There's No Place Like London

I had to tear myself away from reading Catching Fire to get dressed this evening. Yes, you read that right. This evening. I've been pretty much nocturnal for months now. Not intentionally, but because a mixture of pain, and pain medication keeps me awake all night, often until the sun comes up. As an early-riser my entire life (9am was a lie-in for me), it baffles me that I've adapted to this sleep pattern so well, although when I sleep is the least of my worries as long as I do.

Anyway, I was so cold in my pyjamas, that the only solution was clearly to stop being a lazy scruff and get dressed. April is usually quite warm here where I live in England, with the occasional heat-wave if we're lucky. Not this year though. This past week has been chilly and it's rained most of the time, too. It's a good thing I actually like the rain, really. I love listening to it pelt against the windows when I'm curled up with a book.

I've blogged about this skirt before, but because it's brand new, and I love it, it deserved another wear. Today, I've dressed it with dark brown tights, a black basic scoop neck tee, and a charm necklace.

Outfit Details

Skirt- Matalan.

Top- Dorothy Perkins.

Necklace- Abilu Creations.

Tights- Evans.

I picked this beautiful and wonderfully quirky necklace up on one of my shopping trips to Camden in London. My sisters and I often have these day trips out to the capital to sight-see, shop, and maybe see a show in the West End. During one of these occasions, perhaps three or four years ago, we stumbled up on a stall in the Lock Market, which I can only describe as a magpie's dream. The friendly lady who owns the range (Abilu Creations) , which was relatively new back then, makes each piece by hand. She finishes most pieces with a signature guitar plectrum, and often uses vintage charms for her designs. I eventually chose this pink and red themed one- which has a monopoly Scottie dog, a guitar, keys, shoes, flowers and many other charms attached to it and remember how she presented it in a little fabric bag tied with ribbon. I love her designs so much I also have two bracelets.

I love that there's now a website here so I don't have to travel to London whenever I want to see her creations. Though, really, there's nothing like the atmosphere of Camden, and I really love milling around the stalls. It's not your average market- certainly not like the little town markets where you can buy your fruit and veg, cheap knock-offs, and meat from a van. The place if full of beautiful crafted jewellery, soft expensive pashminas, wonderful quirky finds, palm readers, and even a vintage stall or two. The scent of incense and fresh orange juice always lingers in the air whenever I go, and you can buy inexpensive food from all corners of the globe for lunch if you continue along. It's a very relaxed place, filled with people happily showing their uniqueness off (it's a great place to people-watch!).

I would encourage you all to check out the stalls in the Lock Market when you're next in the area! I can't wait for my next trip to the Big Smoke.