Welcome to Dulwich, MadC!

Here's a new addition to the street art of Dulwich - by MadC - to be found at the crossroads where pub meets library, and bank meets florists, at the top end of Lordship Lane. The recently-finished mural prompted closer inspection (and a photo opportunity). I'm wearing my favourite new combats, authentically Desert Storm indeed with their own NATO number (and a bargain to boot from Frank the Stylist), together with a leather Banana Republic jacket and a shaggy waistcoat from Sugar. The snakeskin boots are by Pura López whilst the sunnies, in the same style zone as Iris Apfel, are French by Francois Pinton, from south London's Paraphernalia. My turquoise jewellery is from Jessica Walker.
The new piece of street art replaces another called Tea with a Bee, created as part of Baroque the Streets, a collaboration between Dulwich Festival and Street Art London. It, along with a number of other works, put Dulwich firmly on the map for street art, back in May 2013. MadC's work also appeared then, most notably in The Street Art House, formerly at 265 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich.

Shadows

Summer is always a season of colour, but today I'm sticking to the shadows, and limiting myself to a monochrome palette (apart from the dashing citrus fur clutch! A gorgeous present by Ostrich 2 Love. Thanks Diane x). I love shadows; they conceal and reveal. For the shade, I combined the urban with a touch of Victorian gothic. The former is instantly provided by trainers and sunnies: my go-sprightly along any city pavement classic Adidas Gazelle trainers and my super-black Thierry Lasry glasses. And the long, black silhouette, for a long(ish) shadow: a dramatic floor-length Dolce & Gabbana spiderweb piece over a vintage M&S slip. Costume jewellery packs a punch with a large cross of faux-pearls purchased in Whitby, a popular venue for a Gothic weekend! And the backdrop: the most arresting and arguably the biggest piece of street-art in Dulwich, (and all of two years old) Conor Harrington's bare-knuckle fighters, which featured in my blog  'Dulwich Festival 2014' post. 

Those orange jeans

You can't beat a good pair of jeans, especially if they're in stand-out orange! These vintage Versace's are actually borrowed from my daughter, yet they fit wonderfully, and the colour, bright and bold, is just what this British weather needs. I'm not one for mixing casual with formal, but I was otherwise persuaded, and the grey and orange compliment each other beautifully. The blazer, by MaxMara, is part of a suit, seen in 'Suited for a Hampshire Wedding'. Accessoried with a stingray bag, from Paraphernalia, a pair of plastic heels by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa, and Dior sunnies, of course...

Belair

There's nothing quite like a bit of Georgian architecture to uplift the spirit and a lovely local example is Belair House: Bar, Dining and Social, at 1 Gallery Road, Dulwich. Putting the long and the short of it together, I opted for a long suede coat and fringed scarf for cover, and my shortest skirt by Paul Smith, with garden florals to suit the bosky surroundings. A dash of red in the Chinese-style Equipment top and favourite Dior lipstick, Dolce Vita, gave me a decent dash of tomato to complement the colours in my '50s Hong Kong clutch, bought this summer at Cliffe Antiques Centre, East Sussex. The charming vintage shoes by Joseph have a distinctly Georgian look whilst the Prada sunnies are decidedly Rococo.
Pop this in your diary: from November 2nd, Belair House will be holding a history exhibition, 'Through the Ages', including funny, happy and interesting memories from local residents.

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!

Dulwich beauties: part 2

A garden with focal points... from the charming Monet-style summer house and bridge with a little pond full of lily-pads, to a magnificent willow as a centre piece, and a pretty gazebo near which a local orchestral played folky tunes to a gathering audience. All in all: a stunning 2 acre garden in the heart of Dulwich, open for one afternoon this month in support of Dulwich Helpline & Southwark Churches Care*. To fit in with the exceptionally green surroundings, I'm wearing my Marimekko print dress, designed by Mika Piirainen, topped with a vintage woolly cardi, a big bright basket (from that collection I keep going on about), Thierry Lasry sunnies, Jessica Walker earrings and some knock-out Paul Smith shoes, which are surprisingly comfy.

*DHSCC provides friendship, practical help and emotional support to isolated older people in the community