My dad celebrated his 61st birthday on Friday with a trip to the F1 Arcade, an immersive Formula 1 experience in the centre of Birmingham, and a delicious meal at a local Indian restaurant: Rajput. It was a lovely day spent with family and close friends, and, most importantly, he really enjoyed himself.
Then on Sunday I had the first of many sessions of ‘spring cleaning’. There’s no better time in the year to have a massive clear out, and so we are tackling our conservatory, which has been accumulating random bits and bobs for many years now. A much-needed tidy up has now commenced and I can’t wait until it’s all done and reorganised!
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I’m still (slowly but surely!) making my way through Things We Never Got Over. I’ll share my thoughts once I finish it!
E. EDUCATING
Last Wednesday I attended a talk hosted by the Intimate Apparel Technical Collective, a group for contour fashion designers (like me!), and it was one of the most informative talks I’ve ever attended.
It was focused on the need for underwear that works for the queer community, particularly those who are transgender. I learnt so much about the different technical, and emotional, requirements of underwear designed for this purpose, and I can’t wait to see a change in the industry over the coming years to respond to this.
P. PLAYING
As a massive Swiftie it goes without saying that I’ve had The Tortured Poets Department on repeat.
With over thirty songs to sink my teeth into I’m absolutely spoilt for choice, but I think my current top tracks have to be: I Hate It Here, The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived, So Long London, I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) and But Daddy I Love Him.
O. OBSESSING OVER
I have been recommending Baby Reindeer to anyone who will listen. A devastating, but so well-portrayed, depiction of abuse, sexual assault and, its main premise, stalking, the show delves into incredibly hard and sensitive topics with an empathetic and truthful eye. I was truly taken aback by how raw and human it all felt; Richard Gadd, writer (and star!) of the show does an impeccable job.
R. RECOMMENDING
For my dad’s birthday we visited the F1 Arcade in Birmingham, and what a fun day it was!
We all sat ourselves in our own F1 ‘cars’ and got ourselves ready for the race of our lives. I surprised myself and actually came second. Though no one could beat my dad, who even managed to out-drive Hamilton!
I’d definitely recommend the F1 Arcade, whether it’s for a birthday celebration, day out with friends, or even a date. Plus, don’t miss their live-streamings of all the Formula 1 races.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
I treated myself to some gorgeous lingerie from Bluebella this week. As a petite girl I often struggle to find well-fitting lingerie, but this fit like a dream!
Love Chloe x
