004: The Allotment Diaries
silly little outfit post*
‘What does Grace wear when she’s on the allotment?’ I hear nobody ask.
I don’t tend to write about clothes, particularly since having two babies imposed a chasm between my wardrobe, body and sense of self. But today I headed out to the allotment and thought that—for the first time in a long time— ‘I actually like what I’m wearing today.’ In fact, I think I caught a glimpse of someone I knew before becoming a parent.
So what am I wearing? (Before photo)
(From head to toe)
Headscarf - given to me by my friend Mal
Sunglasses - old Topshop, I think
Blue jumper - also old Topshop
Bumbag - Cotopaxi
Linen dungarees - Finisterre
Petrol-coloured sandals - Birkenstock
Rings - Wedding, engagement and a ruby ring of my Grans
Style inspiration
My gardening style icons are Felicity Kendal (in her The Good Life era) and Monty Don. For Felicity, think lots of blues, headscarves and workshirts. Dungarees have been a mainstay of my pre and postpartum wardrobe for both babies. I’ve mostly worn this corduroy pair from Olive, but recently realised that I can now fit back into my linen dungers from Finisterre, which are a bit better for summer.
Monty Don, a British gardener/sex-symbol/mental-health advocate brings more of a nonchalant and rustic elegance to outdoor wear. I read and was struck by this interview he gave about his clothing a few years ago, and loved how particular he was about his possessions and workwear. He also likes wearing blue.
My style icon the sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. I’ve always loved his studio, his clothes and his work. In terms of work and what they do, it’s Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
What am I wearing? (after photo)
In an effort to keep the allotment an enjoyable space, we’ve taken to letting Etty loose on the face paints. This results in the above scene, which I’m actually quite taken with. It reminds me of that music video Goyte once did. The trick is remembering that you have it on so you aren’t thrown by looks of concern from fellow Co-op customers.
What do you wear in the garden? Let me know in the comments.
That’s it for today folks - I hope you have a good bank holiday weekend! Keep your eyes peeled for a Murmuration essay landing this Thursday.
Grace
*All credit due to
for originating and embracing the silly little outfit post.
Love the 'Look' Grace.
I need insect repellent as a constant friend when gardening xEnjoy your allotment.
Love a 'silly little outfit post'. I have one pair of blue denim dungarees which are a constant in all my gardening, mainly worn with an old wool jumper that used to be my husbands until he shrunk it and I claimed it. The coat I wear I actually hate. I bought it in TKMAXX when I was 8 months pregnant and realised I didn't have a practical, rain and waterproof coat to wear over the next few months/ years when pushing a pushchair around our local borough of London. It's now become a symbol of lockdown, early months of a new baby and the same streets over and over again whilst trying to get a baby to sleep! I've been promising myself a new coat for ages and this one is finally beyond repair so I may be able to justify one in autumn!