I bloody love Autumn

I bloody love Autumn, when most other people are like 'boo hoo summers over' I’m Winnie the Pooh on the first day of Autumn.  You've probably all seen the gif but its pissing me around so I'm not adding it here.  And yes I did just compare myself to a round, yellow bear... But I digress

I seriously do not understand not being into this season, it’s so pretty! It’s still usually quite warm, less extreme than summer and means that Christmas is less than 100 days away.

It’s also a season when fashion gets dangerously cosy, if it were possible to be snuggled to death it would happen in Autumn.  Add to that the fact that shades of maroon, burgundy and deep red - my favourite colours - have consistently been on trend in the third quarter and you get a Middle Sister who is pretty much giddy with crisp seasonal contentment.

So, when Boudoir Femme had a 'new season' evening I had to go! As one of my first stops for independent Cambridge couture I’m always happy to see what they are recommending for our attire, and they didn’t disappoint. 

Cute cross body bags in blood red (#toldyouso) leather, fedora style hats that beg to be worn at jaunty angles and studded ankle boots, with just enough heel to give you an edge but not so much that you fall arse-over-tit were all on offer.  

I was particularly taken with this year’s collection of kitteny soft jumpers which were accented with colourful hearts or sparkly patches.  One designer, Scotch & Soda, even go so far as to, on occasion, gift their customers with accessories when they buy an item of clothing.  In effect meaning you are saving money at the same time as investing in a gorgeous jumper.  It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Hanging out with @lifesacatwalk and @girlrunninglate is always a joy, and this time I got to meet @saysallymay as well.  All whilst sipping a glass of fizz and mentally working out what I had just bought in my head and if I really needed to pay my mortgage this month or could I just have ALL THE THINGS!

The clothing in Boudoir Femme isn’t what I would call easily affordable, but if you wanted to treat yourself… very nicely indeed, I would highly recommend you take a turn around this small but perfectly formed boutique.

See you there? 

Tourist in my own town

When I lived a hop (train) skip (tube) and jump (walk) away from London I didn’t take advantage of all it had to culturally offer.  And it seems I learnt little from my past behaviour, having lived and freelanced in one of the UK’s most beautiful towns I still haven’t fully explored it.  Back in July I decided to accept a full time job and while I was genuinely excited, I quickly realised my ‘free time’ to wander these gorgeous streets would be greatly diminished.  I felt I hadn’t seen the cool sites tourists see when they visit Cambridge so I spent the day being a tourist in my own town.  I’ve always loved it here but had no idea what an intriguing place it truly is.  

Museums
For example did you know there was a full size totem pole in the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology? Because I sure as heck didn’t.  They currently have a very interesting photography exhibition as well.  ‘The Longings of Belongings’ shows images by the South African photographer, Sabelo Mlangeni, portraying Zionist Christians in contemporary South Africa. On until 10th of this month if you want to see it you’d better crack on!  

Likewise I had no clue there were fossils and dinosaur bones dating back to 400 and frozen to death* either.  The sheer amount of information available to us for free is staggering!

Botanic Gardens

While not free this is well worth the few quid it costs to wander the gardens.  Expertly chosen plants ensure whatever time of year you visit you’ll be greeted by a plethora of colours and scents.  Like our own mini Kew, just without the annoying train/tube journey and ‘London’ expense.

Respite
I could (and have) gone on and on about the coffee shops of Cambridge, the fact is we are very much spoilt for choice here.  Whether you frequent Bould Brothers, the latest coffee bar to open or Hot Numbers, what I think of as the first cool coffee shop to hit the streets, you’ll find a cup of java for you.   One that I end up at quite frequently is Novi, basically instagram porn with marble and wood tables, pretty meadow flowers and latte art. They also have a roof terrace and visually appealing cocktails in the evening.

Cambridge is everything I've ever wanted in a home city, but now I'm working again I get to explore other places.  It wont be long until they crop up here, I'm sure.

What are some of your favourite places to visit?

*Not a real time period.