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
... which can only mean Happy Valentine's! Roses on the bag, wine in the glass and Love... on the cover of a magazine. Plus a spectacular view of London! It was red on red on red: a silk dress with a pretty ruffle from Syd's Vintage in Kirkdale, Sydenham, a vintage reversible Chinese jacket, and requisite Dior lipstick. The bag o' roses is Italian whilst the metallic heels are by Jonathan Kesley, seen in both 'From parlous estate to concrete showpiece' and 'Pallant-bound'. My jewellery is mostly Indian: I bought the earrings in Jaipur and the jangly bangles are from Jaadu, in west Dulwich.
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.
