Polka dots, Blossoms and Butterick 1590

I have only recently acquired a couple of pink garments. It wasn't an intentional additional, I just happend to come across a couple of super cute garments and they happened to be pink. This cardigan being one of them (and my favourite one!)

How did I never wear pink before?

 Pink rocks! 

This was a completely unplanned outfit, which is unusual for me (I will sew a garment with an outfit in my mind before even finish it) and it came together beautifully. 

Keeping in mind that spring in general is not very hot here in the UK, a cute cardigan is a must have. 

This is my first vintage knit wear. I have been a little put off by vintage knits in the past as they can be a lot less figure hugging and more bulky than the fine modern jersey knits I buy. 

But I couldn't resist this cutie with the sweet pink shade and delicate stripe. 

After wearing it, I realise that I was just being silly about my fear of vintage knits. 

Outfit details

Cardigan- Vintage from Frocks in Swing Time

Top- Me made Butterick 1590

Skirt- Me made from Gerties book for better sewing

Shoes- Agnes and Norman

Necklace- Absolute pearls

Brooch- Handmade on Etsy by Alice Negri

Earrings- Vintage from Bow and Crossbones

Bangle- Frocks in Swing time

Bag- Russell and Bromley

Isn't that hand knit beautiful! 

I know bangles are big on the vintage scene, but this the first one I have worn. I can see now why they are so popular. 

Effortless accessorising! 

I love this look for its versatility! 

Not super dressy that I feel out of place but dressy enough that I feel elegantly sophisticated. 

Photos taken in the park, the day after it rained, well, high heels were a laughable choice! 

This blouse is my most recent make. I used Butterick 1590. 

This pattern is a really nice, super easy project. 

I cut the size 14 which was the largest size in the envelope. Turned out to be too small, doh!

I just added 1/2 inch to the side seams of each pattern piece from shoulder to hem and it worked a treat! 

I diddnt manipulate the neckline at all, or do any fancy techniques and it sewed up perfectly flat. 

I have to mention this lovely brooch! 

It was handmade by a very talented lady through her etsy shop Alice Negri. I asked her to pick any picture of me from my blog and this is the result. 

Utter perfection!!! 

Of course I used pearl snaps!

 It's not that I hate buttons, really I love cute buttons, but sewing them on... So close to finishing a garment and yet so far away from ever sewing on those little things with my sausage fingers!

No sleeves to set in, so very quick!

I usually shy away from capped sleeves as they make my arms look bigger, but as this is a soft, looser fitting sleeve, I'm happy with the shape. 

The waist was on the roomy side. Probably could have nipped it in a good inch and a half. But most things I own are very tight fitting at the waist and sometimes it's nice to have a little more space. 

I hope you all have time to stop and enjoy the season. Whatever season your in! 

The blossoms here are irresistibly sweet!

X O X O 

Christina

Fortnum and Masons Afternoon Tea

In the colder months, black coats seem to reign supreme. Which may be why I look a little bizarre, I don't have a black coat!
 I also don't charge around London as if on a mission, instead I flutter about. Much more fun to flutter than charge!
Also May is totally considered a colder month, even though the last few days were glorious, as it snowed just last week!

A little window shopping is always fun!
In a chiffon head scarf and white gloves of course.

I had never been to Fortnum and Mason's department store, an obvious remedy was to sample their afternoon tea. 

The store is very sweet and very English. Totally adorable!

I opted for the champagne afternoon tea and it was an incredible indulgence!

Though not the same grandeur and sense of occasion as one of the posh London hotels, the interior was still a beautiful setting for a girly chat. 

All of the food was extremely fresh and delicious.
Everything was very moist- oh how I hate dry sandwiches and scones, there is no excuse! 

An intricate selection of teas, and no limit to how many different ones you can try. Work your way through the menu if you fancy. Or try something different and if you don't like it , no worries, get a different one.

Something I particularly liked was the immense jam selection to go on your scones. We had the raspberry, and strawberry jam and requested some additional lemon curd.
And they let me take all the leftovers home, including the mostly full jam jars. Result!!!

Each bite was total perfection! 

And cakes for afternoon tea really only need to be the smallest of bites.
Dainty and lady like! 

I took the opportunity of the grand setting to pull out my tulle petticoat.
I often wear this petticoat under skirts or dresses for added volume but had never worn it alone. 

Yes I'm posing in a toilet. Sorry! 

I bizarrely felt naked without a skirt over my petticoat. Like I was flashing my knickers all day. But looking at the pictures, I'm super happy with how the look came together.

Outfit details

Fur coat- Vintage from my Great Grandmother

Chiffon Scarf- Oasis

White gloves-Vintage from Beyond Retro
Top- Me made

Petticoat- Made to measure by WardrobeByDulcinea on Etsy in cream(what they call cream)

Shoes- Agnes and Norman

Handbag- Vintage from Etsy

Earrings- Vintage from Alfies Antiques

Brooch- Vintage gift from my VSS

I would score Fortnum and Maisons as follows -

1. Mise-en-scène - 3/5 - A relaxing atmospheric with modern, classic touches in a  bright open space. There was a pianist in the entry way as you come in, but the seating is not near him so the effect is wasted during tea. 
2. Tea - 4/5 - Fabulous that you can try as many as you want, and all their own teas that you can buy as tea bags in store. 
3. Scones - 4/5 - The scones were deliciously light, buttery and moist!
4. Service - 4/5 - Attentive staff, very happy to help. 
5. Value - 3/5 - Expensive for refreshment in a department store but lovely non the less. (£44 + champagne was extra, per bottle)

Total: 18/25 

A very civilised affair that gave me and the girls an opportunity to dress to impress and drink in the middle of the afternoon.

X O X O

Christina


P.S. Thank you Sima for taking pictures.