Allen Jones RA

Cutting a dash in Mayfair lately is this distinctive orange sculpture by Allen Jones, and arresting poster girl, Kate Moss, wearing one of the Royal Academician's 'bodies'. The ever-controversial, often-debatable Mr Jones, a pioneer of Pop Art, is enjoying a major retrospective at the RA's Burlington Gardens, the grand mid-19th building by Sir James Pennethorne. Allen Jones' show has provoked further discussion as well as mixed reviews. Either way, you can't ignore him even when you set those cut-out figures against the august statues of 17th century philosophers, Sir Francis Bacon and John Locke. The latter wrote 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding'. Indeed! 
To see the exhibition I wrapped up in Joseph knits, with a Tait & Style scarf. The bag is DKNY and the boots, by Ras, are firm favourites.

Happy Birthday to The Dulwich Trader!

Celebrated a birthday last night, fittingly with bubbly, cake and music, but alas at 25, not my own, but that of successful local store, The Dulwich Trader. The independent, award-winning emporium with its three shops, has been trading in the manor of Dulwich for 25 years. It attracted a select crowd of faithful customers to its flagship in Croxted Road to celebrate with champagne, cupcakes from Milly and Grace Cupcakes and Bakes, and a trio of cool young musicians: Matt, Joe and Huw. The Dulwich Trader, with its on-trend stock and personable service, has been a fail-safe destination for those seeking pretty presents to a wool winter coat - I noticed a pretty powder-blue one by Helene Berman. I opted for non-wintry whites since I still haven't packed away my summer wardrobe so it was 'boyfriend' jeans by Current/Elliott, a chiffon top by DKNY, a handknit mini-poncho, and a skull-print scarf (a present from Mexico). I even slung on some strappy sandals, by Moda in Pelle, for the evening which showcased the store's recent makeover. Happy trading!

Blue Mountain

East Dulwich coffee shop, Blue Mountain, officially re-opened for business today, after a smart make-over during the summer. The distinctive front of this long-standing local independent, with its Steve Wright mosaic, remains untouched. The latter's own house, in nearby Melbourne Grove, has been bequeathed to the National Trust and is open to visitors. Inside Blue Mountain, there's a new look and a fresh menu. I went for a delicious carrot and spinach soup and, of course, a coffee. The waistcoat is truly vintage, probably as old as my mother! The bag is DKNY, bought in Bond Street, Mayfair, and the shoes are some 'early' plum platforms from Hobbs, which was set up in Hampstead in 1981. Finally, the sunglasses were a vintage find from Canada.

http://www.bluemo.co.uk/
http://www.stephenwrightartist.co.uk/
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
http://www.dkny.com/
http://www.hobbs.co.uk/