This post was created in collaboration with Endource.
Baukjen Ashcroft Leather Detail Blazer | Hush Maria Silk Cami in Black | Karen Millen Wide-Leg Trousers in Black | Karen Millen Leopard Print Court Shoe | Baukjen Curved Clutch Bag in Black | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold
New Year’s Eve is less than 24 hours away so I feel it’s a good time to reflect on what has been a wonderful year for me. The best part of which was getting married to an incredible man who is hugely supportive of my alternative job which I’m sure he still doesn’t quite understand. I’m looking forward to us celebrating a decade together in April. How time flies! Maybe then I will get around to sharing the photos of our beautiful wedding with you.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some incredible brands and companies this year. The fact that they believe and trust in me to create something special for them has pushed me to work harder and take more risks, regularly leaving my comfort zone. I’ve met some wonderful people through these collaborations, some of which have gone on to become good friends. I’ve also found a group of great bloggers that I love spending time with, talented friends I trust, who give me great advice and truly inspire me.
Next year is already looking pretty exciting, I have a few trips booked, one of which is only a couple of weeks away, I just hope the Alps get some snow soon. I’m going to be sharing a lot more interior design content, since they have been popular over the last three months. I’m planning to up my game and may even share some posts that feature my home. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see more of.
All that’s left now is to put on my best party outfit and go celebrate another wonderful year and welcome in a new one.
This post was created in collaboration with Endource.
Next Velvet Top in Black | Whistles Wave Tassel Skirt in Black | Boden Party Heels in Black Suede
I hope you have lovely plans for celebrating Christmas Eve tonight. I’m off for a glass of champagne and a few canapés with some family friends. We go every year and it always gets me in the festive mood, the fire is always lit, their tree is as tall as the ceiling and perfectly decorated, and it’s good to catch up with everyone.
“it always gets me in the festive mood, the fire is always lit, their tree is as tall as the ceiling”
I’ve partnered up with Endource to share my favourite Christmas Eve look with you, a little bit of black velvet from Next, a skirt made for shimmying in from Whistles (it’s so hard to resist once you put it on) and some not too high heels from Boden. We got together at photographer Alex James‘ house on a chilly Monday morning not too long ago. I caught up with Endource’s lovely stylist Aja who had picked out a selection of clothes for me to choose from. And the awesome Lizzie Court did my hair and makeup, keeping me shine free throughout the shoot.
‘What’s Endource?’ I hear you say. It’s a website that takes the products I feature here on the blog and puts them into one big feed (one website page). From there you can add as many things as you like (buy a whole look) to your basket and pay for everything in one go – there’s no need to visit each site and pay separately for each item. You can find my new feed on Endource here. I will still be featuring direct links here though, just in case you prefer my usual way.
This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.
ME+EM Forever Tux Jacket | ME+EM Day to Evening Tux Trouser | ME+EM Wrap Silk Blouse in Soft White | ME+EM AM to PM Chain Necklace | Whistles Cornel Suede Point Pumps in Black
I’ve always found dressing for the Christmas party season a bit challenging. There’s an expectation that you should wear something red or sparkly but my go-to is a tux. If it’s a smart do I’ll pair it with a silk blouse or cami and some standout heels. If it’s a more casual affair then I’ll wear it with a vintage t-shirt and a pair of white trainers. I know that’s a bit bah-humbug but I’d much rather feel comfortable and myself than trying to fit into a preconceived idea. If I’m feeling a bit more festive I’ll wear a pair of metallic heels and clutch, or a red lip.
“that’s a bit bah-humbug but I’d much rather feel comfortable”
This ME+EM tux fits me like a dream, so I feel particularly good in it. We managed to shoot it in that perfect hour when the sun was low in the sky, the same day that we shot this post. The trousers are true to size and are so flattering (I feel a size smaller in them). For the blazer I actually went down a size, it’s neat on the shoulders and a longer length which covers by bum and hips, great for when you’ve eaten all the mince pies. What I love most about owning a good black suit is that you have so many options, it’s such a versatile wardrobe essential. I know I’m going to be wearing the blazer with my Levi’s a lot and love wearing black trousers with a white t-shirt and trainers.
It was so lovely to shoot with my best bud, Christina from Chrissabella, she’s wearing the red version of the silk shirt I wore in Zurich.
This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.
