Ethical & Beautiful Resortwear From Cloe Cassandro

Cloe Cassandro Kimi Wrap Mini Dress* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Converse Chuck Taylors in Black | Ace & Tate Vivian Sunglasses in Matte Black* | A Weathered Penny Gold Wire Circle Hoops* | Merci Maman Large Hammered 10th Anniversary Necklace in Gold* | Merci Maman The Merci Maman Necklace*

This year, I’ve finally embraced the dress (more specifically, the wrap dress) and I’m not alone, if Instagram is anything to go by. It’s more than likely that you’ve already discovered both Réalisation Par and Reformation but there’s another brand I’ve been wearing that’s a little more under the radar, Cloe Cassandro.

Cloe Cassandro make beautiful silk-chiffon dresses (as well as other resort wear, including swimwear). They work with local artisans in Bali where everything is handmade, hand dyed and hand printed using traditional Balinese batik printing techniques. They describe themselves as an ‘ethical luxury beachwear brand’ that aim ‘to create simple, classic pieces’ that ‘are produced ethically and to the highest standard’. Basically, all good things I love to hear.

I took the Kimi dress out to Seville and, with the weather being unseasonably mild, it was ideal with a biker thrown over the top and a pair on Converse. It’s quite sheer but it comes with a slip dress you can wear underneath when you need to be more modest. Otherwise, it’s the perfect cover-up by the pool or at the beach.

City Break Style: Milan

ME+EM Polka Dot Swing Blouse in Navy/White* | Topshop Denim Mini Skirt | Converse Chuck Taylor Plimsolls in White | Jones Bootmakers Lacerta Leather Tote Bag in Black* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Sally Lane Boomerang Earrings in Gold* | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace*

Early in September I headed out to Milan for a few days. I had mixed expectations about this particular Italian city but came back home with plans to return before long; I really loved it. The weather in September was warm and pleasant, perfect for ambling around the city, taking-in the chilled atmosphere and looking at some pretty impressive architecture. Many had told me it was quite an industrial city with ugly buildings but I guess it’s just a question of what you do and don’t appreciate. The Italian laid-back attitude is apparent here, people don’t rush around like headless chickens they take their time to enjoy the small things, like a simple coffee. Everywhere I went the service was exceptional, people were friendly and helpful.

I expected the Milanese style to be quite flamboyant (and not very me) with lots of clashing prints and gold details but the reality wasn’t so obvious. The women I met were well-dressed in elegant prints, usually with heels and little to no make-up, just a healthy glow. The men I spotted were mostly in tailored suits, white shirts and leather shoes. Only the younger women seem to wear denim, often very short shorts showing off their slim legs. I can’t say I felt like I fit in but I was comfortable, mixing print with denim, smart with casual. My tote bag from Jones Bootmaker was the perfect travel bag, fitting in lots for the flight (including my laptop and Kindle) and concealing my camera as I explored the city.

Good Resort Wear with Caroline Constas

Caroline Constas Lou Off-The-Shoulder Top | Levi’s Cut-Off Denim Shorts | Converse Chuck Taylor Plimsolls in White | Davina Mulford Panama Hat* (Now Closed) | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Felice Dahl Första Earrings* | Felice Dahl Ljus Necklace | Felice Dahl Första Cuff Bracelet in Gold | Matthew Calvin Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

As you may have noticed from my Instagram and some of my recent posts, I’m starting to travel much more regularly now. This summer I’ve been to Portugal, France, Croatia and Italy, and soon I’m off to Denmark and Spain. Travel is something I’ve always enjoyed and I made the decision earlier this year that I wanted to make it a priority in my life, as it has such a positive affect on me. I’m going to continue to share my trips here on my blog and my social media, and will do my best to inspire you with some beautiful places.

I don’t think it will be long before I’m travelling out of season and I know it’s going to be much harder to find suitable clothing. All is not lost, however, as in the last few years there have been some great resort wear brands popping up. Resort wear brands specialise in clothing, footwear and accessories for hot weather. In keeping their offering small they are able to focus on creating a well made, functional product. And another benefit is that they are available throughout the year, not just in spring and summer.

Caroline Constas is one of the new breed of resort wear brands I’m referring to. Caroline is a Canadian designer based in New York and surprise, surprise she loves to travel. Recently, I discovered their core offering which includes their Signature Cambridge Stripe collection – pretty tops and dresses in classic blue and white stripes, they specialise in off-the-shoulder tops and shirt dresses. They are incredibly well made, in a light twill cotton that holds its shape.

We photographed this look whilst away in Croatia in the little town we stayed in, Sveti Lovreč. There were lots of old buildings in pretty pastel colours, some with crumbling walls and a few derelict ones with hidden wild gardens that had sprouted up inside their walls.

