SUMMER IN THE CITY

I love London in the summer, there is always so much going on! Here is what's on my to do list this summer…

Georgia O’keeffe, Tate Modern

As a flower lover I am excited to see the new Georgia O’keeffe exhibition at the Tate, it’s a rare chance to see her paintings outside the US. The exhibition re-examines her entire career, her development, her trajectory west, and the profound influence she had on 20th century modernism. 
While you’re there… nip across to the to the new Tate Modern building and up to the 10th floor for the 360 views of the London skyline!

Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

Continuing in my love of all things floral… I love a visit to Petersham Nurseries, a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle. This internationally prized garden centre is great for all my plant needs and I can always pick up a few bits in the gift and antique shop. Follow this up with lunch in the beautiful greenhouse restaurant and you have the perfect day out!
While you’re there… cross over to richmond park for a spot of deer watching.

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide, Olympic Park

This is one I’ll be going on with the kids! The worlds longest tunnel slide passing through the UK’s tallest artwork is not for the faint of heart. The slide is the creation of Carsten Holler at the invitation of Sir Anish Kapoor, designer of the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture.
While you’re there… pop down to Beach East (the UK’s largest urban beach) for some seaside frolics!

Pride and Prejudice, Regents Park Open Air Theatre

As a Regents Park local to me, the open air cinema is always a good shout! Pride and Prejudice is the ultimate romantic comedy, perfect for a summer park setting! I’ll be dragging my girlfriends along!
While you're there... head to my local haunt, Oka, for some pre-show sushi!

Parlour, Kensal Rise

We went to Parlour for our staff Christmas party and the food was divine! Unfortunately our party was too big for the much talked about chefs table (max 8), so thats on my to do list this summer! It’s described as a ‘dinner and a show’, an interactive foodie adventure looked after exclusively by the chef!
While you're there... pick up some vintage furniture at Retrouvius, a treasure trove of reclaimed goodies! I have got a lot of pieces from there over the years.

Summer Reads 2016

Time for summer reads again....
I've just returned from a working trip to India, very lovely but extremely hot in Delhi so while the samples were being finished I managed to sneak off to The Ananda in the Himalayas, an absolute must... I digress I'll tell more next blog post... back to books. So while I was there I read a fabulous book, 'Where The River Parts' by Radhika Swarup. A novel based in India so very topical but enjoyable anywhere I'm sure! A moving and perceptive story of love seeped in history, packed with insight compassion and piercing detail! A very quick page turner so make sure you take more than just this book on your travels!

If you prefer a lighthearted novel to take with you to the beach then this is the one for you.  A heart warming novel that I was given by my lovely friend Vicky.  'A Man Called Ove' by Frederick Backman.  Charming... you'll laugh and you'll cry, a joy from start to finish!  Be sure to take your tissues!

Now I feel slightly bereft as I've just finished the final book of The Neapolitan Novels, 'The Story of the Lost Child' by Elena Ferrante. I thoroughly recommend this series.  Book one is a gentle book setting the scene for the rest of the books, persevere with the first as book two, three and finally four are superb.  A fabulous portrait of friendship and life in Naples during the 60s and 70s.

And finally an absolute classic, 'The Catcher in the Rye'  By J.D. Salinger.  If you haven't read this already it's a must but also if you read it when you were younger then I urge you to pick it up again. I hope, like me, you find it better second time round!  Short and punchy and written in such a style that is still edgy even today and remains on some banned book lists!

Shorts

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kimono - Velvet (available at ANNA), Top - Rabens Saloner (available at ANNA), Shorts - Current Elliott, Shoes - Ash, Necklace - Icon

I'm not a great lover of shorts... obviously... but sometimes I do feel the need to stop worrying about 'the leg issue' and get them on. These are my old favourites, Current Elliot ripped white shorts, I'm far too old for them but what the hell... But if like me you want to forget the age thing then wear shorts with loose forgiving layering tops, hide the bottom and tops of the thighs with a longer kaftan or kimono.
One more tip; always accessorise... it draws the eye away from the bits that you are not so keen on!

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kimono - Rabens Saloner (available at ANNA), T-shirt - American Vintage (available at ANNA), Shorts - Current Eliott, Necklace - Icon

How to Wear a Kaftan Everyday

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kaftan - Hartford, Vest - By Malene Birger, Espadrilles - Chanel, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA), Jeans - Current Elliott

Every year around this time I have a shop full of kaftans, all of which I love, sadly everyone thinks that kaftans are only for swanning around on holiday. Thankfully though, I believe that there is a place for them in everyday city life so I thought I'd give you a few ideas on how to wear my favourites.

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kaftan - One Season (available at ANNA), Vest - By Malene Birger, Necklace - Icon, Shoes - Sam Edelman, Jeans - Current Elliott

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kaftan - Mes Demoiselles (available at ANNA),  Vest - By Malene Birger, Shoes - Golden Goose Deluxe Brand,  Jeans - Current Elliott, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA), Cardigan - Selected Femme (available at ANNA)

Primrose Park

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Top - Primrose Park, Trousers - Primrose Park

Primrose Park is my own collection that is available at ANNA but also other fabulous stores; The Cross, Precious, Cavells... to name a few.

The label was created for women that love colour and print, I totally believe that the older we get the more colour and print we should wear!  Greys, black and beige can be safe but terribly draining so try and steer clear of these dull colours next to your face.

This ikat shirt and trouser set is perfect for loads of occasions, dress it up with heels or wear separately teaming the top with jeans and wearing the trousers relaxed with a t-shirt and pumps!

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Dress - Primrose Park, Hat - Star Mela, Shoes - Chanel, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA)

This dress is fresh and fun, the print is clean and vibrant.  I've teamed it with my Chanel espadrilles (summer treat to myself!), a hat and an Icon Buddha necklace. An effortless holiday outfit.

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Kimono - Primrose Park, Vest - By Malene Birger, Necklace - Icon (available at ANNA), Jeans - Current Elliott, Espadrilles - Chanel

I think kimonos are a must in everyone's wardrobe; perfect over a summer dress, a pair of shorts or try just jazzing up a vest and jeans.

SHOP MY OUTFIT: Dress - Primrose Park, Necklace - Zozishine, Bangle - Zozishine, Espadrille

This is one of our best selling dresses in a sand washed silk.  It feels lovely to wear and can be dressed up with wedges or worn relaxed with flats.

The Primrose Park collection can be found at: ANNA, The Cross, Precious, Cavells, Bibi, Anya, Bod & Ted, Coco Blue, Doodie Stark, Katharine Bird, Toil and Glitter, NO 42.