Sunday, March 26, 2023

Spring pink

March has been a beautiful and fun month; it included a trip to London and the arrival of spring blossoms, birdsong and the tiniest of new leaves.


My winter outdoor flower ensemble still looks fresh after three months, but I'm looking forward to replacing it with hydrangeas, basil and thyme very soon.


I love putting on my pink coat this time of year; it never fails to put a spring into my steps. Wearing it here with a Sous l'Egide de Mars CSGM and a pair of houndstooth trousers I found at the Ines de la Fressange boutique when in Paris in January. While standing at the checkout, a tall and beautiful, casually dressed woman came strolling in ... it turned out to be Ines de la Fressange herself. She was absolutely lovely and friendly and also signed my trousers. What a wonderful encounter!



As you may know, I've been captivated by arts and crafts and embroidery for a while, so when I saw that Eppie Thomson from the Fabled Thread was holding a workshop at the Ham Yard hotel, I had to go! I stayed at my happy place in London, the Number Sixteen in South Kensington. It is in such a pretty area; here, a fabulously decorated house on Walton Street, just across the road from the flagship store of the British interior designer Andrew Martin.

(for more London pictures, go to one of my favourite Instagram pages:  www.instagram.com/magnoliawalks)



At the workshop, we were asked to choose our embroidery floss and backing material before embarking on figuring out a design. I thought this was such an interesting approach to free-style embroidery; it broke up the process into small chunks, making each step manageable without thinking too much about the next. 


It only occurred to me later that the colours and fabric I chose were an exact match to my outfit. Subconscious decisions like this happen so often; at least half the scarves in my collection must have been chosen that way.



In the past few days, I walked the dogs in a t-shirt or light sweater, and it seems that our coat season is coming to an end. I loved wearing it often as I could!


My room at Number Sixteen


Outdoor seating area - more pink and green


Back at home progress - "Le Duck-Soleil"


Pretty for spring ... the new ZigZag Collection with fabrics by Andrew Martin (also available in light grey and lava, view the collection here)


February recap ... because of the workshop excitement, I forgot to post pictures of the lovely weekend we spent at the beach in early February. The weather was sunny and mild, and it felt like summer. We stayed at the Plage Palace by the Costes brothers; it is just wonderful to have it close by. For this reason, it is also an ideal place for anyone to stay the night before attending one of my workshops






Looking forward to more adventures! 


Have a beautiful and happy spring season, everyone xxx


As usual, this post does not contain sponsored content, paid advertising or affiliate links, nor collaborations with the brands mentioned.

Ines de la Fressange shop: here
The Fabled Thread on Instagram: here
Hotel Number Sixteen: here
Hotel Plage Palace here
MaiTai Collection ZigZag inserts: here

30 comments:

  1. Before I go back to re-reading your post, I want to write and say how lovely to receive this update. I love the pictures and insights about what you are doing. Thank you!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and your kind words, I'm so happy that you enjoy receiving my posts!

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  2. When you posted a photo of yourself in 2021 wearing that gorgeous pink Tara Jarmon coat, I was lucky enough to buy one for myself ! Seeing you again in your latest posting inspires me to wear it more frequently … Thank you for your new photos and information on your travels, your dogs are so sweet. Happy travelling and blogging, love Gail

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    1. How lovely to be coat twins with you, dear Gail! I still love wearing mine so much, it is the perfect shade of pink ... wow, but not garish. Enjoy wearing yours! The dogs wag their tails and send kisses.

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  3. Lovely to hear about your adventures again - and to be reminded of what great taste looks like... I am glad you enjoyed yourself in London and have a great hotel which is becoming like a home from home.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words! I do love London ... there is always so much going on that interests me. And you are right, the hotel does feel like home from home; the decor is so warm and happy, and the staff wonderfully friendly and welcoming. So nice to step through these doors, hope to be back soon again!

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  4. Thank you for this beautiful post. It's still winter here in Chicago so your spring pics are a welcome sight! Love your pink coat, shawl and matching, signed trousers. Fabulous outfit, as is your vacation outfit with vibrant, blue sweater. Enjoy the rest of the season!

