Pepto Pink

So admittedly these photos were taken nearly a year ago, but I've had a busy year! And I like to think my style defies being too time-specific and trend-led. The blouse I bought many years ago, but interestingly does fit into the ruffled, asymmetric, 80's tinged vibe we've seen a lot of recently. I bought if for the glorious pewter damask fabric, but it has languished largely unworn in my wardrobe due to the awkward elasticated neckline and the fact that I was never quite happy with how it sat when tucked into my normal high-waisted skirt/skinny trousers. So I've done the unthinkable (for me) and worn something untucked. Paired with a Pepto Bismol pink roll-neck, sparkly pink socks, and green jewellery, this look has reignited my love for the blouse. 

ASOS blouse, Benetton trousers, KG shoes, self-made and antique jewellery.  

Marbled Mood

A rather disco-tinged silhouette here, weirdly 1970's for me; I guess its indicative of me trying to loosen up and try new styles. This blouse was so unusual in its pattern that I managed to overlook the ugly colour-way, and embrace its bishop-sleeved, pussy-bowed glory. The pattern recreates those fantastic, feathery, marbled papers you find in antique books, in shades of muted taupe, brown, beige... from a distance it just looks a shiny pewter though. Worn with burgundy accessories and purple nails for a jolt of colour.     

Vintage blouse, M&S shoes, ASOS trousers, self-made bag, vintage and handmade jewellery.

House of Homps

There's a definite chill in the air now, so what better time to share some snaps/outfits from my holiday to the south of France a few weeks ago? We stayed in a little town on the Canal du Midi called Homps, and enjoyed some fantastic weather, wine and scenery. I spent a lot of time wearing as little as possible, and a lot of time photographing the area rather than myself, hence only two outfits to show (but I can assure you I did wear a colour other than mustard). 

Vintage cover-up, 1920s blouse, ASOS trousers, Topshop sandals, antique belt and jewellery

...............................~~~~~~~~~IIIIIIIIIIIIIII~~~~~~~~~...........................

This is me in 'casual mode', wearing treggings (the absolute worst portmanteau), and flat sandals (!) for a day walking around the incredible Abbaye de Fontfroide. The necklace is a 1920s celluloid and French Jet piece I recently got for my birthday; and the star brooch is an Edwardian paste beauty, a stone from which I lost on the morning of our departure meaning I had to reluctantly walk away without finding it 😩 Tracking down the exact shade and size of paste to replace it is going to be a mission, but I can barely look at it now without feeling sad/annoyed.

Zara blouse, Benetton treggings, SixtySeven sandals, vintage and antique jewellery. 

...............................~~~~~~~~~IIIIIIIIIIIIIII~~~~~~~~~...........................

Les Halles des Narbonne

Plaque outside Narbonne Cathedral

Gate at the Abbaye de Fontfroide

Ceiling at the Abbey

Another gate at the Abbey

Reassembled stained-glass at the Abbey

The best part of any Abbey- the cloisters

Cloister model facing the real thing

Doing my best tourist pose at the within the cloisters

15th Century painted timber beams at the chateau in Capestang

And lastly shots from the glorious medieval church at Capestang, the Collegiale Saint-Etienne, which was decrepit and lovely with so many details. 

Orange Blush

British summertime is notoriously temperamental, so a cover-up of some sort is handy. I've been wearing this robe so much, as it is lightweight, dressy, and goes with most things in my wardrobe. The black and soft-pink brocade features a Japanese garden scene, with pagoda, bridge, birds, trees and a fan-wielding geisha. It hopefully avoids the gaudy tropes of tourist-market Orientalism...? Worn over a silk blouse that is caped, so extra aeration to the back is provided... you know, for when the sun comes out. The orange/blush colour-block shoes were a purchase on a whim; I bought them whilst wearing this outfit and they just happened to complement the blouse and robe perfectly. Note to self, silk creases like a bitch.

Vintage robe, Math Collective blouse, Issey Miyake Pleats Please trousers, Vanessa Wu shoes, ASOS bag, antique belt and vintage jewellery. 

Surreal, melting hand brooch will always be a favourite of mine. It has a cuff and ring detail; I like the idea of my jewellery wearing jewellery.