A pretty good way to spend a day off.

I was very lucky to have my day off on the sunniest and warmest day we've had in a long time last week. Moreover, the joyous weather stuck around for just one day! I felt bad for everyone else stuck at work...but hooray for me! 

Anyway, I've been itching to go to a gallery lately and seeing as I'd already been to the Damien Hirst exhibition at the Tate Modern (which was better than I had anticipated - you really must go!) I felt like going somewhere a bit more discreet but which would also satisfy my gallery itch - the Saatchi Gallery was the perfect antidote! There's nothing like the soft murmurs of an art gallery or museum - waves of calm, peaceful thoughtfulness hanging in the air - unless you're at the National History museum of course, which lends itself a more, hmm, vibrant experience! My favourites from the Out of Focus exhibition was the dreamy/surreality/beauty of Berndnaut Smilde, Phoebe Rudomino and the winner of the Google Photography Prize. 

While my hunger for art was satiated, the hole in my stomach wasn't! We had a brief interlude at their cafe for a ginger beer before heading to Mishkin's in Covent Garden - one of my favourite little restaurants in London. G&T to share with a dash of elderflower cordial, tasty salt beef and Reuben sandwich (we ordered one of each and shared - the best way to avoid food envy...) with dill pickles and chips, followed by a gooseberry fool - hit the spot nicely. Ahhh...at last fully satisfied!

*wearing floral jumpsuit, Japan - grey ribbed cardigan and double faced watch, Urban Outfitters - black rope necklace with gold twin hearts, Sabrina Dehoff - ballet pumps, Topshop.

Surf's up...?

Summer. Ours is a bit of a washout don't you think? I'm not giving up just yet though! After all, it isn't officially summer in terms of meteorology. Though there's 5 days until the real summer is due...and it sounds like storms a brewin' out there...

Anyway, speaking of washout my most recent purchase is a water themed T-shirt* which I adore! I don't have one particular style, however if I feel like having a relaxed day a menswear T is the perfect solution. The super light, fine and breathable cotton makes it perfect for warmer climes. Moving on to the print - I'm sure the designers drew inspiration from, coincidentally, one of my favourite pieces of art by Hokusai**. The tips of the waves look like claws about to swoop down and swallow the rowers while Mt Fuji is looking at the scene from afar with a kind of stoicism and powerlessness. I recently found a digital print by Kozyndan*** who, it seems, were also inspired by the Japanese artist. This one doesn't looks as menacing with the cuteness of surfer bunnies! 

As for my T, these waves looks like fluffy marshmallow clouds so it feels extra comfy to wear! Teamed with a handmade necklace from Brazil, and as for bottoms - skinny black jeans? Cut-off shorts? Depends how I feel. On Field Day Festival I went for a Japanesey look and wore a navy blue silk mini skirt with pleats and a monkey print. All in all - a fine purchase!

* Menswear T-shirt @Urban Outfitters

pastel polka dot tights...?

Before I embark on this blogging journey, I feel like I need to explain why this blog is called pastel polka dot tights and what it's going to be all about.

The former is really quite simple: they are my favourite pair of tights that I bought while I was living in Japan. I haven't seen or found anything like them yet in London (I'll be sure to let you know if I do). I've been told that from afar it makes my legs look a bit dodgy/blotchy, but upon closer inspection and with a sigh of relief - no, she doesn't have a skin condition, just sprinkles of pretty pastel polka dots over her legs. I loved them even more after discovering the polka dots have been woven in with thread, and not just painted on (which doesn't even look good in the pack let alone on your legs after being stretched and distorted horrendously. Know what I mean?).

The latter - it's going to be about... I couldn't really give you a straight answer. I suppose I just want to share some of the things I love such as fashion, food/cakes, art/photography and so forth. As the saying goes, "sharing's caring!"

P>S>> I came up with the name of this blog and am writing this post in my current concussed state after being knocked unconscious/jumped by a dude WWF style at Field Day Festival. Not too shabby, I hope?