Late summer

 Ever since we moved to the South of France almost two decades ago, September has become my favourite month of the year. The heat and bright light during the high summer months from June to August can be quite intense, and I therefore always look forward to the warm and mellow days of September with its soft light and calm, deep blue skies. 

The evenings are still mild enough for alfresco dinners, and until recently, I would find fresh wild figs and blackberries for breakfast while walking the dogs. Late summer bliss!

At the beginning of the month, France came collectively back to work after the  "Grandes Vacances" and my decoration projects could finally resume as well. 

I was so much looking forward to have my "Italian Panoramic" (by Iksel Decorative Arts) wallpaper hung! It was love at first sight, as the landscape it depicts is so similar to the one that surrounds us. It has taken centre stage in the entrance/meeting room of my new showroom (still very much work in progress). I have yet to find a table and chairs, so for the time being my garden furniture acts as a (surprisingly well-fitting) stand-in.

MaiTai Collection Liberty of London Painted Journey insert (available here)

I found this Zara cotton shirt dress a couple of weeks ago, and love combining it with white jeans, a pair of chunky sneakers, and a simple horn bangle for an accessory.

Queen Anne's Lace ...  gracefully turning inwards as autumn approaches 

As much as I am looking forward to golden and crisp October days and cosy autumn evenings, I will also miss having our dinners outside ...

You might remember the photograph of a Salsify's detail from a post a few months ago (here). I've had it since printed and mounted under frameless glass, to be hung in the dressing room. 

I decided on Casamance's Platinum wallpaper to go with it, and love how its textured and metallic highlights echo the glamour of the humble Salsify. Jim Thompson's Metallic Shell fabric looks lovely with both, and I am having so much fun putting these schemes together. 

This tree bark detail caught my eye on one of our morning walks and am having its picture printed and mounted under glass as well. I think it will work beautifully with the Salsify and I look forward to the two being brought together on the dressing room walls very soon!

The huge bag of sun-soaked tomatoes from a friend's potager made it quickly into the pot last Sunday.

Wearing a scarf as a sash is always a good solution when it feels too warm to tie it around the neck. Here with an Au Coeur de la Vie Mousseline by Aline Honoré (folded in the basic bias fold with the ends secured in a double knot behind the back).

Italian Panoramic detail

As above, but with a Quadrige 90 scarf (designed by Pierre Péron) and a rust-coloured cardigan instead of the dark blue blazer. 

Variation with the scarf in the basic bias fold around the neck.

IKSEL Decorative Arts (just a fan, no affiliation) www.iksel.com or follow on Instagram  www.instagram.com/iksel_decorative_arts/

Have a wonderful late summer and early autumn everyone xxx