A Summer Saturday in Cheltenham

Isn't my best friend beautiful? I spent the first half of the weekend with Bethan in Cheltenham. We both studied at the town's university, and she still lives there now, working as a teaching assistant while studying for a Master's degree.

It felt strange driving into a town I had known for three years. Those were the years of my life when I changed the most – when I made the transition from childhood to adulthood. It all looked different from the driver's seat. The trees, the pavements, the houses I had lived in. I felt so much older. It's not even been a year since I left, and while I don't miss living there, it felt odd going back – like bumping into a part of myself I had left behind in a familiar, yet distant setting.

The nostalgia I felt upon arrival was soon washed away by the happiness brought by sunshine and friends. It felt like the start of summer, and while strolling down the promenade, Bethan and I decided to do a couple of outfit shots. I think this was the first time I had worn any colour other than grey, black or white all year, and I was so happy to be sporting some bright pink lipstick, too.

Bethan's dress: Forever 21. Bag: Cath Kidston. Bracelet: Pandora. Necklace: Swarovski

The hot pink lipstick. It's a Chanel number, from 2010(!) I know I shouldn't still be wearing it after four years but it's just fantastic for when the sun is out.

My jeans: ASOS. Tshirt: New Look. Cardigan: H! by Henry Holland. Bag: ASOS. Sandals: Primark. Nail varnish: Essie Go Ginza

I bought this cardigan after seeing Emma write about it over on her blog Reverie Lane (a new favourite of mine – such gorgeous photography). It's something I probably wouldn't usually go for, but I was completely won over by it after seeing Emma modelling it, and although I don't think it suits me as much as it does her, I needed something to brighten up my wardrobe and the colours are so pretty – I can see myself wearing it all through the summer. It is such fantastic quality, too – the material is heavy, handwash only and super soft. I got it in the sale for about £22 reduced from £45!

When the sun shines, everything looks prettier, but I must have forgotten how clean and beautiful Cheltenham is anyway, as I was in awe of all of my surroundings. I am glad I chose to live there for those three years. I love going back to visit. I love spending the day wandering around the streets I know so well, but my time living there came to its natural end, and now it's a place I will just go to visit. A summer Saturday spent in a town close to my heart – Cheltenham.