I’ve had another lovely week with a trip to Biddulph Grange, a National Trust property, a visit to Manchester, and lots of time spent watching the Olympics. I’m not usually a big fan of many sports but it’s been lovely watching things I’d never usually think to pop on – my favourites so far have been the gymnastics, surfing, and mountain biking.
This week I also really focused on the importance of self care, particularly regarding mental health and attending therapy. I’ve always been a real advocate for getting help and talking about your feelings, so earlier this year when I started to notice patterns in my own thoughts and behaviour that I found upsetting I decided it was time to return to therapy and work on myself once more – and I’m so glad I was brave enough to make that leap!
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
The latest issue of People over Product, the sustainable fashion magazine I write for, is out, and I’ve been reading up on the latest in ethical fashion.
This issue included one of my favourite articles I’ve ever written, all about the creation of swimwear that can be completely recycled due to new advances in fibre technology. If you’re interested in the science behind exciting clothing make sure to give it a read!
You can read the August issue of the magazine, as well as previous issues, here.
E. EDUCATING
On Thursday I went on a little trip to Manchester with Ben and we visited Manchester Art Gallery to see an exhibition on couture fashion.
Manchester Art Gallery have recently established a fashion collection, featuring works from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Dior, and it was fascinating to see their approach to displaying couture pieces and telling a fashion story.
It will be so exciting to see how this collection expands and evolves over coming years!
P. PLAYING
Lego seems to have become a bit of an obsession for Ben and I lately, but I have to mention one of my favourite sets to date!
I had so much fun at the end of last week making a rather colourful and flamboyant little fella: the Lego peacock! He has been fondly named Percy Phillippé; what a diva!
O. OBSESSING OVER
Last weekend I visited Biddulph Grange, a National Trust property in Cheshire, and absolutely fell in love with the place.
With a large period property, vast gardens full of unique (and sometimes somewhat bizarre!) features, and a precious secondhand bookshop, it had all the best components for a wonderful day out.
We spent the afternoon wandering around the forests, the Chinese-inspired garden, the flowerbeds and the croquet field, before having a drink in the café and perusing the bookshop. I got a couple of books, including a lovely hardback book on Claude Monet’s time in Giverny, as well as a couple of postcards and mementos of our lovely little day.
R. RECOMMENDING
I have always been an advocate for going to therapy and getting support for your mental health, and this year I decided to listen to that advice myself and reach out for help.
As someone who has attended therapy many times throughout my life I am no stranger to talking through my feelings with a psychiatrist, and witnessing how it transforms my life for the better. This time is no different; even after only a couple of sessions I am seeing myself flourish in the areas I was struggling, and working through areas I’ve had trouble with for years.
Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of; you wouldn’t be embarrassed of putting a broken leg in a cast in order to provide it with the support and protection to get better, so why wouldn’t the same apply to your mind?
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
With all the warm weather we’ve been having I’ve really been enjoying an ice cream after dinner and I’ve been reliving my youth by treating myself to one of my childhood favourites: a Fab.
There’s something about that chocolate covered in sprinkles that just tastes like summer! The perfect summertime treat.
Love Chloe x
