Organic cotton dungarees – Monki // Puff sleeve white top – purchased many years ago; sustainable alternative here // Sheep print cardigan – purchased last year from ZARA; found on eBay here // Trainers – Vivaia (use the code Chloe18 for 18% off!) // Earrings – found at a market stall in Lisbon
A day spent in a blooming garden is one of my favourite ways to while away the hours, so I was delighted to make the most of the gorgeous sunshine at University of Leicester’s Botanical Gardens today. Surrounded by beautiful roses, decadent lilies and an assortment of trees from all over the world, with the soft trickle of water in a koi fish pond in the background, I felt a true moment of bliss. After months of stress from my final year of university I was in dire need of a relaxing day spent in the flowers, and this did just the trick. It was also a perfect excuse to wear my new organic cotton dungarees; as a rule I try not to purchase anything new from the high street anymore, but after months of struggling to find dungarees to fit my petite frame I decided to go for this pair from Monki.
I’m so looking forward to styling up these dungarees throughout the year with different tops, and I’m currently hunting for a second-hand floral pointelle top to pop underneath. When searching for pieces to add to my wardrobe I’ve been looking for staple pieces that are easy to style with lots of different outfits, and are incredibly comfortable to wear, and these dungarees truly fit the bill. They’re perfectly oversized, in a way that makes them very roomy, without being unflattering.
I decided to pair them with my Vivaia trainers, which are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles; a fact which never fails to amaze me! They’re white with a delicate pink trim around the ankle, which makes them so perfect to pair with the pieces in my wardrobe, and I’ve honestly been wearing them everyday.
The pieces made for a perfect outfit for exploring the gardens; my friend, Rhea, and I arrived at the gardens around midday, and were blessed with beautiful sunshine. The moment that we walked through an archway of trees into the Edwardian Garden, complete with rose-trimmed pond, it took our breath away, and we immediately ran to the edge of the pond to wave at the koi carp who came to greet us. After a long while strolling around the gorgeously landscaped gardens we settled down for a picnic lunch in the Herb Garden, nibbling on pizza and fruit, as we chatted away.
Unfortunately we didn’t manage to get into the hot houses and green houses at the gardens as these are both closed on the weekend, so I’d definitely recommend visiting on a week day to truly get the best experience. I’m hoping that I’ll get to return before leaving my university city to get a peak inside, because I do love seeing all of the tropical plants at botanical gardens.
Love Chloe x
