Sunday 15 May 2011

urban beach

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Okay, this outfit only goes to prove two things: I should iron occasionally, and I should not try to take pictures at 1 pm. But anyway, it doesn't much matter, because this is only what I wore to the beach! Now, London, being on a river rather than the ocean, is not exactly famed for its beaches. But in recent years, there's been a trend within Europe towards "urban beaches;" that is, cities that don't have them, fake them. In the case of London, this essentially means a large sandbox sitting next to the Thames on Southbank. But who's complaining? It's running in Tandem with the Festival of Britain, which means there are also colourful beach huts, performers, bars, fish and chips wagons, opportunities to sponsor an Albatross...in short, there's lots of fun to be had! A friend of mine from my course is doing her dissertation on urban beaches, which means she gets to spend the summer sitting in the sandbox doing "research." Man...

So, we got off the tube at Embankment and crossed the river
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The huts each have an exhibition inside: my favourite one included jars full of sand from many different beaches around the UK, along with some fun trivia about those beaches.
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The "beach!"
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I know you're not supposed to take pictures of people's children but a) I think that's ridiculous and a sign of the extreme paranoia of our culture and should be fought tooth and nail and b) this isn't a child: she's a fashionista. She also had on awesome red floral sunglasses
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I buried my feet, and gazed at the bunting, which, like 95% of bloggers, I am obsessed with at the moment
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And generally enjoyed reading my Sunday Observer in the glorious sunshine and occasional sandy wind of London in the summertime!
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Pictures of me by Raquel, who I'm currently staying with!

dress and scarf: charity shop, shoes: ancient Victorias, bag: from this event

45 comments:

Kerri @ OldLadyChic said...

I love the scarf, how'd you tie it so perfect? Mine always stick straight up or something. Urban beaches is definitely better than no beach at all, sounds fun!

Comtesse de ferveur said...

How cool - just like Paris Plages! Loving your very cute bag xx

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

Urban beaches are terrific ideas, especially for families & children who rarely get the opportunity to visit the actual seaside. Or lakes, for that matter. This one along the Thames certainly looks fun!

Your summer of headscarves will be a good source of inspiration, I think :)

Elise said...

Wow this looks so fun! (says me who doesn't like sand despite living on the coast...) Cute bag too :)

Rebecca said...

That's funny, I was there today! It was quite a surprise to stumble across the urban beach. Seeing your outift reminds me i need to get some new plimsols.

Annebeth said...

I wish I traveled around like you do, you have such an amazing life :( and you look SO cute! girly but in a non childish way, if you catch my drift.

I did an opinion post today and I always love your comments on my opinion posts so feel free to check it out!

Closet Fashionista said...

Hehe that is so much fun!! A great way to enjoy the beach if there aren't any near you :)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Anonymous said...

They should build those here in Mexico or at least where I live, would be so much fun I'm sure! Raquel did a great job with the outfit, so cute and comfy!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

April said...

That bunting is really cute!! Looks like a fun day.

Opal Wells said...

Ironing? pshhh.... nonsense. I think you look darling. That beach is super crowded!

jenniwells.blogspot.com

Thelma Frayne said...

Yay for Urban Beaches... they are the almost as good as the real thing. I think it is okay to take pictures of other people's kids when they are this cool! The parents are probably used to it.

Ashley said...

haha a beach along the Thames...how funny.

"this isn't a child: she's a fashionista." <---I laughed out loud :)

And people ARE too paranoid in our culture!!! I'll join the fight.

Margaret said...

When I saw your first picture, I couldn't help but laugh because of how much I can relate. I have a chambray skirt of a similar color and I have to iron it every time I wear it. It wrinkles so easily, it's not even funny. Every time I sit down, Bam! A dozen wrinkles already. Straightening it doesn't help either.

The Semi Sweet said...

How fun!! I want to visit London even more now!! My beach does not have buntings, so it's just not as cool.

Amrit said...

On 2nd picture from top, fill in flash would have helped a lot :)))

Pictures are great.

Kallie, Happy Honey and Lark said...

I love your outfit, and your bag in particular! I can't believe they set up a sandbox near the river like that, its SO cute :) The little girl in the red and polka dots is a doll! I wish they made grown up outfits like that.

Jo - Lost in the Haze said...

