Garden Safari

What better proposition on a Sunday afternoon, in south London, than to embark upon a safari? A Garden Safari, that is, celebrating 'hidden gems and unexpected delights' within the environs of Sydenham Hill. A handful of charming private gardens opened their gates to the paying public, in aid of Dulwich Helpline & Southwark Churches Care*. I found perfect resting spots in each one, between woodland and herbaceous border, 'twixt organic vegetable patch and free-range chicken run, at the end of which I enjoyed a cup of tea and a home-made cake. Sporting a 'wild-life' dress from Timberland, (last seen in 'It's a jungle out there... or rather in here'), I wore more green accessories from the livid African beads and floral enamel ring, to a favourite pair of forest-green wedges from Menorca's c doux, purchased at Stella C. The clutch is '50s Hong Kong, adorned with an embroidered dragon and elephants in bone, and a recent purchase in Lewes, from Cliffe Antiques Centre.  
*DHSCC provides friendship, practical help and emotional support to isolated older people in the community

Grey upon grey

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?

'You use a glass mirror to see your face...

... you use works of art to see your soul,' according to George Bernard Shaw. Is that why I much prefer the latter? Last night, for this mirror-mirror moment, I am leathered up in an '80s Jasper Conran jacket, silk Aldolfo Dominguez shirt, Chinese-patterned trousers and my Ras boots, from Stella C. The bag is vintage, along with the quote!

http://www.jasperconran.com/
http://www.adolfodominguez.com/uk/
http://www.brandosa.co.uk/shoes/womens-boots-ras
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stella-C/151371178270114
https://plus.google.com/111925631767748661731/about?gl=uk&hl=en

I heart Wimbledon

Yes - I do... on a stroll around one of London's picturesque villages on a fine Bank Holiday, after a marvellous lunch at the Fox & Grapes on Wimbledon Common. The restaurant, a 2011 Bib Gourmand winner, was opened by Claude Bosi and is managed by his brother, Cedric. The former relocated his celebrated Hisbiscus restaurant from Ludlow to London's Mayfair in 2007. Casual Nicole Farhi silk/cashmere top joins some slouchy Zara linens and a pair of green leather wedges by C. Doux from Stella C. To top the look are my Tom Ford sunnies, the shape of which is reminiscent of a butterfly.

http://foxandgrapeswimbledon.co.uk/
http://www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk/
http://www.nicolefarhi.com/
http://www.zara.com/
http://www.cdoux.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stella-C/151371178270114
http://www.tomford.com/

Photo (and lunch) with thanks to Hippy from the City
https://twitter.com/HippyfromthCity