IF YOU'RE EVER IN ZURICH...
Henrici cafe in Niederdorf Zurich
If you're ever in Zurich you must do two things. #1: Tweet at me so we can hang out. #2: Skip over to Henricis in Niederdorf for a caffeine injection. Cafe Henrici is my favourite - they have the best coffee around and the most amazing frappes ever. Frappes are like frappuccinos only without all the sugar and added flavours. They are heavenly and you'll be addicted to them after your first sip. Trust.
Henrici2
Whenever I am at Henrici I am happy.
Henrici4
Henrici5
After you're done, wander through Niederdorf and down to the lake. While there you can dangle your feet above the water and tempt fate by seeing how close you can get your toes to the swans.
Wearing my all time favourite Laura Ashley dress, Converse and J.Crew x Timex Andros watch.
xx
Nolita
I took a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, all the while fearing for my life, and landed in the lobby of the über cool Nolitan Hotel. After checking in, I was asked if I'd like a glass of champagne - to which I replied, 'YESSSS.'
Why, hello there. Remember me? No, no, I didn't die. But thanks for all your e-mails and tweets asking me if I did. It's been a long time since we last spoke and I suppose I owe you a bit of an explanation for where I've been. Well, I went to America for quite a long time and only just recently got home. I did pack my laptop and had every intention of interacting with the world but when my eyes locked on those of my three little nieces and nephew I swore to not do any work and instead hurled myself down a rather dodgy slip-and-slide (you know, as you do). Can you blame me though? Rejecting the online world for an entire month is an amazing feat.
Anyway, let's rewind exactly one month to when I touched down in New York City.
I took a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, all the while fearing for my life, and landed in the lobby of the über cool Nolitan Hotel. After checking in, I was asked if I'd like a glass of champagne - to which I replied, 'YESSSS.' So there I was: squeezed onto the balcony of my hotel room overlooking a busy street, sipping on champagne and taking in the deafening (but glorious) sound of New York City traffic. Perfection.
I crawled onto the bed after exploring the wonders of the balcony and discovered that the sheets were the most indescribably soft things my skin had ever encountered. Honestly, they were amazing. I think the fibers were laced with cotton candy. That night we ventured around the corner to a little restaurant called Bread, as recommended by the hotel staff. It was delicious. Granted, my husband's eggplant parmigiana was way better than the meatballs I had... but still, it was well worth the visit.
The next morning we were feeling ambitious and full of life so decided to head down the street to 24 Hour Fitness where we engaged in a little early morning workout. On the way back, we stopped by The Butcher's Daughter for a little detoxifying juice. Much to my shock the little baby set me back $10 but, I've got to say, it was the best juice of my life.
Afterwards we headed out in search of food. I was craving eggs royale and after much wandering we finally stumbled into Cafe Select. It wasn't until we had already been seated that we noticed the bircher muesli on the menu and the Zurich themed posters on the wall... how, on earth, had we managed to come all the way from Switzerland and wind up in a Swiss themed restaurant on our first morning in New York? Oh well. The food was good and we enjoyed hissing over the hilarious exaggerated accents of the people at the table next to us. Post-breakfast we borrowed some bikes from the hotel (yes, they lend out bikes - so good) and we headed towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Through Chinatown we went and I promise I only screeched from fear of death once. It was an incredibly long and sweaty endeavour but the ride was, without a doubt, my favourite part of the entire trip to the city. If you're ever in town, man-up and ride a bike around. Just beware of impending traffic. There is obviously a lot of it.
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Little Italy. I've only been to New York a handful of times but I've got to say this was my favourite area of the city I've ever stayed in. There are loads of awesome shops and restaurants to explore. The best part is that it doesn't feel too touristy at all and amazingly it isn't that crowded. Also, if you happen to be in the area and need a sugar rush you can always pop into the Little Cupcake Bakeshop on Prince Street for some yummy treats...
A massive thank you to the Nolitan Hotel for having us for a few days while we were in town. xx
ARE YOU HUNGRY?
The Hunger was launched in 2011 as a biannual magazine by English photographer Rankin.
I discovered it a year ago and I knew instinctively that it would become my new favourite magazine. Not least because its tag line is, 'for the culturally and visually hungry.' A statement, I'd like to think, we all are. The current issue is packed with 432 pages of explosive content. The magazine is divided into five categories: interview, art, fashion, beauty and documentary. My favourite, and what keeps me coming back to the magazine, is the interview section. It's full of Rankin's own photography and highlights some of pop cultures most up-and-coming faces as well as the more well established. The most recent issue features everyone from Iggy Azalea to Ant and Dec. It's unexpected and edgy. There are hardly any advertisements and it doesn't at all feel as though it's trying to sell you anything.
If you're looking for something to keep you company at the park or on a long flight get yourself a copy of The Hunger pronto. Unlike most fashion magazines, this baby will hold your attention for hours. It's the sort of piece you'll want to come back to time and time again. And, if you're like me you'll be incapable of ever throwing it away.
All images taken from The Hunger issue 4.
DRESS ME UP IN SUMMER...
