Life: August 2012

Margheritas and sombreros to celebrate a colleagues' engagement
Amazing hot chocolate at Workshop in Clerkenwell
Nail art
Good advice toilet graffiti in Birmingham

I found my favourite dress while packing to move house!
Great views over London on an evening stroll
Moving day = daquiris and Bridget Jones
The only thing I'll miss about my last flat: Richard the cat

Two of my besties settled down for open air cinema on top of the National Theatre
Moving house means BUBBLEWRAP!
New sparkly shoes from Dorothy Perkins
Spotted a real Banksy on a bus from Turnpike Lane

Dancing on the streets at Notting Hill Carnival
More nail art
Using an H&M hairband as a bracelet
The beautiful roof of Paddington station

Explore: Notting Hill Carnival

This was my first visit to Notting Hill Carnival, and it was really amazing. I hate to use a cliched phrase, but the atmosphere was electric - everyone wanted to dance, sing and eat, and the whole Notting Hill area was absolutely packed with families and friends. 

We went on the Sunday (family day) as I've been told the Monday can be a bit rough, and as it was our first time we didn't want to take any risks. The crowds were unbelievable, I've never seen so many people packed onto the streets. It was verging on scary at times as I don't like closed in spaces, and the music on some streets was so loud it was a bit disorientating! But dancing in the parade was brilliant fun - with a rum punch in hand and dodging all of the official parade dancers who were covered head to toe in chocolate! 

There was a great sense of community, and as somebody who is half-Jamaican, I found it really fascinating to see part of the culture of the country that I descend from. I'll definitely be going again next year - it's definitely something everybody should experience while living in London.

What I Wore to... Notting Hill Carnival

Bed jacket - River Island
High-waisted shorts - River Island
Vest top - Topshop Boutique
Sunglasses - New Look

It was beautiful weather for Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday, and I finally got to wear this kimono I picked up in the River Island sale ages ago. I've been scared of the whole pattern clashing trend, but this is a really easy way to embrace it, by wearing it over plain items! The shorts are also from River Island and are high-waisted to hide any sins. The basics were a vest top from Topshop Boutique and sunglasses from New Look. High street heaven! Look out for my post on the fun of the carnival tomorrow.