Welcome back lovelies! Now before we leap into this chinwag have you got a cup of tea, coffee or beverage of choice in hand? Wonderful!
So I’m on a mission, sent to me by the fashion gods! With me so far? Rightyho!
I decided a little while ago that for the rest of the year (as an experiment) I’m not going to buy one single piece of brand new clothing.
It can be new to me, but not newly made is what I mean.
Yes this decision was a spur of the moment thing and I’ll admit it was most definitely a wake up in the morning and shout it from the rooftops decision, but it comes as a result of following the amazing Teresa Maria (known as the fantastic Outlandish Blog). Her whole platform has made me aware of brands that claim they sell sustainable items and has educated me on the damages of fast fashion. Believe me; I thought I was aware of what’s going on… But oh no, she has fully opened my eyes and that’s just the tip of the iceberg with her blog! But I fully recommend her blog and her e-book on sustainable fashion.
Since then I’ve been on a quest to “shop my wardrobe” some more. I know I’ve mentioned this on more than one occasion, but during the lockdown I found it necessary to do it more than usual and if I do require a piece of clothing, to only buy second-hand garments – unless the garment has to be underwear, of course! That requires some research into sustainably made pants.
I want to do more to be kinder to our planet and being more sustainable with fashion I feel is a good start for me.
I know that this is just a small step in the grand scheme of things, but if I can be more select with my fashion choices it’s paving the way for more changes.
Admittedly throughout the last few months of lockdown I have bought a few key pieces to get me through the height of summer; if you’ve stuck around for this long you may remember me saying a few times that my summer wardrobe has always been pretty abysmal haha! But I took to the land of eBay to amend this and found some beautiful true vintage 1960s pieces that have stood the test of time because of how well made they are. The purchases I made were even more worthwhile when the sellers told me that they were giving the money to charity!
Vintage 1969 dress (seller stated it’s from USA)
Vintage 1969 dress (John Meyer of Norwich)
It’s given me the nudge to be more cautious about where I spend my money, who does it go to, who does it benefit? What do I get out of it? Even by just starting with sites like EBay and depop I’m able to put my thought into why I want these pieces and do I really need them? I mean, what I get out of it is key pieces that are truly one of a kind, no one will have these and I’m truly an individualist haha.
I simply can’t help it I thrive on looking unique and different, always have! Hence why I’ve also started the process of making my own clothes… Well, I say started the process. A sewing machine has arrived at my house, but we all start somewhere and this is an adventure I’ve wanted to embark on for years and didn’t have the confidence to challenge myself. The time is now lovelies!
As Vivienne Westwood once said “buy Less, choose well, make it last”
Hope you’re all safe and sound my lovelies! Keeping sane and being creative I hope. I’m pretty good at spending a lot of time indoors, I must admit. Presently I’ve been putting outfits together and trying to be creative with my ensemble choices (y’know so I can look utterly fabulous, once I emerge from my cave of wonders) and it got me to thinking just how much of what I wear is actually influenced by what I watch! This also works the other way around too; a lot of what I watch is definitely influenced by what I wear!
This has been most apparent with Mad Men.
Yes I know! But don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything for those that haven’t watched it on Netflix yet… hint hint.
I remember when I first watched the show I instantly resonated with the wardrobe of Peggy Olson, played fantastically by Elizabeth Moss! Am I right?
Firstly, I think it’s fair to say I could easily sit through one episode and vocally express that I wanted (nay needed) every single outfit from every character… Including the supporting artists!
Yes I actually did that, if you were wondering.
Peggy’s array of bows, peter pan collars and not to mention her bangs! It was crystal clear that there was a lot I could take away from this character and already had unbeknownst to me.
Now please bear in mind sweeties I had all these clothes in my wardrobe whilst doing this blog post, I bought nothing new for the occasion! I wish! I know that these are not in any way accurate depictions or cosplay’s of Peggy’s costumes, but I found it interesting just how much of what I already owned lent itself to the iconic TV series.
As you all know (unless you’re new here, then welcome lovelies!) I have a penchant for retro and vintage clothing, particularly that of the 1950s and 60s. However when my putting these ensembles together the hair was the hardest thing to get right! Oh my goodness, no matter what I do to my hair it just naturally wants to form itself back into the 1920’s flapper bob that it is… But thanks to unwashed hair, pin-curling the night before (and a sleepless night due to bobby pins sticking into my skull), some severe back combing and a big tin of hairspray I managed to achieve (only just) this look!
