Down the back of the sofa

So, after the mini heatwave, today officially felt like Autumn. Kicking crunchy leaves on my way to work, i was reminded of the autumnal 70's colour palette of this installation at the Vintage at Southbank Festival, back in the Summer, (proper Summer mind, ie July!). 'Down the back of the Sofa' was curated by Derby Museum, as a replica of an early 1980's living room...if you're thinking it looks more 70's, you'd be right. This was still how things looked in the early 80's...or so i'm told! The attention to detail was awesome, from authentic magazines in the rack, to the board games under the bed. Every drawer and cupboard was filled how it would have been, which led to many a gasp of delight from yours truly - i love snooping in drawers as much as i love vintage knick knacks! But the best bit was the active participation. Revellers were encouraged to document their nostalgic thoughts by tying notes on any object that took their fancy. It led to a very amusing narrative as you explored the room! All that was left to do, was relax on the sofa whilst sipping sherry...i definitely made myself at home.

apples and pears!

Dalston Roof Park's yummy stairs!

those Summer Cinema nights...

The outdoor film experience is winding up for the Summer...in what ironically looks to be one of the hottest weeks of the year! The Rooftop Film Club, Dalston Roof Park and The Scoop all have their final curtain call this Friday, so take advantage of these last few summer nights and get on it!

Thanks to the free film screenings at The Scoop (outside City Hall on the South Bank), i have now joined the rest of the world in watching The Kings Speech. I'm glad i held out. The film was brilliant but the setting was spectacular, especially as night fell. i loved the sound of open air laughter, which you miss at other outdoor headphone wearing film venues. It was also a great place to people watch! There was such a varied crowd...city guys arriving in their suits, braving the stone steps with their bare behinds, families with kids, friends, lovers, all mushed up together, making things nice and cosy. What i loved the most though, was that everyone brought their own supply of food, drink and cushions, even though there was a well stocked bar and £1- a -go pillows on hand. When did Londoner's become so frugal? Did it start in '08 with the 'R' word?? 

Maybe it's my Northern roots, but i've been packing my own cinema picnic for years now, having become jaded with ridiculously priced revels and the lack of savory snacks - word of warning, sushi and cinema do not mix!But you knew that already, right?!

The whole 'make do and munch' thing just made for a great community atmosphere. Although I did get a serious bout of snack envy. My sandwich, wine and wasabi pea combo was lame compared to take away pizzas and champagne. Next year i will to know what i'm up against!

It's been a great summer of film.

Rooftop Sunsets - Dalston Roof Park

Friends+Film+Food+Sunsets+Music+WoodyAllen+Beers=very good times. That is good maths people!

Fabulous florals - Venetia Norris 'Pen to Paper'

If the fashion week florals have gotten you all excited, then i recommend you head straight to St Martin-in-the-Fields, to feast your eyes on the latest works by Venetia Norris. Deep in the church crypt, you will find a collection of the most beautiful floral studies. The intricacy of her work is so mesmerising, that i was pressing my nose up to the glass of each piece, trying to absorb all the detail. What with the exquisite detailing and the gorgeous, muted colour palettes, you are sure to walk away inspired. The exhibition ends this Sunday, so don't dawdle!

LFW SS'12 Christopher Kane

So, Christopher Kane, who can do no wrong, supposedly had the front row in tears! Geez, the collection looked amazing online, so i can only imagine what it looked like up close. Again, another great example of beautiful colour combinations, but it was the gorgeous prints that really did it for me. The florals and fabrics were so fresh and exciting, that they're sure to have the high street whipped up into an imitation frenzy already. Then there was the detail...Slashed vents allowed added movement to clean shapes, whilst perfectly placed embellishment added sparkle to what may turn out to have been the best show in town...