As its the new year, I can't help but reflect on various aspects of my life, do a bit of housecleaning, and go through the checks and balances. From moving my consultancy firm forward, investments, and of course the blog to getting a Great Dane and what to wear, there are many things that have shaped 2013 and will mold my 2014. 

Today I caught up on my Vogues (I was five months behind). August 2013 was where I started, and ended up fixated on Freja Beha Erichsen's cover feature. Cloaked in Celine's woven laundry-bag check print, I was reminded of how amazing checks are. Having lived in Scotland for years, checks had become special (magical), even finding a tartan that matched my my mother's family's name (they are Armstrongs). From history to culture, checks that looked like the bags sturdy African mothers would transport material culture or a story of a family's lineage all led Autumn/Winter's catwalks. Bold or Subtle, designers like Marc Jacobs, Celine Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana, Suna, Emilia Wickstead and Tommy Hilfiger turned to checks for inspiration, and I've noticed.
Thankfully, some of our favourite brands have catered to this trend (way before it returned to the runway) with lovely check pieces that already have me compiling a new wish list, that I am sure will not make Mr P pleased...

Londonites and Caribbean Nationals who know one thing about the UK, know that this Bank Holiday a bit of the Caribbean is coming full force to London in the form of Nottinghill Carnival. Explosions of colours, flavours and general madness will take to the streets of Nottinghill from today until tomorrow (25-26th August), and we definitely want everyone to be prepared. Whether you are planning on joining in, or just using the Carnival as inspiration for your own Bank Holiday festivities, I was inspired to put together a great little medley of must-haves to get the feet going, and the smiles beaming. And for those of you who are using this Bank Holiday as your last hoorah before the school term recommences, then what better way to simmer down those back-to-school blues with these bright items that will put a smile on anyone's face.

On a more personal note, I am more of a monochromatic kinda gal. However, some of these items have made their way onto my wish list for the real Caribbean Carnival season next year February-March, which will see me and Mr P taking to the streets for both Guyana and Trinidad's Carnivals in the brightest, sickening, and most obnoxious colours yet. How will I survive? I plan on taking solice in the fact that these items are actually things I want to own (I already have the LaLesso shorts, and am eyeing the Kiboots Moccasins). Roll on the festivities!!!