ME+EM Very Useful Cardi Coat in Grey Marl* | ME+EM Long Layering Tee in Soft White* | ME+EM High Rise Full Leather Legging in Black* | ME+EM 2-in-1 Cross Body Clutch in Claret | ME+EM AM To PM Chain Necklace | Seven Boot Lane Honey Ankle Boots in Black* | Ace & TatexIt’s Nice That Sunglasses* | Myia Bonner Mini Diamond Circle Stud Earrings in Gold
This year has been an important one for my blog. It’s been just over a year since I decided to start including personal style posts. It was a big step, I’m quite cerebral and think things through for a long time before acting on an idea. I didn’t feel ready to put myself in front of the camera but felt I was missing out on incredible opportunities because I wasn’t willing to. It all changed when I was photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Christian from The Styleograph and then by Daniel from Stockholm Streetstyle, two major street style photographers. I realised then that a photograph is as much about the photographer as the person in it.
A few months in and I started to find that there were some incredible brands that wanted to work with me. Lots of people have told me over the last year that it’s not all about your Instagram following, that interaction on your blog and social-media are more important, but it’s not until these opportunities came along that I believed them and started to realise that something else I’ve been told over and over again is also true, it’s about quality not quantity.
One of the brands you’ll have seen featured quite a lot over the last few months is ME+EM. It’s a brand that fits my style and ethos very well; they make timeless, versatile, low-luxe clothing in fabrics that feel great on. They took a risk on me (a small, fairly unknown blogger) when they first approached me but I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and have put everything into styling and creating content with them that I’m proud to put my name to.
Last weekend ME+EM asked me if I’d like join them at their Elizabeth Street pop-up store to style a couple of looks from their current collection. We took a stroll through the Elizabeth Street Christmas Market, a beautiful festive street market, and took a few photographs of the looks I had styled. I got to work with Dina Tsesarsky, a photographer that always manages to capture a side of me that I like. My lovely friend Christina was there, styling and shooting a couple of outfits for them, too. It was a wonderful day and a reminder of just how things have changed this year. I love what I do and don’t mind all the hours that I put into it when I get to do exactly what only a year ago I had merely dreamed of.
The trend for tailored track pants is one that’s been hard to miss. Whilst brands like ME+EM spotted the trend a while ago it’s taken Chloe (who nailed the look in their SS17 collection) to bring it to the glossies and the legs of every other editor during fashion month. As always, with these things, it’s not a new trend but one that’s really been brought to the forefront this season with the wide-leg version, a chicer 70s inspired take on an otherwise quite sporty look.
Last year ME+EM released a beautiful red pair with white stripes down the side of the leg which I wish I’d bought or they’d brought back this season. Just as I felt ready to embrace the red this season they decided to go with a sharp black pair which is definitely more in keeping with my personal style. I’ve been wearing mine mostly with a crisp white shirt or simple sweater now it’s a little chillier out.
I love a bright sunny day in winter, it really perks me up. The air feels fresh and crisp, colours are brighter and my eyes feel like they open wider. These are the days I’m most productive in winter, I jump out of bed ready to go. I spend less time in the shower and I’m out the door quickly.
Clothes can have as much of a positive affect on me and my mood as the weather. This beautiful striped Custommade wrap coat immediately gives me more confidence and I feel so comfortable wearing it.
It’s weird the relationships we have with our clothes. They can make us feel confident and relaxed but equally can make us feel awkward and uncomfortable. There are items we imagine will change our lives if we owned them and others that we already own but don’t realise just how good they make us feel. You find yourself reaching for them every time you get dressed; you know the pieces, the ones you always find in the washing basket whenever you want to wear them. I’m always aiming to build on these pieces in my wardrobe.
I’ve been reading ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ by Marie Kondo on and off for the last couple of months (I’m still only halfway through). She suggests asking yourself if an item sparks joy. This really resonates with me; buying, keeping and looking after the pieces that spark joy is what it’s all about.
Belstaff Roadmaster Jacket in Navy Blue (vintage) | Baukjen Thompson Striped Shirt* | Paige Verdugo Skinny Jeans in Black* | Woman by Common Projects Original Achilles Low Trainers in White | Radley De Beauvoir Tote Bag in Black* | UNIQLO Cashmere Scarf in Light Grey | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold* | Dinny Hall Bijoux Star Stud in Gold* | Dinny Hall Bijou Pentagon Stud Earring in Gold* | Littionary Tiny Dot Stud Earrings in Yellow Gold
I like new clothes as much as the next person but I also love a good vintage find and we’re lucky to have so many great vintage shops in London.
