Spring Has Entered the Chat
Well, chaps, we've made it through another Tasmanian winter, and frankly, we think that deserves a little celebration. The mornings are getting lighter, the woollen layers are slowly making their way back into the wardrobe, and somewhere on the North West Coast, thousands upon thousands of tulips are preparing to put on a rather fabulous display.
Spring has arrived, and she's certainly not being subtle about it.
This Saturday, 26 September, Table Cape Tulip Farm opens its gates for another season. Perched above the coastline near Wynyard, the farm is one of those places that reminds you just how beautiful this little island of ours can be. Rows of colourful tulips, rolling farmland and the sort of sea views that make you wonder why you ever considered going overseas.
A little something for the spring wardrobe
Of course, an outing of this nature requires a suitable ensemble, and we have rather strong feelings about what constitutes sensible spring dressing.
If you've yet to become acquainted, Montaigne is an Australian clothing label with a particular affection for natural fibres, beautiful linen and relaxed silhouettes. Their approach is wonderfully familiar to us: thoughtfully designed clothing that isn't terribly interested in being replaced the moment the next season arrives.
And thank goodness for that, because we've never understood the appeal of a wardrobe that requires a complete personality change every three months.
The beauty of natural fibres
There's something quite lovely about slipping into linen after months of wool and winter coats. It feels wonderfully comfortable, drapes beautifully and has that relaxed, slightly rumpled character that makes getting dressed considerably less complicated.
A good linen pant, a comfortable pair of leather shoes and a bag that's already accompanied you on more adventures than you care to count. There you have it, kittens. Spring dressing sorted.
And while we adore a little colour, there's no need to compete with an entire field of tulips. Natural linen, soft checks, muted greens and warm earthy tones make rather beautiful companions to all those flowers.
A day amongst the tulips
If you've been looking for an excuse to venture out this weekend, consider this your invitation.
Table Cape Tulip Farm opens on Saturday, with its glorious fields welcoming visitors throughout the spring flowering season. There's plenty to enjoy beyond the tulips themselves, including floral displays, cut flowers and a Devonshire tea.
We'd recommend allowing yourself a leisurely morning, wearing shoes that can manage an actual working farm and leaving plenty of room on your camera roll. The farm recommends suitable footwear, and we rather think this is one occasion where practicality should win over a beautiful but entirely inappropriate heel.
Things worth keeping, seasons worth enjoying
One of the loveliest things about spring is that it doesn't ask us to start again. We simply rediscover the pieces we've missed wearing, bring a little colour back into our days and find fresh reasons to enjoy the places around us.
It's rather how we feel about good clothing. Beautiful natural fibres, thoughtfully made pieces and leather that develops its own character over time will always have a place in our wardrobes.
So, whether you're planning a little North West Coast adventure or simply enjoying the first proper sunshine in your own garden, do make the most of it.
The tulips won't be here forever, but a beautiful linen dress? Well, that's another story entirely.
Happy spring, kittens. We'll see you amongst the flowers.
