London in Bloom, Rooftop Season & That ‘Summer Is Coming’ Feeling

May is wrapping up, and London is in full bloom—longer days, golden evenings, and a city that feels like it’s on the edge of something good. The kind of good that doesn’t need explaining. The kind you feel in your collarbones when the breeze hits just right.

There’s a softness to the light, a silkiness in the air, and everything feels like it's moving in slow motion—but in the best way. Like the universe has turned down the volume just a little to let us notice the small, lovely things again. Every café window, park bench, and street corner seems to be staging a romantic subplot. And I’m absolutely here for it.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of late-night plans, early-morning coffees, and that restless feeling that always arrives right before summer. It’s like we’re all collectively holding our breath for the next chapter—even if we don’t know what it is yet. I’ve started doing this thing where I pause mid-day and ask myself, “What do you actually want to do next?” Not what I should do. Not what’s in the calendar. But what I want. Honestly? The answers have been surprisingly gentle: sit in the sun, call someone I love, read something unpretentious, water my plants.

Social Life: Rooftop Drinks, Last-Minute Plans & Leaning Into the Fun

May has been a perfect mix of planned and unplanned moments—the kind of month where you say yes just to see where the night takes you. It’s been about chasing the glow, the buzz, and the laughter that gets louder with each glass. Every text feels like an invitation, every group chat is a chance to reconfigure your entire week. The city is in flirt mode, and so are we.

Some highlights:

• An impromptu afternoon at The Berkeley’s rooftop pool, soaking up the first real warm day. Champagne, suncream, and the sound of someone laughing too loudly two loungers down. I wore a one-piece that felt like Audrey Hepburn gone slightly rogue.

• Drinks at The Hoxton, where a ‘quick catch-up’ somehow lasted five hours. We talked about everything and nothing and left with sore cheeks from laughing. Someone mentioned exes, someone else spilled secrets, and there may or may not have been a round of espresso martinis.

• A ridiculously good pasta night at Padella—no reservations, but worth the wait. It always is. The cacio e pepe is basically a religious experience. We ordered too much, stayed too long, and walked home under the kind of moonlight that makes you believe in second chances.

• A picnic in Regent’s Park, featuring rosé, overpriced strawberries, and too much laughter. We spilled hummus on the blanket and didn’t even care. That’s the mood now—unbothered and sun-dazed. I wore a cotton sundress and felt like I belonged in a 1970s fragrance advert.

  
  

Also: Londoners treat the first 20-degree day like a national holiday, and I respect it. The city transforms. Everyone’s outside, pretending we live in the Med, wearing sunglasses like they’re emotionally protective gear. The pubs spill into the streets, the air smells faintly of sunscreen and dreams, and suddenly even the pigeons seem more confident.

Style: The ‘Summer Is Almost Here’ Edit

We’ve officially entered the season of easy, effortless dressing—the kind of style that looks accidental but is, of course, perfectly curated. Nothing too tight, nothing too loud—just textures that breathe and tones that whisper. It's the aesthetic equivalent of an Aperol spritz.

Current rotation:

• Linen shirts worn loose, layered over swimwear or silk camis. Crinkled and sun-kissed, like I’ve been at a beach club all day (I haven’t—but the fantasy sustains me).

• Breezy trousers, relaxed tailoring, and anything that moves. Wide legs, soft waists, the kind of clothing that whispers ‘ease.’ Ideally paired with raffia anything and an “I just woke up like this” attitude.

• Minimal gold jewellery, a basket bag, and sleek sunglasses that hide a multitude of sins (and late nights). My current pair make me look vaguely important and entirely unapproachable—exactly what I want on a Tuesday.

• Ballet flats by day, strappy sandals by night. My ankles are finally free and living their best life. Bonus points if they’re slightly scuffed—it shows you’ve actually lived.

• A soft tan, because I refuse to look like winter lasted six months. And no, I will not apologise for being slightly orange in certain lighting. I call it “sunlit illusion.”

