If you follow me on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook, you’ll have noticed I was in Oxford last week. My in-laws live in a pretty little village in the heart of Oxfordshire, just a few miles from the city centre. We usually visit in August but brought the trip forward to June in case we can’t manage to go again this year, but I’m hoping we do as it’s JUST SO GORGEOUS. (Plus, Mr Man’s mum spoils us rotten with home baking and feather duvets). I love Oxford in the summertime, when the trees are leafy and the sun shines and Lupins, Foxgloves and Poppies are in full bloom.
Unsurprisingly, it was a very chilled out week; I caught up with the latest issues of two of my current favourite magazines (Porter and Red) while laying around in the sun, went for short runs and long walks with Jake the Cob and enjoyed plenty of summer salads (loaded with avocado and cheese, whoops!) and alcoholic beverages*. The most taxing activity of the week was strolling through Oxford with Mr Man, peeking into the university gardens and exploring the covered market for the hundredth time. We rested with a vanilla milkshake as we watched the students skip through the cobbled streets, wearing gowns punctuated with a carnation (the colour signifies which exam they are sitting).
Thursday was mum-in-law’s and my birthday, so we lunched by the river, natch. We enjoyed duck salads and dry Prosecco (only ever dry or extra dry), followed by a strong caffeine hit to counteract the lunchtime boozing*. Later, we barbecued at home, drank Champagne and devoured the chocolate birthday cake.
I wore my new Apricot dress and – after all the birthday indulgence – was pleased that it was a comfy one! I wore it with this buttery soft leather bag by handbag favourite, Tula. I wasn’t sure about the style of the bag initially, but once I used it I fell in love with the neat but roomy interior. The square, boxy shape makes this a great day bag, whether for lunch by the river like me, or for a day in the office. Don’t you think that the coral and green colour combo is just perfect for summer in the Cotswolds? (Any excuse…)
Have you ever been to Oxford? Do you fancy going? I highly recommend. Take a walk through the university grounds, the covered market and Gloucester Green open-air market (Wednesdays), and don’t forget to explore the local villages – Burford is particularly pretty. Bicester Village is a must too, for top brands at seriously low prices!
*remember to drink responsibly, kids!
Shoes: Next (they also come in burgundy and white – I really want the white too!)
Belt: Primark (past season, but they’ve always got loads of belts)
Bag: Tula
Necklace:Alex Monroe (birthday gift from my wonderful husband)
Love the new look of the blog, good changes.