Just add a Mint Julep

Anyone with even the briefest connection with the blogosphere  the modern world is well aware of the roaring trend this summer: pastels. If you have seen my (close to obsessive) instagramming (@clairemcque) or my previous post ‘Pleats and Pastels ’ you will see that I am fully fledged member of the pastel cult and that I am embracing it by filling my wardrobe full of fresh spring colours...a welcome break from the nude tones that are slowly taking over my wardrobe!

As I write this, I am wondering why pastels are so popular this season...perhaps it is Britain’s way of sticking two fingers up to the ‘great British Summer’ that heralds very insecure weather forecasts and inevitably too much rain (very bad for us paupers who cannot afford the luxury of a Burberry Mac = drowned rat syndrome occurs far too often for my liking). So maybe all these summery sorbet shades help us to ignore the grey skies and allow us to convince ourselves that there is actually an excuse for Pimms (that we're really not just massive alchies), despite the lack of sun, or even a vaguely blue sky.

I have noticed a trend during my (far too frequent for my poor bank) shopping escapades... I constantly pick out pieces in either the brightest shade of sunshine yellow or in fresh mint tones – it’s an unconscious desire. So I have compiled a pastel inspiration page that collaborates my lust list with my recent visits to London and Cambridge, accompanied of course by my brilliant blogger friend Harriet...

The oh-so-fashionable Carnaby Street shows its true colours....pastels! Bang on trend.

 Loving Nordic brand Monki at the moment; picked up a mint blazer for only £35! Topshop's £65 blazers can do one.

 Ragged priest Vintage with my trusty moto jacket - quick snap in the Topshop changing rooms! yes...I have bought that skirt: post to follow soon!

Fine bone china from my latest discovery: the Tea Palace, Covent Garden - mint, gold filigree jubilee design and filled of course, with Earl Grey (am I turning into my mother?!)

 Mesh bracelets from a cute boutique jewellers in Cambridge...guess which one I'm angling for?

 I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed with the Topshop make up collection: Nails in Go Fishing (right) or Green Room (left)

 The summer Converse collection looks good enough to eat

 Could I ever for-go mentioning a platform heel in a post? Kurt Geiger's stunning collection (I came across whilst perusing Harrods' shoe lounge - I was mentally creating a list of things to buy when I'm a triple billionaire) combines candy colours with perspex details - perfect for showing off those yoga toned tanned legs!




After such a strenuous day of shopping, some afternoon tea at Caffé Concerto, Picadilly, was much needed; The smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches were out of this world!...our food choice had nothing to do with the fact that the afternoon tea was served on a tiered stand #sobritish (what do you expect? It was the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee after all!)

Sandwiches with the crusts removed, scones with cream and jam, french patisserie and of course, a silver tea pot.  Get to Caffe Concerto now, seriously. 

All I need now to complete my pastel collection is the Candle Apple Nail Varnish by Essie...but at £8 I do not know if my debit card can handle it!

Love, Claira xo