Moschino Milano beach wear

Hello my lovelies!

Did I tell you I went to Barcelona last week!?

Things have been hectic the last few weeks travelwise as I have been to Italy, Spain and off to Denmark in a couple of weeks too!

Because of all these summer trips, I treated myself to some goodies from my favourite brand.  No these aren't press samples (I wish haha!) - I actually chose my towel to match my bikini.  A new low, or a new level of cool.  I think somewhere between!

I am soooo in love with the fuschia and yellow mix.  Actually, the bikini has a deep blue and lime green tie on the back which breaks it up a little.  Here is a link to the yellow Moschino bikini and it is actually now on sale too!  Not the most flattering of pictures below but this is the one which has the towel in it too.

Actually, the towel deserves a blog post to itself too! It is exttra large and so so thick. It looks great in reverse too witch fuschia pink as the dominant colour and with moschino in yellow. Here is a link to the moschino yellow beach towel,  as who else wants to match their bikini and towel haha!  It's a shame as these are from two different online retailers - I chose them in the shop so could tell they actually matched and went together.  I feel a tiny bit guilty for this splurge but I think it was totally worth it.  These ridiculous things make me happy!

I will try and find more snaps of this great Beach OOTD!

Enjoy!!

Lots of love, Fiocco xx

A Weekend in Venice

Last weekend I was back in Italy and we went for a road trip to one of my favourite places in the world - Venice! Staying for the weekend was marvelous, though the April weather was hit and miss.

The best way to reach Venice isn't by car as there are no roads there, but by catching a ferry across to the main island.  I think this is the perfect way to begin a trip in Venice as you can see it from afar and really creates that romantic ambiance.  It also only costs £15 and is just a 20 minute trip taking you to the heart of the city.

Part of the experience for me (apart from the gorgeous shops of Murano glass) are the stunning bridges and walk ways across the canales.  There are so many side streets like this one where there are no tourists and you get to see a real part of Venice where people live and work.  I was lucky enough in the photo below to find a sunny 5 minutes as soon the heavens opened!

 I love my cheeky dark blue silk shirt with a bow collar - I wore it with jeans and a half-length cream lambskin leather jacket.

There is constant water traffic along the main canals - there is really so much life and vibrancy. Apart from exploring the side alleys, we went for an Apperativo in St Marks Square.  Apperativo is an original classic from the region of Venice, so they know how to do it properly!

A fabulous weekend and I can't wait to go back xxx

Beach Walk OOTD

Hello lovelies

On this mini vacation to Italy I've gone to the gorgeous riverside town of Cattolica near San Marino.

Yesterday I went for a gorgeous beach walk along the pier of Cattolica, and the sky was looking stunning at sunset. I'd spent a great day walking through the town enjoying lots of shopping.  They have fantastic makeup stores there and I purchased a few Chanel & YSL lipsticks in dark shades of brown which I'll be featuring on the blog soon.  I can't tell if I love or hate them on me - they are all the craze now since Kylie Jenner's new lip kip range so had wanted to try it out for a while!

 It's still a bit chilly in the spring air, so had to wrap up warm for this beach front walk and so chose a  Zara leather coat,  Guess Jeans and H&M khaki shirt.  A really simple outfit which is perfect for casual and dining out.

There is nothing more relaxing than a riverfront walk to clear the mind and awaken the body.

Looking forward to being back in the UK tomorrow!

Fiocco xxx

Sun in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast

Sitting here in London in rainy March....I haven't stopped thinking of getting away this summer to a warmer, more beach perfect location!

Last year I managed to go on lots of sunny vacations, but my favourite was the Amalfi coast in Sorrento.

The crystal blue seas, the gorgeous sun, the natural rocky landscape and flowers everywhere is something which seems a long way away as I look at the gray Thames from my window!  The amazing pizza in Sorrento city centre with fresh local buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil on a thick tradition Naples style base was easily the best I have ever eaten.   And I have eaten a lot of Italian pizza!

If you make a trip down to the Amalfi coast be sure to rent a car so you can enjoy the hair pin turns all around the coast and stop of in beautiful little villages along the way.

I think I might have to make a trip back this summer!!

Clothes

Keeping the colours British I went for red white and blue!

I'm wearing int he below - Moschino red shorts, Topshop white crochet vest, blue under shirt  and Chanel sunnies :)

The best winter vacation in Copenhagen

I go to Copenhagen about 4-5 times a year and it is my favourite destination for a weekend winter long weekend.

There's nothing more festive than walking around the winter markets, I fell in love with reindeer skin the last time I was there which would make a magnificent throw for a sofa.  But I had to stop myself as I felt too guilty....perhaps I can find a synthetic one somewhere!

It's important to escape from the cold though.  After  along day walking around, especially if you make the trip out to see 'the mermaid' you will probably be thoroughly frozen to the core and  looking forward to a warm cosy hotel to come back to.

