The English Mademoiselle Diaries: lovely

I try to avoid the "Florals... for spring? Groundbreaking" at this time of year, one because I love large print floral items of which I own none, and I prefer more free flowing patterns or colour blocking. Or in this outfits case just all grey. Nevertheless I adore the simplicity of the outfit, with just enough skin on show to remind me that the sun is shining.

I admire the work my parents put into our vegetable patch(es) they look so green and vibrant even at this early stage, and the produce that we get to enjoy is amazing. Especailly the blackcurrants we had 5 bucket full last year, we got very inventive and ate far too much of my mums blackcurrant ice cream... is there such a thing as too much ice cream?

This ring is pretty new to my collection, I discovered it last week in Topshop while I was browsing and I couldn't resist, it reminded me of the Princess and the Frog fairytale that I read endlessly as a child. The label said "midi-ring" but I find that it looks better on my little finger, plus I would be afraid to lose rings if I wore them above the knuckle.

My dog want to join in, I am just glad he didn't knock over the tripod!

The endless question as to whether dandelions are a weeds or a flowers, I love picking them when they have gone white and blowing the fluff in to the wind on long summer afternoons, after I have made daisy chain crowns for my sister and I.

If anything I like this photo just because it has made me realise how far I have come since the start of the year fitness wise, this morning I could the start of a 6 pack when I tensed. No matter how many necklaces I own this one will always be worn over everything else, the chain is held on with a bracelet charm and some knots, but it fits nicely. I wore it with this ensemble to add a touch of colour but not too much.

XO, Miriam

You will need:

1m of your chosen fabric
1m of elastic
A sewing machine (this can be done by hand but it is time consuming)
Thread
Fabric scissors or pinking shears
Lots, and lots of pins
A measuring tape

Before making take the following measurements: Waist and waist to the desired length, for example the knee.

Cut the elastic inch longer than your waist measurement to allow for seams and/or mistakes when making.

Fold the fabric in half, then mark on how long you want the skirt to be plus 2 inches of seam allowance down the fold.

Then stretch the elastic as far as it will go and divide that number by 2. Now measure that length from the fold along the bottom of the fabric and make mark.

Cut the fabric, either using fabric scissors or pinking shears.

Mark 4-6 point on the fabric and the elastic at equal points then pin together. This will help when sewing to get a straight line.

When sewing the elastic on to the fabric, pull it as far as it can go so when you have finished the fabric will stretch with the elasticated waist band you have created.

Cut off any excess fabric.

Then go over the original stitching to with a zigzag stitch to make sure the elastic was firmly in place, and to improve the overall look of the skirt.

Then iron the skirt in order to get a neat hem line.