In the summer I picked up this Belstaff Roadmaster wax jacket in one of my favourite haunts in Notting Hill, a little shop that’s been around for years and is a major treasure trove of vintage clothes, shoes and accessories, Retro Woman (there’s a Retro Man a few shops down). It’s one of the few vintage shops where I have to decide which piece I’m going to buy as I stumble out of the changing room, arms laden. Last time I was there I tried on pieces from Joseph, Equipment and Nicole Farhi, all reasonably priced and in good condition. They have a brilliant selection of sunglasses, too.
Goldsmith Vintage is the best place I’ve found in London for vintage Levi’s. It’s pretty much opposite Electric House.
Best Vintage Shops In London
Retro Woman | 20 Pembridge Road, London W11 3HL Beyond Retro Soho | 58-59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY Beyond Retro Cheshire Street | 110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ Goldsmith Vintage | 253 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR (great for Levi’s) Rokit | 42 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9HZ
I’m often wear a shirt, jeans and white trainers; it’s my uniform on days when I don’t have time to think. You know the days I mean, when you’re up early, your brain hasn’t quite woken up and you wish you’d decided on an outfit the night before.
Charli is a great brand for essentials; like crisp white shirts, silk blouses, skinny jeans and (during the winter) really nice cashmere jumpers. If I’m going to be wearing pieces often they need to be well-made, I love the quality of Charli’s clothing. The white shirt is cut to a longer length so it’s great for layering under cosy knits. The skinny jeans are really stretchy so they’re super comfortable but hold their shape. I got them both from Jules B, a multi-brand website that stocks some great brands.
Barbour is a brand I’ve grown up with, it’s flitted in and out of my life for as long as I can remember. First it was the boys at school who wore the classic Bedale over blazers in the winter. Then, I remember the way the smell of wax would emanate off my dad’s jacket when he came to support me at lacrosse games every weekend in the winter. And when I was at university my friend Oli wore a Barbour on-stage as he performed with his band.
A Barbour jacket is one of those pieces I’ve always thought I would own at some point. I remember searching high and low for a vintage Barbour just as Alexa Chung made them popular again in 2011 but struggled to find one anywhere.
It was an exciting day for me when last week I received a beautiful invitation from Barbour asking me to join them at their London showroom. Their menswear team had designed a new collection for women, ‘Timeless Originals‘. The men’s Bedale has been so popular with women for so long that they decided to design a coat for women that merged the tailored cut across the shoulders of the women’s Beadnell with the less fitted shape of the men’s Bedale. The result is the Rain Bedale Wax Jacket. It’s tailored across the shoulder, has an a-line cut and a slightly cropped sleeve which reveals a longer ribbed cuff. The ‘Timeless Originals’ collection is made-up of iconic styles, redesigned with today’s needs and style in mind. It includes a collection of complimentary knitwear, trousers and shirts with two drops, one in autumn, entitled ‘Raindrop’, and another in winter, entitled ‘Snowdrop’.
The Baffle Wax Jacket is the most minimal design in the collection, a black waxed longline puffer jacket that, again, fits well across the shoulder. It’s the most on-trend jacket they’ve created for the collection. Puffers were big on the catwalk for AW16, featuring in many collections including those of Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Courrèges, and Marques’Almeida.
I had a wonderful afternoon with the Barbour team, shooting this look with Giles Smith, drinking hot chocolate in the showroom, and learning calligraphy in a private lesson with the talented calligrapher Lucy Edmonds, who founded Quill London.
This post was created in collaboration with Jaeger.
Jaeger Wool Wrap Coat in Black* | Jaeger Cashmere Slouchy Sweater in Charcoal* | Jaeger Wool Cigarette Trousers* | Jaeger Mini Oxford Cross-Body Bag in Black* | Whistles Cornel Suede Pointed Pumps in Nude | Susan Caplan Asymmetrical Ori Earrings in 18ct Gold Vermeil* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold*
In the last year, I’ve spent a lot more time in Marylebone, an area of London I had previously thought of as north of Oxford Street and home to Madame Tussauds. That was until we had brunch at The Providores (the Turkish eggs are incredible) for Dan’s birthday and I discovered that there’s a whole lot more to the area. It has the feel of a town high street, yet it’s in Central London. There are lots of nice cafés and restaurants, as well as some great shops, including Jaeger who recently opened a beautiful new store on the main road, Marylebone High Street. I thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you.
