#talkingtables

So these little sandals seem to be gathering quite a bit of attention when we’re out n about at the moment. Be it from coo-ing fellow Mums demanding me to remove the shoes to take a look at the brand name (or if the queue of smelly toes waiting to try them on at Gymnsatics is anything to go by), toddlers (including a boy) quite like them too. Which is fortunate as my brief was ‘sparkly party shoes’, so I think I’ve nailed that one.

(FYI - shoes are by Minorquines from Sarenza - if I had a £1 for everyone who has asked, I’d have a lot of ice cream money for the summer ahead!)

Rainbow bright hues were another requirement so it seems that Iris is quite on-trend as there’s been a fair bit of the same brief appearing at the recent Christmas Press Shows.

(L-R :  Talking Tables, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Dobbies)

The multi-coloured entrance to the John Lewis festive extravaganza was a Dualit grotto showcasing their classic toasters but in all shades of rainbow. The jewel-like glass baubles from Marks & Spencer follow suit. And Talking Tables, as ever, have a tantalising new collection, which just makes me want to throw a party for the heck of it (which will come in handy for the big 4-0 which I’m planning, not mine I hasten to add… quite yet) and this, err tasteful, little Princess Fairy Queen was snapped at the Dobbies/Tesco show as a reminder to myself that our tree might ‘need’ one when the actual festive period is upon us.

Christmas in July is always a slightly disconcerting affair. Immersing oneself in reindeer and baubles on what always turns out to be one of the hottest days of the year, makes your seasonal ‘dar all a jitter.

But thankfully a seasonally appropriate date in the calendar, which marks summertime, (actually in Summer) is the unveiling of the Serpentine Pavilion. This year it was a Spanish Architectural Practice, which had the privilege of creating the 15th experimental and temporary structure that is always hotly anticipated. In todays’ glorious sunshine, it glimmered on approach and certainly has a playful appearance thanks to the multi-coloured wrapped structure allowing colourful shadows to be cast upon our feet (& on ‘those’ sandals).

A bit of a Hungry Caterpillar/disco ball hybrid in Hyde Park, making it not a bad thing to visit. A little flimsy and for some, could err on the tacky with the choice of iridescent plastic materials chosen for the installation but I/we enjoyed our little immersive experience amongst the sparkly sunlight.

And if you want a bit of all-year round rainbow beneath your feet, this delicious After the Rainbow rug by Sonya Winner is being exhibited at Tent London in September. You could always fire a confetti cannon over it for that extra dash of dalliance if required!