English Riviera style

It seems it’s summer, not just spring, in Blighty… the temperatures we’re having are unheard of for March (22°C!). And what do the Brits do when there’s the slightest glimmer of sunshine? They heard for the beach, of course: none of us are geographically any more than 70 miles from the coast so that’s where we go for ice cream, dirty beaches* and rickety old piers. Mr. Summers and I had an impromptu day in Torquay, a.k.a. The English Riviera: the photo opportunities were endless, hence the huge number of pictures…!

*I’m joking… there are lots of lovely beaches of course

The coast is nearly always a little chilly, so I dressed for lots of walking and a cool breeze, making sure I brought a touch of warm colour in homage to the sun. And I tend to pile on more jewellery in warm weather – there’s something about the jangling of arm candy that makes me feel more summery for some reason πŸ˜‰

I’ve included a couple of photos taken just inland on the (country) walk back from the seafront to the car… couldn’t resist posing by the gamekeeper’s lodge and a little country cottage. I do apologise for how tired I look in these last two photos – we’d had a long day and I was desperate to get home for a cuppa πŸ˜‰

And saving the best till last: I think this (unposed) photo of me on the pier is my favourite ever on my blog… normally I’m the unoffical art director and Mr. Summers the photographer (I didn’t get that photography degree in order to keep quiet whilst having my picture taken!). However, this is all his own work; I was sitting enjoying the sun when he asked me to turn around and face the camera… what a beautiful photo Y

It seems that a lot of places [countries] are having unseasonally mild spring temperatures from what I read on other blogs. Or are you in the southern hemisphere and having a long autumn maybe….?

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, here’s wishing you all a great week!

Denim jacket: ASOS similar, T-shirt: Topshop, Skirt: River Island similar, Sneakers: Freemans, Belt: ASOS, Collar: ASOS similar, Bag: Nine West, Sunglasses: Badgley Mischka, Watch: Fossil, Bracelets: Urban Outfitters / F+F / ASOS / New Look, Rings: New Look / Next / ASOS, Nails: Barry M Coral NP296

Linking up to:

Trending Through the Decades at Silverstyle 50
What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy

46 Comments

  1. 29 March 2012 / 12:05 pm

    This is a great and very different "riviera style" !! We are having a very different spring but is getting better πŸ˜€ — wohooo

    • 29 March 2012 / 2:35 pm

      Oh I hope you get beautiful weather too soon, Aminta! Thanks for your lovely comment sweetie xoxo

  2. 29 March 2012 / 11:53 am

    I love your skirt <3

  3. 29 March 2012 / 9:41 am

    the outfit and all the photos are stunning Catherine. i love any outfit that involves cons. when i see bloggers wearing huge shoes in fancy locations i always wonder if the carry flats too lol! Think this is one of my fav posts hun, really lovely and makes me wanna return to the beach so much (i'm originally from Barry island, right by the sea) xx

    • 29 March 2012 / 2:34 pm

      Thanks Rachel hun – for our first shoot at the beach the photos weren't at all bad!! And yes – I have to wear flats when walking anywhere πŸ˜‰ xoxo

  4. 29 March 2012 / 4:46 am

    beautiful shots of you. I like your red skirt, it's stunning. Looks charming with a vintage style top, the lace collar is so pretty!

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

  5. 29 March 2012 / 3:55 am

    I can't even tell you how much I love this outfit! I love the maxis right now, and the collars! I am going to Have to get myself one of those πŸ™‚

  6. 28 March 2012 / 5:16 pm

    The red and denim are great together, casual but spunky. You probably feel like I'm a creeper with all MY comments…but I seriously just do smile and your style and want to let you know your blogging skills are well appreciated πŸ˜‰

    <3 cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

    • 28 March 2012 / 8:37 pm

      I LOVE all your comments Cambria, and that's so sweet that you appreciate my blog!! I think we'll just have a little mutual appreciation society going on here, heehee :)))
      C xoxo

  7. 28 March 2012 / 4:14 pm

    This outfit is so fun! The color of the skirt is one of my favorites right now. I'm also on the hunt for a perfect denim jacket like that one.

