Bike Envy

I couldn't help but notice all the gorgeous bikes around town this summer... making me want one of my very own. I am already dreaming up my cycling outfits! Although, I am sure the lust will pass as winter kicks in!

Queueing...not only the pass time of the British!

The 5hr queue outside Petit Palais in Paris, for the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective. It just went on...

and on... 

Well worth the wait though!

V&A Friday Lates - Retro Hollywood Glamour

After the amazing time we had at the Science Museum Lates night a few weeks ago, the man and me decided to try out the V&A's version on Friday. This months theme was Retro Hollywood Glamour, so it was right up my street! From the moment we walked up the red carpeted entrance, to the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra, I just knew we were in for a treat! There was a feast of activities and events including silk screen scarf printing, a masterclass with Daisy de Villeneuve (the renowned illustrator) and the chance to dress up and be photographed in gorgeous vintage frocks. I loved that so many came dressed to the nines in fifties fashion, others with a modern twist. There was also a team on hand to create Hollywood makeovers, worthy of the silver screen. Just the thrill of walking around this beautiful museum after hours with the retro soundtrack was the stuff of movies!

One of my highlights - 'Whisky In The Jar!' by Fitzrovia Radio Hour - just brilliant!

One of the many suited and booted in the crowd...Don Draper eat your heart out!

A sit down cinema reel of fifties Hollywood film trailers

The John Madejski Garden was the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine as night fell.

Mad Artists Tea Party

I am loving all the food related exhibitions that are popping up at the moment. I love art and I love my food so this is the perfect pass time for me! Here are some pics from the Mad Artists Tea Party I told you about on Friday. My favourite piece was the biscuit lyric wall... music never tasted so good! Next up is the Experimental Food Society Spectacular.

Edible lyrics from The Chaos by The Futureheads, created by Molly Bakes & Kooky Bakes. I loved the chic black and dove grey icing with the 'suede effect' finish (created by sprinkling finely ground sugar over still wet icing).

All the fun of the fairground by David & Simon Smith

Edible Garden by Alex Turvey & Lili Vanilli

Captain Fairtrade by Michelle Wibowo

Happy Weekend!

So, bank holiday weekend, what do you have planned?? If you are yet to make any, then why not pop along to the Notting Hill Carnival? If that's not your cup of tea then how about some edible art for all you cake lovers out there with this Mad Artists Tea Party??

The man and me have a bit of a crazy one planned, with a late night at the V&A tonight and then a day trip to my second favourite city tomorrow...yep, you guessed it... Paree! There are a couple of great exhibitions on at the moment (a YSL retrospective and one looking at contemporary fashion) and I am craving a big bowl of boeuf bourguignon. But hey, who needs a reason when it is only 2hrs a way!

The Surreal House Exhibition @ the Barbican

I decided to make the most of a rainy afternoon last week with a trip to The Surreal House at the Barbican. The exhibition combined works of old school masters such as Dali, Duchamp, Magritte and Cornell with contemporary figures such as Rebecca Horn and Rem Koolhaus. The space was imaginatively crafted with individual rooms and kooky little spaces that were inviting, yet sinister at the same time - although this atmosphere was lost slightly on the second floor. The combination of art, film, architecture and photography made for an insightful and thought provoking house tour with the film clips packing a real punch (was mesmerised by Buster Keaton in Steamboat Bill, Jr for 20 mins!). Highlights included Horn’s suspended, exploding piano, Joseph Cornell’s enchanting boxes with Andrei Tarkovsky’s film finale ‘The Sacrafice’ literally bringing the house down.

A couple of my sneaky snaps of lesser known exhibits...

Noble & Webster's 'Metal Fucking Rats'

The Surreal House runs until September 12th. 

Hendrix in Britain Exhibition

I was introduced to Jimi Hendrix during a social history lesson at college and instantly fell in love with his psychedelic dandy image and that was before I had heard his music! I then rented festival videos from the library (oh those primitive days before you tube) featuring grainy clips of his sets, to experience the genius in motion. Hendrix made his name after arriving in London in 1966 and showcasing his unique talent with spectacular live performances. 

This September will mark the 40^th anniversary of his death, which is to be commemorated with the exhibition Hendrix in Britain, featuring clothing, handwritten lyrics and various memorabilia at Handel House Museum (the Mayfair townhouse where the composer George Frideric Handel lived and composed his most popular music). The museum will also open up the flat where Hendrix lived (next door to the museum) which is now used as office space. Now for a little entertainment...

Hendrix at Woodstock 1969 - Voodoo Child

Hendrix in Britain from today to 7th Nov, Hendrix Flat opening from 15 – 26^th September only.

Rene Gruau Exhibition @ Somerset House

One for the diary… Somerset House will be hosting an exhibition of the illustrator Rene Gruau’s most iconic fashion images, including a selection of his renowned work for Dior.

Image: Rene Gruau for Dior 

Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty will be at Somerset House from 10^th November – 9^th January.

Interiors Focus - Jones Dairy Café

Stopped off in this cute café on our way to Columbia Road flower market for a cuppa and one of their famous bagels. Loved the shabby chic interior and the assortment of utensils, they also had some really cool drawings of café life on the bare walls, giving the place real character.