Shops in Marylebone
FASHION Jaeger 12 Marylebone High Street L.K.Bennett 94 Marylebone High Street Loft Designs By 36 Marylebone High Street Sandro 6 Marylebone High Street Theory 1 Marylebone High Street Whistles 1 Thayer Street
BEAUTY Aesop 69 Marylebone High Street Space NK 83a Marylebone High Street
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.
ME+EM Silk Box Blouse in Blush/Soft White | Topshop MOTO High-Waist Short Skirt in Washed Black Denim | Zara Ankle Boots | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Straw Bag (Bought In France)
Every tourist has heard of Notting Hill, maybe in-part due to the film but has anyone heard of Connaught Village? I’m guessing, not. It’s a pretty little area of Westminster, just west of Marylebone. There’s a small high street with a mix of shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants. ME+EM have a beautiful store there. If you fancy something substantial Korobuta have a restaurant just off Connaught Street on Kendal Street. And, if you’re looking for something nice for your home there’s handmade porcelain at Mud Australia.
At one end of Connaught Street is Connaught Square with its huge Georgian houses, one of which is the home of former-Prime Minister, Tony Blair. And off Connaught Street you’ll find lots of gorgeous mews, like the one where we shot this outfit.
I was away quite a bit this summer, and loved every minute. I’m so lucky to live in London but to travel is a dream. And, I appreciate London all the more for having left it. Early in the summer we spent a weekend in Lucca, Italy and shot this classic look whilst there. I’m always mixing blue shirts with blue denim, it’s so simple and so comfortable. The temperature was high but this loose cotton blue shirt kept me cool in the midday sun. The raffia shoes were equally appropriate for the hot weather.
We followed the Serchio river north out of Lucca to an area that’s quite mountainous with small villages dotted either side of the river. We stayed in a resort with beautiful old olive trees and lavender bushes that lined the paths. Our room had a stunning view over the valley and in the distance you could to the tower of the nearest village, Castelvecchio Pascoli. At night we sat below the cooling jasmine on the terrace and ate classic Italian foods and drank delicious wine.
Even though the days have been a little chilly lately, I’m sticking with skirts for as long as I can, I’m really not ready to wear jeans everyday which is usually what happens when it gets colder. I find it helps to wear silk and leather; most people assume that silk is best for the summer but it’s actually a good insulator and perfect for staying warm in the cooler months.
The silk top I’m wearing is by Charli, a British brand I’ve only just discovered thanks to the multi-brand website, Jules B. Charli make luxury separates like cashmere jumpers and crisp cotton shirts, all of which I love.
The black patent skirt I’m wearing is from Mango which, I’ve noticed, has already sold out in their London stores (I bought mine online). Patent is going to be showing up everywhere this season but this is my first foray. The big round silver buckle made this particular patent skirt stand out; Hoops are another big trend I’m keen on this season.
It was only the other day that I was running around town in a skirt and espadrilles, what’s happened to our Indian summer? Every year I think we’re going to get lucky and have an extended summer but here we are in October and the warm weather a long forgotten memory, until I spotted these unpublished images we took a few weeks back. The espadrilles have now been wrapped up in their box, longing for a warm winter getaway to release them, and the jumpers are no longer tied around my waist but keeping my body warm, preventing that icy wind from chilling me to the bone.
It’s been a busy few weeks. First there was a trip to Zurich to shoot my current favourites from ME+EM‘s AW16 collection and a wonderful stay at the Marktgasse Hotel. Then there was London Fashion Week, whizzing between shows and presentations, and the odd lunch or shoot in-between. And now finally, I’m trying to get my life and blog back in order, whilst also attending some amazing blogger breakfasts (#TLCxAuree), a few lunch meetings and some evening events. If you think blogging is all socialising, pretty pictures and a few words, it’s really not. Any given day I’m a photographer, a stylist, a model (of sorts), a picture editor, a writer, a social media manager, a trend researcher, a coder, a brand consultant, and a networker. It’s tough juggling all these roles but it’s such a creative job and I really enjoy everything it offers. As I mentioned recently in my sportswear post, time keeping is not my forte but that’s going to have to change if I’m going to keep moving forward. If you have some tips for better timekeeping, please leave a comment below or drop me an email.
