Standen revisited

Top - Jumble sale

Skirt - Traid shop

Sandals - Topshop last summer

Bag - Charity shop

Necklace - Charity shop

To Standen once more. It's becoming a sort of yearly ritual to visit in the tail end of Summer/start of Autumn. I last went at the start of October 2011 in a heatwave and before that in September 2010, captured in this post - the bees are still at work! Standen was as gorgeous as ever, wish I could live there sometimes. Also the shaded area full of ferns was great in the heat. Clothing wise, lately I have been really drawn to a palette of blues/greens and neutrals. I think they are the colours I feel best in. Much like this lady who feels best in Kelly Green. The concept of only wearing one colour really intrigues me. I think I would seriously struggle but since different colours do effect my mood it makes a certain sense. In keeping with my colour direction, I bought a Hobbs blue two piece outfit from a charity shop. Normally I would think a two piece means a jacket and skirt/trousers but in this case it was a polka dot shirt and linen skirt, pretty odd but fine by me.

 I think one of the most interesting things about having a blog and getting to look back at old posts is seeing the changes. For me it's noticing that I have become way fussier about what I purchase (well to a degree) and I'm definitely looking for quality more than ever. Not so much from Primark round here these days. Could just be a sign of getting older though. Although September is just around the corner I don't feel done with Summer just yet, time is passing too fast.

A new favourite

Not really an outfit post today, instead a post about a place. Lat Sunday I took a trip to the Barbican, the large creative venue in London. I've only been once before to see South Pacific last year and loved the architecture and huge space. This time I was going to see the Bauhaus: Art as Life before it closed. It's something I have long been interested in, so was keen to catch the exhibition. The exhibition was good although I felt like I still didn't really know all that much by the end of it. What I found far more inspiring in many ways was The Conservatory. I had noticed it from outside before (first photo), but didn't know if it was open to the public. Turns out it is, but only on Sundays, which was lucky for me. It's amazing. There is a whole room just for cacti/succulents, an aviary and two ponds. The rest of the week it's available for private hire, but at least you get one day, and it's free. I love that there is this tropical oasis in the heart of such a busy city. It was so peaceful and I will definitely be going again.

Caught by the river

Top - Gap, a few years ago

Skirt - Jumble sale, vintage Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - UO, a couple of years ago

Bag - Charity shop

Well summer is getting along, and I don't really know where I've been. The sun has barely been present but summer feels like more of an attitude than anything else. Being in London as I am, there is of course the Olympics going on, and on Saturday I got a little taste of it all, with the cycling event route going right past my front door pretty much. There was even a giant Wenlock mascot for us to take photos with. I didn't get any photos of the cyclists (they are pretty fast) but the one of the crowd sums up the general atmosphere. One of the best parts was actually all the police going past on their bikes, doing regal waves and high-fiving the crowd. The festive atmosphere lasted all day as the circular route meant they passed back through in the afternoon. Whilst waiting for them we went over the river for some art supplies, and a very quick photo by the Thames. I would quite like to visit the Olympic park, but no tickets for me. Has anyone else been?