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.

Exploring Rovinj

Cloe Cassandro Tessa Top in Blue | Topshop MOTO Denim Skirt in Black | Wood/Grey Round Woven Bag* | Ancient Greek Sandals Taygete Sandals in Tan* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Felice Dahl Första Cuff Bracelet | Felice Dahl Första Pendant Necklace in Gold | Felice Dahl Ljus Earrings

Whilst in Istria we visited the coastal town of Rovinj. It has a very Italian feel with pretty pastel coloured buildings and a large marina. We sat in one of the many cafés along the waterfront, sipping on coffee and nibbling on croissants, one morning during our trip around Istria. It’s a bustling town in the summer, overwhelmed by tourists but you’ll still find a table at any time of the day.

I would highly recommend a walk around Rovinj’s beautiful old town. It has stunning steep narrow alleyways, lined with buildings that have stood there for centuries. There are archways around every corner and pretty bougainvillea trailing up many of the houses. It’s all pedestrianised but be warned the cobbled streets are hard to walk down as they have been polished by many feet over the years.

I don’t often talk about the negative (I much prefer to focus on the positive) but I’d rather warn you in case you plan to visit, that it’s not somewhere I would return to for dinner. I booked a table in the old town one evening at a restaurant that was, in all honesty, all about the view. I hadn’t checked the reviews and, had I, would have thought twice. The staff were so rude when we got there (unlike the experiences we had throughout the rest of Istria, I hasten to mention) and, to cut a long story short, after being called a liar and having water thrown over me, we didn’t eat there. My experience in another restaurant in Rovinj was not much better. This is a tourist town and being so busy the restaurants seemed to see us for the money we would spend.

I wish we’d had time to visit:

Mediterraneo
A chilled little bar/café with a stunning view over the sea and great reviews

Hotel Adriatic
A dreamy minimalist hotel with a simple palette of white and grey, with pops of green-gold

Feeling Fresh In Linen

The White Company Linen Classic Shirt in White* | Topshop MOTO Denim Mini Skirt in Black | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | A. Andreassen Elskling Leather Mules in Black* | Kapten & Son Berkeley Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold*

We all know how amazing and versatile a crisp white cotton shirt is but how many of you own a white linen shirt? Linen has quite a different feel, often stiff when you first wear it but softening with time, the more you wear and wash it. It’s especially good in the warmer months as it helps keep you cool whilst also being breathable. The White Company have a really great selection at the moment, from the quite classic style that I’m wearing here to more bohemian styles, that are perfect for any upcoming holidays in the Mediterranean. It does crinkle easily but I think that just adds to its charm.

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been moving back towards a more monochrome wardrobe of late. I’m certainly not anti-colour but I do find it easier to create looks from fewer pieces with a lot of monochrome basics. There will be some colour, I promise, just styled in my minimal way. For now, this feels very me and I would encourage everyone to find what works for them. A little trial and error is not a bad thing. I have to admit this skirt was pushing it for me. I wasn’t so sure if I could still wear mini skirts but the response I’ve had from wearing this Topshop one has given me the confidence to get my legs out a bit more, plus I don’t want them to be so pale when summer hits. Maybe the last three weeks of going to the gym are finally starting to pay off.

I also wanted to mention the lovely story behind these mules from A. Andreassen. Their name ‘Elskling’ translates as little sweetheart or darling in Norwegian, and the heart motif on the top of them comes from a Scandinavian tradition when children at Christmas made paper baskets and hung them on the tree, filled with sweets.

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.

Out & About In Connaught Village

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.

A Few Nights In Marsanne

IRO Paris Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Vintage Belt | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
AYR Slip Silk Camisole* | Mango Denim Skirt | Mango Leather Sandals in Tan | Hush Spanish Dancer Scarf* | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
UNIQLO Stripe Linen Shirt | Topshop Straw Boater | Super by Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana*
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)
Topshop Straw Boater | Ace & Tate Rae Sunglasses* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Dinny Hall Bijou Star Stud Earring*
Joseph Silk Shirt in Navy with Cream Piping | Levi’s Vintage Denim Skirt | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
Solid & Striped Anne Marie Swimsuit* | AYR The Always Short*
Second Female Off-The-Shoulder Top* | Mango Denim Skirt | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Super by Retrosuperfuture Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*

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.

Can’t wait til our next visit to Marsanne.