Staying Creative & Inspired Through Travel

Star Mela Veri Emb Top in Mustard* | Levi’s 501 (Vintage) Jeans | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Felice Dahl Första Cuff Bracelet in Gold* | Mantra Strength Necklace & Lotus Charm in Gold*

I’ve escaped the city to stay with friends in the French countryside. Montmelard where they live, is a small commune in Saône-et-Loire, about half an hour from Mâcon. As I write this I am surrounded by fields of Charolais cows and a menagerie of animals that my friends own, including two cats, a dog and two horses. It’s heavenly here even if the weather has been a bit on and off. I’ve started each day with a long walk in the forest with my school friend Hat (we met over fifteen years ago) and their dog Blanche. After working up an appetite we enjoy coffee, croissants and freshly laid eggs from their two chickens back at their house. The clean air and fresh food have been working wonders for me, and I feel much more energised since arriving.

I really felt the need to get away from London for a little while and seeing my friends was such a great excuse. Travelling really helps me stay creative and inspired. I love to discover new places, try new foods and generally experience a different way of life. It all contributes to finding out what suits me and makes me genuinely happy. I’ve been experiencing a much simpler way of life here, that doesn’t mean quieter, my days have been full. I’ve visited brocantes, on the hunt for pieces for my friends to resell, I’ve run around after their beautiful children, cooked meals with them, visited local markets, and generally embraced the slow internet connection. It’s reminded me that constantly checking my emails and Instagram account is not essential, life goes on and you don’t miss out if you only check them once or twice a day.

I brought this beautifully embroidered peasant top from Star Mela along with me. It seemed so appropriate as the brand’s owners Amanda and Kirstine are also inspired by travel and develop their collections with the idea of being able to throw a few pieces in a bag at a moment’s notice and still look good wherever you may go. I’ve found that it has worked really well out here, it’s a soft, lightweight cotton that is comfortable in the heat as well as later in the day when it’s not as warm. I love to add a bit of boho to my style in the summer, and wearing it with my Levi’s and Converse it still feels very me. It’s a warm mustard yellow which is something I’ve not tried before but have seen a lot in shops since Chloé featured a similar shade in their Spring/Summer collection back in 2015. It felt a bit daring at first but is actually quite easy to wear.

Postcards From Lisbon

Justine Tabak Gingham Wrap Dress* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Labour & Wait Cotton String Bag
Rouje Raphael Dress* | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black
Justine Tabak Linen Petticoat Dress in White* | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black

Last month, I was in Lisbon for a friend’s hen do. We were there to celebrate which meant there wasn’t much time to explore the city (outside of our busy schedule) but I still managed to take a few snaps here and there. I really had no idea what to expect and it surprised me in so many ways. It’s a stunning city, one I fell in love with straightaway and know I will return to before long. The undulating streets are unlike anywhere I’ve seen before. Beautiful tiles compete for attention with graffiti everywhere you look. Trams fly past as you wait inline outside the pasteis de nata shops. It has a little of everything, even stunning beaches if you’re willing to travel a little, to Sintra.

The food was amazing, including the aforementioned pasteis de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tarts. I also tried a local sparkling green wine which was refreshing in the sunshine. If you’re a foodie it’s worth visiting the Time Out Market, where you can sample lots of local dishes under one roof. We stopped by before taking a stroll down by the waterfront. Be prepared to walk quite a bit in Lisbon, invariably up and down hills.

Celebrating 100 Years Of The Breton

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

ME+EM Forever Summer Breton in Soft White/Cobalt* | ME+EM Girl Meets Boy Jeans in Ecru* | ME+EM Tailored Box Blazer in Navy* | ME+EM 2-in-1 City Bag in Khaki* | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White* | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black*

As you’ve probably gathered by now, I love a stripe and the Breton t-shirt (or marinière, as it’s known in France) is a favourite of mine. According to the NY Times, this year marks 100 years of the Breton, as a fashion item. It was in 1917 that Coco Chanel supposedly first took the classic fisherman’s top and turned it into an icon. Today it’s worn by men, women and children, alike, most probably unaware of its origins.

ME+EM (who are fellow stripe fans) decided that it would be appropriate to celebrate this momentous year with a tea party. I spent the afternoon with some of loveliest bloggers in London. We ate cake, drank Prosecco, had our nails painted and each styled our Breton t-shirts in our own unique way. We were lucky that it was one of the warmest days we’ve had in ages and got to sit outside and enjoy the rays.

In addition, ME+EM are going to be supporting sailing legend, Sir Ben Ainslie in the Land Rover BAR America’s Cup. The female support team will be wearing their Iconic Breton throughout the competition. ME+EM will be donating a percentage of the proceeds from sales of their Iconic Breton to the 1851 Trust, the official charity of Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing. The charity’s royal patron is HRH Duchess of Cambridge. It was set-up to give young people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience sailing, to understand more about the opportunities available to them in science, technology, engineering and maths, and to educate them on sustainability and consideration for the environment.

