Your Weekend Guide To Venice

So about 2 days before this trip, Lucy Lu and I very nearly cancelled because the city had experienced some of the worst floods in years and if you haven't guessed by now... I'm NOT a wellie and rain coat kind of gal! Nonetheless we risked it and thank God we did because the weather was unreal. Just cold enough for a faux fur but sunny enough for the new shades, ideal sitch. So if you find yourself heading to Venice anytime soon, here are a few little tips to get you on your way.

1. Potter About

This was probably the first trip where we didn't really plan ahead what we were going to do, instead we just walked around and continuously stumbled across the most amazing locations, including Saint Marks Square, Rialto bridge and plenty of adorable little shops, including a Sephora (most importantly). 

2. EAT! 

I can't remember anywhere we've been and not eaten our way through it frankly but when in Italy, things are SERIOUS. We hit the pastry shops for breakfast and had a little picnic watching the Gondolas go by, I mean we were covered in icing sugar for the rest of the day but that's a small sacrifice to make.

 3. Ride a Gondola 

This activity is a little more expensive but it's just something you have to do if you're there! You'll see the city from a unique perspective and please name a more Queen-like activity than having a handsome young man row you about while you lie back and chill.

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Your Brit Abroad Guide To Montpellier

Last August bank holiday me and Lucy Lu flew out to see our friend Lottie who was very conveniently for us, living in the South of France. Now I know most of my travel posts are pretentious and classy, so I thought this time I'd shed some light on what really occurs when we're away. There's about 15% glamour and 85% rubbing Lucy's burns with aftersun and getting drunk to ABBA. So don't let the Instagram's and outfits fool you, because let's face it, at the end of the day we're just Brits abroad!

1.LE ARSEHOLES

First of all, let's just appreciate these GENUINE candid pics (so rare these days) Lottie got of me and Luce's chat, sums us up really.  Our evening started off classy af, drinking wine and eating steaks al fresco. However as we sat sipping our booze, thinking we were Bridget Bardot, we forgot that we are in fact British white girls and subsequently transform into annoying, sloppy messes after approx one shared bottle. Henceforth the rest of the night was spent in an outdoor bar, belting everything from Oasis  to our old school hymns. Of course we were convinced the angered French glares were simply stares of fascination at our talent. 

2.PROTECTION AGAINST THE ELEMENTS

Sometimes a true Brit doesn't adapt to the elements abroad particularly seamlessly. Take Lucy for example; It's a known fact that she's as blind as they come and she burns like toast. Therefore we always ensure proper protection is put in place. Take note of her cautious yet stylish tactic of shades on top of genuine seeing glasses, along with the chic watermelon shorts fashioned across her delicate head. VOGUE. Meanwhile Lottie is not letting a little sand storm ruin her fun. Who says you can't sunbathe when there's no sun and so much wind you'll be shaking sand out of your hair for weeks. TROOPER. 

3.BALCONY TURNERS

I've had some pretty spectacular meals in my time, over looking the Eiffel Tower or the Roman Colosseum but can anything truly compare to sitting in PJ's with a bottle (or 3) of wine on a balcony? We had candles burning and the portable speaker playing Fleetwood Mac until the early hours chatting absolute rubbish and laughing about everything and nothing (mainly Lucy's misfortunes!)

So there you have it, a few small tips into ensuring your next trip is painfully British and full of giggles. Peace.

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Your Winter Guide To Brussels

Thank the Lord above- it's almost Spring, we've got a mere 2 n a bit weeks left until the blossoms bloom (Unless the snow makes another unexpected and unwelcome experience in March again) So if you're looking for one final Winter get away, here's my Winter guide to Brussels with things you must do while you're there- (stretchy trousers required)

1. Visit The Grand Palace De Bruxelles. 

It looks like an advent calendar or the village in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it was a tragic moment when I realised if the child catcher was about, I'd no longer be in danger -_- 

 2. Find A Pub And Have A Belgian Beer

It rudely started to rain on us mid day, thank God we're all like minded alcoholics (myself, Lucy (you've met her many times before) Auntie Jemma and Mummy Woolf) So we found an old tavern and got a round in, super cosy and something you'll need to warm up and most likely dry off

 3. Eat The Waffles

Belgium are very proud of their waffles, they're everywhere you look, so it would be rude not to try one... or seven. 

 4. Go Chocolate Shopping

Again, something Belgium is very proud of is their chocolate, and after trying bucket loads- we saw why (told you stretchy trousers were a must) Plus it's a souvenir people back home will actually appreciate, because let's be real, no one really wants a magnet for somewhere they've never even been to.

 5. Visit The Weeing Baby Statue

This weird little monument is the biggest tourist attraction they have. So if you're in Brussels this is something you'll need to see. Notice Lucy relishing it's beauty and respecting its historic significance...