What I love and adore most about the costumes created for Elizabeth Moss is that they always put her in a combination of patterns and textures and were never afraid of a pop of colour!
They clearly showed her evolution through the changes in fashion and trends at the time- I’m now going to blame the stylists for my growing obsession with the colours mustard yellow, rust and green!
These costumes creatively designed by Janie Bryant concentrated on Peggy’s journey, not only through the decades of the show but her important transition through the period of time as a woman and what it meant to be a woman in what was a male dominated world. The women on this show were (let’s face it) positively badass! They were not afraid of the men around them, to assert their authority when necessary and knew how to achieve exactly what they wanted to; they were go-getters and will always be (in my opinion) considered as some of the best written characters on TV and I think we can all agree some of the most stylish!
So I have two weddings to attend this year, which
I’m not gonna lie- that’s a lot for me! But I’ve now reached that age where
this should be a normal occurrence, no? However what my inner monologue is
actually saying is- “Oh my goodness, we’re now at that age where all my friends
are getting married and I’m sat here contemplating a trip to New York for comic
con season”. Well, you can see where my priorities currently lie, can’t you?
Nevertheless I’m
ecstatic to be attending the weddings of my beautiful friends (and have already
got emotional about it on more than one occasion); and feel that this is a
fashion opportunity if ever there was one!
Now I love shopping for a wedding outfit and
waste no time in looking as soon as an invitation arrives in the post (no word
of a lie).
If you made the
assumption that I don’t like to be one of these wedding guests who tends to
hide in the background- then you’d be spot on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fully of
the notion that you shouldn’t upstage the bride; I think that goes without
saying. However I don’t think there’s any harm in looking as fabulous as you
possibly can (hey, photos last forever y’know! Didn’t you see my last blog?)
If you’re struggling to come up with some ideas of what to wear for this year’s wedding season, or feeling adventurous and want to give other styles a try? I’ve put together a little mood board as an example of how I’d (personally) put an outfit together, also taking into consideration accessories and makeup (of course! You all know I’m a sucker for a statement red lip!)
I don’t own these photographs. Copyright goes to Collectif, Loungefly, Truffle Shuffle, Lulu Hun and His & Her Vintage via Etsy
As you can (easily) guess from my mood board, I’m not exactly traditional. Again, you’d be right there.
I definitely have my own “rules” (if you will) when it comes to wedding season shopping… Now, before I go into these “rules”; let me establish sweeties that these are purely what I go by and just my opinion.
Absolutely no (I mean no) fascinator’s. However I feel incomplete without a hat (preferably a pillbox!) This doesn’t mean that I don’t love a fascinator on others! I simply don’t suit them and because of hairstyle it looks as though an alien is emerging from my head… Very much like what you see in Alien, or The Thing. Not a good look.
You absolutely can wear black to a wedding. I feel as though there may have been a few gasps when reading that. But I have worn black to a wedding before! It’s all in how you wear it. By wearing stripes or polka dot, it breaks up that you’re wearing a big black block and can introduce some personality to your outfit.
You don’t have to wear floral’s! I know this may seem an unusual one to put. However whenever you visit certain stores on the high street at this time of year, it may seem as though that’s all there is available for us wedding guests and there’s a total lack of imagination for those of us that may want some different.
Get an outfit that can do both! If you’re lucky enough to be invited to the ceremony, getting an outfit that can transition seamlessly to the evening reception will cut down costs and a trip home (or the hotel) to change!
A note to takeaway lovelies, the wedding of your beautiful friends/family/friends that are practically family is an event you want to remember (for all the right reasons, of course)! Wear something you’re going to relish wearing for the day, regardless if you don’t wear it again until the next big occasion! Be comfortable, be fabulous and be YOU!
Now that’s just a little hint there of where I’ll be venturing
off to soon- but more about that later!
One aspect I’m really enjoying about all this cruise prep is looking at outfits and seeing what clothing combinations I can put together (a capsule wardrobe, if you will and yes I learnt that from Gok Wan). If you know me, you’ll know I absolutely adore fashion (understatement of the century) and that over the years I’ve not been afraid of changing things up and experimenting with my look (apart from the bob, that goes nowhere). I love looking at where I’ll be travelling to and finding outfits that complement the place beautifully. I basically like to bridge the gap between stylish and functional! But I’m chockfull of personal style and can sometimes find it exceptionally difficult to just shop at one store.
