Side Eye: Dress making and School Reunions.

Comedy Clubs, school reunions, DIY Annies Ibiza and Chloé SS2000 by Stella McCartney.

What I wore

After work on Friday I went home with the plans to go to Palais, my new favourite nightclub in Peckham. However, while I was figuring out what to do for dinner and how quarter life crisis I wanted to do my makeup, I remembered the stunning Assuit fabric I had bought a couple of months ago at Frock Me Vintage. I welcomed the procrastination and dug it out of its crusty paper bag, without a second thought, immediately started cutting it in half. 2 hours later and well into my second Louis Theroux documentary, I accepted that tonight would not be the crazy party I thought it would be and I committed to making my first ever dress. Not to blow my own trumpet, but I think it turned out pretty good. Need’s a few tweaks and fine trimmings but generally speaking I was chuffed.

What I read:

Didn’t have time to finish my current book and I hate to recommend before reaching the end, so instead I recommend the Chloé Catwalk: The Complete Collections, particularly focusing on the SS2000 by Stella McCartney. It felt only right to kick off my weekly roundups with one of my favourite runway moments of all time. Special mention to the trousers of all trousers. Studded with pearls and beadwork indicative of McCartney’s iconic blend of elegant tailoring and flirty embellishment (which recently made a comeback), these trousers are nothing short of perfection.

What I saw:

I went to Top Secret Comedy club, the most perfect mid week treat. It’s truly one of London’s biggest gems, a place that I’ve frequented since forever. It never fails to cheer me up. Out of 6 comedians, 5 were amazing. One bombed so bad, telling the most cringe story about putting a finger up his dog’s arse I thought the audience was going to collectively vomit. Thankfully, he got the vibe and swiftly left the stage.

RIVALS SEASON 2!!!! Already loving it, binged the first 3 episodes in one afternoon, Nando’s on lap. RIP Jilly Cooper, the goat, a true pioneer for female writers everywhere.

What I did:

I went to my school's 5-year reunion (although it was a year late so 6 year really). I came late and everyone was already there. The classic schoolgirl anxiety crept in before I even reached the gates, terrified to be seen alone as if I was suddenly the new girl all over again, so I called my best friend who came to rescue me. Already drunk, she took me to the bar and got me double-parked. It’s a strange feeling being back at school, particularly as none of us really got any closure leaving due to the fact our graduation was postponed from COVID. I quickly found my little group, and we took to roaming the halls as we’d done so many times before. The school has had quite the glow up, but still, the memories of our laughter and constant bickering were littered around every corner. From peering into the lunch hall, a place once filled with social pressure, to wandering onto the sports field, where my best friend and I crafted a monster penis out of snow, to skipping past my old teacher’s office who once blamed Brexit on me, there was such intense emotion. Glad to be out of that phase of life but I have to admit it was quite fun.

I also slow cooked a fucking sensational lamb ragu for 6 hours. Recipe courtesy of my brilliant Aunt at Tart London.