One of the best decisions I think I’ve ever made was to throw caution to the wind, pack up and move to live on the south coast of England.
Whilst Brighton is a bustling city full of energy, creativity and activities which seem never-ending (there is always something to do!)there are also moments of quiet revery to be found in the surrounding South Downs.
For a recent visit to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters, I wore a vintage skirt, which I always refer to as my ‘Brighton Skirt’. Not only was it found in one of the vintage markets here, but it has a print of seagulls and a floral garden, that reminds me vividly of the Pavilion Gardens in late summer. I love the muted colours and soft, aged fabric.
I wore it with a simple white crew T-shirt, battered leather sandals and my great-grandmothers charms which featured in a recent post.
The weather was bleak and foggy, with a relentless wind which made our ears ache. However it is in this kind of weather that my favourite version of the sea appears.
Working on the coastline of Brighton, I have come to know the sea in new ways. And whilst the glistening shimmer of tranquil water is undoubtedly beautiful, my favourite days are when the blue-ish green gives way to a churning, ferocious grey and white, with the waves hurling themselves at the shore ending in explosions of foam.
And besides, gale force winds aren’t that bad…
Especially when one has a particular fondness for throwing Kate Bush-esque moves and becoming thoroughly ‘Wurthery’!
When I was a child our family holidays were all within the confines of the south of England, a favourite destination being the New Forest. We had free reign of lakes, forests and never ending pastures, dotted with bushes and heathery flowers. After long days of exploring, playing and watching the wild ponies, we would fall asleep in the back of the car on the journey home.
I think it is because of these holidays and day trips as a child that I have such a huge affection for the British countryside, and a scornful regard for budget holidays.
Horribly snobbish sounding I know, but I’m just so thankful that my parents let us experience the freedom and beauty of the The Forest over a beach club on a sun-soaked island somewhere.
It is with this in mind as an adult, that I love exploring and being outside. I had lately been missing the ‘green-ness’ of home, so this trip to Seven Sisters was perfectly timed for me!
We walked for a good couple of hours, stumbling across plenty of sights along the way…Including a GREEN phone booth!
The murky fog hangs low over the Seven Sister cliffs…
And then, in true Brighton style (where you tend to bump into someone you know, everywhere you go!) We happened upon Oliver, who is Josh’s bandmate in Time for T!
Perhaps we weren’t quite so lost in the wilderness after all…
And lastly, a portrait against the white, flint-flecked cliffs. I’m wearing a new lipstick I got this week by MAC. It’s called ‘So Chaud’ and is the most fantastic matt orangey-red! Completely in love with this colour!
I hope you enjoyed a taste of the beauty of the South Downs, I hope to return again soon – preferably when it’s a bit warmer!
More soon, including a recent adventure with Dulcie of Human Sea.
Love Yours Truly, x
Beautiful shots, Kerry! That skirt is perfect!
Cx
http://mixedmediumstheatre.blogspot.co.uk/
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Truly stunning shots!
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looks gorgeous! will def have to go visit there now!! lovely outfit as well!!
http://lerandommess.blogspot.co.uk
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Gorgeous! The Sussex Downs is such a beautiful place.
http://freedombooksflowers.blogspot.co.uk/
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beautiful read and you look stunning as per, especially your hair!!
Aimée x
http://xthelostgirl.blogspot.co.uk/
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You look so 20s in that last picture! 🙂 I really like your eye make-up. Tutorial? 😀
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You look amazing, these photos are beautiful 🙂
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So beautiful. You look gorgeous as well, my dear. That skirt is so lovely.
-Liz
GYPSI
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Such a beautiful skirt!!!
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cool! that’s so beautiful! 🙂
Irene Wibowo
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your lipstick is gorgeous and i loved reading about your mini vacay
kw ladies in navy
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Love that seaside, looks amazing.
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Lovely shots, I am now longing for a trip to see my sister in Hove! It’s always windy when I visit, it’s obligatory.
Great Kate-Bush moves!