Do you feel that way too? It’s really frustrating isn’t it! It
just equals more tea and biscuit breaks, if you ask me.
I can however pretty much shop anywhere from Primark and
H&M (their basic tee’s are an essential and a lifesaver!) to thrift stores
and Lindybop for my key retro or vintage pieces. It takes longer to build a
wardrobe that way then I care to admit. However it’s the simple matter of “you like what you like”.
However one person I know who struggles with this is my mumsy. I know over time she’s struggled to walk into a store, pick up more than one item of clothing and then proceed to walk out of that store with said item(s). I think it’s fair to say that unless you can afford designer clothing (Ah, Chanel), my mum’s age is simply not catered for.
I hear some of you exhale slowly, like I’ve just (ever so
slightly) crossed over a line. But it’s just something I’ve observed in my many
(30) years on this planet.
These extraordinary ladies want to look as stylish as say those in their 20’s and 30’s, and
they absolutely deserve too (I mean, look at ladies like Cate Blanchett and
Kristen Scott Thomas)! But without the worry that their dressing like their
daughter, niece or insert younger relative here. I must admit, as someone who’s
been on countless shopping trips with their mum I have seen the high street
dwindle (over the years) when it comes to everyday fashion that it almost
terrifies me at the prospect of
getting older!
Lovelies, if this conversation screams you then please get
in touch with me and tell me your fashion agony! Let me see if I can help
anyway I can… I say this like I know what I’m talking about.
Now my mum is pretty classy woman (I think she’d be cool
with me saying that). She knows exactly what suits her body type and has
amazing Marilyn Monroe-esqe curves! However, I’m fully aware that although we
both have similar body types she probably wouldn’t wear some of the things that
I have in my wardrobe. I think it still astounds her when I can thrift a
vintage dress or skirt and walk (aka strut) down the street in it like its Paris
Fashion Week. She’ll always respond with “Now if I were to wear that I would
just look old”. To clarify my mum does not
look old and dresses exceptionally well despite what the high street has to
offer.
So my dears I’ve been scouring the internet trying to find clothes and maybe stores that are solely online, in the hope that I find at least one store that provides exactly what women my mum’s age are looking for (that shouldn’t be too hard, right?) It seems such a shame that if you’re over a certain age shopping becomes less fun and more of a chore.
I just want my mum to feel absolutely amazing in whatever she’s wearing (even if it’s a paper bag), because truth be told she is.
If any of you lovelies have any suggestions of places we
could look that maybe we’ve never tried before please I’m all ears (not
literally, of course).
Or maybe the answer to all this is “sod the high street Quinn and make your own clothes!!” In a kind of Mel Gibson Braveheart type manner… I mean it is International Women’s Day after all “FREEDOM!!!”
In a mere few months I’ll be going on an adventure, doing something I’ve never done before and possibly overcoming a fear at the same time.
I’ll be venturing on a cruise! Sounds exciting right?
You’d think so, but here’s the thing… I actually have a fear of boats.
Now you’re probably saying to yourself “Wait. Hang on. Quinn… What are you thinking hun!?” (Or words to that effect) and quite frankly, I don’t blame you. I’ve been thinking it myself, don’t worry! However, the best thing about this scenario is that I’m not going alone (I’m not that crazy!) I’ll be going on this adventure with my best friend aka my mum. My mum went on her first cruise with my dad back in 2012, a celebration for their 25th wedding anniversary and they were hooked! They fell in love with the concept of having little samples of different places without the fuss of flight connections; especially since some cruises can journey to a lot of remote places. Although my parents have usually opted for self-catering holidays in the past, I think they rather enjoyed that feeling of being well and truly looked after and that touch of luxury. Now I’m going to experience all this first-hand, which I find both exciting and a little daunting at the same time! Is that normal?
So let’s rewind a bit. I just told you all I have a fear of boats. Now (if you’re dying to know) this began at a very young age! Basically it was around the age of 3 (I think, correct me if I’m wrong here mum!!) and I got taken on what I can remember as a mini fishing boat. My parents clearly thought it would be a gentle ride along the sea…. Alas, no. Quite the opposite! All I can remember is screaming and crying the entire length of the trip. Yes. I was quite the theatrical child. But either way the experience stayed with me for a long time and I haven’t really been on a boat since. Somehow I don’t think an excursion on a replica of the Endeavour in Whitby for half an hour counts.
