I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.
www.cubiclejournal.com
2nd December 2011

Scarf – Scottish Highland wool shop in Holborn, Coat – Quicksilver

Loved this girl sitting on her windowsill selling homemade cupcakes for 40p!

Lily Vanilli Bakery

Columbia Road Flower Market, London, E2 7RG

You can leave it to me to kill already-dead herbs, but the flower market probably is one of my favourite places in London. But I’m probably not one of a tulip’s favourite things, obviously. It’s just 15 minutes away with the bicycle from home but every Sunday morning I find myself busy bullet-pointing reasons in my head why it’s better inside the duvet than out, then it gets to point no. 7 and it’s about 5pm and time to go to church. But whenever I do make it down, I ask myself why I’m not there every single weekend. Granted, the current season’s flowers look more like cabbages (or was that pre-brunch hunger talking) but it’s the puppies, the girls in khaki fedoras and red lipstick, the famous cappuccino from Lily Vanilli with a sprinkle of chocolate powder that make it so good. Funny thing is, I’ve never yet had a chance to buy any flowers (still looking for that perfect vase…) but it really is one of my favourite places to give up a sleepy Sunday morning for.

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58 Comments

  1. blahblahbecky.co.uk
    December 2, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    I keep meaning to go here but, like you, would rather enjoy my lazy Sunday lie-in. This week will be the week!

    http://www.blahblahbecky.co.uk

  2. the f girl
    December 2, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Oh how I love flowers. I always take home several bouquets to decorate my living room. WIthout them everything looks plain and boring and they can really lift my spirt. And who needs a perfect vase? I do have a couple of vases, but I just as often use a simple can or big glass to place the flours in. Doesn’t make them any less pretty.

    I love your photographs. Beautiful! THank you for taking me with you on your trip.

  3. Shini
    December 3, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    Yah you’re right, who needs a perfect vase! I think I meant ‘a perfect occasion to buy a vase and not smash it on my bikeride home’… So going to try your big glass/can option though…

  4. Laura
    December 2, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    I am always over and over again impressed by your beautiful photographs… your blog sure is stunning and it makes me want to buy endless amounts of flowers : )

  5. The Fancy Teacup
    December 2, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    I love getting wondrously lost in your magical captures. The way you portray the flower market festivities is so enriching and beautiful.

    http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com

  6. Oona
    December 2, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    Gosh, your photos are the best. I cannot express just how much I am in awe of your photography.

  7. Angie C
    December 2, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    i love these floral shots. your editing skills are something – everything just POPS so well

  8. Costanza Saglio
    December 3, 2011 at 12:06 am

    ok now my pictures are NOTHING in comparison…!! was you using a 50mm f 1.4? the light is amazing!!! compliments, your post is gorgeous as always!!!
    C.

    here is my post about Columbia Road Flower Market: http://www.thetraveleater.com/2011/11/columbia-road-flower-power-at-market.html

  9. Shini
    December 3, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    Hi hi! I really loved your shots as well, so frank and to-the-point!
    Yup I was using a 50mm, thank you always Costanza, always lovely to hear from you :D

  10. Costanza Saglio
    December 3, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    <3 thank you you're too kind! I'd like to receive for Christmas a 50mm too! :) I'll let you know!

  11. Allegra
    December 3, 2011 at 12:19 am

    ah I absolutely know what you mean! Usually Sundays got to be sleepy and cosy and I don’t make one step out of the door.. but this is simply amazing! I love flowers! I wish there was a market like that here in Vienna.

  12. Krys
    December 3, 2011 at 12:21 am

    So many fresh flowers! Yay! It seems like it was a fantastic excursion, thank you for sharing. The photographs are really lovely. Hope that you have a great weekend!

  13. akane kinomoto
    December 3, 2011 at 12:36 am

    words cannot explain how much I love your photos.
    Absolutely beautiful. =)

  14. Brianna
    December 3, 2011 at 3:39 am

    such beautiful pictures

  15. Melissa
    December 3, 2011 at 3:56 am

    love these photos, so beautiful!!

    http://lavie-amonavis.blogspot.com

  16. Fashion tidbits
    December 3, 2011 at 5:38 am

    sigh. Am in one of those moods, i feel like i need to smother myself in those cupcakes!
    What goregous bulbs!

  17. Linh
    December 3, 2011 at 5:50 am

    I love your pictures, you’re one of my inspirations when it comes to photography, looking at these wondrous pictures makes me want to head down to the markets soon!

  18. Kiki
    December 3, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Oh, this flower market seems o amazing!
    All the flowers, all the plants look so lively even in this cold wind blowing season.
    I will be so happy if there is a market like this near my home.

  19. kasia from chocarome.blogspot.com
    December 3, 2011 at 10:11 am

    amazing photos, as always. the light is amazing!

    with love,
    your opinion is VERY important for me!http://chocarome.blogspot.com/

  20. vasilieva
    December 3, 2011 at 11:06 am

    these pictures are gorgeous

    http://www.vasilievablog.com/
    x

  21. Kerry
    December 3, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    I’m surprised you make it to a point no. 7, the ‘better inside the duvet’ is worth several points surely! Your beautiful photographs have persuaded me though, I’ll have to venture there soon…maybe….if it’s not too cold

  22. May
    December 3, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    알뿌리식물들이네요 ~
    가끔 여기 들러서 사진 보고 가는데
    모든 사진들이 정말 너무너무 너무너무 좋아요~*
    색감도 … 정말 어떻게 이렇게 포착해내시는건지…!
    제가 경험할수 없는 많은것들을
    여기서 간접적으로 경험하고 갑니다~
    멋진 사진 볼수 있게해주셔서 감사합니다 ㅋ_ㅋ
    앞으로도 좋은사진 멋진사진 부탁드릴게요~*!*

  23. Pritta Ayu
    December 3, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    I wonder how to get the nails done on second picture? Is that u, Shini?