My favourite hotel in Copenhagen is the STAY Appartments.  (http://staycopenhagen.dk/)

They go absolutely all out on the nordic minimalist black and white decor. I'm not used to this style as live in a very traditional 'English countryside' house! But I absolutely love this minimalist style within this modern apartment.  

There is underfloor heating which makes this apartment divine.  The cosy sunset outside and the open kitchen meant I could enjoy a beautifully home cooked meal in the atmosphere of this cool and chic apartment.  

Staying in a normal hotel you would never get to experience the true glam of nordic chic as you can do here.  I would absolutely recommend it to all tourists looking for a a little extra 'glam' for their vacation.  It is a 15 minute walk from the centre or you could hop in a taxi!

Enjoy the pictures!

Love, fiocco

Beach life and time to relax

 I think it is so important to make time to relax.

Life can get so busy, not just work, but with play also....and so for me it is so important to take a minute to just breathe.  It can get easy to get swept away with the business of life, things to do, people to see that sometime you forget about spending time just enjoying the moment sand the scenery around you.

I don't think anywhere let's you relax better than at the beach. Apart from gentle swimming in the sea, on lying done and catching some sun (wearing SPF of course) - you really don't have to do anything at all except have some 'me' time.

It doesn't mean going somewhere exotic, but if there is a lovely weekend, why not go to the local beach or lake - if you can go somewhere exotic all the better!!  Enjoy lots of water there, and of course cold fresh fruit and enjoy the stillness and nature of the surroundings around you.

Below are a couple of snaps from my favourite place to relax in the world - Gabicce Mare in Italy where I used to live.

Where is your relaxing hideout?

Fiocco xxx

(Gotta put a call out for my favourite Moschino polka dot bikini ever!)

Hey Pompeii!

Hello Lovlies!

As you guys have probably may have seen, I've been travelling around the Amalfi Coast a bit.  But, I couldn't help but go on a day trip to Pompeii.  I'm an absolute geek for archaeology and after countless documentaries on  Vesuivius' 79AD eruption, I knew I'd have to go check it out and look at those perfectly preserved bodies. Gawd, I can be such a sicko. 

Obviously, going in mid summer in the searing heat with no hat on is probably something I wouldn't recommend. Luckily, I'm like a lizard and really enjoy uncomfortable heat, but I reckon coming here late late Spring or early Autumn would be absolutely perfect. 

Suprisingly, so much was preserved perfectly of the ancient city of Pompeii.  But there's been a lot of hard work by archaeologists removing the ash carefully.

Perfectly Preserved bodies in Pompei

The remains of these bodies was absolutely increidble.  You can literally see what they were doing the moment the ash cloud covered them.  It's tricky to find when walking around the ruins, so make sure you ask a guide for directions.  There was no way I was missing out on seeing these!

The view of the culprit itself!  Must have looked terrifying for the city when it started erupting.

I'm standing in front of the Pompeii vinyards.  Volcanic soil is fab for growing grapes, so just like it was 2000 years ago, it is still being cultivated authentically.

My slightly inappropriate Moschino beach t-shirt haha!

This ampitheatre was preserved perfectly.  It really was absolutely incredible.  They held gladiator games in here and everything.

Negatives??  About the site itself.  Nothing.  An absolutely incredible place to look around and you can loose hours here.  The scenery is delicious with views of Vesuvius on every corner you take.  And the architecture itself in Pompeii is just beautiful and hard to believe it was built around 2000 years ago.

The only think to watch out for - the sign saying that 25 years and under go half price.  I went up with my ID, and when it showed I was 25, they  said only people UNDER 25.  So, prepare yourself.  I was definitely miffed for the first 15 minutes because of that haha!

Have you guys been to Pompeii?  Did you enjoy it??

xx

Dream Night Out at the Aria hotel in Las Vegas

I go away to Italy about 4-5 times a year, but unfortunately, it's left little room for me to travel elsewhere.

Recently, it seems lots of people close to me (my sister and best friend) are both going to Las Vegas later in the year.  I've been hearing so much about it that I decided to take a visot there too - to the stunning Aria hotel. 

I was tempted by their famously gorgeous views and spend my day tanning by one of the luxurious pools and of course have an absolutely amazing night out!

The Aria Resort

Las Vegas is the cream of the crop when it comes to over the top, extravagant hotels, and I can't think of anything better! I loved staying in the Aria hotel with it's breath taking views of the skyline. It was just sensational, luxurious and the perfect place to stay in Las Vegas!

I think Las Vegas is all about glam,- so whilst there I went for a night out Aria style!I went for glam makeup - gray contacts like in the picture below, glossy hair, smooth complexion and lashings of lipgloss and mascara.  It made me feel exactly at home in the Aria resort :)

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Glam Makeup perfect for Las Vegas!

During the day I would just kick back and enjoy the beautiful weather in the famous Liquid pool. It's not just about gorgeous double sun-loungers, at night time the Liquid pool transforms into a party playground, with music in the background and drinks flowing. I literally cannot imagine anything better than a pool part night out in Las Vegas - hopefully I will have time tomorrow.  London is great, but that would never be on the cards!