But this holiday symbolises a lot more than simply conquering
my fear of boats and trying to re-enact a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Over the last year I have been suffering with severe anxiety and symptoms of agoraphobia, and within the last month have started to take action with the help of counselling to overcome things once and for all.
It’s something I’ve felt I’ve been dealing with for more than just a couple of years, but within the last year it really started to take its toll. Now m’dears first and foremost- I have absolutely no shame in telling you this! It’s something that I’m dealing with, but the important factor here is I’m getting the help I need! For those of you out there who might be going through a similar battle, whether that’s dealing with mental health yourself or have a friend/loved one who are fighting right now- know from me personally that there’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Yes, I’m in the process of healing but I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing without the support system I have around me. They’re helping me fight this battle. I know in my heart that I wouldn’t be able to conquer this without them. To put all this in nerd terms? It’s like Lord of the Rings! I’m like Frodo carrying the ring to Mount Doom, but yet Frodo didn’t do it alone. He had the help of the Fellowship. That’s what Mr Lee, my mum and Dad and my friends are to me. If you are going through a lot right now, even if it isn’t you personally going through mental health problems, but are connected to someone who is- remember you need support too!! Please speak to someone. Will you all (whoever you lovelies are reading this) do that for me? Even if professional help isn’t the first step you take (Believe me, I know it’s scary), that’s ok. But please speak to a friend, a teacher, a relative or even your hairdresser! Also, I have a contact me page- send me a message if you’d like. Don’t underestimate the power of speech! I know it’s not easy but you can get there. I may not believe in myself just yet (that’ll come with time), but I believe in all of you!
And breathe.
That’s a just brief history lesson of Quinn!
So right now I’m trying to get myself to a position where I know this cruise is going to be a piece of cake, without the heart palpitations or the panic attacks- unless those heart palpitations are from looking at pieces of cake…
When I say, “How about we go somewhere for some tea and
cake?” Where does your mind go to?
Could you demolish a cupcake with a pot of tea (for one,
of course)? A slab of cake, that’s four layers high with a latte to compliment
it? Or is it a case of “sod the cake; I’m going to be controversial and go for
a biscuit or a pastry”. Whatever your preference
I’m going to test out as many places in London that specialise in
tea/cake/coffee/all of the above! Why Quinn? I hear you ask. Well, my lovelies
I shall tell you. Whenever I have friends or family come to visit it’s the same
conversation every time!! Tell me if this sounds familiar?
“Where would you like to go?”
“Oh I don’t know,
why are you asking me? You pick, you live here”
“No, no! That’s exactly the point. I do live here. You
don’t, you’re visiting. It’s up to you!”
“Well, where’s nice?”
It continues like this until I one of us ends up in
full-on facepalm.
I’m a habit I can’t break! I go to the same places; it’s
no doubt a Costa Coffee or Starbucks to make things easier on my guests. That
way everyone’s happy! Now don’t get me wrong- I love a Costa Coffee chai latte
as much as the next person (I really do. It’s my absolute fave). However, I feel
I need to expand my knowledge! So when that opportune moment comes where I have
to recommend a place I CAN without hesitation!!
To begin my journey, if you will, I thought I’d start at a place that seems to feature most heavily on my Instagram.
PEGGY PORSCHEN.
Oh my goodness. To say I was super excited to try this place is a MAJOR understatement and I definitely didn’t want venture here alone (although if you know me I’m all for a solo trip!) For this adventure I asked my darling friend Andy to join me, he’s one that really appreciates trying new places and it’d been so long since we had a good catch-up with each other. Put it this way, I greeted him by saying “Happy New Year”. No need to check your calendars I’m fully aware that it’s February. Like I said it’d been a while since we’d seen each other and knew this would be a great place for a chinwag!
This is just the exterior for the month of February!
Now From photographs this café looks like pure joy; as if
Glinda the good witch floated down to Belgravia in her pink bubble and created
a café completely based on her look and filled it with social media goodness.
That goes for the treats too.
Attention shoppers! There’s only ONE (singular sensation,
sorry, MT reference for ya’ll) Peggy Porschen currently. There’s a second
opening in Chelsea soon, but no date on the opening just yet. It’s a short walk
from Victoria station and even shorter from Victoria coach station. Believe me;
you can see it from the top of the street and as you walk more towards it you’re
met with this beautiful pretty in pink exterior which is absolutely covered in flowers! Honestly, it’s
truly gorgeous. It did start to rain, but it didn’t dampen our spirits and we
began to queue with the others who were also eager to try this chic bakery.