In a couple of weeks I'm going to New York and I'm haunted by the tragic reality that I have absolutely nothing to wear. There's nothing in the shops that I want and nothing in my closet that feels quite right. So, what's a girl to do? Sadly I can't trot around Manhattan in my underpants so instead I'll just opt for something low key and basic (read denim and soft grey t-shirts, which I seem to think is the solution to all of life's greatest problems). But it's not what I want to wear at all. What I want to wear is Karen Walker's Resort 2014 collection and in particular the five outfits pictured above. I love the loose billowy shapes and the wonderful fact that they would show off my nicely bronzed pins. The colours are so fresh and so clean. Exactly what I want to be wearing and exactly what I will be wearing (in my head).
photos from style.com
Apsleys
Usually when I go to London I stay in the same place (Covent Garden) and eat at the same place (Byron). So, I thought maybe it was about time that I branch out a bit and try something different. You know, maybe venture east and take on the London Overground (I always thought it was the black hole of death but it turns out it's not so bad). This new adventure brought me to Dalston where I rested my head at the Avo Hotel. This unpretentious little gem was established in 2011, before which it was a post office, and is spread out over three floors. The rooms are compact and offer everything you could need, including dreamy views over the city's most iconic buildings. The best bit though has got to be the rainfall shower - I never wanted to step out of it. The walls are decked out in photographs by local artists and you can borrow DVD's for the hotel's ample collection. Most boutique hotels come with a hefty price tag but this isn't so with the Avo Hotel. Rooms start at just £79, so if you're looking for a well priced place to stay in London... well, look no further.
While in town I had the absolute joy of trying out Apsleys, a Heinz Beck restaurant that boasts its own Michelin Star. It's located at the grand Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge and was well worth the trek across town. We had a (wait for it) seven course menu with wine for each chosen by the sommelier. To say we rolled out would be an understatement. You'd expect, with so many courses, for each to be tiny but this wasn't the case at all. Go to Apsleys and order the Carbonara Fagotelli, it will literally blow your mind. Each little piece of pasta is filled with a liquid concoction that oozes out as soon as you bite into it. When you receive it the waiter warms you against cutting each piece open with your knife because the contents will spill out. Instead, pop it into your mouth as one piece and enjoy as it bursts open. So delicious. I would go back simply for that single course alone, although all the others were delicious as well.
MIA AND NEW CHARLIE MAY...
No no, don't worry. I haven't fallen into some forgotten ditch. I'm still alive and kicking, just taking a much needed break from the online world. I think it's been about three weeks since my last blog post. Quite possibly the longest blogging break I've taken since starting up this baby. I promise I haven't forgotten about you. I went on holiday to Sweden and then to the UK and, I've got to say, that ditching my DSLR and forgetting about outfit shots was seriously therapeutic. Do you ever just feel like you need a break from the online world?
Anyway, let's ignore my bad blogging techniques and instead focus on the beauty that is this pink leather biker jacket by the incredibly talented Charlie May. It's from her SS12 collection; I fell in love with it as soon as I laid eyes on it. Charlie was kind enough to custom make this one for me and, ever since receiving it, I've been wearing it non-stop. It's the perfect cropped shape and made from the softest leather. I love the zip detailing at the wrists and the edgy little studs on the collar. I feel so pleased to have such a beautiful piece of Charlie May to call mine. Thank you so much Charlie.
BEATING THE BLUES WITH RAINBOW NAILS...
I don't know how it is where you are, but Zurich is suffering from schizophrenic weather conditions. It's freezing cold and stormy with random infusions of the off warm day. I feel like spring hasn't come yet. As a sun worshiper this has all left me feeling rather blue. To combat the dreary feeling I decided to paint my nails in a rainbow of bright shades. If you're in a place with rubbish weather, I suggest you do the same.
Tomorrow I'm off to Sweden and then to England. See you there. xx
A BALANCING ACT...
I've been dreaming about sporty sneakers for a while now. It took me ages to decide which sort of pair to go for. There are loads of awesome variations out at the moment. With lots of websites offering the ability to customize the colour scheme the options are endless. Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sea of choices I decided to go for something classic and simple. Behold. The New Balance 420 in navy. I love the old school shape, it feels like something my dad would have worn back in the 70s. These shoes took on a mighty undertaking. Not much can tear me away from my Converse but these have done the trick. They are permanently glued to my feet now.
p.s. the winner of the YSL giveaway is Lisette! Congratulations.
IS THIS THE FUTURE OF MEN'S FASHION?
J.W. Anderson for Versace is an odd pairing. The two houses couldn't be anymore diverse; Anderson champions an androgynous look while Donatella reigns as the queen of clingy. The two came together last night though to debut the new resort 2014 collection and the outcome has left me confused. The women's collection was fine but exactly what you'd expect: lots of tight black dresses and few pops of standout colour. The men's designs, however, are nothing short of atrocious. Zebra print jeans, a bodycon dress, a white fuzzy cropped top plus a black and white geometric outfit with what looks like a one shouldered swimsuit. What were they thinking? Please, feel free to tell me if I've just completely missed the sartorial boat on this one but I'd rather hope to never see a man wearing any of these looks. I know Anderson likes to push the boundaries of men's fashion but, to me, this just looks cheap.
