Back in the warmth of late August I took a wander through the beautiful woodland in one of my favourite spots. The sunshine was gorgeous and lulled me into wearing my favourite tank from talented alternative designer Chyvonne Le Monier which I styled up originally last year with jeans. I'm thinking of wearing it with my new pleather skinnies when it turns cooler, along with a warm jacket and some kick-ass boots.

I just can't resist trying to wrestle with branches when I'm out. Climbing a tree would be fun challenge but let's face it; I'm clumsy and the thought of going to A&E with a broken limb (and in floods of tears) would be embarrassing, let alone having to explain to work that I tried to climb a tree and fell out. Perhaps I'm just too old for that shit now.

I'm a girl of summer, it's where I belong, it's my place. Bare legs and loose hair.

Sophie

I'm a convert. A week ago I was a sceptic but today, today I'm a fan. This kimono has changed me possibly for life. I've generally either worn a sleeveless top or dress in the sunshine over summer and made the most of the heat on my skin, reaching for a jumper when the temperature drops. However, it's been a revelation wearing this silky feeling, light kimono over my shoulders while the sun beats down. My skin has been saved from getting all hot and dry while the breeze gently sways the material to keep me cooler. I guess I never really grasped that adding a layer could actually cool me down or save me overheating.

I love the combination of my lilac lace shorts and the colours of the top matching in; the hummingbird and butterfly print of the Kimono is so pretty and suits my love for nature. There were quite a few that caught my eye when I had a browse through the gorgeous range of kimonos at Apricot, I now really fancy a crochet knit, one with fringing as well as a floor length beauty. Even more so now that I spy they have a sale on so start at only £5, eeeep! Try stopping me.

Have you made any discoveries this summer?

Sophie

Thanks to Apricot online for sending me this gorgeous kimono to review

Something a little different to share with you today.

I'm not known for my crafting skills; in fact I'm usually abominable at knowing how to fix even the smallest of issues. Losing a button or a seam coming undone can spell the end for some items. A zip breaking was enough for me to wave goodbye to a dress I loved last year and every time I remember it I regret letting it go.

When my most favourite skirt suffered a significant rip to the lace of it's underskirt I felt rather gloomy that it was ruined and for a while it hung sadly in my wardrobe looking sorry for itself. Not being able to bear parting with it I made the decision to mend it myself and made a mental note to find a nice replacement lace trim for the hem. I'm continually impressed by Char – making so many beautiful dresses, very inspirational!

Although the original lace was so delicate and pretty that it would have been ideal to find more of the same, it was apparent that it's delicate nature only aided its premature demise. After a bit of deliberation while crouching over a small basket of a dozen or so styles of lace at the craft and fabric shop I chose this far sturdier style of trim. There were a couple of points I perhaps underestimated; one being how much I would need.... I bought two meters thinking that would be plenty but it turned out to be only just enough and secondly this lace is more of a brilliant white instead of a smoky cream and it isn't quite as nice.

Realising I don't have an unpicking tool at home was a slight annoyance but I got by all right just using scissors, spending ages making sure I wasn't shredding the lining. Using the sewing machine was a must – my hand stitching is slow and dreadfully untidy so I spent a while going at snail's pace to machine stitch the new hem onto the lining.

I'm so glad to have my skirt back and have an outfit post to share with you very soon to show you the finished piece, keep an eye out for it!

Sophie

There is no way I can possibly recap even half of my favourite posts of 2014 as I'm thrown my heart and soul into blogging this year and have to say I'm kind of proud of what I've shared over the year.
It's always a bit of a tough slog from January to March but once spring arrived there was no stopping me. To be honest there is a mix of too much to say/already said it all about this year so I've just picked out a few pictures that I really like; this lot are my favourite outfits, I'm really pleased with how they came out.
Photo credits to Chris my husband, Joshua Patrick Photography and Jon Clifton photography and design .
Hard to think it was all in just 12 months.
Sophie