Photo-shoots and Smiles...

So, I don't get to say very this often: I was recently invited to feature in a Photo-shoot about cycling & fashion in London!

I was contacted by Internationally renowned Photographer Horst A. Freidrichs, to feature in a book he is working on which focuses on the fashion culture of cyclists in the City. To say I was excited would be an understatement! The First thing on my agenda: decide the outfits. With it being June and there was blazing sunshine last Saturday, I'd decided on these for a summer-cyclist feel:

Vest Top: Topshop

Floral Hot Pant Shorts: Topshop
Ballet Pumps: Topshop

"LadyVélo" Name Necklace: Tatty Devine

Earrings: Chanel

Vest Top: Dorothy Perkins
Wide Belt: Oasis
Skirt: Dorothy Perkins
Necklace: Tatty Devine
Sandals: Accessorize

The location Horst chose for us was was Jones' Diary, just off Columbia Rd Flower Market (which is one of my favourite Markets in London). Now remember I said that last Saturday was "blazing" Sunshine? Well, Sunday didn't quite follow that weather pattern. It rained...

... and rained

...and rained

... but we ended up having one of the nicest Sunday afternoons!

Despite the downpour, our spirits were high - there was great energy surrounding the shoot, and we were still hopeful of a break in the rain. We didn't know it at the time, but the shelter we took on Ezra Street was next to Lily Vanilli, who opened their Bakery for the first time that day. Watching from their shop & feeling sorry for us waiting in the Courtyard, they came out and gave us delicious Cupcakes to keep us going!

... how sweet of them was that?!

The rain didn't really ease up, but we decided to get some test shots of the day. Natural light was beginning to fade (mainly behind more black clouds) so dashing out from the dry, we set up and did a few shots...

None of the outfit changes happened - it was way too wet for summer shorts & skirts... but I guess what I had on became my cycle wardrobe for the day, right?

Jacket: Gap

Breton Stripe Top: Topshop

Jeans: Topshop

"Lady Leigh" Necklace & Earrings Set: Tatty Devine

Ring: Dorothy Perkins

Lady & Dog Brooch: Tatty Devine

Another session has been penciled into the diary with Horst - fingers crossed the Sun will be shining for that. Wardrobe planning is in process for this one, and the whole thing will be blogged about when it happens. 

Massive Thank you to Horst for asking me to take part in this & for making it so much fun, and to The Boy, for taking the photos of me and Horst in action for my blog.... it's appreciated :)

Ridin' in the Rain...

My excitement of finally being able to cycle to work again (back in my normal office after having to move out for a major refurb) is what probably caused me to neglect checking the weather report before leaving home this morning. This meant that I pulled the rookie-move of not being quite rain-proof on my Pashley! When I left it wasn't raining - then the sky collapsed over East London at lunchtime, and I knew I was gonna be a bit screwed!

Leaving the office there was not a drop of rain, so I gathered evidence in the Cycle-Shed of a dry, but unprepared Lady Vélo...

Rookie-exhibit A: Lack of waterproof jacket / poncho. The Cardigan you see me in? That's all the cover I had over the sleeveless top I was wearing.

Rookie-exhibit B: Footwear. Yeah - strappy sandals. Possibly the brightest thing in East London this afternoon for the lack of sunshine... but not exactly great foot-coverage.

About 15 minutes into my ride - along came the rain! It wasn't too bad as I was pretty close to home at this point, but that shower came down heavy and fast. I made it to my door, with a bit of a wet saddle...

... and a rainy-chic look!

 Strange thing is I actually kinda enjoyed it. Riding always puts me in a good mood, so it was hard to be pissed-off about the weather. And besides - I had to get my feathers wet in the rain at some point :)