So tell me boys, will any of you be rushing out to buy this collaboration on June 15th?
Photos from style.com
GIVING IT AWAY: YSL LIPGLOSS...
Fancy getting your lips the same pinkish shade that mine are in the above photo? Well, isn't this just your lucky day then. I'm giving away one of these new YSL Baby Doll lip glosses in Rose. It goes on like a gloss but stains your lips for a long lasting colour. Thankfully I've got two so you can have one of them. Just leave a comment on this post to be entered into the giveaway. I'll pick a winner in a week.
THE MET BALL 2013: WORST DRESSED...
The Met Ball took place last night in New York and the celebrities came out in the droves for it. Many were dressed incredibly (the Olsen twins and Rooney Mara were my favourites) but a few came out looking like real shockers.
Let's start with Miley Cyrus. Apparently she is channeling the 'punk' trend but personally I think she resembles a porcupine more than anything else. Her Marc Jacobs dress is pretty chic and unoffensive - the black netting is fierce and the nude slip underneath is working perfectly. But why, God why, did she decide to spike her hair? Now for Katy Perry and her Dolce & Gabbana monstrosity. This collection was one of my favourites from Fall 2013, but this dress is not doing Katy any favours. The elbow length sleeves are too full and the mid-calf length is unflattering with the black ankle strap heels. Isn't this like the first lesson in styling? Never pair a dark ankle strap with a midi-length skirt. It doesn't look good on anyone. To top off the golden mosaic printed dress Katy chose to wear some massively oversized earrings and a crown on her head. This is direct proof that copying a look straight from the runway is often not a good idea. Sack the stylist love and the makeup artist. You look way too pale and vampy with that dark lippy. Nicki Minaj, this is quite chic by your standards. The Tommy Hilfiger dress is minimal and paired back but the cut out waist looks cheap. Paired with your bigger than life hair, it all just looks a bit dated. Let's close with a discussion on Madonna. This look is so bad for so many reasons that I don't even know where to start. Let's begin with the disturbing fact that she's only wearing a jacket. Where are her trousers? Why is she wearing a dog collar? And what's with the girly pink pointed stilettos? They don't go. This Givenchy Haute Couture jacket is fugly. The fishnets belong on a cheap stripper and it looks like Anna Wintour lent her a wig. Ladies, get it together. Last night wasn't your best performance style wise.
Photos from US Magazine.
p.s. as a couple of you rightly pointed out on Twitter, Kim Kardashian was also amongst the worst dressed at the Met Ball. If you haven't seen her floral horror check it out here, complete with matching gloves.
AND I NEVER WANTED TO GO BACK HOME...
It's been nearly two weeks since I got back from the south of France. Going back through these old Instagram photos gave me a much-needed dose of nostalgia. We left rainy cold Zurich on a Saturday morning and came back a week later... a week wasn't enough time though. I'm already ready to go back and explore the area more. We visited Nice, Cannes and St Paul - all a short drive from the flat we stayed at in Vence. I ate so much good food - loads of cake and ice cream, plenty of salmon and steak tartare, plus lots of rose to wash it all down. Each evening was spent sitting on the balcony overlooking the water and rolling hills. I've made a mental note to go back in October, autumn can't come soon enough*.
* Just joking. Summer is my favourite season and I wouldn't wish it away for anything.
Nice, France
When I was in France I spent one day in Nice. The old town is beautiful with loads of winding little roads to explore. In the morning we hung out at the market - there were tons of flowers plus lots of food and paintings. One of my favourite parts of the city was seeing all the clothes hanging outside people's windows to dry.
A LITTLE RED DRESS...
We spent a day in St Paul de Vence wandering around the old cobblestoned pathways when I was in France last week. It's a gorgeous medieval town and is definitely worth a visit if you ever happen to find yourself in southeastern France with nothing to do for a day. I wore this new little red dress from River Island. I love the simple shape and little floral details . Worn with old battered Converse it feels a little grungy, which I like.
Wearing: Red ditsy print dress from River Island, Amberly Light Horn sunglasses by Hardy Amies, Converse and Banana Republic bag.
VENCE: A VISUAL DIARY...
I'm currently stretching my legs in a flat in southern France. I arrived here on Saturday to perfectly clear blue skies and I couldn't be happier. The winter in Zurich has been so long - it feels impossibly good to feel the sun on my skin again. Yesterday we headed out into the town of Vence. It was perfect to wander around the old cobbled streets and take in the weekend atmosphere. There's only one problem that I'm currently facing: French coffee. We sat down at a lovely little outdoor cafe in a square and ordered two cappuccinos. When they came out, instead of foam, there were huge dollops of thick whipped cream on top. Is this normal? I need to figure out what sort of coffee to order here. I'm not hardcore enough to just order an espresso, I need something with a bit of milk and, ideally, some foam. What do I order guys? Tomorrow we're heading into Antibes, hopefully I'll have better luck.