Vaara Racerback Vest in White* | Vaara Performance Sports Bra in Black* | Vaara Sports Shorts in Black* | Nike Air Max Tavas Essential in Armory Slate/White/Midnight Navy | Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold*
Opening up the bag my Vaara sportswear came in, gave me a little rush. A lot of care has been taken to create a brand that reflects the quality of the sports and leisurewear they create, and the Vaara lifestyle they envisage for its wearers. I worked as a graphic designer for over ten years before I started my blog and its these details I really appreciate, not to mention when things are made very well. So when a brand like Vaara goes out of its way to create both, it gives me a little spark of joy.
Is it me or is there something psychosomatic about putting on good sportswear and actually wanting to exercise? I often struggle to keep up a consistent regime, it’s not so much that I don’t want to exercise, more that I’m not the best timekeeper. Every day is always so different and I’m always so busy. I feel like there’s so much I need to do and that exercise is an indulgence. It may just be 30 minutes of exercise but it’s the hour and half afterwards getting showered and washing my hair that causes the problem. My dad put it best the other day though when he said, if you’re going to feel guilty for something it should be for not taking care of yourself, not for not working. So with that in mind I try to get into my sportswear as quickly as possible in the morning. I don’t know about you but I find it hard to back down once I’m dressed and ready. And, wearing sportswear I feel good in, has such a positive affect on me.
ME+EM Cashmere Travel Throw & Eye Mask in Soft Grey/Soft White
Just before London Fashion Week I flew out to Zurich, a breathtakingly beautiful city that’s just an hour and a half away from London by plane. It’s not a big city so it’s a great destination for a long weekend as it’s easy to walk around and there’s a great tram system if you want to explore further afield. We mostly walked everywhere getting the odd tram here and there to make the most of our time but it wasn’t essential.
As summer returned to London it also returned to Zurich, we were so lucky with the weather, it was the second weekend of September but it could have been mid-summer for all we knew. After dropping off our bags at the hotel we headed to the Polybahn Funicular, which we took up to the university, to get a good look at the city from above, the view from there is pretty incredible. A little hot, we headed to Grande Café for the most wonderful iced latte, it’s a café and bar with a lot of personality and some very friendly staff. We then spent the afternoon wandering around town, getting our bearings.
On Saturday we explored the Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich, it has three domes of exotic plants (one tropical, one dry and one somewhere in-between), as well as more traditional gardens around the domes. We also headed to The China Garden, after a coffee break. Both are in a really nice residential part of Zurich and a great area for vintage car spotting, of which there are quite a few. The city is quite well-known for its many resident bankers and Switzerland isn’t short of a penny or two but there weren’t as many flash cars as I had expected. The Swiss seem to be a little more understated, opting for some rather special vintage cars instead.
The lake is quite a central feature in the lives of Zurich’s inhabitants. On Sunday there were so many people walking around it, relaxing on in the parks, as well as using the swimming baths (sections of the lake where you can swim, use a sauna, sunbathe, and even get a massage) which were all very busy. I had not expected this and so had not come prepared. Boats cruised around, mooring up for lunch stops or late afternoon drinks. We wandered around the lake and grabbed a bite to eat at Quai 61 (now Samigo), where we sat watching the boats coming and going before heading back to the hotel to get a cab to the airport.
36 Hours In Zurich – What To Do
Places & Spaces
Viadukt A busy street with lots of boutiques, cafés and a huge indoor food market.
The China Garden A short walk from the Botanical Gardens is a serene Chinese garden with a pond full on koi carp, a very calming place to take a break.
Pavillon Le Corbusier In the same park as The China Garden is Le Corbusier’s last building which is now an art gallery.
Polybahn Funicular A short ride up the hill on the funicular takes you to the university and an amazing view of the city.
Seebad Enge If you fancy a dip in the lake this is a great spot to head to but be aware that it’s not open all year round.
Thermalbad & Spa Zurich Once an old brewery it’s been converted into a top spa. There aren’t many spas with a view like this one.
Food & Drink
Sprüngli If you like chocolates this is a must, their salted caramel truffles are divine.
Milchbar A great little coffee shop just around the corner from Sprüngli (thanks Tales of Jude for this one).
