Ciao!

Guess who? And guess where?! I was recently the very grateful guest of Bottega Veneta in Milan, Italy. It would appear that I live a rather glamourous life based on the images I’ve posted as of late, but in reality, my day and half in Milan was a far cry from how I’ve been spending my time lately, glued to the computer screen day and night. A very welcome break, including pizza, pasta and leather goods? Yes please.

But more on those leather goods in the next post – for now, Milano! Like I mentioned above, I’m not very good at being ‘glamourous’, I’m perfectly happy in a sun dress and some flats, but you’ve got to make a bit of an effort when you’re heading to Milan, where everybody dresses impeccably (not to mention those other bloggers you’ll be spending your time with!). So my idea of dressing up a bit was…a pair of jeans. I’ve not worn flares like this since the age of 14 or so, my preferred shape of school trouser, but this pair from MiH had such an incredibly cool 70s vibe, that I straight away wanted to pair with a breton top, pair of sunnies and red lips. I’d advise them to any other girls larger than a size small out there too, as they flatter in all the right places, which I find rare in trousers. I just had to make sure to breathe in after the copious amount of mozzarella I consumed!

My travel buddy Shini and I (who happened to be wearing awfully similar attire!) had a little time to explore the city before heading out to view Bottega’s latest project. Charmed by gelato, trams, the magnificent buildings, dogs and the sunshine, I remembered why I was so excited to return to Milan. Like last time, it was just so picturesque. Perhaps it was the smell of Italian food in the air, but I certainly had a smile on my face.

Come back soon for the second half, featuring 99% more pretty handbags! x

Coat - Romwe | Top - MiH | Jeans - MiH | Bag - MySuelly
Sunglasses - Sonia Rykiel | Ring - Me & Zena

Bye bye, Belgium

The last of my travel antics in Antwerp! Lucy and I strolled through the botanical gardens, stopping to pose by the magnolias before heading for lunch. My whole class was sad to be heading home – maybe because of the impending dissertation deadline – but I’m almost certain it was the charm of this little city.

I was in my “going home” outfit, comfortable enough for an afternoon on the Eurostar, but equally as comfortable for bargain hunting. Lucy and I came across a great second hand shop called Think Twice, that fills up each month with second hand items, only to be decreased in price as the month goes on – we were there on €1 day, and Lucy was in her element picking up all the 80′s cast-offs, but I also managed to pick up a dress (with ducks on..!) and a blouse, a great way to spend my last couple euros. I’d recommend a visit if you’re planning a trip!

I’m not one for wearing separates, blouses are difficult to wear when you’ve got ample bosom, but I can’t ignore my love for them. This silky number was picked up in the Zara sale a few months ago, as was the corduroy Paul & Joe skirt. I thought I’d wear my favourite wintery colour combo before the weather gets too nice, which it’s not showing any signs of doing at the moment! x

Shirt - Zara | Skirt - Paul & Joe | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu
Bag - Mulberry | Sunglasses - Ray Ban via Monnier Freres

Waffles

I hope I haven’t made you too hungry! I’m just taking another break from writing my dissertation to show you even more pictures of Antwerp…I warned you there were a lot!  One of the things I was looking forward to the most in Belgium was their famous waffles. I only managed about 3/4 of my chocolate and cream concoction (Lucy finished it off, as always), but what I did eat was perfection! Not a particularly exotic combination, I’ll admit, but it hit the spot. Sadly I don’t have any pictures with my beloved Belgian fries that were devoured too!

We spent the rest of the morning discovering even more of the city, hunting down unique shops and things to see, finishing off once again in front of the river to take a few pictures before the sun set, by which time I was suitably cold and ready to admit defeat and put my tights on again. Not really crop-top weather, but I’m ever the optimistic English person!

Stay tuned for the final installment of my Antwerp trip (yup! There’s more!) – I’m so pleased that a few of you have said you’d like to visit after seeing these pictures! I should be employed by the tourist board..! x

Floral Headband - LouLou Loves You | Sunglasses - BonLook | Shirt - Urban Outfitters
Skirt - MinkPink | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu

Chocolate

We spent the morning of our second day in Antwerp visiting the Fashion Museum, MoMu, wondering how women fit in to such impossibly tight dresses, and then the second half scoffing chocolate and cake – hooray for feminism!

When wandering through the streets situated by the cathedral, we came across cafe after restaurant of intriguing looking places to eat, noting them down for tomorrow’s lunch or Thursday’s snack. Inevitably, we didn’t end up returning to any of them, due to finding similarly tasty looking outlets elsewhere – I think this warrants a return trip to Antwerp, don’t you?! Although, one thing Lucy and I had to try was Belgium’s famous chocolates, that of course live up to the hype. I’ll be talking about my must-sees and visits in another format very soon, so watch this space if you’re looking for an address for the best cupcakes in Antwerp.

As for my ensemble, well, it attracted a few looks from the locals, but that’s what you get for dressing like a clown! This is hands-down one of my favourite dresses – Vivi can do no wrong in my eyes! And it was the first outing for a pair of Mulberry shoes that I picked up with my Christmas money at the factory shop in January. I’d almost forgotten about them, they’d been packed away, reserved for a time when I could wear them without tights. And I’ll admit, wandering a new city on a hot day isn’t exactly the best way of breaking in a pair of shoes, but they served me well!

Oh to be back in sunny Antwerp..! x

Sunglasses - Ray Ban | Dress - Vivetta | Bag - My Suelly | Shoes - Mulberry