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An Australian in London
Published on Monday 15th March 2010
Claire moved to London from Australia in January after a few months of primitive globe-trotting.
She lives for Zara, Topshop and Creme Eggs, has a secret love of gangster rap and English accents – but hates cold weather. Her weekdays are spent at Sheer Luxe, and weekends are wiled away on cheap flights to Europe and trawling London markets in search of vintage gems. Claire can't start her day without a Starbucks Vanilla Latte and her favourite magazines are Grazia and ELLE.
I am not made for cold weather, in fact anything significantly north or south of the equator and I am on Struggle Street. Since arriving in ye olde London Town a mere three weeks ago, I have not only a suspected case of frostbite in my toes but a newfound respect for the art of winter dressing.
When the mercury plunges below zero, my sartorial sensibilities are thrown out the window in favour of survival but Londoners seem to have struck that elusive balance between staying warm and looking chic.
‘It’s all about the material, stick to mohair and wools’, my friend told me, ‘one word: layering’ said another; my Mexican flatmate even suggested I just give up and get around in thermals and a ski jacket until March, his advice will go ignored!
For a warm-blooded Aussie like me, this whole layering concept is completely foreign. My summer and winter wardrobes were one in the same, consisting of floaty dresses, strappy swimwear, and an endless collection of breezy tops, shorts and delicate footwear – I am clearly out of my depth when it comes to winter style.
But now that I'm in London it's time to adopt the British mentality, stiff-upper lip and all, just get on with it – and get on with it I shall, with a pit-stop at ASOS, French Connection and the ever reliable Topshop for my very own crash course: Layering for Dummies 101.
Long sleeved, short sleeve and singlet basics in a neutral palette are on order and I will also incorporate friend number one’s advice on fabrics – cashmere, wool and mohair will apparently guarantee warmth and improve my fashion pedigree so on the list they go.
Before said shopping trip, another helpful friend offered ‘don’t buy too many winter things because summer is around the corner’. The mere mention of the ‘S’ word is enough to send me off daydreaming about salty hair, sunscreen and sand between my toes. I have been assured that a summer in London isn't to be missed.
Sunlight until 10pm, barbeques and parties in the parks after work, it sounds too good to be true, but with this in mind I may also indulge in some pre-summer shopping, in the spirit of being pro-active and organised and all. Definitely on my lust list is this gorgeously flirty and feminine Topshop number with a cut-away back. In the words of Wayne Campbell - it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine!
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Intern's last x5 blogs (or click here to view her blog archive):
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