Friday 1 June 2012

God Save the Queen - its Jubilee Weekend


It has been a month and quite some month – there have been some fundamental changes in my life in the last month and with all change you have re-awakenings, realizations and sometimes you just see things a little more clearly.

I went on holiday for the first time in 9 years – no it wasn’t 5 star, it wasn’t glam - it was me, my man, my dog – a very small caravan, a tap and a beautiful piece of land in the hills in Liguria in Italy.  Not me….No…. didn’t think so myself either, but the caravan is stylish, the nearby town is chic and we are in easy reach of Monaco, Cannes and Nice – this was my reasoning.  I hated Monaco, didn’t get to Cannes or Nice and spent my whole time, cooking, cleaning, breathing and I could not have loved it more – came back fitter, re-awakened my love of yoga – long lost with a bad back injury – and my love of good food and wine.  I have a million allergies and food had become a chore to be thrown down my throat to fuel the next mad rush.  I didn’t miss the internet or the telly – in fact the lack of these where what made the holiday totally perfect.

I came home and then there was another fundamental change, we have bought the woodland next to our house – another piece of heaven – baby foxes, birds, air, streams, falls, lakes, deer – you get the picture and all I want to do is be in my woods doing yoga and re-balancing my life – it would seem I am embracing my inner Barbara!

However saying all that I am still Margot and I still love designing, styling and beautiful things but they are no longer the obsession they once were – I have had a massive clearout – I just don’t want a million things that in many ways make my life harder – and believe you me there is nothing like a big ebay to make you think – what a bloody waste of money – I won’t be going mad in the sales – I will be designing and I will compliment those pieces with the beautiful accessories I already have and new ones I will cherish and spend time enjoying buying with no personal pressure to acquire.

Of course all of this has meant I know longer have the time or desire to be on the computer constantly but I miss you and I have always enjoyed the fashion ventures we have shared – so will still be posting and visiting – but not as much and as often but there is no less appreciation of the work we all do for the love of fashion.

Have a very good bank holiday weekend – and in the spirit of patriotic fervour – the red blue and white has got to me – long live Queenie! Xx

My latest fashion and frank offering - silk - top and maxi and what a print - easy, peasy

Gorgeous new Lanvin Sunnies, old bottega bag, love this outfit it goes with every bag and pair of shoes i have virtually - highlight the nude base or pick a colour - sooo many colours - this is what i love with a good print - the ease of accessorising 
We made the back really full and it just moves beautifully
 




And because it is fashion and frank and he has come home with a rather latin temperament and refused to participate in todays shoot - excuse me - Franco!
Not bad for an iphone - Arma di Taggia - on the coast and my lovely boy
****
And because i said i had a stylish caravan and i am sure you do not believe me ....

I know not very visible but meet the TAB - holds the landspeed record for a caravan - oh yes - Mr told me that - Mr sourced it - the wine is going to my head - the weekend has started and this uber long post must make up for my lack of previous???  have a very good one xxx

Skirt and Top - my own design, Shoes Valentino Rockstud Gladiator, Sunnies Lanvin, Bag Bottega Venetta, Jewellery - a lot of Marco Bicego and all long loved and owned 



90 comments:

  1. Glad you had a wonderful vaca!
    Your outfit looks fabulous! Graceful & sweet.
    And of course, Frank is handsome! :)
    Eat Cake

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    1. thank you Manda - very kind and yes he is very very handsome x

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  2. Monaco is such a bloody dump! It sounds great but it's awful.
    I'm headed out to the south of France next week for my birthday, I always just miss you but hope to be in London in the 6 weeks so I will let you know.
    Oh your hubs has done very well snapping up that land, I think your trip sounds fab!

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  3. Oh boy, your hair is amazing!

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    1. Tabs we have to do the thing in London - will be quite the highlight and yes i think he did very well too - it is soooo fab - and i had a haircut - i am a whole new woman! xx

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  4. Thank you from deep in the Sussex countryside x

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  5. wow that is really a long time without any holiday so you really deserved a break from everything and the picture of you and frank on the coast is my new favourite!!!!
    it´s a loss for us that you won´t blog as often than before but of course you do the right listen to your heart. and boy is your maxidress gorgous!
    love and kiss,mary
    http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com

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  6. You look fabulous and rested too. How exciting to have had a month away. Frank picked up the attitude when away. Too cool.
    Have a wonderful weekend enjoying all the festivities in London

    Helen xx

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  7. Mmh and this (as playful as haughty) stylish cocktail sounds very "shimmering pastoral Goddess" Here I can't help BUT say Dear ("Wink from a kind aesthete") !

