I’m forever being asked how I manage to juggle my double life of politics vs fashion. So after a few lovely readers asked me to do a post on ‘a day in my life’, I thought I’d show you how (it’s all about cramming meetings and events into my lunchbreaks and evenings). 
I start my day in Cambridge, where, as usual, I’m running late. I race out the door, put a happy playlist on my ipod (Phoenix and Marvin Gaye and 60s French pop tunes) and hop on my Pashley and cycle over the river and past the Hogwarts-esque colleges towards the station to get the train to Kings Cross. When I arrive at the other end, there are glorious blue skies over Westminster. I head into my office (no matter how often I go there, I can’t help but be awestruck by the sight of Parliament’s gilded ceilings and history-drenched corridors. I check my emails, answer some press calls and do a few hours work to the soundtrack of division bells and Big Ben chiming overhead.
At lunch, I hop on the tube to Bond St to meet a friend and go and say hello to Lulu Guinness (whom I adore) at her press day. It looks like a sweet shop inside; there is a tea party and a sea of practically edible bags all around the room just threatening to undo my savings (I practically squeal at a blush pink perspex lips clutch). We play a quick game of dress-ups with our favourite bags for Lulu’s camera, but then it’s time for me to dash back to the office.
It is such a gorgeous day in London that I decide to walk back instead, so make my past the lions in Trafalgar Square to Piccadilly. I’m powerless against the sight of the golden Laduree cave glinting in the sun at the corner of Burlington Arcade, so pop in for a sugary fix (for later). I skip past the Ritz and make my way through Green Park (where, to my glee, there are giant piles of autumn leaves just waiting to be jumped in), past the usual gathering of tourist at Buckingham Palace, and through St James’ Park. Apparently the squirrels of Westminster have impeccable taste, for three of them actually run up my legs to sniff the macarons swinging from my arm (ever seen a squirrel swinging from a rope of pearls? I promise you it’s as funny as it sounds!).
It’s back to Parliament where I lock myself in my office to get some important work done (orange blossom macarons at my desk make the afternoon a little easier). I pop to the Terrace (not open to the public, but it boasts the most spectacular view of London over the Thames) for a cup of tea on my way out, then head for a meeting nearby. Afterwards, I hop on a bus to my happy place, Liberty, to restock my perfume, chocolate and stationary supplies. I make a quick stop by a fashion event at Oasis around the corner (I pick up a gorgeous necklace whilst there), and instantly feel like a happy child at the sight of the fairy floss machine on the way out (which was my supper. My dentist would not be impressed). I head for the tube (I’m sure I looked rather special walking through Oxford Circus with my stick of fairy floss), go back to Kings Cross, and collapse on the 10:00 train back to Cambridge with a fresh copy of Vogue.
I’d love to know your secrets for juggling various commitments and interests?
Love, Miss B xx
My recipe to surviving a hectic fashion/political life is to have a subscription to Vogue. The sight of it waiting for me after a heavy day just lifts the spirits. Plus too much politics always requires a deep contemplation of fashion shoot to regain balance in life! Lovely pics x
Wonderful. Always love to hear that style and politics are not mutually exclusive. Keep it up
This is wonderful. Sounds like an amazing day! The squirrel bit terrified me though! I would have been screaming my head off hahaa x
Wow! What a day! Although it’s working it sounds delightful
A magazine on the train is an instant fix for a gloomy day too, nothing relaxes me more than when I indulge in Vogue or Elle after a long day at work. Oooohhh or maybe a visit to Miu Miu!
http://www.thingsthatmakememsiledaily.blogspot.com
Oh, thank you so much for this post! Beautiful and very inspiring! Just what I needed this dark morning here in Moscow… Xxxx
Lovely photos! Sounds like a great balance you have
Thanks for sharing x
I only read up to 60s French pop tunes and had to comment! I’m making a play list for a little south of France road trip and I would love to know the names of some bands/songs to search for?
A lovely post! Adore the thought of macaron to ease your way through an afternoon’s work…
This was such a wonderful read, I love the way you descrive everything to sound so exciting and new even though this is your day to day life. It’s a great outlook to have. The pictures are fab and I’m impressed by how much you mange to fit into your days – super woman!
gorgeous photographs sweetie. lovely post. as always. S.x x
I work in publishing during the day and blog during the night. Who needs sleep anyway?
This is really interesting for me because I am currently studying for a degree in Politics and I’m also interested in fashion!
What exactly does your ‘real’ job involve?
Your blog is great, I really love the photographs x
What a lovely post! Are all your days so Long? I only have a 10 minute walk to work and I’m stressed all the time! Although maybe its because I’m still thinking about work by the time I arrive home! So envious of your view across the Thames, and of the macaroons!
Thank you for taking us along on a day with you B! x
I love these photos and what a great insight into your day.
@thekeypieces
Just stumbled across your blog – so glad! You have such a fun, engaging writing style.
I love this post – mobile uploads are such a cool way to peak into someone’s day. Gorgeous photos!
-Hallie
Not sure I’d be happy about the squirrels mauling me for my macarons
just wanted to catch up and say hi last time we met it was london fashion week !! Taxi… then we both in same cosmo awards category … congrats at the awards.
Well done and good luck for the future
xx dawn
Sounds deliciously busy.
It mirrors a typical work day for me.
Why do you live in Cambridge? Move to London.
I love this post! These pictures are gorgeous. <3
xoxo
Meera
What a wonderful, balanced life! I like that you insert plenty of outside time and fun into your work days with macarons, tea breaks and morning pump-up music. Lovely post!
lovely to have a peek into your day. love your snaps
Very cute! I love London scenery! I was in London a couple of weeks ago and will be back there soon! I hope you can stop by my blog too, I think you might like it! It’s a personal style and fashion blog from England. I would love for you to check it out and comment if you like it! Thanks
Love the photo diary.
Patience
wish i was in london
so sad im not there
love kat
This sounds like such a lovely day! It’s great that you can combine politics and fashion, are work okay with you having extended lunches/leaving early for press days etc? I find myself always rushing for them after work and occasionally before, plus most of my free evenings are spent preparing posts and clearing Google Reader.
Just discovered your blog via an image search and so glad I did. Love your versatility and your ability to write so beautifully – a rare find. I shall be a keen reader from now on.
iheartnaturalbeauty.blogspot.com