Outfit: Vanessa Bruno Athé playsuit, Hermes Cape Cod watch and Charlotte Olympia Kitty flats.
Never say never. That should be my mantra. I didn't hide my disdain for jumpsuits and playsuits (or rompers to those of you in the U.S) previously. After all, my ever practical self sniffed at all the rigmarole one has to go through just to pee. And then.....I succumbed. This broderie anglaise playsuit from Vanessa Bruno Athé hung in my closet for so long that I was convinced it would be properly vintage by the time I wore it at 80 years of age with knobbly knees. I get why the trend is still going strong. Just put on the all in one outfit and you're good to go. You don't even have to think.
I don't generally do cutesy things but don't these whimsical Kitty flats put a smile on your face? Erm...I mean mine. The golden cat is supposed to bring luck. That remains to be seen....... I can't bring myself to buy a maneki-neko (the ceramic kitty with a waving paw) but I don't mind them on my feet (shoe obsessed individual here so normal logic doesn't prevail.....). I've learned that patent leather takes an awfully long time to break in. This includes having these patent Kitty flats professionally stretched twice and a week of hobbling about at home with them glued to my feet. I have very verrrrry low pain threshold for fashion. They're finally just right. So my advice is.....get the velvet ones.
Disclaimer: Bribery was used for this post. Photos were only taken after ice cream was consumed by child.
I'm sure I'm not the only one dreaming of places with long stretches of sandy beaches, guaranteed sunshine and a gelato stand at every corner. My pile of summer clothes is growing steadily by the week in anticipation for the warm weather ahead (trying to be optimistic!). Gladiator sandals are all the rage but these ones from Ancient Greek Sandals are subtly eye catching without being overly dramatic. They're a bargain at 55% off too.
Accessories
I can't make myself spend more than £40 on straw hats and bags. As you know...the English weather and all. These look good and the very affordable price tag won't leave you feeling guilty.
Clothes
I've finally caved in and bought a dress and am loving it. I'm very impressed with the line up of pretty dresses over at Other Stories. They have a knack of coming up with unique clothes that are surprisingly very inexpensive.
Outfit: Miu Miu sunglasses, J.Crew sweatshirt, 7 for All Mankind cutoffs, Hermes Cape Cod watch and Birkenstock Arizona sandals. Nail varnish:Chanel"Paradoxical"
I admit I went bonkers for lace up sandals and flats when they first came out. I'm still mad for them cos you know....they're so eye catching even if your ankles end up looking like they've been whipped multiple times or turned bloodless from strangulation. And then I got reeeeal lazy. The constant tying and untying took a toll on my fingers. Walking out the door meant an additional 5 minutes of lacing the right way so that they don't collapse in a heap around my ankles.
I decided I deserved a reprieve from all this hullabaloo and bought myself a pair of Birkenstocks instead. Funny how fashion goes round and round in circles. I used to backpack and trek through the rivers, mountains and into rural villages in similar Birkenstock sandals except they were brown. They were virtually indestructible and survived on many grand adventures with me.
Here's the lowdown of the Arizona sandals if you're planning on getting them. They're true to size and are wider than the Madras which has a narrower fit. Mine has a single band footbed but if you prefer more cushioning, go for the double. There's the platform version if you want to add a few more inches to your height. There are also two options for straps - textured leather (their fancy way of saying synthetic) and genuine leather. I chose the second which took a few wears to break in. I normally go for darker colors but this time, I decided to break free from my usual and go the white instead. If you happen to live in the U.K, I would suggest you get them here as they're less than half the price anywhere else. More options available down below.
It's officially summer now with yesterday being the longest day of the year. The sun's still up at 9pm which is brilliant until you realize that you can't convince your kids to GO TO BED. I'm emphasizing the last 3 words because if you're a mom, you'll feel like a tape recorder but the volume is ever increasing until you hit the climax and all hell breaks loose. Meanwhile, your kid pretends she's deaf and mute. Ah...the joys of motherhood.
The weather's been brilliant until....well.....today. But hey ho, over here in England, you just learn to roll with it and put your coats on standby because you just never know when it'll pour. I've been going on endless walks which is an easy task here because there are tons to see and friends live close by. The High St has turned into a strip of market stalls practically all week. Despite the congestion, it's heartwarming to see how a historic town is still so vibrant and lively in the 21st century.
I was amazed to see climbing roses everywhere. I've played tourist on many occasions with a camera around my neck as I explored the neighborhood to spot the roses. What do you enjoy doing around your neighborhood?
When the opportunity came knocking to attend the Royal Ascot, I freaked out. The closest I came to a horse was a pony ride when I was 10. Or maybe the equestrian themed Hermes scarves I used to collect. So this country bumpkin asked her friends on Facebook, "Ladies, do you just stand there and watch horses run round and round at the Royal Ascot?" I re-read my words later and cringed.....utterly daft. No words....Just...arghhh.. A couple thought it was hilarious but seriously.......where's the idiot emoticon when you need it?. And then I read about the dress code. As in dresses. Literally. And fancy hats. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll probably know by now that I rarely, if ever wear dresses.
So I invited someone I know within the blogosphere who's well versed with the event, Jasiminne to come along with me. I had no idea what to expect but the journey to Ascot was buoyant with masses of excited and glamorous looking folks boarding the train. It was utter madness when I arrived at Ascot train station. There were police, guards and even the army came along (Jasiminne was mad for those sexy blokes in uniform) to gather donations. There were video cameras and photographers with massive telephoto lens jostling to find the most eye-catching hat or outfit.
Meanwhile, I stood there and gawked goggle eyed as swarms of beautiful people poured out from the entrance of the train station. It was a short walk from the station to the racecourse. I was in awe of those who braved the walk and lawn in stilettos. I spied a fair share of bloodied feet and then there were others who limped...and limped...and limped. When we arrived at the grand venue, I whipped out my miniature camera and surreptitiously papped the ladies but promptly forgot about the dapper looking gents in attendance.
There were jaw dropping beauties which nearly caused me to have a whiplash as they sashayed past. Flawless make up, picture perfect hair, movie star glamor. And then there were the weird and wacky - a homage to My Little Pony or that stuffed cat which at a glance, looked real.
God must've answered my prayers because the weather was unbelievably warm and sunny. Everyone had the same idea and swiftly booked to have afternoon tea on the lawn and inside the marquee. I would've loved to perch my tush under a shade and continue to people watch as I sip tea from dainty porcelain cups and bite into cucumber sandwiches.
Jasiminne suggested that we nabbed ourselves a prime spot to watch the Royal Procession. Bless her. I had no idea so I trailed behind her like an obedient pup. I've lived here in the U.K for 7 years and it was my very first time seeing the Queen (check out the video above). I didn't expect to stand a few meters from her carriage either so this Kiwi girl did a silent squeal while trying to maintain a semblance of maturity and composure. Ack...heck..who cares about looking good??!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, I SAW THE QUEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!
We didn't end up taking a selfie of the two of us but we managed a shoefie instead.
Outfit: Panama hat, Etoile Isabel Marant Lexy jacket, Etoile Isabel Marant Gemma dress(on sale!), Miu Miu sunglasses, Hermes Cape Cod watch,Hermes Kelly and Nicholas Kirkwood heels
Thursday was the day of many firsts. First time a thet Royal Ascot. First time seeing the Queen. First time being photobombed by such suave and good natured gentlemen though they gave me a fright when they suddenly appeared next to me.
Thank you to Appletiser for the invitation to the Royal Ascot this year and Jasiminne for the lovely company and the shots of me!