    à Bientôt, Antoine

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  8. i have to say that first shot is superb. shows off the outfit really well.

    secondly, we're all gearing up for this once-in-a-lifetime event happening over this weekend. have fun!

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    1. Isnt it just wonderful David - i am so proud to be british xx

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  9. So glad you are back from your glorious vacation (even if it will be more limited). Love what you designed, it's perfection and the Lanvin bag is also perfection :) Hope you have a lovely weekend!

    xo Mary Jo

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  10. I didn't realize how clever you are with a needle and thread...that's a great outfit!
    Getting back to nature has given you a new focus and how lovely that you own your own woods now, well done!
    Maybe you can show us a fox or two sometime soon?

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    1. hostess i wish i was that talented with a needle and thread - my talent lies in getting the fabric, drawing the design and finding an utterly wonderful tailor! i would love to capture the cubs they are so special - but they scarper the minute i spot them - i blame Frank!! xx

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  11. I went through the same thing when I took my holiday a month ago. The rat race is not worth it. Glad you had a rejuvenating holiday!

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  12. The dress is beautiful and it looks like you had a wonderful vacation! Thanks for sharing the photos!

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  13. What a beautiful dress, the material and design is just perfect, each complimenting the other. Love it! Particularly love the sandals!! Your hair too is looking amazing. And you had it cut!!! The photo on the rocks with Frank at Arma di Taggia is so lovely. We are a long way away from the Jubilee celebrations but glued to BBC World & Sky News for the next few days. See you in a few weeks time. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!! Lorra luv from a damp Cape Town, Mum xx

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    1. I am very pleased with it - the fabric is beautiful - it is actually a top and skirt but i cant ever see me splitting it. Enjoy the festivities and look forward to seeing you lots of love xx

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  14. I'm so happy you were able to take a holiday! I'm sure you needed it! By the way, the printed dress looks fab. I agree that it makes accessorizing much easier!

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  15. Love your skirt and top's design and the pattern of the fabric is absolutely beautiful. Your designs show so much talent!

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  16. it's been a long time but you are looking fab as always :) gorgeous dress!

    xoxo,

    Fashion Fractions

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  17. Your dress is so beautiful and you look amazing! And it´s that your garden? Wow!

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    1. Yes it is thanks Elin - we have been working on it a lot recently x

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  18. Dear Claire, it's wonderful to hear you had such a great holiday. Your house and the surroundings sound heavenly. No wonder you want to spend less time in front of the computer. I love the dress, another beautiful design. :)
    Ada

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  19. GREAT POST..you look fab:) I asked you a while ago if you have twitter or FB to follow you with??

    have a great week.

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)

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  20. Apologies Maria -in not replying - the twitter button is at the bottom of the page next to the bloglovin - any probs let me know and thank you for your comment x

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  21. Dear Claire, so happy to have you back, to hear about the latest in your life and the exciting changes! I think holidays are great opportunities to clear up our minds and think about what we really want. And it sounds that you made some excellent choices! On a fashion note, this outfit is absolutely perfect for the summer and it's so nice to see the first 'printed' design by F&F. The overall ensemble is absolutely perfect and would make Sienna Miller jelaous...Take care!

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    1. It has been so long i had forgotten quite how revitalising they truly are - back in July now - cant wait and thanks for your lovely words as always xx

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  22. Your own design? That is unbelievable, love the fabric and the flow, it has such a glorious casual swing and shimmer that reminds me of Sardinia...

