I’m so excited about this post because the location is possibly one of the most beautiful that’s ever appeared on the blog – Poldark country, anyone?
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen in my InstaStories that we spent a week in Cornwall at the beginning of the month – we stayed in St Agnes in a holiday cottage by the beach, just Keith, Riley and myself. We had a week of total R&R and it was absolute bliss: nothing was done except walking the dog, having pub lunches and reading or napping (I can highly recommend it)!
Although the weather wasn’t exactly Indian summer-like, we did enjoy the windy clifftop walks which are an absolute must if you visit Cornwall. As part of my Seasalt ambassadorship I’d been gifted an outfit that I knew was going to be perfect for the type of weather and activities we had in store for us, and I knew it had to be photographed somewhere that captured the beauty of Cornwall because Seasalt is about as Cornish as brands get.
I may not look like Demelza (I wish), but I did want a Cornish tin mine in the background and to gaze out over the sea à la Mistress Poldark. I think we managed that, and more besides…!
I’ll talk about the location shortly… firstly – the outfit:
SHOP THE LOOK:
The raincoat, sweater, trousers and boots are all Seasalt. I picked out the outfit for this month earlier this year, and of course I didn’t know what the weather would be like come September, but as far as pieces suitable for a blustery, rainy autumn day (and week!) went they couldn’t have been more perfect.
Seasalt rainwear
The key piece is the Westerly mac – mine is navy but it also comes in black – it has a detachable hood, is quite fitted and is very smart. (I kept mine open because it wasn’t that cold, but on other days I kept it zipped up and cinched in with the belt. A few pictures down you can see the beautiful blue waterproof lining.) Seasalt are renowned for their rainwear, having an actual Rain section on their website. This is my second Seasalt raincoat, and to be honest I wouldn’t now consider getting a serious raincoat from anywhere else… I’ve worn my four-year-old floral one to death, it’s still like new and it still keeps me totally dry in the pouring rain.
Their range of waterproof jackets and raincoats is vast, with lots of choice of length, colour and weights. The Westerly is 100% waterproof, has sealed seams and a breathable coating. And I tell you – it is seriously waterproof: One day we were down on the beach when a huge raincloud suddenly came over and absolutely CHUCKED it down. You know the sort of rain that literally pours off your hood, it’s so torrential…? That. We had no shelter as we were right in the middle of the beach – we legged it to get under cover but to be honest it was too late – poor Riley looked like a drowned rat…!
It was a great test of the raincoat because my clothes stayed completely dry. Everything below the bottom of my raincoat was soaked, but everything underneath it was as dry as a bone. It lived up to its claim, and more.
Oh and two more fantastic things to note: 1. Seasalt rain jackets are backed by a lifetime guarantee* (note to Seasalt: please make stylish raincoats for dogs, I’d get one for Riley in an instant!**), and 2. as with many items on their site, the Westerly comes in UK sizes 8-26. You can’t say fairer than that.
*keep the receipt and register your guarantee online.
**I’ve since been told that dog coats are coming soon, so watch this space…!
Seasalt womenswear
So the rest of the outfit comprised of the Scandinavian-style Endurance Jumper which I love (it’s 100% Merino wool and VERY soft), the crazy-comfy blue Lamledra Trousers (like corduroy jeans with a little stretch, I wore them practically the whole week) and the Rosie Boots.
Let me tell you, these boots are amazing. They fit beautifully and were so comfy from the outset – so much so that I have my eye on the suede pair now as well – and, unlike some Chelsea boots I’ve tried, the top doesn’t dig into your ankle. [Thank you Seasalt.] I wore them the whole time on our walks which were usually a few hours long, and the terrain was often pretty rocky and steep.
I’d packed my trainers and walking boots but these boots did it all… The bonus (unlike walking boots) is that they’re so stylish: what’s more classic than a Chelsea boot? I barely wore the other two pairs of footwear at all that week. Loved them.
The Wheal Coates mine and the Towanroath Shaft engine house at St Agnes Head
The views you see here are all along the beautiful clifftop walk between St Agnes and St Agnes Head. Although I can’t specifically remember seeing it myself in Poldark (I must go back and watch again now I’ve been there), the BBC says that the area was used to represent Nampara Valley, part of Poldark’s family estate. The Towanroath Shaft engine house (in the background of my first pictures) is a Grade II listed building and was closed for the last time just over 100 years ago.
Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark books, lived in this area for 34 years and he was inspired by St Agnes and the surrounding area.
The whole area is just SO Poldark it’s unreal.
It’s totally unspoilt and the views are incredible, and I loved all the autumnal heather and the slight “edge of the world” feeling the place has. Luckily the weather wasn’t at all cold – just very, very windy (do excuse my bird’s nest hair in these shots, it was pointless trying to keep it under control)!
