Are you there, Spring? It's me, Bloody Freezing
Title image by @eastlondonmornings via link
As I settled down to write this 'bit' I was buoyed up on a weekend of blue skies and the assurance - after stringent observation - that the evenings were getting assuredly longer. I was all set to highlight the joys of spring as she begins to rear her much longed-for head in England, and to declare that we should all be rallying from 'neath the duck down and joyously filling everything in sight with narcissi bulbs in appreciation.
That was until the dulcet tones of Radio 4 alerted me to the so-called 'Beast from the East' weather front and the resulting forecast of -10C winds, I now feel I may have got a little ahead of myself.
The forecaster's predicted 'occasional blizzards' have even gripped the “oh but it never snows there” capital, where fellow commuters can once once again be found huddled together on tube platforms, in heavy duty overcoats and balaclava-esque scarves, closely resembling a raft of Emperor penguins.
Nevertheless, let's remember it's no Big Freeze of '63 {seriously, google it...thick snow blanketed the country for months and the average temperature was -2. People died.) So, let's {literally} pop another log on the fire and persevere people, if only to show Spring that so long as she has our back, we have hers in return.
A British milkman in the 'big freeze' of 1963, recognising the national requirement for a cuppa
Aside from {almost} arriving home in daylight, another clear indicator that Spring is around the corner is the coming and going of the hoopla that was London Fashion Week. For those of us not rurally blessed with leafing trees and thawing ponds to observe, watching other-worldly fashion creatures tottering around town between shows, and flocking on to after parties come dusk, is the city equivalent of returning swallows and sprouting daffodils.
So, as you peer out from beneath the blankets, contemplating whether you really have the energy to do a year all over again, may I draw your attention - ever so gently - to the sheepskin shoe liner? A simple, natural invention that warms your feet, and your soul, whilst offering a lamb-soft layer of cushioning between your tender toes and the gum-streaked grey pavements.
Sheepskin shoe liners, available at Celtic & Co for £11
My personal favourites are approximately 1-2cm thick work beautifully when slipped into otherwise rather thin-soled flats, insulating and cushioning for a mere £11. They also make a good addition to a smart court heel, as they have rather a good grip, and you can easily trim them to fit any shape or style to secretly keep you cosy whilst appearing nothing but outwardly chic.
Once your feet aren't blocks of ice it's infinitely easier to bare your shins without wincing, making those midi tea dresses a smug joy. Should the temperatures drop further feel free to couple with a lightweight, low neckline thermal top underneath - the Extra Warm range at Uniqlo cannot be beaten if you ask me.
Those of you who {kindly} read other things I write will know I am also a big advocate of radiator pants in these chilly, or in fact most, times. So before you leap gratefully into bed tonight, why not pop those & Other Stories lace bra and knicks on the radiator ......you'll thank me in the morning.
Warm hugs xo