Samigo A great spot to try a Swiss sausage, they serve three types with a large crusty roll and mustard; perfect enjoyed with a glass of local beer.
Delish Attached to the Marktgasse Hotel is a little café serving delicious fresh food, try their Portuguese custard tarts (maybe not a local delicacy but worth trying anyway).
Grande Café A cute bar/café that serves a great iced latte and is very close to the lower station of the Polybahn Funicular.
August A beautiful restaurant and butcher that specialise in meat dishes, with great decor.
Fondue Tram Eat Switzerland’s most famous dish whilst riding the tram.
Maison Manesse You get simple styling and great food in this modern restaurant.
Accommodation
Marktgasse Hotel The perfect hotel for minimalist lovers like myself, it’s beautifully decorated and the service is top notch, ask for the room with the roof terrace for a really special stay.
Shopping
Eclectic A luxury multi-brand concept store for women.
enSoie A womenswear brand that specialises in contemporary silk garments but they don’t just sell silk.
VMC Classic, good quality clothes for men and women.
Airbnb came up trumps for us with this one, a 12th century French chateau in the Loire region. Leaving the South of France and heading back towards London was hard but staying somewhere so beautiful certainly eased the pain. Gilles and Sylvie, the chateau’s owners, were very warm and welcoming, greeting us with a glass of wine as we arrived, even though they were running out the door. We made a new friend in their lovely little dachshund, Babushka, too. Sadly, we were only there for one night but I made the most of our time, taking an early morning swim in their lovely pool before heading for breakfast on the terrace, which has stunning views over the valley. For breakfast they went above and beyond, serving up delicious pastries, coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurts and fresh fruit; and all served to us on the most beautiful china.
If you find yourself traveling through this beautiful part of France I would suggest at least one night here but book early if it’s a weekend, as they’re usually booked up then.
Red Print Dress (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Robert Clergerie Vicolek Raffia Wedge Derbies | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles)
There’s something about the village of Marsanne that I fell utterly in love with the first time we visited, over a year ago. We arrived at 11pm in the dark, stayed just one night and left the next morning after breakfast but I knew it was somewhere I wanted to spend more time. When we were planning our “mini-moon” around the South of France it was a given that we would spend at least one more night at Le Clos Marquise, with its wonderful owner Sylvie. If I could adopt Sylvie I would, she’s like a long lost French aunt who is not only an excellent host but a wonderful chef, too. When we first visited, Le Clos Marquise had only been open a month, now its four rooms are booked up well in advance. It’s such a special place, I know we will return again.
On this occasion we stayed four nights and ventured beyond the beautiful walled gardens. In the centre of the village is a wonderful little restaurant, hotel and shop called L’Atelier à Marsanne. At first I was confused, should I order lunch or scour through all the amazing homeware pieces in the shop. Dan was there to help me see sense, so we sat down and ate first. I ordered the most incredible (and huge) plate of scallops tartare with fresh nectarine. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so many scallops in one go, it was delicious. After lunch Dan and I looked through the Jars ceramics I’d had my eye on in the shop and picked out a few pieces for us and a few to take home for friends. I’ve been using the bowls and mugs we bought nearly everyday since we got back.
Not many people I’ve spoken to have heard of the Île de Porquerolles, it’s a one of three islands off the south coast of France, known as the Îles d’Hyères. Whilst planning our little post-wedding South of France road trip I met up with Lou Dungate. I mentioned to her my plan to visit the island and I was surprised to hear that she and her boyfriend had actually visited it the previous summer. Aside from telling me that I must go, she also gave me some important advice, book early. It’s a small island with limited accommodation, a few hotels and some apartments.
We stayed in a hotel which was clean but small, I think if we went back we would definitely rent an apartment. It gives you the chance to make your own pack-lunch (there’s only one beach bar on the island) and offers a little more space and quiet. Most of the hotels surround the town square and underneath are bars and restaurants. It’s a busy square, people arrive on the Île de Porquerolles all day long and their first port of call is the town square.
We hired bikes to escape the crowds and explore the island, we came prepared for this with a cool bag which meant we didn’t have to worry about cycling back to the town every time we wanted food or drink; I would highly recommend doing this. Although, on one occasion our lunch got quite a bit of abuse from me, excited by the cycling I took us on a fairly dodgy path (usually only for walkers) and managed to throw the cool bag to the ground on several occasions. When we got to the beach a little later in the day it did not look pretty but still tasted great, and the rosé was still in the bottle.