Accommodation
Le Clos Marquise | L’Atelier à Marsanne

Food & Drink
L’Atelier à Marsanne | Le Globe | Les Aubergistes

Island Life on the Île de Porquerolles

J.Won Lolita Top in Light Blue* | AYR The Always Short* | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Topshop Straw Boater
Cecilie Copenhagen Flounce Off-Shoulder Dress | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Missoma x Lucy Williams Gold Graduated Fang Necklace

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.


Accommodation
L’Arche de Porquerolles

Food & Drink
Le Porquerollais Christophe (highly recommend) | L’Eucalyptus (Lao meets France) | L’Escale (great for pre-dinner drinks) | Les Petits Plats (great deli for lunch)

Activities
L’Indien (boat hire, for a decent engine you need a boat license) | La Meduse (bike hire)

Beautiful Besse-Sur-Issole

Frame Denim Linen T-shirt in Black | Levi’s Denim Skirt | Seven Boot Lane Falcon Suede Espadrilles in Grey* | Topshop Straw Boater | Vintage Leather Belt | Straw Bag (bought in Saint-Paul de Vence) | Retrosuperfuture Paloma Sunglasses in Matte Black* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Gemporia 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring* | Gemporia Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring*| Brandts Jewellery Daisy Ring in Rose Gold | Sophie Wallgren Marta Bracelet*

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.


Accommodation
L’Abri du Poet

Walking Tall In Marylebone

Samsøe & Samsøe Lisa Jeans* | Topshop MA1 Bomber in Navy | Second Female Eileen Stripe Shirt | Triwa Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | PB 0110 AB 21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | La Redoute Chunky Sole Brogue*

There are a few things in my wardrobe that I continue to buy season after season, pieces that are good, timeless basics. One of which is a blue and white stripe shirt and the other is a good pair of blue jeans. They’re two things I wear all the time and find great satisfaction in discovering new versions.

The Second Female stripe shirt in the outfit above has a pale blue stripe and is made from a cotton-linen textured fabric which holds its shape. It’s such a classic and could be worn in so many ways. One of my favourite ways is with a pair of blue jeans, and my current favourite jeans are these Samsøe & Samsøe straight-leg mid-rise ones. I love the fit, the straight cut with a slight taper and the little bit of distressing below the knee.

Daytime Pyjamas?

Triwa Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | Topshop MA1 Bomber in Navy Blue | Samsøe & Samsøe Sanella Sweater in Cream | The White T-Shirt Co. Long Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt in White* | Samsøe & Samsøe Tuersen Wide-Leg Trousers in Red & White Stripe | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers via MonShowroom* | PB 0110 AB21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | Littionary Tiny Dot Stud Earringsin Gold | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

The closest I’ve come so far to the pyjama trend are these amazing wide-led trousers from Samsøe & Samsøe; they’re soft, loose and super comfy. Lots of friends have asked me my thoughts on the pyjama look, most have said that they don’t really get it, I’m still on the fence. I love a classic navy silk pyjama shirt with white piping (perfect over jeans) and I love a co-ord (a two-piece in the same fabric and print) so that would suggest that I’d have fully embraced the daytime pyjama look by now. I probably would wear it but only in a particular scenario and in my own way.

A Perfect Shirt (Part I)

Baukjen Teresa Cotton Shirt* | Samsøe & Samsøe Hoff Coat Hat in Sand Grey | Topshop Cigarette Trousers in Black | Sekonda Seksy Leather Strap Watch in Blush* | Whistles Cornel Suede Point Pump in Black | Ace & Tate Nina Glasses in Autumn Leaves* | Fedora Hat (from a small shop on Portobello Road)

I own a few shirts, they’re a weakness of mine but with good reason, I tend to wear them a lot. If I’m wearing a shirt I don’t feel scruffy, even when I’m going for a casual look. They also reflect the androgynous style to which I’m so often drawn. They’re the foundation pieces of many of my outfits, and it’s taken me years to find shirts that work for my style and shape.

Baukjen are a brand that I often turn to for shirts. The fabrics they use are soft on the skin and hang beautifully. The cut is well-tailored across the shoulders but not too fitted around the chest and stomach, they have that borrowed from the boyfriend feel but without completely swamping you.

I’ve styled two of my favourites which you can find in their current sale, the Teresa cotton shirt (which I’m wearing in this post) and the Coco chambray shirt which I’ll be sharing in my next post. I will be wearing these all year round as they’re season-less styles. The Teresa, with its longer length, will also make the perfect beach cover-up.

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