I would think that the usual all events Lord Mayor kit would do with an update to a bit of trilby fetish to be sported on some occasions to bring the 16th to the mid twentieth century at least.
Isn’t Mansion House gorgeous!
I wanted the house to have a resident cat as Dick (AsSir Richard) Whittington had such a sensible ambitious companion in his cat, but I suppose there is still too much traffic in the city for free roaming mousers to go out even at night
Coincidences - one of my loveliest friends is married to the current Sheriff of London who I think ‘supports’ the LM on official occasions. As a result I’ve been invited to the Lord Mayor’s show and lunch and am already hyperventilating at the dress code. I don’t do formal or hats which is why I’ve avoided this whole side of British life for most of my life. Also 5’3” so hats make me look like a mushroom.
I’m more of a Toast/boho type so god knows what I’ll be able to throw together…..
I went to a wedding reception for one of my husband’s team members in the summer, and he didn’t quite get why I was making such a big deal about what to wear. I thought long and hard - you know, boss’s wife, need to look fancy or they’ll be a bit disappointed, but can’t look too posh or that’s scary/stuck up. I aced it (maxi dress, smart cardi, big hair, not my normal wedding attire) and. was disproportionately proud of myself. Also for reminding my husband that no, a morning suit would not do at all.
Hilarious. I fear those Me & Em models too. Re hats, they're a real problem now. Time was when you could pick something good up in Fenwick's or John Lewis but both have a pitiful stock now. SO - and Florence may thank me - a shout-out for milliner Judy Bentinck https://www.judybentinck.com/shop. Judy is married to Tim Bentinck, aka David Archer, aka the Earl of Portland and is very, very nice. Off the peg as well as bespoke.
I am OBSESSED by meal planning. And I think I scare people when they try to chat to me about it. Partly because it is basically my favourite thing to talk about and think about, and also because I sometimes show them my Excel of a year's worth of after school meals all plotted out ready to be rotated through. I spent ages planning it based on many criteria like not having repeated elements during the same week (no back-to-back chicken nights for me thanks), everything needing minimal hands on time when actually back from school etc. And seasonal elements. It makes me happy and prevents me from making too many new friends once I tell people about it, so that's a double win.
As usual, your writing brightened my day. My wardrobe is 80% Me and Em and 10% Cefinn with a smattering of randomness. It’s the fabric of the M&E clothes which is so genius - all goes in the machine and rarely needs ironing. I’m 5’11” so it’s all spot on. I sell via Vestiaire when I’m sick of stuff. All my kids are post-uni etc but still wince at the memories of a houseful of teenage
boys and to striking the right balance of chat so as not to be seen trying too hard and desperate not to be embarrassing. My late father was a member of the Painters & Stainers guild so regularly had to go to ‘Ladies Nights’ as a teenager which entailed wearing a Laura Ashley dress (now very ‘cottagecore’ and a lot of standing up, saying prayers and a loving cup which was ceremonially passed round. Wonderfully unhygienic
I just think your life is so glamorous .. you play it down….. you play everything down that is why you’re such a great writer such fun to read… and you’re very lovely to look at too.. you play that down too.
I am filled with dread on a weekly basis (usually Monday eve) as the horrid realisation that I’m due in the office the next day and must wear “appropriate clothing” and I cannot bum about in my leopard print Hush joggers! Le sigh!
Equally… having spent 5 years working 100% from home… I’ve slipped from my 40s to my 50s and have entered the “mother icon” phase at work. I no likey!!! 🫣😩
Another great column from your completely parallel world Esther. My farmer husband is a member of the Worshipful Company of Farmers - who knew - but being a typical farmer is not remotely interested so we’ve never been to any of these sort of things. However Me&Em would be my starting point for an outfit should I ever go to one. Too pricey for everyday but my ‘funeral’ dress came from there via a sale many years ago & is still doing its job perfectly, five times this year sadly, so worth the investment.
I adored my son’s teenage friends, so charming, they are now at the best man/god parent stage of life so still see them occasionally, still lovely.
I would think that the usual all events Lord Mayor kit would do with an update to a bit of trilby fetish to be sported on some occasions to bring the 16th to the mid twentieth century at least.
Isn’t Mansion House gorgeous!
I wanted the house to have a resident cat as Dick (AsSir Richard) Whittington had such a sensible ambitious companion in his cat, but I suppose there is still too much traffic in the city for free roaming mousers to go out even at night
Probably.
Yes to Me+Em being the answer to any wardrobe issue.
