OverDressed for Life

I have recently returned from three weeks traveling in the UK. We started in London for nine days, then hopped on a train north to Sheffield to visit friends. After that we took a bus to Bakewell (lovely countryside). Chesterfield next, back to London for last minute theater-going and home.

Along the way, I kept an eye out for fashion and style. The next few weeks I’ll be posting some of what I discovered. First up: my new friend Yvonne van der Heul.

Yvonne told me a friend made her skirt 25 years ago. Still looks smashing. I love her color combinations and her hat! And how fabulous is it that she’s getting around London on a bike.

My partner and I were lunching near Sloan Square just before attending a play. It was a cool but sunny day so we sat outside. Along came a very interesting looking woman on a bike. She pulled up next to us and asked if she could park her bike next to our table while she ran into the cafe/shop for a few things. Of course!

I pulled out my camera and a card as this woman was destined for ODFL.

The delightful Yvonne is originally from South Africa, she’s an artist and quite the fashion maven from way back. Turns out she was a Carnaby Street girl who won several awards for her window displays. She also owned her own shop and designed clothing. For the past 30 years she has taken up the paint brush, illustrating ballet and symphony performances. Her work is exhibited in galleries around London.

London fashion is a mixed bag but all within a certain conservative realm – tweed, trench coats, skirts/blouses, boots. Very British Boden and that’s fine. But what Yvonne has is individual style.

Thank you, Yvonne! What a pleasure to meet you.