Monday 3 June 2013

Summer living | Vive l'été

Welcome to SUMMER LIVING | VIVE L'ÉTÉ, a new series on the blog that I will be featuring on Mondays this summer. During my blog break I enjoyed a few days of fine sunny weather and was able to attend to my garden. I was spreading my lavender when - probably under the spell of the heavenly scent - my ideas for this series fell into place.

On the blog this summer the main focus will be on outdoor living. I would like to celebrate this wonderful season by enjoying nature and looking at beautiful patios and gardens. In the new series there will be a glimpse of all that while in posts on other weekdays the material will be more concentrated, from a single source. I will be putting little emphasis on interiors and I'm giving the Charming Spaces series on Fridays a rest. I have some travel inspirations in mind and I also want to show you more of Luxembourg. Let's just say that on the menu this summer there will be a blend of playfulness, flowers and natural style. And for all the Icelandic readers out there, this new series will be on the Icelandic blog version on Mondays as well.

Enough with the intro and on with the post, which is slightly longer today.

Flower markets are essential in the summertime. If you haven't been to one recently then I urge you to go soon. Find one in your area and don't just hurry through it, talk to the traders, ask them about their produce, and bring home bundles or buckets of flowers! The above photo is from the Columbia Road Flower Market. If you happen to be in London on a Sunday then please go and visit.

When was the last time you invited friends to your home to enjoy an al fresco brunch or lunch party? If there are children involved don't forget to think of an activity for them. What I love is buying white or some other light coloured place mats and allowing them to draw or paint on theirs. It's so much fun and keeps them busy for some time, and they can take it home as a souvenir.

And from the garden table to the seaside and style.

For me the summertime is about natural style and comfort - think soft linen, sunglasses and leather sandals. There is no need to think too much about hairstyles; summers and messy hair are a good match. Besides, you can always wear a hat.

To add a chic style to the natural look a Mary Jo Matsumoto luxury bag (made in California) will do the trick. I'm thinking items from her Salt Creek or Balboa Island collections. The colour of the Crystal Cove Tote is also perfect for the summer, and I have a crush on the new Bougainvillea Beach Wallet. I have to admit that I'm a little biased because Mary Jo is a friend of mine, but I know that she puts her heart and soul into her design. The material she uses is of high quality and the leather feels so soft. With a bag like that you are ready for just about anything this summer may throw at you - Mary Jo has got you covered!


If you don't have a boat then buy one! Or go for a cheaper solution: bring a lunchbox and some reading material with you to the next marina or harbour, have a glass of rosé or a cup of espresso and watch the cruisers and fishermen attending to their boats. Relax and daydream just a little!

Whatever you do this summer, make it one to remember!

photo credit:
1: Lene Bjerre Spring 2013 / 2: Kit Lee of Style Slicker via United Blogs of Benetton. UK / 3: Jade + Matthew Take Pictures via Style Me Pretty Living / 4: François Halard for Vogue US / 5: Salt Creek Collection shopper by Mary Jo Matsumoto / 6: Organic by John Patrick Spring 2013 via Vogue US / 7: Isabel Marant Spring 2013 via Vogue US / 8: The Cherry blossom girl (St. Tropez, France)

5 comments:

  1. A wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of summer. I can't wait to take in all the little pleasures of my favourite season.

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  2. You seem reborn, Lisa, after your break. Wow, the pictures are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! and the new blog section sounds really appetizing. Yes, summer is (finally) here!

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  3. I love your new inspiration, gardens are so relaxing and peaceful to combine them with family and friends gatherings during the warmer months is a lovely way to enjoy them. I am seeking inspiration for such an event, a baby shower!
    So I will enjoy reading your Monday blog posts:)
    Have a happy day Lisa.
    Wendy x

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  4. I love the idea of your new blog series Lisa and feel honored to be included in your first one! It's just gorgeous--makes me regret not picking up a bunch of peonies I saw at the market earlier in the week...will have to go back and find them! Ah, a summer party, sounds like I need to have one soon!

    xo Mary Jo

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  5. sounds like a wonderful idea :) can't wait to see more xxx

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