This was our third holiday to Cornwall as a couple, and it was so nice to take Riley this time and enjoy a relaxing week together. If you plan a trip to Cornwall, make sure you see at least one old tin mine and do at least one clifftop walk – the romance of it all will take your breath away.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO CORNWALL, AND DID YOU GET CLASSIC CORNISH RAIN WHILE YOU WERE THERE?! TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
Trousers | Raincoat | Sweater | Boots: All Seasalt c/o
Earrings: Asos
Watch: Daniel Wellington
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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Seasalt (click here for my full disclosure). All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
Great post Catherine – I've been there on holiday too so seeing the tin mines was a great trip down memory lane for me. It's hard to always look stylish on trips like that with the main priority being comfort and warmth – the wind near cliff tops can be quite breathtaking even in the Summer – you've managed to look chic as well xx
What a gorgeous, cosy outfit! I especially love that knit! I envy you having a real winter – Brisbane has no such thing!
Kindest, The Blonde Silhouette xxx
thank you hon x
Fab photos! I love Cornwall too. I was there for the eclipse in 1999 and returned for a holiday a few years back. Since I'm in Scotland now it's more of a trek, but I'll definitely be back one day.
Very impressed with Seasalt and there's a frock that may be on its way to me. And I've discovered a new artist through their website as well. Thanks for letting us all know 🙂 .
Oh gosh yes it IS a trek from Scotland, but catching a flight to Newquay is probably the best option for you!So glad you've discovered Seasalt… I'm sure you'll love the dress! x
Love the outfit! A good raincoat is hard to find. I will check out Seasalt. Absolutely beautiful scenery and Riley is a beautiful puppy!
Thank you Gisele – I think he'll look wonderful in a Seasalt doggy raincoat, don't you think…?!
There's more than a touch of Demelza about you Catherine! I have really enjoyed the Poldark series, and have been reading the books also. I've been to Cornwall a few times, but the last time was a good few years ago now. We're overdue another visit. Good to see you working with Seasalt again, they're a good company – ethical and with interesting designs. xx
Aww thanks P 😉 Yes visits to Cornwall should be often and regular IMO…! Glad you love the brand too, I'm really proud to be representing them x
Love the outfit Catherine! I signed up to Seasalt emails after reading one of your blogs a while ago. Problem for me is cost, I know they are worth it but my budget won't run to them, I'm afraid! So glad you had a totally relaxing week – your batteries should now be fully recharged. I love Cornwall!!
Oh shame, Carole – though if you ever save up for it the pieces are definitely worth the investment… the cost per wear on my first raincoat is probably in the minus figures! Maybe keep an eye on the sales, you might get a bargain x
What a glorious spot for a vacay! I haven't watched Poldark yet (I've just seen trailer spots) but now I want to just to see more of that scenery. Sadly I don't think I'll be traveling there anytime soon!
Those clothes look wonderful as well! I love finding a brand that marries style and structure so you can look good and have a good time as well without worrying about comfort!
OMG Martha you HAVE to watch Poldark… it's soooo good!! Yes the outfit was fab, so great to look stylish while out walking in the elements 😀
Love all the photos. Some of my ancestors lived in Redruth and Truro, worked in mining–5th great-grandpa and sons helped build Watt's steam engines there. They were inventors as well. We spent nearly a week in Redruth 5 years ago. I hope to go back soon. A cousin found the grave of that 5th great-grandpa, and I'd love to see it in person. Thanks for a great start to my day.
Oh wow Susan – what a great connection to Cornwall! So glad you loved the pictures, thank you x
Gorgeous pics Catherine, the scenery is breathtaking! It's lovely to see Riley, he must have been in his element. Wonderful post as always, I look forward to hopefully seeing more pics from your holiday.
Michelle xx
Thanks so much MLD! For an old boy I couldn't believe how much he loved all the walking… he's so lazy at home!!
Jawdroppingly beautiful images Catherine & Keith. Riley's really getting into modelling isn't he? I love the shot of you peeping out from the hood, just stunning mate. Seasalt really do raise the bar of everyday clothing to another level of quality & design. I mean just because you're out walking doesn't mean you can't look chic. Sensational post on all counts xx
Hehe Riley's a tinker…! And yes you're right – I didn't think I could actually look so stylish when out walking in the wind and rain. The outfit couldn't have been more perfect 🙂
Oh Catherine, how funny I have literally been just thinking about Cornwall and visiting my uncle (we try to go once a year) I'm racking my brains as to the name of the Estate his cottage is on! I adore it in Cornwall and am so pleased to see your stunning photos! Thank you so much for sharing and yes you've got the perfect outfit to wear. xx Thank you xx
Jacqui thank you! Wherever it is, it's bound to be beautiful 😀
What a dramatic landscape. Cornwall is on my top ten wish list of places to see. All the little flowers are an amazing background, and the view of the sea is absolutely breathtaking! And you're perfectly dressed for he occasion. Did you know that there's an Australian brand called Driza-Bone which means "dry as a bone"? Just a fun fact!
You should absolutely go there, Kaffe! And thank you (yes did I know about Driza Bone… half my family live in Oz!) x
Oh my gosh, your dog is gorgeous!! Like a supermodel! I'm looking for a raincoat so I really appreciated learning about Seasalt (I'm in the US, and wasn't familiar with them.) You also look great, not just your dog. Glad you had such a lovely holiday! –Ann
Ann thank you – he's getting a bit good at this modelling thing…! 😉 Their raincoats are so awesome, you'd love them x