What to wear for an Indian Summer

No, I'm not off on an Ibizan yoga retreat, it's hotter than Spain in London at the moment, and this October heatwave means a return to summer holiday clothes. So, out came my Les Prairies de Paris harem pants. The soft crinkly cotton is perfect for covering varicose veins and keeping cool. I tend not to wear vests around town, so there was a brief 'does my bum look big/arms look wobbly?' moment, till I came to my senses. Thought sod it. When it's 30 degrees, who really cares?

I'm also wearing Nike/Liberty print hi-tops and some sunscreen. Having sensitive skin, I usually opt for Avéne or Dermalogica but this year I'm wearing Nia 24. Don't let the 24 fool you, it's actually factor 30. And it smells like fresh laundry. Which I like.



The flowers at Columbia Road flower market were looking lovely today.




And so was stall holder Irene Duffy. Irene loves a jaunty scarf and elegant shirt. She's 89-years-old and has appeared on the blog before.




We all know that polka dots are the new stripes:




I do like this layered outfit (above). It is October, after all. And though it's scorching hot in the middle of the day. Mornings and evenings are much cooler - and darker. Which is very disconcerting.




Outside one of the second-hand furniture shops, three boys were making use of the display chairs and the shade:



Then it was back home, past The Shard which is nearly finished and looking pretty fabulous. We can see the top from That's Not My Age Mansions.



A swift spot of flower arranging - these burgundy dahlias are my nod to autumn colour - then off to the park for a picnic.





Feels like summer, looks like autumn. I'm trying not to think about the ice caps. And yes, I'm back to lopping my head off in photos. It's the quick, easy, pain-free way.

Summer in the City

We're feeling a bit hot and bothered at That's Not My Age Mansions and the Tinto de Verano (red wine and Sprite) doesn't seem to be helping matters. It was over 30 degrees in London today, but that didn't stop Mr That's Not My Age going to work in a jumper. Long story, short: the spare room is currently occupied by Manhattan Brother so the Blog Widower's late-night wardrobe grab uncovered a classic three-button, Merino wool John Smedley that didn't need ironing. Fortunately, Mr TNMA works in an air-conditioned office and came home looking as cool as Roger Federer in Ralph Lauren silk pyjamas. Meanwhile, Manhattan Brother has taken to wearing a pair of my old sunglasses, cursing the lack of air-conditioning and Wi-Fi and asking random questions like, 'Who is Pippa Middleton?' My only salvation is this lovely raffia beach bag from Land's End, which I can't put down. It's large enough for all my usual junk, gives a nod to the Prada summer stripes trend and if the sun gets any fiercer, I'll be wearing it on my head.