Making me happy...

* My wellies arrived from Joules, and I almost didn't want to open them as the packaging was so lovely.

* Persephone Books have a brand new forum . It's like an online book club. This month, William : An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton.

* I went to Waitrose yesterday, and unlike most supermarket shopping that is a process of getting what you need without thinking and leaving as soon as possible - a trip to Waitrose is a real treat, and a true pleasure. I love looking at all the lovely packaging and finding new products by artisan producers and having a hot chocolate and croissant in their cafe afterward.






Just some of the lovely things to buy. I could resist taking some snaps on my Blackberry as I went round.

* I've been thinking about trying to grab a holiday in my (very short) summer holiday this year, and I have a yearning to go to Wales. My Grandmother was Welsh giving me my middle name of Olwen, and I feel a very strong affinity to it (plus...the Toast outlet store). The Welsh tourist board have been advertising on TV with these lovely, lovely little short films featuring a real family and it's really sealed the deal for me. They are everything a lazy, hazy summer holiday should be and the direction, art styling and music used are excellent.

I'm going to hop in the car and go, probably not having such a varied adventure as the Darkes family though.

Wishful Wednesday

1. My one weakness (Miss Lane), is vintage inspired/styled bags. I am forever searching for the perfect, soft brown leather, well loved rucksack. So until then, this is brand spanking new, but as it comes from the fabulous Cycle Chic and it's a fabric design by Kate Sheridan, this will do nicely.

♥

2. I have never, ever liked purple. Suddenly, I love purple. Maybe I'm just a hopeless victim of fashion, but purple is everywhere and I find myself smitten. These shoes in particular with their little ruffle are divine.

♥

3. How wonderful! And I love the font, too. This might make me enjoy washing up for once.

♥

4. I've always loved shoes that look like they've been sitting in a wardrobe since the early 1930's. I've not yet found the perfect pair of oxford brogues, but there's something about these boots that says 'team me with a pair of cuffed flannel trousers and sip a cocktail'.

♥

~

icon by straw bonnet

My M&S

There is a dress I have loved. I have loved it for months and after refreshing the website and trying to get it on order, today saw me just browsing in M&S and looking lovingly at THE DRESS knowing they would only have that one renegade size 8 there as always and low and behold, but they had a few more there and one was in my size and I *have* it and it's *gorgeous* and weeeee!

It's from the Marks & Spencer 125 years archive collection, and is a 1940's tulip print dress. I plan on wearing it with my seamed stockings and fascinator to a Christmas wedding and pretending it's 1945. The picture or the rather stern looking model don't do it justice, but it's all the joy of having a vintage dress with all the modern perks and the fabric is dreamy.

♥

Marks & Spencer also have a fabulous website up to celebrate their birthday and coincide with their exhibition in Leeds, and I've spent a good half an hour browsing through all the pictures, vintage advertisements, facts and it's been so well designed and put together that I'm smitten with it.

http://marksintime.marksandspencer.com/Welcome/

Notes on a Scandal

I love Cate's wardrobe in 'Notes on a Scandal'. The fluffy chunky cardigans, the soft soft cottons, the vintage Shetland pullover, the bicycle with basket, the slightly ratty knitted scarves, the old brown leather man's belt knotted and tucked, the cardigans with the roushed sleeves and tiny tiny buttons (as it's all in the details), the layers, the haphazardly arranged hair, that *fluffy chuncky cardigan*.

I love the ability to look so stylish with uncordinated and unfussy classics.

The film is lovely and fierce too.