I typically share these weekly inspiration posts on a Monday, to offer some ideas for the week ahead, but as I wanted to post a fresh start for my blog at the beginning of the week I’m sharing this with you on a Tuesday. The seasons have changed since the last time I created a weekly inspiration post and I’m so excited to feature some cosy, autumnal imagery to fit the chillier days that have arrived in England. I’ve been taking so many autumnal walks through Sutton Park, entranced by the beautiful colours of the changing leaves and the chance to wrap up warm in jumpers and cardigans, and I’ve been so inspired by the warm colours and serenity of nature.
I’ve been really enjoying online creators sharing their kitchen gardens recently, and I’m so intrigued by the concept of growing your own produce. Although this isn’t something I could see myself doing in the short term, it is something I am hoping to transition into sometime in the future when I have my own house and garden. This image of a blissful greenhouse set in a garden filled with leafy trees, and a horizon shrouded in mist, really encapsulated that cosy garden feeling, and it makes me want to spend a chilly autumnal morning collecting herbs and vegetables.
I saved this painting of the late Queen Elizabeth II shortly after she passed away, but I was re-inspired by the colours and painting techniques when scrolling through my saved posts on Instagram, and I love how warm and inviting it feels. Painted by the late Prince Philip it truly captures that private feeling of breakfast with a loved one, and is wonderfully intimate for such a stoic character. I love the mustard tones mixed with the blues, and the array of miniature autumnal paintings on the walls.
As a fashion graduate I am naturally drawn to fabrics and trims, and this photo, featuring Liberty fabrics ‘Wiltshire’ and ‘Rose Gingham’, is just sublime. This pair of warm-toned florals and classic prints simply scream autumn, and I’m obsessed with what small company Poppy and Honesty have created with them. I stumbled upon their selection of handmade bed covers, quilts and accessories by chance, and now I’ve added quite a few of their pieces to my wishlist.
Carrie’s delicate art style is one that I return to often, especially for sweet seasonal inspiration as she creates the most darling watercolour paintings of foliage and landscapes in a delicate, sketchbook style. This selection of paintings, featuring a quaint cottage amongst the mountains, a pine forest and flowers, perfectly captures that transitional period between late summer and early autumn, whilst offering the perfect escapism to a mountain range.
Jenny’s account is a constant source of vintage, grand-millennial inspiration for me, and this sweet photo of her and her husband, made me feel so warm. The vintage aesthetic, and set up of peeking through an old window, is so perfect and as a hopeless romantic I just love love, so this had to be featured this week. Over the next few months, as we enter a time of celebrations and family time, love seems more important than ever.
WHAT I’M READING…
As I briefly mentioned in my last post, some of my closest friends and I have started a book club. Last month we read How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie, which was quite a thrilling read, with a very realistic lead character in her twenties in London, and I’d definitely recommend if you’re a fan of crime and thrillers. This month’s pick is In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, which I’m currently making my way through – I’ll share more of my thoughts once I’ve finished! Separate to the book club, I’ve also just finished the Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor, which was phenomenal. Her ability to create believable, multi-layered fantasy worlds never ceases to amaze me, and I loved this set of books.
WHAT I’M WATCHING…
One of the best things that I’ve watched recently was the ITV show Karen Pirie; I’m such a fan of police dramas and this was probably the best one that I’ve ever watched. A truly twisting storyline and a relatable young female lead led to a truly entertaining and captivating show, and I can’t recommend it enough. It really switched up the usual dynamic of a police drama and brought something new to the table. I’ve also been binge-watching Stranger Things, which I never got round to watching when everyone was originally obsessed with it, ahead of a Stranger Things themed Halloween event I am attending. Fingers crossed I can get it finished in time!
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO…
There’s been so many different genres of music on my playlist recently; around this time of year I really lean into my love of cosy slow songs from the 40s and 50s, with lots of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. There’s something about the nights drawing in and the temperature dropping that makes me yearn for classic love songs and autumnal tracks. In a complete contrast I’ve also been enjoying The 1975’s new album, though I can’t choose my top tracks just yet! For my top five most played I’d have to say: ‘I’m in Love With You’ by The 1975, ‘World of No Return’ by Nat King Cole, ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’ by Brenton Wood, ‘Fools Rush In’ by Frank Sinatra and ‘Twilight Time’ by The Platters.
Love Chloe x
All images belong to the original owners.