We stayed four nights on the Île de Porquerolles but I would recommend two or three at most. Being small there’s only so much you can do, you can cycle all over the island in a day if you can cope with cycling in the heat. We stopped at various beaches but our favourite was the Plage de Notre Dame on the North-East coast, the further from the port the quieter it got, though I wouldn’t say anywhere on the island was secluded. Most of the island is in the Port-Cros Parc National, this means no fires, no smoking, no cars and that the beaches are fairly rough and ready, don’t expect loungers and pristine beaches, this is all about getting back to nature, although camping isn’t allowed.
Besse-sur-Issole is a tiny village inland and west of the more chi-chi parts of the Côte d’Azur, the nearest town is Brignoles.
We stayed in a lovely chambres d’hôte with two wonderful hosts, one of which had once played piano for Nina Simone. We were lucky enough to hear him play one afternoon during our stay.
Walking through a gated entrance straight off the street, you find yourself in a large living-dining area and beyond that a huge quiet and charming garden with a lush saltwater pool. There’s also separate accommodation, known as the pigeon house, which we will definitely book next time we stay. They rebuilt it themselves from a couple of crumbling walls into a wonderful little maisonette.
The village is idyllic, there’s a small central square with a couple of good restaurants, an amazing bakery that makes some delicious sweet breakfast breads, a stunning lake and beautiful little cobbled streets in the older part of town.
IRO Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold*
Hidden behind a large stone wall in the pretty little town of Saint-Paul de Vence is an iconic restaurant and hotel, the Colombe d’Or. As you walk in through its giant gated archway you are met by a giant thumb, the work of French sculptor César. Hung on its walls are paintings and illustrations by Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Léger and Braque; centimetres from the pools edge is a giant Calder sculpture. Artists flocked to the Colombe d’Or from the 1920s through to the 1950s, where its owner Paul Roux would entertain them and in exchange for a piece of art would feed them and give them a bed for the night.
As I entered the courtyard I was struck by its beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Tables sit close together but with plants used tentatively here and there you are given your privacy. The waiting staff are kind and welcoming, there is no stuffiness here, even though the Colombe d’Or is a world-renowned restaurant and frequented by the likes of Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Jack Nicholson and Leonardo di Caprio. On the day we visited Roger Moore was also dinning on the terrace, I actually go to meet Bond!
The food was the best we had in the South of France and we ate a lot of very good food. The sea bass I ordered was exceptional and the crème caramel I had for dessert was just as I remembered it as a child. I can also highly recommend the house champagne, we were celebrating our wedding after-all.
We started our honeymoon in The Camargue, an area of France defined by its salt plains and marshlands; famous for its white horses, flamingoes and bulls. The Camargue is very different to anywhere else I’ve been in France, once affluent due to the salt industry, which sadly is not what it once was. There are beautiful houses but many of the villages are a little like ghost towns, even in mid-summer. The beaches however are incredibly busy.
For us, it was the perfect spot to unwind after the wedding and parties we had at the château. I was quite ill at the time with a chest infection which I still haven’t managed to shake. The peace and quiet allowed us both to readjust to a more relaxed state of mind and set the mood for the rest of our trip.
AYR The Dune Shirt in White Silk* | AYR The Skinny in Jet Black* | Vintage French F2 Army Field Jacket | COS Black Strap Heels | Cambridge Satchel Company Saddle Bag in Black* | Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana* | Vintage Black Leather Belt | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Nixon The Time Teller* | Felice Dahl Första Earcuff in Gold*
I’ve written about AYR once before a little while back, they’re an independent American label with a love of timeless essentials that could easily rival my own. Think perfect pairs of jeans that fit well and feel amazing on, spaghetti strap silk camisoles that go with everything, chambray shirts for casual days and camel coats made from soft Italian camel hair. The fabrics and fits are some of the best I’ve come across which makes their designs not only incredible wardrobe essentials but excellent value for money.
The Skinny black jeans I’m wearing are a deep dark velvety black, exactly how I like them as I always feel immediately slimmer when they’re this dark. They’re super soft and, with 30% stretch recovery, they keep their shape. Even with the shape of denim changing all the time I still always return to a skinny cut.
