Summer

In an English Country Garden

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Summer seemed to run really late this year, but it’s looking like Autumn has decided to roll up her sleeves and get to work at last. So I’m saying Au Revoir to the warmer temperatures with a quick post featuring my favourite dress of the Summer.

This dress from Joy has everything. Pockets, pleats, a twirly skirt and that gorgeous floral pattern. I was in love as soon as I saw it. And even better it’s now on sale – snap it up here.

As usual, my little self-made photoshoot was invaded by animals. Shadow came to say hello, and was swiftly followed by Milo. In typical cat fashion, Milo mithered me for ages and then as soon as I picked him up he couldn’t do enough to get away. He likes me really… I think.

Something for the Weekend: Harewood House Food Festival

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Yesterday, Cali and I ventured to Harewood House to sample the delights of their food festival.

Cali had such a great time and we’ve both decided we’d like to move in – she has expensive taste! (Having Cali is somewhat like I imagine having a child would be – she’s into everything and very sociable. I’ve started walking her on a harness so I don’t lose her!)

I’m not going to waffle on with this post because Cali and I are heading out for our next big adventure today and we can’t wait to make the most of the bank holiday sunshine!

Details of the food festival here. It runs today and tomorrow. Entry is £10 (seems a little steep but you do get access to the gardens and grounds included in that.)

Dress: Tallgirls.co.uk (bought from their pop-up shop and seemingly not available online)
Shoes: Primark
Sunglasses: F&F

10 of the Best Checks

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The by-line for this blog has always been ‘Country Chick, City Chic’ – I came up with this because half of the time I can never decide what I like best.

Recently it’s a dilemma that’s affected more than just my wardrobe – but more on that later.

This post is most definitely for the the country bumpkins out there. I’ve rounded up 10 of my favourite checked pieces.

It’s a trend that I adore. It’s cute without being too young and has a fresh, clean summery feel to it. I always associate this style of fabric with summer picnics.

Sadly the weather in the UK is nowhere near warm enough for any of these items – but a girl can daydream right?

1st Row

Dress: Whistles / Dress: ASOS / Top: Warehouse

2nd Row

Dress: ChicWish / Crop Top & Skirt Set: ChicWish / Shirt Dress: Oasis

3rd Row

Dress: ASOS Tall / Shirt: Lee / Shorts: Mango / Dress: ASOS

Sneak Preview: F&F SS16

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A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to preview the F&F Spring/Summer collection in London. If you’re a fairly frequent visitor to this blog you’ll know that I’m a big fan of the F&F brand and have featured a fair few of their pieces in the past – so I was naturally curious about their latest collection.

On a chilly, rainy November day in London, the collection was a breath of fresh air and has already got me thinking about my summer hols next year.

The collection as a whole was heavily influenced by the idea of travel. The lookbook collection underpinned this by featuring linens and a nautical theme, interspersed with some corals, while the other collections all took inspiration from a different part of the globe (my favourite of which was ‘Latin Rose’). Delicate fabrics with intricate florals and watercolour inspired designs were interspersed with slightly heavier fabrics which leant themselves to the ongoing trend for 70s nostalgia.

The prices were all very reasonable – the suede jacket pictured below is priced at just £45 – but the quality hasn’t been compromised as a result. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the lingerie collection – which was exquisite in design.

The collection is scheduled to hit stores from March onwards.

I Love Lucy

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This little lady belongs to a friend of ours and recently came to spend her holidays with us. She’s a golden retriever and she’s super cute.

With the heatwave the UK has had this week, we’ve had to keep the dogs inside or in the shade most days so that they don’t over heat. So when evening rolled around the other day, we headed out into the sunset to let Lucy stretch her legs. This dress is perfect for a summer evening stroll.

Dress: Therapy at House of Fraser (similar here)
Sandals: F&F (exact ones here)
Sunglasses: F&F

Pictures by: Rachel Orritt

Thank you to Lucy’s owner for kindly allowing me to use her in these photos.

Red White and Blue

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Dress: Joy | Necklace: Joy | Shoes: Dorothy Perkins | Bag: TK Maxx

Yay for Summer. And hurray for Summer Sales. I bought this dress from Joy for a bargain price (and it’s still available online here). I love the scooped back, (scroll down for a pic) it’s the perfect dress to keep me cool, yet covered.

Stripes always say ‘summer’ and ‘seaside’ to me… so of course I had to buy an anchor necklace to complete the look (also from Joy and available here). I’ve just booked my summer hols – to Corsica! I can’t wait to get back out to the med and enjoy a week by the sea. I’ve never been before so I’d love to hear any tips you guys have…

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Happy sales shopping! x

Coconut and Lime Cake

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It’s Father’s Day today in the UK and it’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I think my Dad is pretty damn amazing.

In our family we do things a little differently when it comes to commercial holidays. Whenever they roll around the rule is that all cards and gifts have to be hand-made (because it’s the thought that counts!)

It’s fair to say that, over the years, the ‘no shop bought gifts’ rule is something which has backfired on my parents once or twice… There was the time my sister made my mum a pair of “binoculars” by cellotaping two cardboard loo-roll tubes together, the year I got made redundant and each parent just got a hug, and let’s not forget the Mother’s Day when I broke my arm (long story) and we ended up in A&E for the rest of the day. But now that I’m older and wiser I’ve learned to stick to what I’m good at. So this morning I have been baking up some goodies for my Dad – who loves nothing more than homemade cakes (usually of the fruit variety).

This recipe which I found on Delia Smith’s website takes a bit of extra prep but the results are well worth it – it’s a perfect, light, cake for summer.  I altered it very slightly by sandwiching the cake halves with buttercream and just using the water-icing on top. I also had to leave out the dried coconut milk powder (whatever that might be!) but I don’t think it suffered for it.

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Click here for the recipe