STUFF | SUNNY

So on this sunny Sunday morning I thought I'd make a list of things I am liking a lot this week. The weather's been hot hot hot so I'm feeling all summery. Cue the coconut drinks and Raybans...




Cathedrals hail from San Fran and make the kind of swirly wurly dream pop that makes you feel like you are in a dreamy Baz Lurman film montage.

As is the case with every collection, once again I find myself desiring everything from Lazy Oaf's Summer 2015 collection. Especially this minty tropical dress and cap. How could you not enjoy summer wearing these! 

I've just returned from a very lovely few days on the Jade Coast via Nantes (France) and time on the beach has made me start thinking summer footwear. There will always be my trusty birkenstocks (hippy lesbian shoes as the boyf calls them) and Havaianas but I have been craving something more pump like. This is when the espadrille saves the day.

 These light and chic little rope shoes are 100% natural and date back 4000 years so who's to argue with that length of popularity. They seem to be the shoe of the moment with Chanel bringing out a lust worthy pair.

The other bonus is that if your budget doesn't stretch as far as Chanel (welcome to the club) then if you buy from traditional makers they're super cheap so you can get a pair in every colour here. 

We were lucky enough to be given a very special housewarming present. Two gorgeous printed tea towels by my uber talented friend Natalie Laura Ellen. The prints are so fun they cannot fail to put a smile on your face and they've certainly livened up our apartment! 

Right, now it's time to go out and enjoy the sunshine! 

UP ON THE ROOF

It's been pointed out to me on more than one occasion that I love a good rooftop. This cannot be denied and I have sampled a fair few. When the sun finally shows up there's nothing better than getting your Dick Van Dyke on and defying gravity. The purpose of this sampling is for my work of course, it's been totally selfless research and the cocktails were just because I needed to get my five a day in somehow...

South 

Going to start locally with two of Peckham's finest...

Bussey Building
There's a rooftop cinema with some amazing views of London. I <3 Bussey, especially in Summer. 

Frank's
Do I really need to tell you how great this bar on top od a multi storey carpark in Peckham is? Really? Ok, it's bloody lovely and opens next Friday. I will be face down in some vegan kimchee (the menu's great!)so come say hi.

Roof Garden - Southbank
It's guaranteed you'll find yourself on the Southbank at some point in the summer, so do check out the roof garden on top of Queen Elizabeth Hall. It's no smoking but has BYOB potential. Oh and it's been designed by the folks behind the Eden Project too so it's very pretty indeed and, of course, the views are outstanding.

East

Netil House 360
The roof of this abandoned college transformed into a thriving creative community is pretty special. They have some cracking BBQ's and you can also make use of the wifi and work from there. Tip: cocktails whilst working are always a good idea.

Around Hoxton and Haggerston you'll find a cluster of pubs with good roof terraces. My favourite's are The Fox  and The Red Lion. If you venture a bit further into De Beauvoir town then The Talbot has a nice expansive terrace/balcony bit.

Coppa
A slightly lesser known spot than other East End sky grazers but an absolute joy once you've found it. If good Italian food in the sun's your bag (whose isn't it?) then Lardo's London Fields based Italian "Rosticceria" will be your summer oasis. Tip: it's on the roof of the hothouse and by be reached from Martello Street.

The Queen of Hoxton
Not my favourite bar to be honest but once the wigwam comes of it's rooftop then the trek up all the stairs for those views and a summery vibe is often worth it despite the sorry drinks selection. The decor is a treat to behold. They also have some screenings and good events, just avoid the oompah loompah coloured crowds on a Saturday night.

Dalston Roof Park
More astro turf and kitschness can be found a little further north. I've talked about this spot before and will continue to because it's a multi-pack of fun. Tucked away on a Dalston roof top above the sirens and irony below you can enjoy a brunch, cocktail or film - that's if you don't mind queuing mind. 

Even though I used to live in North London it isn't really my stomping ground. The Beach at The Roundhouse in Camden is quite nice and The Driver in Kings Cross has a nice, if not slightly bizarre roof terrace. 

West
I rarely go out in West London but The Kensington Roof Gardens are kinda special as long as the sun doesn't reflect off the coloured chinos and blind you.



As per I can't be everwhere so have probs missed some. Please let me know and I will drag myself over there and force down another cocktail. Roof terrace suggestions outside of London are very welcome! 

TRAVEL | FRANCE

Been hiding out in a little bungalow (see below) in the Corrèze region of France. Activities included Al fresco family BBQ, Dordoigne swimming and visiting the house I lived in when I was very little. 

Caught up on some reading and totally recommend John McGregor's If nobody Speaks of Remarkable things and Jeffrey Eugenides' The Marriage Plot. Now a weekend camping trip in The New Forest and then reality will resume(sort of)so this blog will stop resembling a diary. 

FASHION | ANA DIAZ SS13

I LOVE Autumn/Winter but Ana Diaz's SS13 look book and vid for her latest collection 'Edo Tropica' offers some serious summer vibes and leaves you longing for far off tropical sunsets. After watching this vid, the arrival of next summer seems an exciting prospect waiting hazily on the horizon.

'Edo Tropica' showcases quirky vivid colours and matchy patterns, fun prints, organic cotton and stark white in tropical locations  and dreamy beach scenes. When next summer rolls around I will be painting my nails diffent colours, popping on a sun visor and heading to a beach in Thailand. You? Roll on long summer nights and hazy summer days!

Summer Chic | Jigsaw 2012

Beehives, breton tops, mustachioed cuties and balmy summer evenings spent sporting French 60's chic in London. What's not to love. And I do really do love this spring/summer collection film from Jigsaw. Total summer style inspiration.

LONDON | SUMMER

The sun has finally arrived in London and it's bloody glorious. When the sun shines there's no better place to be in than the city. I LOVE the countryside, but also love the infectious buzz in the city, as everyone hurries outdoors to enjoy some much needed sunshine. Parks fill up with cheerful faces; picnicking and sipping beer, swimming in pools and lakes, throwing frisbees and walking dogs. People sit lazily outside bars and cafes, congregate in beer gardens and every possible outside space is utilised for good times. Cycling over Waterloo bridge in the evening sun, having drinks by the thames, sitting on Primrose Hill gazing at the blue sky backdrop to London's landscape. It doesn't really get any better than this. Here's to the start of Summer!..

          

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