Roman Holiday

Audrey Hepburn, Roman Holiday (1953)

   

When packing my Rome wardrobe I look to classic 60s style for inspiration (as usual).  I constantly refer back to the late 50s and 60s partly because of my obsession with all things from that era and partly because it truly was an iconic period in fashion history that revolutionized the fashion industry.

  I love Rome, when I visited the city last summer I was very aware of the nostalgic feeling of the city.  I imagine that parts of city haven't changed in the past 60 years and that's what makes it so wonderful.  

The view from our lovely hostel

The four of us at the Trevi Fountain

Colosseum

Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita

     

Anita Eckberg

For me, La Dolce Vita is a film that embodies chic Italian style.  It was made in 1960, and stars Marcello Mastroiani as a passive journalist, fleeting from party to party and woman to woman over a period of a week in Rome.  The clip above is the films most iconic scene where Anita Eckberg's character takes a dip in the Trevi fountains, which could actually cost you a big fine and a short stint in jail nowadays...if you get caught.

The Italian Actress: Sophia Loren

 




The Italian Brigitte Bardot: Claudia Cardinale

     

   

The 60s bombshell look is all about feminity, emphasizing the hourglass figure.  A "fit and flare" style dress or top and skirt looks flattering and chic, accessorize with a patent waist belt that will cinch in your waist. 

The Modern Day Pin-up: Monica Bellucci

  

The Immortal Dress

Your wardrobe's biggest investment, a little black dress is a style staple and stays chic from season to season.  This is one item worth spending a little more on to ensure that the cut and material is of the highest quality.  Make this dress your own by styling it with different accessories- the beauty of the LBD is in its versatility.

Audrey in Rome

Moroccan Musings- Marrakesh Style

Marrakesh is a vibrant city located in the northwest African nation of Morocco.  Originally a trading point between Europe and Timbuktu it still possesses the bustling energy of those past times.  When packing for your Moroccan holiday, take inspiration from the treasure trove markets of Marrakesh and create a wardrobe of jewel toned, embellished and patterned items.

Although I have never been to Marrakesh myself, I got a real sense of the vibrancy and mystique of the city from Laura's wonderfully descriptive post on her blog Destino Infinito which I will link to here - http://dinfinito.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/lost-in-a-souq-in-marrakech/

    

 

  

Talitha Getty in Marrakesh- late 60s

 

I've taken inspiration from actress Talitha Getty's Moroccan photoshoot to create quite a bohemian look.  I love the simplicity of the white in contrast with the loud pattern of the Monsoon jacket.  Having a distinctive item like this in your wardrobe will instantly reinvent staple items such as white denim shorts into a completely different look.  This Accessorize ruck sack is both practical and stylish, its relaxed boho vibe would be perfect for travelling or a festival.

Brian Jones

Keith Richards

In the late 1960s Morocco became to the Rolling Stones what India was to the Beatles, an escape and a source of inspiration.  This was a significant time in fashion history where the architectural silhouettes of 60s Mod style were transitioning into the billowing skirts and relaxed shapes of the hippy movement in the late 60s.  We have to give credit to the Rolling Stones and Morocco itself for their undeniable influence over fashion trends during this period.   

I can't get enough of paisley print, I think it epitomizes the bohemian and the exotic.  The loosely fitting paisley dress from Minkpink would be perfect for a day spent in the labyrinth of the Moroccan souq.  Pair it with stacks of gold bracelets and slipper style shoes for an easy, bohemian look.

English Garden Party

This post is inspired by a recent Enchanted Garden Ball that I attended at the University which was held at the beautiful grounds of Shobrooke Park, Exeter.  With the theme being "wonderfully formal" I combined a bright coral Zara dress with a multi-coloured garland from Accessorize and a pink and orange sandal to create a colourful summery look.

Because no garden party is complete without croquet

When it comes to planning an outfit for an English Garden Party or Wedding, I believe the more eccentric, the better.  Take inspiration from the whimsical and the wonderful to create a look that stands out but take care not to cross the line of excessively twee (while weaving your daisy garland).  For me, Florence and the Machine's video for Rabbit Heart captures the whimsy of an English Garden and I can't get enough of the eccentricity of the whole video.

A summer wedding is the perfect occasion to wear florals.  Keep it modern by choosing items with simple silhouettes like this sarong dress from Zara.  A nude sandal and white blazer will become your wardrobe staples because of their versatility.

Kate Moss' Wedding

  

   

Britain is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, take inspiration from the wild meadows of the Cotswolds and the beautiful grounds of the Lake District when creating an outfit.  With floral prints like the ASOS skirt below it's better to keep the rest of the outfit simple.  An easy way to accessorize floral patterns is to pick items that match the colours within the print.

  

Erdem S/S 2012

Hidcote Manor Garden, Cotswolds

St Fagan Gardens, Cardiff

New Grove Meadow, Gwent

Exeter University Campus

Exeter University Campus

When planning your wardrobe for a holiday in ol' Blighty, it's essential to plan for the unpredictable British weather.  There's no point putting all that effort into an outfit if you're just going to cover it up with an ugly old coat so I've gathered a few rain-friendly items that prove that keeping dry doesn't mean compromising on personal style.