The little girl has such a pretty polka dot dress!

x
www.lostinthehaze.com

Anthea said...

The fake beach is such a good idea. I always wondered what it would be like to live far away from the sea. If I did, things like this would make me happy. Love your beach outfit, it's too cute!

Anthea,
Embracing Style

Noelle Chantal said...

Aww, very cute outfit! Perfec for summer. The home made like dress is very chic, and the bag is very nice too! Looks like a wonderful day you had :) Nice photos!

Rachel, Cold Knees said...

That little girl is very stylish indeed! Love your bag :) I so didn't know this was happening, darn it! xx

dimi said...

What a lovely post! I love your beach and the young fashionista!! :)

Shybiker said...

Great pix! And I love the girl's red outfit.

jess said...

I love the bag. It looks like a fun time.

k said...

I am so jealous of this fun festival!!! it looks awesome. i think luzern has a city beach each year, i failed to find it last year though.:)

Closet Fashionista said...

Haha, I agree about the Burberry pants...they're Burberry Golf though so that may be why ;) They looked HORRIBLE when I didn't roll them up like that...but when they're rolled I enjoy them :)

Amber Schmidt said...

Urban Beaches.. this has to be the cutest and just... well, neatest thing I've read in a while. If I can't have a beach, I'm going to make my own! Ha!

Your hair is looking lovely, by the way. xo

Diana said...

adorable! and i love that little girl's style :) id totally wear her outfit!! xox

http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

Eleni said...

Technically, London is on the coast, since the Thames is tidal. I learnt that by watching Coast, and they should know.

I lived in London for eight years and never saw a beach - is it new this year?! I used to love hanging around near City Hall/Tower Bridge - they have fountains in the pavement there and parents bring their kids in their swimming costumes in the summer with picnics and they make a day of it - so cute! Poor little urbanites!

APPLES AND FLOWERS said...

We LOVE your bag and your outfit!

hugs
www.applesflowers.blogspot.com

mari said...

such a lovely and summery look.
the headband is truly brilliant!
xx


themerrimari.blogspot.com

daniela kate morosini said...

OMG I WENT TO SOUTHBANK TOO! i had so much fun at that little beach :) xx

Catita said...

LOVE YOUR NEW HAIR DO

Allison said...

Maybe it's the sun, maybe it's the colours, maybe it's the camera, maybe YOU JUST GLOW, but these pictures are extra spiffy! Also... urban beach? GENIUS.

Virginie's Cinema said...

Urban beaches = super awesomeness!

There is one in Toronto too, none in my city, but I have to say the London one looks particularly wicked!

And you look adorable! I think iron a beach dress might be considered ocd...


Virginie

Anonymous said...

ah i think this is a great idea! i saw something like this in paris a couple years ago!

LikeSpinningPlates said...

invite me to your lifeee!!! I love your sneakers. You're always so awesome. Also, that child has the cutest outfit ever because Minnie Mouse is my style icon and I aspire to be her... seriously though. Also, never take pics of children because you might crop their heads out and put them on porn sites oh nooo!! haha just kidding. I seriously think that's what all Moms assume. Not cool moms. Lame, panicky, type moms. They need to chillax.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Like Spinning Plates: Seriously! And even if they did that (ewww, obviously), what has a headless crop actually got to do with your child? ; D

eagle-eye-cherry said...

i like your red bag and the little girl remembers me when i was a child

Ashley said...

It looks so fun and summery! I love your shoes, too:)

JenWar said...

This reminds me of the man made beach in Brisbane, which is on the other side of the river! How funny! xx

Anonymous said...

That's the first I've heard of this beach trend :D Fun!

I agree about the kids photos - the fear mongering has gone somewhat overboard over the last years..

Raquel said...

I really must go and see this beach. The bunting got me ;)
I wish I could be a better photographer really, or at least that my garden got better light!

lahti shirley said...

so lovely pics :) love it!

hugs

Ragini said...

Love that dress! And the colour palette :)

Jasmine said...

reading your posts makes me seriously wanna pack my bags and run away from my routine life

its so nice to read all your adventures and see all your photos

haha and about the ironing part , i'd do that all the time ( i mean by not ironing my clothes which requires it )

but u look fine , and i adore your honesty