Just to forewarn you lovelies, Peggy Porschen is immensely popular and I would 100% recommend
visit on a weekday if it’s at all possible to avoid long queues!
Luckily we only queued for a total of 10-15 minutes. Personally I don’t think that’s bad, I’ve definitely queued longer in Primark (am I right lovelies?) but do beware you do have to queue outside, just in case you were wondering. However I reckon our queue timing could have been reduced if it was a sunnier day as they do offer outside seating. But queuing aside, it’s all worth it when the lovely front of house staff open the door to fetch you and bring you into a world of adorable pink Parisian chic (I didn’t even intend for that to rhyme!)
Can they come and decorate my entire house please?
Hold the phone. You’re going to want to take some photos.
The décor is charming and absolutely adorable! Everything from the cute flower
arrangements to the light fixtures, and I haven’t even got started on the cake
yet (which is of course laid out beautifully, by the way!)
So let’s move swiftly onto what treats they had in store for us!
Andy and I both opted for a pot of tea for one (pfft, I was not sharing my tea with no one!) It works out slightly more cost effective buying a pot for two, but we really wanted to try a bit of everything. They have your traditional teas such as Afternoon and Earl Grey, but also teas for the more adventurous and I knew instantly that Andy would definitely opt one of those! So in the end I stayed quite traditional with the Earl Grey with orange and Andy selected the Sugar Plum tea…. SUGAR PLUM TEA!! I KNOW! Definitely one for those with a sweet tooth and who aren’t put off by brightly coloured tea (It was a very vibrant purple)!
Selecting a slab of cake or one of their deliciously, inviting
cupcakes proved rather difficult. Honestly the selection process was hard! It was
as if it was the literal Hunger Games and I had to choose one of those cakes to
go into battle (with my stomach) “may the odds ever be in your favour”. Every
single one of their flavours sounded heavenly and pretty traditional in terms
of what’s available at most tea and cake shops nowadays. No real wildcard
option, all quite safe options but by god did they all look and smell good! The
two flavours we (eventually) decided upon were salted caramel and the lemon, raspberry
and rose cake.
I’ll give it a second whilst your mouths are watering.
These cakes let me tell you were both WINNERS. They tasted beautiful and oh-so (apologies) moist. What I loved most about the salted caramel layer cake is that instead of a traditional buttercream sandwiched between each layer they used pure caramel. This BLEW MY MIND! It tasted rich yet light and fluffy, and I know how difficult that can be with that type of cake. But what they achieved was absolutely stunning! I can’t tell you how devastated I was once I realised that my plate was empty.
The lemon, raspberry and rose cake was such a kapow of flavours that I did not see
coming!! It arrives looking so delicate, matching in wonderfully with the décor….
Then you taste it. Wow. If you ever wondered what pink tastes like. IT’S THIS
FLIPPING CAKE!! You immediately get this rush of raspberry flavouring that’s
amazing and not at all tart (which I was afraid that might happen and it didn’t!)
As the cake is simmering down on your palette then the lemon flavour decides it’s
time to make an entrance; it’s almost like an after taste but a really good after taste. I honestly can’t
remember if I got much of the rose or not, but the cake tasted that good I genuinely
don’t care that I didn’t!
I must admit, I did have a few concerns that in coming to Peggy’s you’d be surrounded by people glued to their phones, constantly snapping photos for Instagram and such. But I’m happy to report that if you also had those concerns then I can put them to rest for you! Yes, people were taking photos (I mean c’mon, it’s unquestionably stunning both inside and out, why wouldn’t you?) but it wasn’t to the extreme where no one was enjoying themselves or being antisocial. It was a lovely atmosphere and we were all clearly very happy to be there! There were younger people, mothers and daughters, families, husbands and wives. Just anyone wanting a lovely afternoon in this quaint setting with a good cuppa!
I’m so grateful when I can finally catch-up with my darling friends.
Oh and me? Well I personally cannot recommend this place enough! I’m firmly on board the Peggy Porschen train and cannot wait to take someone else with me to indulge in the pretty chicness of it all.
116 Ebury Street Belgravia London SW1W 9QQ Opening hours: 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week!
quinnofthenerds.com 