These pictures were snapped in the early morning mist of Saturday when the day appeared dull at the outset yet proved itself faithful to the forecast with blue skies and sunshine once all that low-flung was burned off. Blimey, it took a while but was of course worth it. Knowing what to wear proved a puzzle as a nippy start soaring to 15 degrees Celsius was quite a span to cover. After a bit of finding these thinner tights looked more suitable. Usually it's thermal tights or bare legs but I knew there must be some middle ground hosiery floating  somewhere in my stash.
Faithful knitted skirt and the first blouse I wore it with, still a favoured look. A vest top under and a warm jacket over - warm enough but with scope to stay cooler once the sun same into (or out?) play.

I love the ribbon neck tie on this blouse and the way it is frilly and fussy yet subtle. A moderated fuss.

These boots are a go-to for town or the pub. The chunky heel and padded sole make for comfortable walking yet offer more height and femininity than a biker boot. I know we're supposed to be at war with plastic but leather uppers are at risk of puddles while plastic remains unaffected. These will be particularly difficult to replace when they wear out but hopefully they'll last a good lot longer yet.
Take care,
Sophie

Hello everyone! Hello from the most beautiful field of pink flowers! We drove past this and couldn't resist stopping to admire. I stood in the field entrance and smiled, who can frown when the countryside is so alive with colour? I believe it must all be red campion in bloom but as for why, well I really don't know.


This is a dress I bought recently from TK Maxx and it may still be in store, I've just checked and if you want it in an L then it's online reduced to £11 here. I bought it for £15 from recollection which I still considered to be a very reasonable price for something so perfect for allll summer long. The write up goads 'get that country bumpkin vibe' don't mind if I do....
The gingham backdrop with floral print, cute gathered waist, tied short sleeves, collar, ruffled neckline, lined swishy skirt and modest length all add up to utter summer dress perfection!

 I wore my vintage leather belt, ankle boots, bucket and spade necklace.
The sleeve ties were cause for a giggle as one slipped undone while we were out and I couldn't manage to re-tie it alone so had to ask C to sort it for me, however he ties in a completely different manner to me so they were non-identical bowes. I suspect his has a more military influence but who even knew there was more than one way to tie a bow?

It makes me so happy. All the colours, the liveliness and hope.
On that note I'd like to say a really heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and for all your messages of support for the Country Style Blog Award over the last weeks, it's meant so much. The winner and runner up were announced last night and they were very deserving of the recognition.

Here's to all the colour and hope!
Take care,
Sophie

A new dress, new to me anyway. It was the perfect frock to wear on Sunday as we took a drive out to have a wander around the most delightful garden as part of the National Garden Scheme. The concept hadn't reached me before a few weeks ago but when the opportunity arose, we answered. What is nicer than wearing a pretty and elegant dress to promenade around an English country garden? Of course I got snap happy amongst the flowers but it would have been rude to take outfit shots on private property so I opted for the safety and solitude of the buttercups.
And I just want to say that monstrous spot or not, I don't meddle with pictures of myself as a matter of principal. I wear eyeliner, mascara and lip balm for which there is no apology but feel no urge to cover up blemishes. That's just who I am at the moment.
The white collars and cuffs set this dress apart from virtually everything else I own. A strong collar is a statement in itself but teamed with the mid arm sleeve cuffs it's a winning combination. Fortunately the sleeves are just the right fit; not too tight and not baggy to the extent of flapping. In fact the whole of the neckline meets my satisfaction, a high neckline is one of my favourite features of attire.
It's almost as though a photograph of a rose has been used for the print as its so life-like. I need more roses in my life, one of my favourite scents is rose. So unmistakable and simple.

I pinned a couple of roses in my hair for good measure, which reminds me that I do want to expand my collection of hair accessories as flowers are very much 'me'.

This dress definitely makes me think of when ladies went to church and wore their Sunday best, turned out all smart and elegant.

Take care,
Sophie

Something a little different today, playing around with a few images just for a change.

Green dress in the sunshine. Yellow flowers in my hair and plenty of them. Bracelets to wrists and little brown ankle boots.

Has there ever been a better time to whirl around in childish delight, pick buttercups in the sunshine and revel in the delights of spring. That's what I thought last night but after hearing the news this morning with the tragedy unfolding in Manchester it sounds a bit off. Maybe take a quiet moment to find some peace instead.


Take care,
Sophie

 Making a daisy chain ought to be a priority for this summer, I'll pop it on my list.
In a fit of uncharacteristic optimism for sunny and therefore warm weather I chose my favourite blouse to wear with this fabulous brown tweed skirt, both Joules as it would happen, but even with the addition of my sparkly bronze knit the sharp wind had the upper hand. It was cold. My coat was left in the car as the skies duped us upon setting out, it made for a less than ideal time out. Pessimism usually reigns supreme when it comes to British weather, I shan't be caught out again in a hurry.
 In some really exciting news I've been named as a finalist in the Country Style Blog Awards which is a real honour. I've been ever so grateful for your support on my blog over the years and if you like you can vote for me here, any votes are sincerely appreciated. Thank you for all your votes, you need only vote once and the voting closes on Friday 19th.
Sit down a while and turn back the clock.
Sophie

The simple things are the most valuable in the whole world, with each passing week it becomes clearer. My passion for growing has been developing for the last few years, strengthening all the time. I don't recall precisely a spark which started it all off, maybe more of a gentle warming which notched up in a very gradual way. One year a neighbour grew some stargazer lilies which leaned almost over our invisible boundary and in my floral naivety, I had no idea what they were and became fascinated with them... leading to finding something similar to plant in our garden one year.
The new season range of outdoor clothing is now available at Lighthouse clothing and it's growing  each time. I've been a fan of this fabulous brand from the start for all the right reasons; the supreme quality and design of the jackets, the fit and feel, comfort and wearability, practicality and the choice of colours too.

These days we have expanded beyond the garden and into a plot and a half of allotment space. While C is all about vegetables and infrastructure, I am draw to flowers and weeding. It's unexpectedly harmonious. Above; the sugar snap peas have just gone in. Below: blossom to be seen on the fruit bushes and trees.



Lighthouse believe in the simple things in life; from shores to rural countryside. Come sail away with me to shores unexplored... While I can agree that a little adventure can hold a lot of excitement, I can testify that planting an unassuming, dry, meagre flake of a seed and nurturing it from day one can hold bountiful pleasure. From the teeniest little seedling just emerging from the ground, fighting to reach up to the sunshine, drinking in the water and growing into something beautiful, the magic is tangible.


I'm wearing the Fearne waterproof jacket in the shade called seagrass and it's a luscious shade of green, though you can also chose poppy or midnight too. A lightweight waterproof jacket is invaluable for spring and summer when the weather can be changeable if you want to stay comfy and dry. There's a hidden hood packed into the neck of the jacket which is neatly out of the way until nature decides otherwise. The drawstring to the waist is my favourite feature as it make me feel feminine, it's lovely to feel stylish in a practical jacket (and so rare). Good sized pockets and poppers and a zip. Lovely soft lining. I couldn't wish for more. Ah, and it must be mentioned that the Fearne is an ideal length to stop draughts and keep the rain off your backside too.


Apples, pears, cherries, plums... I'm keeping my fingers crossed the bees are working their magic.
Below: the first strawberry flowers!



It's all about the simple things.
Sophie