Stepping into March
Weekly round up of everything I'm loving and lusting for....
Last week of February and just for a moment on Wednesday, it felt like spring was on its way. It was gloriously sunny and warm, a balmy 16 degrees! Perfect timing as my daughter and I travelled up to London to see the new Tracey Emin exhibit; A Second Life . It was incredible. I wasn’t sure how my daughter would react to it, if you know Emin’s work, you’ll know it can be quite…how shall I say…raw. My daughter, understandably was shocked at some of it, but it was so interesting watching her reaction. Instant alarm, and then a moment of taking it in, then once she read about it, she stood back and reassessed. It did exactly what good art should do, make you think and reevaluate your pre conceived opinions and ideas.
When the sun suddenly shows it’s face after a long cold winter, it really hits harder in London. Suddenly the office workers spill out into the green spaces jostling for spots on park benches. Bedraggled parents of young children, stir crazy from being cooped up indoors suddenly have a spring in their step, pushing prams around the parks, catching up on life with friends. The sound of music from buskers travels down the streets and delicious smells from bakeries and restaurants fill the air. Springtime in London is a glorious thing.
My daughter, Greta, is in her last year of college and has wednesays off. Like most kids who grew up in a rural area, she adores the hustle and bustle of London and wants to move there as soon as possible. I get it, I was exactly the same when I was her age, but as a parent it’s hard not to try and make her see things in a more realistic light. It’s expensive! You have to watch your bag, blah blah blah. But she’s having none of it. To her, moving to London will be the answer to everything, and the beginning of her leap into adulthood.
Of course, when there’s an opportunity for her to join me on a trip to the big smog, she’s there with bells on. And over half term, there were a few trips we took together. The first one was an overnight stay at the Orange, A beautiful pub in the heart of Pimlico Road, with four recently refurbished bedrooms designed with handcrafted furniture and Best of British fabrics, inspired by Pimlico Design Quarter. If you haven’t visited Pimilco Road, and you love interiors, make it your first stop next time you’re in London. So many of the great design houses such as Colefax and Fowler, Nina Campbell and Soane have stores there, plus many smaller independents such as Volga Linen and Bonadea
We spent the day looking in all the beautiful shops, finding ourselves totally inspired to redo every room in the house! We stopped at Daylesford for a coffee and sat outside comfortably thanks to the heated lamps, it was the perfect spot to rest our feet watch the world go by.
Not only did this glimmer of spring lift the mood, it also got me giddy for warmer weather dressing! God knows I love a coat, in fact, coats are a bit of an obsession of mine. I honestly think a good coat can make an outfit, and classic designs, although they can be pricey, will last a lifetime and never date. I am, however, nearing the end of my bi annual love affair with chunky knitwear, boots and wool over coats, and am now longing for lighter layers. My obsession for coats shifts into light jackets. Ones you can wear with a cropped trouser and ballerina- outfit complete. A little statement jacket, with a striped oxford shirt underneath (WNO do the absolute best- menswear styles that fit womens bodies, made to last forever in beautiful fabrics) This is a look I lean on all spring/summer long. Unless the weather gets really hot, it’s pretty much fool proof. Flattering, interesting, comfortable and versatile enough for a whole day out, pack a pair of heels and statement earrings and the look transitions into evening. Here are my top picks for this perfectly chic look.
SHOES TO WALK ALL DAY IN
THE PERFECT SHIRT
SPRING TROPHY JACKETS
THE MOST FLATTERING (AND COMFORTABLE) TROUSERS