  24. Shini
    December 3, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Noope that’s Kit! I heard it was a nail sticker thingy she got on ebay, I’ll ask her to reply to this comment!

  25. Ophelia
    December 3, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    Looks like such a serene place!

    http://cestlavieophelia.blogspot.com/

  26. Raheli
    December 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    these photos are magical–an ideal way to spend a sunday xo

  27. mat
    December 3, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    you can’t beat a post with dogs in it

  28. a la mode
    December 3, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    So beautifully captured Shini! I love looking through your lens xx

  29. Audrey
    December 3, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    amazing pictures. i love the leopard nails

    FRASSY

    http://www.befrassy.com

  30. Sean
    December 3, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    are your nails by nail rock? they look great!

  31. Shini
    December 3, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    Ooh they’re not my nails, those are Kit’s!
    I remember she said she bought it off of Ebay, a sticker thingi that works better than Nail Rock… lemme ask!

  32. N. H.
    December 3, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Wow. Beautiful photos! Love the pictures of the flowers :)

  33. Raspberry & Rouge
    December 4, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    So pretty!!!! Happy sunday! XO Rebecca

    http://raspberry-rouge.com/

  34. laura
    December 4, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    loving shots!

  35. Jessie
    December 4, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    what absolutely beautiful images! I love the flowers and the festivity. sundays are the best.
    xx, http://wordbyjessie.com/

  36. Bridg
    December 5, 2011 at 4:55 am

    I love your photographs, they are always so beautiful and artistically done.. I am a huge fan of your blog! The flower market looks very fun indeed, must remember to check it out when I am next in London! :)

    B xx

    http://www.phoandchips.com

  37. lucy
    December 5, 2011 at 9:41 am

    So beautiful Shini! Although I’d have to be reeaally motivated if i wanted. To get there from ‘up north’ .. I once made the mistake of visiting in the week but actually it was still beautiful with closed colouful doors Xx

  38. Vero
    December 5, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Wonderful photos!
    xoxo
    dolceedamara.blogspot.com

  39. Night at Vogue
    December 5, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Looks so wonderful!

  40. Bec
    December 5, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    I want to jump into these photos!

  41. franzi
    December 5, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    btw: HOW SWEET ARE THOSE DOGS!?

  42. Kit
    December 6, 2011 at 9:42 am

    @Shini,

    Hello from Hong Kong!

    The nail sticker thingy is from Incoco, DO NOT PURCHASE THEM from major department stores they rip you off, they charge you £30 for a set. You can buy a set by the same brand on ebay for $6.99 http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=incoco&_sacat=See-All-Categories

    x

  43. maria
    December 6, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Oh, delightful photos…. and flowers. I love buy them for home.

  44. tumblr tuesdays: cougar bait, spring bulbs, a naked aussie +++ | i am not a celebrity
    December 6, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    […] 6. Spring bulbs via Park & Cube. […]

  45. Laura Nd
    December 6, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    Everytime i see your pictures Im so amazed, really ! The diversity , the quality, the creativity,…

    Biz from Switzerland ;-)
    http://thesweetcallingofmountains.blogspot.com

  46. the style crusader
    December 6, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    Shini, these photos are crazy beautiful. We must go here together when I’m in London. Wish there was a place to get such gorgeous flowers at such reasonable prices here in Zurich. Oooo, can’t get over how much eye-candy there is in this post! Swoooon. It’s making me dream about spring. xx

  47. thelittleworldoffashion
    December 7, 2011 at 9:44 am

    Really nice pictures!
    x

  48. Grey
    December 7, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    how can i get the coat in third pic?
    that’s really adorable

  49. Tatiana
    December 16, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    I love this photographies, it seems to be quiet whatever this is a market.
    I like the nailpolish in the second picture, nice effect.

  50. it’s beginning to look a lot like christmas
    December 17, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    […] christmas trees at the columbia road flower market // tinsel and decorations from peony lim // the white house’s display of christmas cookies // […]

  51. flower girl
    December 17, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    […] arrangements on style me romythree. detail of my me & ro stamped flower pendantfour and seven. park and cube‘s trip to the columbia road flower market five. sophie dahl’s from season to seasonsix. […]

  52. Herringbone
    January 2, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    Was searching for some interesting UK-based blogs to read, and found you via The Cherry Blossom Girl – glad I did.
    Will spend my tomorrow exploring your blog :)

  53. Han Friday « red nails and teacups
    January 13, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    […] fancy a winter trip to Columbia Road Flower Market, largely inspired by these beautiful photographs} Advertisement GA_googleAddAttr("AdOpt", "1"); GA_googleAddAttr("Origin", "other"); […]

  54. Alex
    March 18, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    Oooohh!! Columbia Road is heaven

  55. lifestyleflash.com | Columbia Road Flower Market
    December 18, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    […] trip to Columbia Road flower market has been on my to-do list ever since Kit and Shini blogged about it and brought it’s existence to my attention. Upon looking for their posts […]

  56. Floral Design
    March 16, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    There’s definately a lot to know about this issue. I really like all of the points you have made.

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  58. Baise Grognasse
    June 22, 2014 at 2:29 am

    Vous faîtes toujours des posts attractifs