  
  

Also: the summer blazer + shorts combo is about to become my personality. It’s giving “CEO on holiday.” And honestly? That’s the energy I’m channelling.

Wellness: Finding the Balance Between Energy & Rest

With the social calendar filling up, I’m making sure there’s some balance in between. Even if that balance includes napping in full makeup after rooftop drinks. Self-care doesn’t always look like green smoothies and journalling. Sometimes it looks like saying no without guilt, cancelling plans to do absolutely nothing, and recognising that fun also needs recovery.

• Morning movement, whether it’s a gym session or a long walk. Nothing revolutionary—just gentle consistency. I’m still obsessed with my walking playlist. It’s the soundtrack to my sanity.

• More hydration, less caffeine (trying, at least). I’ve swapped one afternoon coffee for sparkling water with lemon. Tiny wins. I’m also experimenting with cucumber slices and pretending I’m in a spa.

• SPF, because I refuse to deal with sun damage. Layered under makeup, over moisturiser, and probably in my handbag, just in case. I’ve got three bottles and a rotation system. This is my Roman Empire.

• Simple beauty—hydrated skin, bronzed glow, and effortless waves. No contour, no drama. Just a highlighter stick and wishful thinking. Bonus: people keep telling me I “look rested.” Lies, but appreciated.

  
  

Also: sleep is officially taking a backseat to sunset drinks, and I have no regrets. We’ll catch up in November. Until then, I’m running on vibes and good lighting.

Mindset: Soaking Up the Now, While Planning for What’s Next

May has reminded me to:

• Enjoy the moment before rushing into summer mode. There’s something special about the anticipation. I don’t want to blink and find myself in September.

• Make space for spontaneity—it always leads to the best stories. Some of the best memories this month weren’t even planned. And that’s kind of the point.

• Keep plans flexible, because the best ones are usually unplanned. I’m saying yes more, worrying less. Choosing presence over perfection. Not everything needs to be strategic. Sometimes it just needs to be fun.

  
  

Also: travel is calling, and I am so ready. I’ve started a Google Doc titled “Places I’d Rather Be,” and it’s basically just Amalfi Coast and one Airbnb in Cornwall. I'm also open to the South of France, a lazy weekend in Puglia, or frankly, anywhere that smells like fig trees and feels like a good decision.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

• The ‘old money summer’ aesthetic is everywhere—think quiet luxury, soft tailoring, and effortless glamour. Coastal chic meets European heiress. I’m not mad at it.

• Strawberry Girl makeup is having a moment, and I’m fully on board. Think flushed cheeks, glossy lips, and the illusion of eight hours of sleep. Add freckles if you can pull them off (mine are faux, and I’m fine with that).

• The rosé obsession is back, stronger than ever. Bonus points for the pale pink kind that looks good in Instagram stories. Served with ice, judgement optional.

• Everyone is talking about their ‘hot girl summer’ plans, and honestly, same. Mine involve sunshine, seafood, and one very good playlist. Also: fewer spreadsheets, more serendipity.

  
  

Also trending: linen everything, claw clips, getting your steps in without bragging about it, pretending to read a book at brunch while eavesdropping, and referencing Sofia Richie like she’s a lifestyle philosophy.

The Month Ahead: What’s Coming?

• More rooftop moments, more late nights, more spontaneous laughter under fairy lights.

• More planning summer escapes—nothing locked in yet, but I’m quietly manifesting Tuscany. Possibly solo. Possibly romantic. Definitely chic.

• More leaning into the lightness of this season. Less rush, more rhythm. Letting it unfold without over-managing it.

• And definitely: a few days off the grid. Somewhere quiet, somewhere coastal, somewhere that smells like sunscreen and sea air. No phone signal. Just pages turning, drinks clinking, and the occasional seagull.

  
  

May, you’ve been golden—June, let’s see what you’ve got.

Sophie x