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    1. Hope that spring chases the winter away at any moment, dear Carol! It's been already too warm here to wear the new trousers, glad I wore them almost everyday earlier this month ;) Have a great rest of the week and a lovely weekend ahead!

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  5. You always have such a great sense of color coordination and classy style. Love all your posts. Thank you.

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    1. It is so lovely to know that you enjoy my posts, thank you so much for your kind words!

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  6. Wearing pink is the nicest thing you do for your complexion. It’s an instant lift and a great natural blush. You look radiant and oh so pretty. But then . . . when don’t you!
    Happy Spring & Much Love;
    Jerrine💗

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    1. True words, dearest Jerrine, here's to the power of pink! I was lucky to find pink socks that match the coat; it makes my heart sing when I see a flash of them between the trouser's hem and my light beige suede sneakers. Happy Spring to you, and much love right back, Tai xxx

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  7. Such a lovely post to give us a taste of spring. Your dogs are so sweet!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cynthia, so happy you enjoyed the post. The dogs say bonjour and send bisous 🐾 Have a wonderful spring!

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  8. What a lovely post, and happy spring to you, too! Your pink blazer, paired with an equally vibrant Sous l'Egide de Mars, looks fantastic on you!

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    1. Thanks so much, dear Stefanie! It is almost difficult not to wear pink in spring, it's such a joyous color. Hope you have a wonderful one!

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  9. You are such an inspiring woman with the most marvelous sense of color and design! Thank you for continuing to share your lovely photos. I have a deep pink jacket that needed something … seeing your post reminded me of a shades of pink, coral and white scarf I have had for ages. It’s just the touch of style that jacket needed. As I said, you are an inspiring woman!

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    1. I'm so happy the post inspired you to pair your scarf and jacket; what a pretty combination it must be with that little bit of coral thrown in. Thanks so much for the kind words and have a wonderful spring!

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  10. Dear MaiTai, Thank you for your lovely post of spring cheer and for sharing some of your adventures. The colour combinations you choose are so artistic. A visual delight. All good wishes from Henderson, NV.

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    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Pink and green are beautifully in tune with the spring season ... hope you are enjoying a lovely one! Warm wishes from France to Henderson 🇫🇷 🇺🇸

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  11. Pretty in pink, darling Tai! It always becomes you!
    They say there is a shade of pink for everyone, but in all of my years I have yet to find! I remain content to admire it on others, though!
    Love that you attended another workshop in your happy place!
    The trousers and coat are fabulous on you and you are the only person I know, or will ever know, that has a pair of trousers signed by Ines! What a great experience!
    Chin chin to staying in the pink and Spring blossoms, T xx

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    1. Darling T, - blushing pink here! I wonder what your shade of pink might be, maybe a soft and subtle blush with cream undertones? The encounter with Ines was magical, I remember so well her being Karl's muse at Chanel, and all the amazing ads with her. To have Ines' impromptu signature on my trousers is a real treasure for me! Chin chin to spring, hope you have a beautiful, happy and joyous one! Mwahs xxx

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  12. Thank you for yet another inspiring blog. The colours are wonderful.

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    1. Thanks so much Hilde for taking the time to comment, I'm so happy that you enjoy the blog!

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  13. Love your color coordination as always, and such a joy to bump into Ines de la Fressange at her shop. Thanks again to post such classy and chic blog all these years and love chatting with you via IG. Lydia from Hong Kong

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    1. It was a magical encounter, Ines was so gorgeous, warm and friendly. Still feeling awestruck! Love our IG chats too, and looking forward to seeing you in September!

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  14. Love every picture! Thank you for posting!

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    1. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, it does make me happy to hear!

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  15. What a great post, darling Tai!
    You look fabulous in pink. Love your outfit and your experience with Ines signing your trousers. How sweet of her.
    Your embroidery is so pretty and I’m happy that you enjoy your new hobby.
    Flying South next week to get some warmer days.
    Wishing you the best Spring, dearest Tai.
    Much love, Manuela xx

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  16. Joyeux anniversaire - et rien que la santé la joie le succès et tout ce que vous souhaitez, chère MaiTai, la plus belle - à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur !
    Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to youuuu, happy birthday , lovely beauty, happy birthday to youuuuuuu!

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