 6. Do Some Vintage Shopping

When the weather's rubbish you'll need to find as many indoory activities as poss. Of course there's nothing like burning a hole in your purse to pass the time. We found various record stores and vintage clothing shops and found plenty of treasures to bring home

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How To Dress Like A Vintage Babe In Venice

 Me and my best adventure buddy and long time photographer, Lucy Lu really went ham on the whole 1970's Italian Vogue vibe for our latest trip to Venice. I wanted the outfits to resemble both a woman living in Italy in the 70's and a stupidly rich 40's divorcee, I hope it came across and can give you some fabulous Winter inspiration! We ate a lot of pasta and drunk a lot of wine, as we do with most trips in fairness, so notice the expandable waist in all get-ups.

LOOK ONE:

This jumpsuit is my new favourite thing ever, despite being SO long when I got it that I tripped, went flying and cut both my knees and my pride. However I'll forgive it because it's just EVERYTHING, the colours, the flowers, the silhouette... UGHHH I can't. If you're onboard this 70's train with me then make sure your pair with brown suede boots and orange shades.

SHOP:  JUMPSUIT AND GLASSES- STRADIVARIOUS 

BOOTS- FAITH (DEBENHAMS)

LOOK TWO:

Is it even Italy if you don't wear polka dots?? HEY MAMBO! Also I'm aware this fur is pretentious but just let me live ok. Plus, not only is Venice really cold this time of year, it's basically part of their uniform to wear a faux fur, EVERY local floated about in one with their Chanel sunglasses,  found where I belong for retirement. 

SHOP: SHOES- DOROTHY PERKINS (COMING OUT IN SPRING)

TROUSERS- MISS SELFRIDGE

TOP (OR NAPKIN)- ZARA

COAT- TOPSHOP

LOOK THREE:

Lucy said that this was a very boujee outfit, I'm not exactly sure what that is or implies so it's probably best not to enquire too hard. However the vibes I was going for were vintage and fabulous. Look closely for my mermaid earrings, ALL OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS.

SHOP: JEANS AND JUMPER- STRADIVARIOUS

COAT- TOPSHOP

EARRINGS- NEW LOOK

 LOOK FOUR:

 Remember the divorced, rich, badass, 40's movie star vibe I mentioned, well HERE IT IS. These colours work perfectly with the streets of Venice too and the touch of sparkle gives it the edge it needs, don't forget your almond coloured shoes!

SHOP: DRESS- TOPSHOP

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Your Guide To Rome In A Day

The saying goes that Rome wasn't built in a day, however if you're clever (and able to eat Gelato on the move) there's no reason you can't see Rome's biggest attractions in just one day! This was one of my favourite places and one I'll definitely be heading back to, so if you're heading to the home of Pizza anytime soon then here's everything you can do/see in one day, all within walking distance to each other.

1. THE COLOSSEUM

I mean- duh. There's no denying this place is FULL of tourists but once you see it in real life it really is extraordinary, it's a good place to start your journey as the earlier you reach it, the less crowds you'll have to fight off for the perfect pic. Although if you climb the stairs opposite you'll find a wall which cuts out all tourists for a banging photo. 

2. FOOOOOOOOOD

You hear a lot of hype about food in Italy but trust me, it's ALL true. Make sure you don't get swept up in the panic of seeing anything and everything and take some time to just sit outside, drink some wine, eat some pasta and watch the world... and Italian boys, go by. Lauren and myself had the humiliation of two Italian waiters dragging over an extra table because we ordered too much desert. Luckily we were a bottle and a half deep so the shame was numbed. 

 3.THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

This is another spot full of tourists but how can you say you went all the way to Rome without making a wish here? It's mad to think that all of these amazing things were built thousands of years ago and I can't even make grown up conversation! This is about a 15/20 minute walk from the Colosseum, so gives you the perfect opportunity to see the side streets of the city

 4. THE PANTHEON

I honestly hadn't heard of this Church before, but I got chatting to the old man next to me on the plane during our two hour delay and he said it was somewhere we had to see, CHEERS TERRY! He was right, it was so beautiful and despite being surrounded by people, really peaceful inside. Takes around 15 minutes to walk to from the Trevi Fountain 

 4. THE SPANISH STEPS

You'll feel like Audrey Hepburn in 'A Roman Holiday' once you reach here (a fab film to watch before you visit by the way). It's definitely another one to tick off the bucket list and more importantly is surrounded by dozens of designer shops and of course... a Sephora. The walk from the Pantheon is again only around 20 minutes

 5. THE VATICAN 

This one we did splash out on a cab for, but I mean it's a different country altogether! As former Catholic school girls, Lauren and me felt right at home in the palace of the Pope! (As you can see) Even if you're not religious, it's a good place to go and see, and I mean if you've got any prayers or dreams you want answering, what better place to voice them?

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