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  23. So lovely to see and hear what you have been up to. Wonderful skirt and top. I love your style. So you have had a lovely life spring clean. It is great when it happens isnt it. I love yoga too and really miss it when dont get a regular fix. Xxxx

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    1. Dvora i used to do yoga every day and loved it sooo much but then i fell with frank when he was a baby and damaged a disc in my spine and every time i went back it just opened again - it has obviously been long enough to heal now and i just feel like a new woman - there is nothing like yoga to focus you and relax - it should be on the school curriculum! thanks so much for your lovely comment xx

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    2. I am so happy to hear you have mended now and can do it again. I agree I would put it on the school curriculum too. Xxxx

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    3. Wouldnt the world be a better place - maybe we should put it to the powers that be! x

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  24. Your dress is so pretty, love the whole look! :)


    A.
    FASHION IMPERATIVE

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  25. Oh I think something similar happened to me after I quit my job in finance and moved to Mexico. I think it sort of reawakened by love for life! (food and yoga too ;)

    And your dress! I love love love the fabric Claire!xx

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  26. I can't believe that you DON'T exercise, your figure is AMAZING. Yoga is a tough one to get back into if you have been a serious yogi and then stopped for a while. It is amazing how quickly it comes back though, sounds like your holiday was the kick start that you needed.
    The print of the dress is lovely, I scrolled down some of your other outfits by established designers and yours is much, much more wearable. What is the website for the range?

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    1. Oh i work pretty hard physically which i guess counts and i cannot tell you how much i love my yoga again - i was an hour a day 6 days a week girl and it kind of sticks - i am now half an hour 5 days a week again and in some ways that is more yogic?? thank you so much for your lovely comment - i design for myself and have a wonderful tailor, Jackie Palmer who i work with - so i dont actually put the designs into production but it is lovely to hear that there would be a market - so much appreciated xx

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  27. The fabric and cut of your new FandF design is very beautiful! I could do with a skirt and top like that :) Good to hear that you had a relaxing and mind opening holiday. And yes, isn't Monaco hideous ;)

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  28. And how is the queen of our blog media doing? Hope all is well. Loving the maxi and top, really a beautiful completion...and is that a Bottega Venetta you're carrying?! I just saw one, not quite as immense as yours of course, in consignment shop and was so tempted! Loving the "easy peasy" look xx from Soleil

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  29. The bag is over wonderful! Where did you get it? So retro. The pictures were taken perfectly. Lovely lovely.

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  30. I can't agree more with your sentiments. It's so easy to get caught up in all the distractions. I culled my wardrobe down massively just before I moved to the UK. I realized that I don't need a lot, just enough of the good pieces to look presentable. Not having a TV helps too!

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  31. Glad to hear that you're well and enjoyed the holiday. That dress is absolutely gorgeous Claire ... stunning colours. Sometimes is so nice to just miss the internet, etc. I did that the past week. Happy summer dear. xxoo

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  32. Thank you for your lovely comment, I really appreciate it. Xxxx

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  33. Lovely to hear from you again. Hope all is well and rosie in the fashion and frank household. Xxxx

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  34. Where does one begin;-)
    I've been seriously busy so forgive the lack of commnents, my lovely.
    How divine you look in the above images. The dress is so pretty, but you are prettier. Your personality shines thru in pictures and words. XX

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  35. That skirt is stunning! You wear prints so well!

    xoxo
    Meera

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  36. I love this dress !! Really, it's lovely !

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  37. love love LOVE this post! you look so gorgeous (like always) and I hope you had a nice vacation! you deserve a good relaxing one!

    i'm obsessed over those sandals! you always have such elegance about you, you could pull off studs in such a classic, gorgeous, classy and effortless way!

    love your blog and of course, Frank!

    xoxo,
    s
    sorelle in style

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  38. this dress is soooo pretty! love the look!

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  39. Oh woow, the dress looks awesome, and I loove your hair!

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  40. Hello Claire, how are you? I hope that you are enjoying a great summer and that you will garce us with a post very soon...Take care! Caterina

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    1. Caterina that is so very sweet and i am going to get to it soon i promise! xx

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  41. Hello lovely, hope all is well with you. Just popped by to say missing you and thank you for my lovely blog birthday wishes. Love to you and the boys. Xxxx

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    1. thanks so much Dvora - i am missing the blogging and am going to def come back soon xx

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  42. Hello, how are you? Are you uber busy with life and career? You are very much missed around here.
    Come up here for a visit!