P x
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What a great post and wonderful photos..really makes me want to experience that 🙂 and I love your skirt..just perfect!
Ila x
http://cleanserblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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Your hair cut looks absolutely stunning on you! Love the “Brighton” skirt and your makeup as well. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
xo Hannah
thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com
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What gorgeous photos as always! Makes me feel like I’m almost there. Your new hair really suits you 🙂 Also the print on your skirt is way too cute.
Rachelle x
http://inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.co.uk/
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We live over in Portsmouth, and I thoroughly agree about the South Coast – it’s so lovely to never be more than fifteen minutes from both the sea and the country. At the grand old age of thirty, I’ve got my own children now, and cannot ever imagine taking them on a package holiday – we’re about to buy our first tent! Love the beautiful photos, as always – I’ve been growing my hair out, but now I’m tempted to get my bob cut in!
Vicky
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Fabulous photos – makes me want to be beside the seaside!
www.mancunianvintage.com
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I agree that the weather doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy a walk along the coast and that, in fact, brooding or misty weather is far more evocative and romantic. I’ve literally just booked an overnight trip down to the South Downs for this week – these gorgeous pictures have got me even more excited for it!
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Lovely photography. Very atmospheric and moody. Curious what part of the country you are originally from.
sue xo
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Beautiful
I’ve been hearing alot about this New Forest lately, and my does it sound wonderful!
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I checked out Time for T and I like their music very much! And you have fabulous photos 🙂
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You always look so demure! I am in love with your Brighton skirt! I live in the South East also, near Brighton, but I don’t feel I exploit the coast enough! xx
myfashionlabyrinth.blogspot.co.uk
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I love the seaside, it makes you clear your mind! beautiful pictures.
X
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I love your blog! The fog makes the cliffs look so ere…. Great photos though. I did giggle at the one of the green phone box.
xx
http://www.rachellouisehenderson.blogspot.co.uk/
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I love your lipstick! Your move to Brighton is so inspiring 🙂
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I used to live down south and walked the seven sisters with my dad when I was seven years old…lots of sevens!! You’re hair colour is lovely & I’m very happy that I’ve just started following your blog…I want to keep reading but I should sleep – it’s like not wanting to put a good book down!
Flora
www.twowithseven.blogspot.co.uk
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So beautiful<3
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Gorgeous photos! Love your skirt!
Ash
ftashion
ashlapin
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I love your hair that way!!!!
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That shade of lipstick on your face Kerry! x
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Beautiful words and beautiful you! The South Downs look absolutely stunning! I’m so glad you are so happy with your seaside living.My parents did the exact same thing with us, we spent all our holidays in Cornwall and having grown up in the New Forest and by the sea I think there’s something inside you that will always take you back. It was the best thing we ever did too.
So when are you going to relive them and join me on a New Forest adventure eh? 😉 xxx
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Your new hair style looks lovely and great simple outfit. I love seeing glimpse of Brighton and the surrounding areas. I had many a wonderful holiday there as a child and still return yearly with friends! x
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really love your hair !
www.heymarsya.blogspot.com
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This post is beautifully written! Quite vivid and lovely to read. You write so well!
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What a gorgeous place! You look so pretty in that skirt too. I also love your bright orange-y red lipstick!
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What an amazing spot! My husband’s family is from England – we might just have to visit Brighton someday soon.
And your new haircut is amaaaaazing!
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this outfit is so perfect,the skirt is precious! 🙂 So glad i found ur pretty blog!xx
http://kimiandme.blogspot.co.uk
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Greetings from your newest follower! I’ve just stumbled across your blog and LOVE it! You have such a striking look and your photos are awesome.
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I love the sea side, I lived in Bournemouth for over 3 years whilst at uni there and now Im back home in the sea side town of Worthing but I’m house/flat hunting in Brighton and cannot wait to move there, I just love that city. Love the skirt and the photos. Great blog following you and look forward to reading your future posts.
xoxo
Ivy
http://www.purrpleivy.com/
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