If summer’s a riot of colour, then winter is a somber meeting with your bland accountant; an interminable traffic jam on a dismal motorway; an unholy union of shades of grey.
The first daffodil of spring came out in my garden last weekend, only to have its head blown off by the maelstrom that has engulfed the country and eviscerated all hope of winter’s imminent end.
So, in monochrome days like these there’s nothing like a good cuppa and a bit of vicarious sunshine: something to conjure up the easy-breeziness of summer, sweet pretty dresses and cucumber sandwiches on the lawn.
My little ray of happiness came this week from the vivacious pops of colour from Holly’s new range of headpieces.
Sunny daffodil yellow; precocious tulip pink; delicate dusky pastel damask: these cute accessories effortlessly ‘vintage up’ a look. Add a slick of eyeliner and a coordinating pair of gloves and you too can channel Jackie O.
If you’ve seen Holly work before – then you’ll know the girl can turn heads.
This collection looks back to the cool grace of the 40s and in doing so chimes perfectly with the poise we all try assume on special occasions. Though, as ever with Holly, it’s not only about a strong fashion look, but also about personality and pizazz.
She explains, “I wanted to create a simple design that could be made in any colour and customized to suit individual tastes easily through ordering online.”
Worn to the side and with the choice of three fastenings, these headpieces are not cumbersome or clunky: they won't get in the way of those all-important air kisses or dashes for the bouquet.
“The headpieces feel fun and accessible,” she says. “An induction if you like into head wear for those who may have never worn a hat before or don't want something too big or formal.”
Moreover, starting at £60 for a handmade, bespoke, headpiece, the collection offers beauty without a beastly price.
Although if you want the cherry on the top, colour is customizable, the headpieces are more than mere decorations for the top of the outfit. In these days of dismal solemnity as we all huddle up, hoping for summer’s reappearance, they are reminders that colour counts: that just as the natural world expresses joy through its vibrant hues, so too do we.
Whether you're a bride looking for head- to-toe retro with the veiled ivory version, or to bling up your bridesmaid with some Swarovski crystal embellishment … or simply, like me, fancy an excuse to pop on a red lippy pout and jazz up a tea dress, these headpieces get the summer color riot started.
Let the revolt against winter begin!
You can see a video from behind the scenes at the photo shoot HERE!