Many Layers of March.

I would definitely say the above photo is pretty unacceptable for the tail-end of March. I don't actually mind wrapping up warm but it really feels like an age since I've felt a warm ray of sunshine, or since I've been outside without three or four layers on.


Coat: Gap
Scarf: Primark
Necklaces: Gift/Found
Handbag: Yucca
Dress: Primark
Bandeau: Drop Dead
Tights: Primark
Socks: Glasto
Boots: ASOS


This dress is one of my all time favourites and never fails me, as time's gone on I have felt like it's a little short, especially as I'm into longer dresses and trousers at the moment, but these thicker tights really made up for that and thanks to my cardigan and parker, I didn't feel too exposed.


Nails: A Pink Bev Ridge and Friends polish with Black Polka Dot Polish by Nubar and Sally Hansen Black Nail Art Pen
These didn't last long as I was too excited about the Ice Cream Etude House polishes I got, but I really do love the Nubar polish, it's so simple, I can't wait for it to be warmer so I can wear it over pastelly colours again.







Despite the sprinkling of snow in Newbury, it had mostly melted after we'd polished off our lunch of bacon and egg sandwiches. So it was super chilly and definitely boot-weather but it wasn't so bad taking in a change of scenery (and it was pretty fun showing off my 'driving skillz'). We've been to Winchester before but ages ago, it does feel like it's missing a little something and despite the pretty buildings there's not as much character as it seemss. I'm sick of going places that have the same high streets as everywhere else and I feel like Winchester is missing a trick when it comes to quirky, boutiquey shops - if I'm missing something, I'd love to know.

I've since made a little list of fun places to head out on day trips, some places we've been to, some places we haven't but it's quite exciting. I'm so looking forward to the long weekend already, I'm going 'home home' to see my Mum and Gran before going to Canterbury to visit my sister. I'm leaving myself two full days for something fun with Mr Moon, I'm hoping for something Bristol/Bath way, I feel so odd that I've never been.
Have you got any fun plans for the Easter weekend? I'm umming and ahhing about what kind of Easter cake to bake.

Winchester.

So, I've been taking my IXUS around with me because my bag has been feeling a bit heavy, so I thought that I would give my shoulders a break.
Moon drove me to Winchester yesterday and we had a look around, it's a really nice city and I really liked it, it was so nice just to get out of Portsmouth for a few hours.
We went and got lunch at this pub called, Alfie's which looked like a dive both on the inside and out, but the food was the best pub grub I've had in ages. I had wanted to have lunch by the river, but as it was so warm, most places with outside seating were packed.
On the way home we stopped off at Ikea to see if I could get any fabric to use as backdrops for my project — which is still pestering me by the way, I just need to get a move on - but it was so expensive. After leaving Southampton the SatNav took us via 'The Range', which also appeared to sell textiles - no luck though - it's the strangest shop. It sells everything you could think of but nothing you really want. Our Kindersurprises were disappointing, so I do not rate The Range very highly.

© Ruth Johnston 2011.

I'm still plodding on with this 'Non-identity' clothing project, but now I've been told that it's 'too dark', despite essentially being about rejection. I know that rejection and the connotations associated with death are separate but neither are subjects that can be illustrated lightly. I was also just proud of the lighting, so I don't know how to change it and keep nice lighting by taking away this 'darkness'. I'm going to try out a load of new backgrounds tomorrow and see, but ultimately I'm happy with the black, I'm just unhappy with the criticism. I think it just needs text to lighten it perhaps, because some of the stories that go with the garments do border on the absurd.