Purple Laura Ashley Polka Dots

It’s time to pack away pretty cotton dresses and fully embrace knitwear season (yay!) but not before one final hoorah from one of my favourite vintage finds. Apparently we’re set for a bit of an Indian Summer this coming weekend, and although admittedly it won’t be as warm as when we took these snaps, swap the retro sandals for a pair of ankle boots and a lightweight jacket and I’m good to go!

Sometimes you have a thrifting day where nothing jumps out at you, nothing flatters or fits, and nothing is quite right. Other days, thrifting luck is well and truly on your side and something, sometimes multiple things (!) immediately catch your eye, in almost-unworn condition and even – if you’re really lucky – fit like they were just made for you. This dress was the result of one of those moments, picked up on a daytrip to St Andrews one frosty morning in February.

Now those charity shops are always worth a look; prices can be variable but sometimes a gem like this dress (a bargain too) can be waiting, apparently just for you. The vibrant purple, irresistible polka dots and feminine scalloped neckline had me at hello. I didn’t even need to look at the label to know it was Laura Ashley – and practically skipped to the till before anyone else could spot it. It’s served me well these warmer months and I’ll be sad to put it away – but that’s the joy of vintage clothing; it doesn’t date and next time I get it out it will feel new again!

We took these snaps when visiting Lauriston Castle – which I’m saving for a separate post as it deserves one all of its own! The Japanese Friendship Garden, pictured here, is well worth a visit – nestled in the grounds of the castle and overlooking the Firth of Forth and Cramond Island. Built to celebrate the twinning of Edinburgh and Kyoto, the gardens are incredibly peaceful – it’s been open since 2002, but doesn’t always get a mention in guides. As such, it’s the very definition of the oft-overused monicker ‘hidden gem’.

It’s the kind of place that will look beautiful in every season – just now, as the leaves turn; later when bare branches reach out to stark winter skies; and in the glory of full cherry blossom. We will definitely be back again to report on the Japanese Garden’s seasonal progress, perhaps next time decked out in the aforementioned knitwear. The sandals will most definitely be in hibernation!

What have you thrifted recently? Where’s your favourite hidden gem?

What I’m wearing: dress and bag, vintage; Marks & Spencer hat; Clarks Kestral Soar sandals.