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What to wear for an Indian Summer

— by Alyson Walsh

No, I’m not off on an Ibizan yoga retreat, it’s hotter than Spain in London at the moment, and this October heatwave means a return to summer holiday clothes. So, out came my Les Prairies de Paris harem pants. The soft crinkly cotton is perfect for covering varicose veins and keeping cool. I tend not to wear vests around town, so there was a brief ‘does my bum look big/arms look wobbly?’ moment, till I came to my senses. Thought sod it. When it’s 30 degrees, who really cares?

I’m also wearing Nike/Liberty print hi-tops and some sunscreen. Having sensitive skin, I usually opt for Avéne or Dermalogica but this year I’m wearing Nia 24. Don’t let the 24 fool you, it’s actually factor 30. And it smells like fresh laundry. Which I like.

The flowers at Columbia Road flower market were looking lovely today.


And so was stall holder Irene Duffy. Irene loves a jaunty scarf and elegant shirt. She’s 89-years-old and has appeared on the blog before.


We all know that polka dots are the new stripes:


I do like this layered outfit (above). It is October, after all. And though it’s scorching hot in the middle of the day. Mornings and evenings are much cooler – and darker. Which is very disconcerting.


Outside one of the second-hand furniture shops, three boys were making use of the display chairs and the shade:

Then it was back home, past The Shard which is nearly finished and looking pretty fabulous. We can see the top from That’s Not My Age Mansions.

A swift spot of flower arranging – these burgundy dahlias are my nod to autumn colour – then off to the park for a picnic.



Feels like summer, looks like autumn. I’m trying not to think about the ice caps. And yes, I’m back to lopping my head off in photos. It’s the quick, easy, pain-free way.

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No, I’m not off on an Ibizan yoga retreat, it’s hotter than Spain in London at the moment, and this October heatwave means a return to summer holiday clothes. So, out came my Les Prairies …