The weather is shaping up to be glorious in Manchester this week, so I thought I’d keep the momentum going with some images we shot in Notting Hill last week – possibly the most colourful outfit I’ve worn in a while! We shot these for an Instagram collaboration with Balzac Paris. I love how summery and carefree they feel, so wanted to share more of them on here…
I’ve worked with Balzac Paris a couple of times over the years, and they always have some really cute spring/summer pieces! Always great patterns, and always vintage inspired – what more could a girl want? I went for this vibrant floral blouse because I fancied something unapologetically bold…
Teamed with the little red cardigan (also Balzac), it’s such a cute vintage combination that makes me feel as though I’ve wandered off the set of The Notebook. I love that my style becomes a little ‘louder’ at this time of year – generally I’m drawn to quite neutral combinations, but there are definitely some statement pieces within my wardrobe. I think my love for a statement blouse has something to do with them matching so well with vintage denim…
I think this blouse would also go well with a pair of white shorts and some strappy sandals for a summer evening look too. The cardigan also looks great worn as a top and tucked into anything high waisted – the very reason cardigans are always worth investing in! You can even drape them around your shoulders for a ‘sophisticated look’. That’s what I was attempting here until the wind made an appearance and gave away my act (rude). Turns out I’m definitely not chic enough to blend in around Notting Hill after all…
It’s one of those parts of London that’s always all over Instagram, but it definitely feels like a novelty compared to the streets of Manchester. It’s almost like an outdoor studio with it’s creamy/white washed walls and zero chewing gum splats. Everything looks so neat, and the gardens are groomed to perfection – it feels like a little dolls town! Manchester couldn’t be more different from Notting Hill, so it was fun to shoot in-between meeting a friend for brunch. We headed to Farm Girl (another hyped up place thanks to Instagram). Food was delicious, but the service really wasn’t great…
Despite it being a tad windy, the sun was shining brightly, and pretty much every type of flower was out in full bloom! It felt like we were in a different country, and I can definitely see the appeal of living in Notting Hill during the summer months. The cost of living…not so much! Although, I reckon I could have camouflaged myself in someones front garden and nobody would have done a second take…
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed these bright and breezy bunch of images (alliteration points pls)! I have a fun outdoor shoot planned on Friday, so I’m really hoping the nice weather sticks around…
Photographs taken by Catherine Booty
Blouse, cardigan & sandals c/0 – Balzac Paris, Jeans – vintage Levis, Sunglasses c/o – Jimmy Fairly
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