Coincidences - one of my loveliest friends is married to the current Sheriff of London who I think ‘supports’ the LM on official occasions. As a result I’ve been invited to the Lord Mayor’s show and lunch and am already hyperventilating at the dress code. I don’t do formal or hats which is why I’ve avoided this whole side of British life for most of my life. Also 5’3” so hats make me look like a mushroom.
I’m more of a Toast/boho type so god knows what I’ll be able to throw together…..
Juliet was small so was Princess Margaret both used a little jeweled semi cloche
Enjoyed this so much. What a hoot!
Esther, loved your description of getting ready for A Big Event. Always for me is this too dressed up or not dressed up enough?
Ahhhhh. ‘Nice co-ord’ - crying !!!
Gauging the dress code is so hard sometimes!
I went to a wedding reception for one of my husband’s team members in the summer, and he didn’t quite get why I was making such a big deal about what to wear. I thought long and hard - you know, boss’s wife, need to look fancy or they’ll be a bit disappointed, but can’t look too posh or that’s scary/stuck up. I aced it (maxi dress, smart cardi, big hair, not my normal wedding attire) and. was disproportionately proud of myself. Also for reminding my husband that no, a morning suit would not do at all.
Teenage boys - feed them. I spent 8 years, every Monday evening because Game of Thrones, making food for 9 x teen boys - loved it, they love food
Me and Em, ubiquitous but lovely
I’ve heard their trousers are good, but have never bought from them. Didn’t they dress lady Starmer and our Ange ?
Hilarious. I fear those Me & Em models too. Re hats, they're a real problem now. Time was when you could pick something good up in Fenwick's or John Lewis but both have a pitiful stock now. SO - and Florence may thank me - a shout-out for milliner Judy Bentinck https://www.judybentinck.com/shop. Judy is married to Tim Bentinck, aka David Archer, aka the Earl of Portland and is very, very nice. Off the peg as well as bespoke.
I am OBSESSED by meal planning. And I think I scare people when they try to chat to me about it. Partly because it is basically my favourite thing to talk about and think about, and also because I sometimes show them my Excel of a year's worth of after school meals all plotted out ready to be rotated through. I spent ages planning it based on many criteria like not having repeated elements during the same week (no back-to-back chicken nights for me thanks), everything needing minimal hands on time when actually back from school etc. And seasonal elements. It makes me happy and prevents me from making too many new friends once I tell people about it, so that's a double win.
I would also like to see this! I am so impressed
Amazing, I’d LOVE to see this. For real!
Laughing out loud as usual xxx
Oh the joy of this post. The absolute joy. I love the meal planning convo especially.
I know exactly what you mean.
I always feel better after hearing how other people do their meal plans. Sometimes you get ideas, but mostly you feel like you're basically doing fine
As usual, your writing brightened my day. My wardrobe is 80% Me and Em and 10% Cefinn with a smattering of randomness. It’s the fabric of the M&E clothes which is so genius - all goes in the machine and rarely needs ironing. I’m 5’11” so it’s all spot on. I sell via Vestiaire when I’m sick of stuff. All my kids are post-uni etc but still wince at the memories of a houseful of teenage
boys and to striking the right balance of chat so as not to be seen trying too hard and desperate not to be embarrassing. My late father was a member of the Painters & Stainers guild so regularly had to go to ‘Ladies Nights’ as a teenager which entailed wearing a Laura Ashley dress (now very ‘cottagecore’ and a lot of standing up, saying prayers and a loving cup which was ceremonially passed round. Wonderfully unhygienic
It has never occurred to me to look for second hand Me+Em on Vestaire! Off to have a look.
I just think your life is so glamorous .. you play it down….. you play everything down that is why you’re such a great writer such fun to read… and you’re very lovely to look at too.. you play that down too.
Nanny it's not glamorous xx but I'm glad it seems like it
I am filled with dread on a weekly basis (usually Monday eve) as the horrid realisation that I’m due in the office the next day and must wear “appropriate clothing” and I cannot bum about in my leopard print Hush joggers! Le sigh!
Equally… having spent 5 years working 100% from home… I’ve slipped from my 40s to my 50s and have entered the “mother icon” phase at work. I no likey!!! 🫣😩
Another great column from your completely parallel world Esther. My farmer husband is a member of the Worshipful Company of Farmers - who knew - but being a typical farmer is not remotely interested so we’ve never been to any of these sort of things. However Me&Em would be my starting point for an outfit should I ever go to one. Too pricey for everyday but my ‘funeral’ dress came from there via a sale many years ago & is still doing its job perfectly, five times this year sadly, so worth the investment.
I adored my son’s teenage friends, so charming, they are now at the best man/god parent stage of life so still see them occasionally, still lovely.
five funerals!
Sadly I’ve reached the age of parents & elderly family friends/relations dying 😢