So Bohemian Like You...

Today I spent a few hours in the company of Nicola Perry and the group signed up to this Saturday’s ‘Boho Morning’. Nicola runs the ‘my story’ studio which organises writing groups and creative workshops. ‘Boho Mornings’ follow a loose schedule: You begin by meeting in a specified location, Nicola sets a couple of optional tasks and then you go on a short stroll around the area armed with a camera and an area of focus. After some street-life inspiration, the group retire to a local cafe and discuss reading, writing and the complete a couple of short exercises either based on the morning’s task or something completely different.

Today’s outing in Spitalfields was a lovely way to while away a couple of hours, and to glean some inspiration, discuss writing, reading and everything in between. We stopped to talk at ‘The Luxe’ on Commercial Street, some sticking to coffee, whilst others had a hearty breakfast.

If you’re interested in attending a Boho Morning, then details can be found at www.mystorystudio.webs.com. They take place every Tuesday and every Saturday, £10 per session.

Once Upon A Time In The West

Faced with a day to myself, I am often tempted to fill the time with what my Mum refers to as ‘pottering’; spots of cleaning, catching up with washing, making cups of tea. But when you are working, days off are so much more precious. Thus, with the sun shining and an A-Z in my bag, this afternoon I set off for the frontiers of West London.

My first stop was ‘125 Ledbury Presents’, a beautiful vintage studio on Ledbury Road which is more like a gallery than a shop. There are some truly amazing designer dresses and assistant, Jessica Hannan, was happy to talk to me about their oldest and most exciting pieces, a 1920s Lanvin frock and a Chanel Couture suit from the 1950s. http://www.vintageacademe.com/

After my fix of glamour, I made my way to Tom’s Deli on Westbourne Grove, a kitsch diner and organic shop with lots of sunny tables (weather permitting of course), great salads and other light meals. A big slice of banoffee pie was just what I needed and the friendly staff did not mind me sitting a while enjoying my surroundings. http://www.tomsdelilondon.co.uk/

Westbourne Grove is home to lots of lovely shops including Comptoir Des Cottoniers, Toast, and Whistles. For some unique bargains, though, head straight to the Oxfam shop which has well-selected shoes and clothes, some designer and vintage items, jewellery and handbags. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/content/secondhandstore/fashion/boutiques/default.html

Making my way along the Grove, I passed two young girls who had set up a cake stall outside their house – very enterprising! I stopped at ‘cinephilia west’, a bookshop, screen and cafe. The downstairs shop has a great selection of books and DVDs, there are sofas and chairs too. Cinephilia hold screenings of arthouse and indie films, which cost £5 to attend. http://www.cinephilia.co.uk/west/