-bobbled faux-fur bag by British-brand, Dents, brings a different hue and the Menorcan-based Mascaró leather boots, from Stella C, cry out metallic! The weather folk got it almost right today... did I?
