Wednesday 24 April 2013

Capture the Romance of Florence


Situated in the heart of Tuscany, this Renaissance city appealed very much to the romantic in me, with its grand piazzas, art museums and beautiful cathedrals.  I would definitely recommend climbing the 414 steps to the top of the Campanile bell tower to behold the spectacular views of the city where the terracotta roofs seem to be bathed in a hazy glow from the sun.  Everything about this city evokes the romance of the renaissance so it's only fitting that your wardrobe does the same.  Draped in flowing chiffons and lace you too will look like you have stepped out of one of the paintings of the Galleria degli uffizi. 

Me at the top of the Campanile.
Trying to avoid a 'Marilyn moment' 

Chloe S/S 2013

Chiffon skirt-Aperican Apparel-£52.00

Image 1 of FLORAL PRINT BLOUSE from Zara
Floral blouse-Zara-£25.99
          

COATED TROUSERS WITH ZIPS
Trousers with zips-Zara-£39.99


Image 1 of Darling Lace Top
Lace top-ASOS-£35.99
TIP: When packing for your capsule wardrobe, it's a good idea to stay within a certain colour palette, it is then possible to create new looks simply by introducing different textures. For example, all of the pieces posted above are interchangeable, I think the delicate lace top would work well with both the trousers and maxi skirt.



Primavera, Botticelli
Inside the Santa Maria del Fiore




Eurotrip buddies at the Piazza della Signoria

At a patisserie called Cucciolo
My friend Cai at the Piazza della Repubblica
Further Inspiration: Before I had ever visited Florence I had already fallen in love with the city after reading E.M Forster's A Room with a View, I loved how the author compared the passion of Italy to the repression of Victorian England.  On the other hand, if you're like my friend Cai, you'll already know your way around Florence purely from playing Assassin's Creed...



Please excuse the overly romantic tone of this post, I promise that I don't view the entire world in sepia tone, there's just something about Florence that would bring out the romantic in even the most cynical person.



Monday 22 April 2013

Cannes Style

Cannes 1960
The chic style of the French Riviera is possibly one of the longest standing fashion trends to date.  A Breton top paired with cropped jeans and boat shoes will never go out of style. 
 When looking at classic French style Brigitte Bardot is the iconic figure that continues to inspire to this day, her trademark summer dresses with a nipped in waist flatter all body shapes.

BB in Cannes 1955
When organizing your Cannes wardrobe, take inspiration from the drapeau tricolore itself and try a palette of red, navy and white combined with a classic hourglass silhouette for a very chic, Bardot inspired look.
Leather brogues-Clarks-£54.99
Image 1 of ASOS Satchel Bag With Scallop Trim And Buckles
Satchel with scallop trim-ASOS-£22.00
Vine border sun dress-Topshop-£36.00
                                     


Image 1 of ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRT from Zara
Organic cotton t-shirt-Zara-£12.99

Image 3 of COATED TROUSERS from Zara
Red cropped trousers-Zara-£35.99



Cannes
Nice
St Tropez
The south of France has an undeniable old glamour with its towering palm trees, fancy boutiques and extravagant yachts.  I could spend hours looking at photos of the Cannes Film Festival in the 50s and 60s, channel this retro style in your wardrobe with cat-eye sunglasses and a wide brim floppy hat to transform a simple black sundress into a vintage inspired outfit.   
TIP: When attempting to pack lightly it's a great idea to invest in a few statement accessories, it's amazing how many different looks you can achieve simply by introducing a scarf, belt or hat to your outfit.


Alain Delon 1958
Michael Cane promoting Alfie 1966
Natalie Wood in Cannes 1962



Sunday 21 April 2013

Catalan Style in Barcelona

Barcelona is considered to be a relatively modern fashion capital, its contemporary style rivaling that of the neighboring Paris and Milan.
When planning your holiday wardrobe, take inspiration from Gaudi's Catalan style by combining architectural lines with a neutral palette.  Be sure to include some embellished sandals, their jewel tones will compliment the beautiful mosaics of Gaudi's Park Güell!

Sandals-Accessorize-£27.00
Park Güell

Image 3 of TOP WITH CROSSOVER AT THE BACK from Zara
Printed shorts-Zara
                                                                 

TOP WITH CROSSOVER AT THE BACK
Top with crossover at the back-Zara-£25.99
Image 1 of PRINTED JUMPSUIT WITH FRILLS from Zara
Printed Jumpsuit-Zara-£39.99



There's no better place to find authentic Spanish style than in the high-street shops Mango and Zara which are native to Spain.  Loose fitting chiffon blouses are always chic, the cross-over detailing of this Zara top keeps it modern and the light material will also keep you cool while exploring Las Ramblas!

Las Ramblas
                                     

Cotton circle crop shirt-Topshop-£32.00
Image 4 of ASOS Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts-ASOS-£18.00
Two-tone patent belt
Twto-tone patent belt-Mango-£9.99

Roll back sleeve crop tee-Topshop-£10.00
Dots print miniskirt
Dots print miniskirt-Mango-£22.99





Croc effect tote
Croc effect tote-Mango-£44.99








TIP: Keeping it capsule- If you're packing lightly then it's essential to take clothing which is versatile. For example, a white cotton shirt will go with almost anything, wear it with tailored shorts for a chic city look or dress it up with a patterned skirt.  Stick to a palette of neutral tones and you'll fit right in with those stylish Catalonians.