The Frill of It

Topshop MA-1 Bomber Jacket in Navy | Second Female Evaline Shirt* | ME+EM AM to PM Forever Pants in Navy* | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | PB 0110 AB21 Cross-Body Bag in Navy | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses* | Finery London Cantire D Ring & Circle Earrings* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch*

I’m not averse to a cheeky frill, they bring a hint of femininity to my often tomboyish looks. Frills were a major trend last season and continue to be this season. I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot more continuity from one season to the next over the last year or more. This is possibly a reaction to fast fashion or part of the fallout from the recession but people are definitely looking to invest in items that are more versatile and long-lasting. Frills are definitely a good antidote to these more serious notions.

This gorgeous Second Female stripe blouse has a subtle frill, it’s a great one for the office as it has personality without being too loud. I’m still wearing trousers (as I’ve only just started back at the gym after a rather long hiatus and it’s still pretty chilly out) but I think it would look really great with a denim skirt or leather pencil skirt.

Another trend that’s not showing any let up is the bomber jacket. I bought this one some time ago from Topshop but I spotted a similar one in UNIQLO recently. I have to admit that my bomber jacket collection has grown to ridiculous proportions, I now have at least six.

New Boyfriend (Jeans)

Samsøe & Samsøe Kahlia Coat in Navy* | Armor-Lux Mariniere Top in Navy/White* | The White Company Brompton Jeans in Indigo* | Converse Chuck Taylor II Plimsolls | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Bag in Black | Abbott Lyon Silver Chain Kensington Watch* | Saint James Mariner’s Cap in Navy | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace*

I’ve discovered the softest, comfiest boyfriend jeans from The White Company. When you choose to wear a pair of boyfriend jeans comfort is usually on your mind. I’ve tried quite a few in my time but none feel as soft as these. They also come in a pale wash, white and grey; no points for guessing where I’ll be buying my boyfriend jeans from now on.

I’ve spent much of the last few months in stripes, what can I say, I’m a bit of an addict. I would really recommend Armor-Lux if you’re looking for a good Breton top, also known as a mariniere in France. They are well-made, soft and traditional in style, and they have a huge range of styles. They’re unisex so choose wisely when ordering, mine’s a size 3.

I’ll be sharing more spring looks soon, now it’s officially spring.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Him 2016

There’s a lot more focus on quality within the male retail sector, at least here in the UK anyway. I think this comes down to the fact that men don’t (on the whole) enjoy going out shopping as much as women, so the market is a lot more specific. Men will go shopping when they need to replace an item and tend to search for something that will last, so that they don’t have to repeat the process too soon.

1. J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Wool MA-1 Bomber Jacket in Navy | 2. Uniform Wares M37 Leather Strap Watch in Black/Grey | 3. Taschen Treehouses by Philip Jodidio | 4. The White Company Men’s Suede Mule Slippers in Dark Grey | 5. LSA Ono Glass Wine Decanter | 6. Aesop London Grooming Kit | 7. Tumi Larkin Erin Brief Bag | 8. Moleskine Ruled Notebook | 9. Leica C Compact Camera | 10. Converse Jack Purcell Signature Canvas Sneakers

I often hear men complaining about the fact that women have more variety but I think that’s just down to the fact that there’s a lot more fast fashion for women – cheaper products that are trend-led, tend to be made in sweatshops and don’t last very long.

There’s less noise to distract men and more quality essentials. I think that’s why I find it much easier to find good gifts for men come Christmas. I wish the J.Crew wool bomber came in my size, would never say no to some Aesop goodies and could spend hours looking at tree houses and dreaming of an escape to the Treehotel in Sweden.

I’ve put together a new Pinterest board for men’s gifts. No excuse for buying the men in your life a pair of socks this Christmas.

Is It Really Autumn?

Scotch & Soda Basic Striped T-shirt* | ME+EM Leather & Suede Wrap Skirt in Black* | Converse Chuck Taylor II Low Top in Black* | Danielle Foster Charlie Box Bag in Khaki | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch* | Pilgrim Jewellery Innocence Necklace* | Jessie Harris Sphere Hoop Earrings in Gold | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold

I guess it must be Autumn, with Hallowe’en on Monday and Guy Fawkes’ Night just around the corner but it’s still so warm. Where has this year gone?

I’ve been stocking up on a few transitional essentials that will work just as well come winter, with some tactical layering. A stripe t-shirt is always close to my heart, this one is by Scotch & Soda. I have lots of classic stripe t-shirts in black and navy but the red stripes really bring this one to life, perfect when the dark mornings are encroaching and you need to feel awake when your eyes are barely open.

Leather is another of my cold weather essentials, warm and breathable, it will get you through those constantly changing temperatures you experience going from the hot tube to the cold street (the same does not apply to faux leather). When I saw this ME+EM wrap leather skirt I was smitten, not only is it a gorgeous design but it feels incredible, it’s made with super soft leather and the kind of suede you find yourself casually running your hand over throughout the day.

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