    • 28 March 2012 / 8:34 pm

      Thanks Annie – it took me a couple of dud purchases [of denim jackets] to get the right one, but I'm happy that I got the right one in the end ;)) C x

  8. 28 March 2012 / 3:55 pm

    gorgeous. love the photography. your hubby is doing a great job under your direction πŸ˜‰

    • 28 March 2012 / 8:32 pm

      Thanks Sophie, he is a bit of a trooper!! And nice to have you as a new follower too, welcome! Catherine x

  9. 28 March 2012 / 2:48 pm

    Gorgeous! Beautiful pictures.

  10. 28 March 2012 / 6:17 am

    I love your outfit, especially all the jewellery!

  11. tammy Silverstyle
    28 March 2012 / 2:56 am

    Sooooooooo, I have to comment again. New trending link is up and running. This post would fit right in but, I have a feeling you will have something more for your second link up.
    Am I wrong?

    • 28 March 2012 / 8:19 pm

      Heehee no, you're not wrong Tammy!! I've now linked up, and yes I think tomorrow's post will be quite appropriate too so I might be linking up a second time ;))

  12. 28 March 2012 / 2:26 am

    It's truly a gorgeous photo that last one. I love the outfit–the tee with the maxi. It looks so comfy and bright.

    • 28 March 2012 / 8:18 pm

      Thank you, Terri! Yes the outfit was very comfy – which is hard to make stylish too I often find, hopefully I did manage it a bit…! C x

  13. Gray Skies
    27 March 2012 / 10:53 pm

    That looks like the perfect outfit for a day spent at the beach! Your bracelet collection is superb.

    I'm so jealous that even England has been getting hot weather! I feel like all of Europe and America has been hot lately, except for, of course, the state I live in πŸ™‚

    • 28 March 2012 / 8:13 pm

      Thanks Stacey… sorry you're not getting the warm weather – I can guarantee though that this is England's summer right now, then that will be it…!!! C xx

  14. tammy Silverstyle
    27 March 2012 / 10:19 pm

    I would wear that outfit in a minute!! I love it so casual chic. People were probably looking at you and saying "who is that"

  15. 27 March 2012 / 7:02 pm

    That last photo is just gorgeous. I love it.

    Love your red maxi skirt too. And I always wear more jewelry in the summer too – bare arms encourage it for me. At least when I remember. πŸ˜‰

    • 27 March 2012 / 9:04 pm

      Thanks Gracey – jewellery is a summer thing isn't it, I think it's just easier when you've got bare arms as you said! C xx

  16. 27 March 2012 / 5:32 pm

    LUCKY. πŸ™‚ Yesterday we were watching a national news broadcast where the weatherman was pointing out that most of the USA was enjoying gorgeous springtime temperatures – everywhere except here.

    That last pic is beautiful!

    Jenn
    The Suburb Experiment

    • 27 March 2012 / 9:03 pm

      Aww Jenn I hope the warm weather reaches you soon! Glad you like the pic on the pier – it really is my fave xoxo

  17. 27 March 2012 / 4:19 pm

    What a gorgeous day at the beach. We live only 4 blocks away and don't go nearly enough (though my husband does surf when he can). You look lovely in your summer gems and red maxi!

    • 27 March 2012 / 9:02 pm

      It was a beautiful day, Patti (the weather is still gorgeous now but I'm in an office all week, boo)! Thanks for such a sweet comment! C x

  18. 27 March 2012 / 2:31 pm

    I love how you plaid down that gorgeous skirt with sneakers, brilliant, dea Catherine.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 27 March 2012 / 8:58 pm

      Thanks Sacramento… though comfort did come before style – I based my outfit on what would work with my sneaks!! C xx

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