Reality in Motion

Hello!

I'm home, back for a rest from the big smoke for a while. I've generally just been chilling, enjoying my free time. Of course I've spent the majority of this week watching Glastonbury and wishing I was there again (despite the rain).

The line up this year seemed incredible, Years and Years were insane as were The Last Shadow Puppets. Tame Impala, Foals and MO. I must admit that I even enjoyed watching Adele's set. (her bespoke Chloe dress was stunning). Even watching from my living room I felt the festival vibe which got me excited for Latitude which is only a few weeks away! Whoop!

This post however is non-festival related and is in fact totally inspired by a very talented friends of my Dad's. My Dad is an entertainer, singer, musician and all over jazz hands enthusiast. A few weeks ago I saw him going to a gig in the most amazing checkered jacket. He revealed it was made for him by a friends who was a professional tailor and now makes jackets for vintage fairs. When I was introduced at him during a performance for the Queens birthday I told him how beautiful I thought his jackets were and he instantly offered to make me one. Custom made and totally unique each jacket is completely individual. I love the velvet detailing on mine. The collar is black velvet but so too is the lining of the pockets (which makes me want to keep my hands in them). The shoulder pads give it a very 80's feel. It looks great with, dresses, skirts, trousers... yep pretty much anything!  I'm in love with it! 

I wore my jacket for the first time with my crepe silver culottes (Boohoo) and short sleeved stripy polo neck (Primark), My super shiny brogues and Navy bag (urban outfitters) also made an appearance. All jewelry is from eBay or vintage fairs. 

My Cullottes are a super shinny addition to my wardrobe. From Boohoo they are so comfy to wear day to day but i'll also dress them up when going on a night out. 

On a more somber note this weekend I went on a research trip with National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT). I am lucky enough to be a part of their company this year and will be performing Brass at the Hakney Empire in August. Brass is based around the story of the Leeds PALS who fought so bravely at the battle of the Somme 1916. Our trip took us to the exact spot the Leeds Pals went over the top at the exact time. These days it is a beautiful cemetery surrounded by farmers fields, (like so many others found along what would have been the British front line.) I don't believe we will ever be able to truly imagine the horror these men went through and a chance to pay our respects was a moment all of us will treasure. Four trumpeters from the company performed the Last Post. Readings were spoken and the song "You'll always have a friend" from Brass was sung in memory of the PALS. I know my great uncle fought and died at the Somme and the trip for all of us felt very emotional. The BBC accompanied us on our trip, filming footage for their commemoration news report. It was such a special trip and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.

A few photo's from our visit. The top left is the memorial to the Pals and the right is where we sung. The bottom picture shows the a part of the barn the Leeds Pals were actually billeted to before being posted to the front line.

It makes you realize how much we take for granted but also how quickly the world has changed in 100 years but also how far it still has to go.

Tickets for Brass are on sale now!

Thanks for reading... I'm off to make a cuppa...

Enjoy the rest of the week