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    1. Oh Tabs so good to hear from you - life has been unbelievable i have not had five - work and house falling apart and just mad mad busy but i miss you too and i promise i will get back to posting something soon though i almost feel like a fraud it has been so long - failed blogger guilt!! And i promise if ever i get to the frozen northern tundra - you are top of my list!! xxx

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  43. I think your idea is wonderful and to have nabbed that land next to yours is a real triumph..
    Stay, home and take your passion for fashion and put it into your land and nature, for truly that is what will bring you balance and a real grounding, I too, did what you are now undertaking to do, and my life has been so much more rich and authentic because of it.....

    xo
    Melissa

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  44. Thank you for your lovely comment. Sorry to see from above reply things unsteady for you at the moment. I hope this changes soon. There is a lot of change for me at the moment too. Please don't feel failed blogger guilt - there is nothing to feel guilty for. When you are ready just go for it again. Kisses Xxxx

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  45. Dvora you are so sweet - thank you and i will be back when life becomes human again - in the meantime i am always loving your posts xx

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  46. LOVE YOUR STYLE... i've just discover your blog it's really cool...
    come visit mine ;)

    www.imnotapuertorican.com

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  47. Thank you sweetie and thank you for your lovely comments. Looking forward as always to your return. Xxxx

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  48. Just checking back on how you are - this transports me back to a much more simple life, love the thought of your days out there camping... but alas I have too much of the Margot and not enough of the Barbara. Whenever we are away I do love to visit 'The shops"

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  49. Love your pretty dress and the sandals look great!;)
    Wonderful weekend to you!

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  50. How are you, lovely? I hope you are well ...
    Besos, Marcela♥

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  51. Hello lovely, Hope you enjoy the Valentino exhibition on the 30th. It is interesting you like Shonagh as she is the assistant curator for Somerset House and told me she worked on the exhibition. Xxxx

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    1. That is so interesting Dvora - i thought she looked fabulous - really looking forward to it - will let you know how it goes - take and hope to see you soon xxx

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  52. Hello - I miss your beautiful posts and also the images of my pal Frank.
    Sending hugs
    Fondly,

    Helenxx

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  53. pretty dress!
    agoratopronta.blogspot.com.br
    xoxo, Vanessa

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  54. Dear Claire, how are you? I hope everything is well! From time to time I visit your blog hoping for a new post...I was also looking for your email as it may be easier to get in touch but I realised that it is not available on the website...could you please it to me? Take care, Caterina

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  55. I wish you Merry Christmas!!!
    …………(¯`O´¯)
    …………*./ | \ .*
    …………..*♫*.
    ………, • '*♥* ' • ,
    ……. '*• ♫♫♫•*'
    ….. ' *, • '♫ ' • ,* '
    ….' * • ♫*♥*♫• * '
    … * , • Feliz' • , * '
    …* ' •♫♫*♥*♫♫ • ' * '
    ' ' • . Navidad . • ' ' '
    ' ' • ♫♫♫*♥*♫♫♫• * ' '
    …………..x♥x
    …………….♥ Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  56. Hope to see you back to your blogging best in the New Year!

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  57. The wealth of the human is measured by the quantity and quality of friends that you have.
    Thanks for being part of my fortune. Happy New Year!!!
    *´¨`*•.¸♥♥¸.•*´¨`*•. ¸♥¨`*•.¸♥♥¸.•*´¨`*• .¸♥
    ¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.
    *...* ::::::::╔════*☆.¸.☆*'════╗ ::::::::*...*
    *¨`*•♫..•:║FELIZ AÑO NUEVO║ ::*¨`*•♫.•
    *...* ::::::::╚════*☆.¸.☆*'════╝ ::::::::*...*
    ¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.
    ♥♥¸.•*´¨`*•. ¸♥¨`*•.¸♥♥¸.•*´¨`*• .¸♥.•*´¨`*•

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  58. You are very much missed!
    Have a lovely New year, probably won't be back in London till my 49th in June but will let you know!

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    1. would so love to see you and a very happy new year to you too xx

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  59. Nice and cute post.

    And Happy new year!!!

    http://beautybubblesinyourlife.blogspot.com

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  60. Love your maxi!! you look so happy! nice photos!

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  61. wow you look super stunning in the printed maxi dress!
    would you like to follow each other?
    A
    xx
    http://epiquemoi.blogspot.com

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