The Liquid pool at the Aria Resort Las Vegas

Jean Phillipe patisserie

Oh and to top it off, they have a killer patisserie within the resort, called the Jean Phillipe patisserie.  I'm getting hungry just looking at it!  Now that's enough of me fantasizing about the Aria resort, I should probably start looking in to coming back next year!

(Aria Resort Link here)

Lots of love xx

Moschino Bikini in Sorrento

Hello my lovlies!

As you might know I was away in Italy for a lot of last month.  My other half and I drove down from Cattolica all the way to Sorrento.

I really don't know I have ever been anywhere so beautiful in my life.  Crystal blue waters and mount Vesuvius in the backdrop!  These pictures were taken from Cala di Puolo - a lovely cover just a few minutes drive from Sorrento.  There was barely anyone there and the view was just breathtaking.

Moschino polka dot bikini from Zalando

I treated myself to a pretty Moschino polka dot bikini from Zalando  I loved the bandeaux style as I find it more flattering than triangle bikinis and I love the little halter neck tie as well.  Its priced at £135 but I think it's well worth the money as I really felt extra special in it.

It's a fun design but at the same time elegant enough for Sorrento! (My bright pink and yellow ones seemed a bit brash for this holiday haha!)  It has an almost silky touch and is made of an almost satin like material on the outside which makes a difference to most swimwear.  I love that that this gave a silky shimmer to the cream shade and added a touch of quality.

Have you guys every been to Sorrento?  Did you enjoy it?? I'll be posting a few more pictures from my trip there over the next few days - I'm sure I'll convince you all to go!

Fiocco xxxx

OOTD in Sorrento

 Hello lovely ladies,

It's hot hot hot and frankly, I couldn't be happier!  I love when the sun is out creating beautiful sunsets and you can go out at night and enjoy the cool air.  It reminds me of the holiday I just got back from in Sorrento so this is n OOTD which can be recreated here in our glorious British weather that we're having at the moment.

Clothes - I wore a Zara white long sleeve top with transparent shoulder panels (it is super thin though so perfect for the evening) with a dark blue zara pleated mini skirt.

Makeup -  I had a tan so foundation was out the door as a colour match with a tan is near impossible and paramount to sacrilegious! So instead I just put on powder to minimise the shine, bright fuschia YSL lipgloss and lashings of mascara.

Hair - Super straight with Label M age defying radiance oil.  I can't live without this oil - it is non greasy and does an amazing job at minimising frizz and making it smell delicious. It retails at £25.50 - this is pricey but I would definitely say its worth it.

It looks like I'm wearing old school 10 denier tights but this is my tan, can you believe it!

So that was my OOTD - I felt sleek and sophisticated in this outfit and absolutely perfect for an evening out on the Amalfi coast.  Italians always nail their outfits and I tried not to be the garish brit abroad with florescent shorts ( I saved those for the beach - you'll be getting a peak of them soon!)

I'm off to Italy

Hello my lovely ladies,

I'm off to Italy for a week!  As you may know I lived there from 2011-2013 so can't wait to get back and see some people I've missed and obviously have some incredible pizza!

Unfortunately I don't have a computer over there so you won't hear from me for a few days, but don't worry, I'll make sure I find some incredible beauty finds whilst I'm there!

Just to leave you with a couple of photos from last July of one of my favourite places - the harbour at Vallugola. I love seeing people jet off and enjoy the sea :)

Lots of love,

Fiocco bianco xxx

Istanbul 2014

Hello my lovelies, 

Sorry it's been such a while since I've written a post - I've been away to Istanbul.  Such a magical city and with even more baklava (99% of the reason I wanted to go there!).  It was a great 5 day escape but with so much of the city to see I've been left wanting to go back for more.  But the highlight of the trip was the amazing hand made burek these ladies made!

Pictures speak a thousand works so I've put a few my my favorites below.  It was pretty chilly so I'm hiding away in my fur trim jacked and jeans.  Such a fail safe outfit in chilly weather especially when going on river cruises!

 Even though it was cold there was crisp blue sky and the sea was a stunning dark blue for the whole trip.  We couldn't resist a boat ride along the river and it was so good we ended up doing it twice and at a bargain price of just £5.00.  So if you get the chance, make sure you go for a river cruise!

There was such an incredible sunset it really made Istanbul look enchanted with its mosques under the glow of the sun and the chanting running through the city. If you go, make sure you check out the fishermen passing there day on the bridge!

The blue mosque in all its glory

We literally ate over 2 kilos of baklava here!

Turkish coffee - don't drink it until there end otherwise you'll eat the beans!

Have you guys ever been to Istanbul?  It was such a great city break and such a last second decision to go but I would recommend it to everybody! Now to hit  the gym after all that baklava and kebab! :P

Lots of love

Fiocco xxx