Three Days In Italy With Atelier Cologne

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but up until two weeks ago, I'd never visited Italy. That's correct, NEVER. I'm almost ashamed to admit, especially after seeing how beautiful it is. (Note to self: start exploring more of Europe) I was very kindly invited to explore some of Italy's south coast with Atelier Cologne to celebrate ten years of Orange Sanguine. One of their most popular fragrances and my favourite candle of theirs. Our trip began in the Calabria region exploring the citrus plantation and warehouse used to produce the oils used in Atelier Colognes fragrances. (The smell of lemons and bergamot was delectable) We then embarked on a road trip further up the coast into the Campania region to Cetara, where we boarded a boat for the final leg of our journey finishing up in Positano. What a journey it was! We sailed along the coast for two hours and it was every bit breaktaking as you'd imagine. The coastline is decorated with beautiful small towns nestled cosily amongst these huge ominous cliffs. When capturing and creating travel posts, I think there's always a pressure to document places in their most appealing light when the sun is shining, and all is right, but Italy was cold, and it was chilly. At first, I was hesitant to document or post much from my time there, but if I'm honest, neither rain or wind detracted from the beauty of the south coast and of course Positano. I enjoyed every minute of the trip. Not only did it feel like a unique way to see Italy but it an especially enjoyable way to get acquainted with Atelier Cologne.

Sylvie and Christophe, the founders of Atelier Cologne, joined us during the trip and it was so refreshing to see two people still so involved in their brand and the entire process that goes into creating the fragrances. I think this is so important for brands now because when you see that genuine care and intent behind a brand, you naturally feel invested and connect with the product. I sampled over 20 of their colognes during the trip, all very unique, but the combination of Trèfle Pur's notes of Basil, Petitgrain and Cedarwood came out top for me. If you like a green fragrance that reminds you of freshly cut grass and tomato vines definitely give Trèfle Pur a try!

You can discover Atelier Cologne at their standalone in Covent Garden and Selfridges.

At Home With Russell & Bromley

My love affair with Russell and Bromley goes way back to 2007, a time I have very fond memories of. Alexa Chung was the queen of the indie scene, the NME was my bible, and Alex Turner had me besotted. When Chung stepped out in Russell and Bromley's classic Chester Loafer, paired with a dainty tea dress (a signature look of that era) I knew immediately those loafers had to be mine. At the age of 17 that was probably my first taste of serious shoe obsession. They embodied cool, chic and preppy all in one. I'd visit my local Russell and Bromley store weekly, to try those beautiful loafers on. I'd imagine every colour sitting in my wardrobe and which colour I'd wear with what. At that age though, £200 didn't come easy if at all. I was at sixth form, with no job, so the loafers continued to be but a pipe dream. That is until, UNIVERSITY! Hello, student loan and hello irresponsible spending. The Chester Loafer was my first investment purchase and subsequently did not leave my feet for the entire three years at art school (and then some). Since then Russell and Bromley have continued to be a place I go back to for wardrobe classics that are built to last.

To the celebrate the spring collection I've picked out some new favourites that I'd have my eye on; the Xpresso Cross Over Flat, Jeansling Sling Back (these are SO good with jeans) and a modern update on last summers raffia bag, Rafferty, all to style with current pieces in my wardrobe.

With the `British weather reflecting anything but spring-like conditions at the moment, I decided against heading out all bundled up to shoot this post, instead, I've taken advantage of my freshly painted lounge to show you how I'd style these shoes day to day in a more laid back setting. When I'm working from home I have a solid uniform of jeans and t-shirt; a combo comfortable enough to sit doing work in but with the quick addition of a slick shoe can also appear 'dressed up' enough if I need to dash out. I've always been a 'shoe-girl'; personally, I think they are the most important accessory to invest in, not only because they're there to support you, but they can transform an outfit — case in point; the humble jeans and t-shirt. The slingbacks are the ideal everyday heel height and offset the jeans 'off-duty' raw hem while the cross over flats with their regal feel (very Diana don't you think) work well with ecru 90's fit denim.

Now I'd really appreciate it if this weather would sort itself out so I can finally stomp about in my new shoes!

Look 1 - Slingback Heels / Raffia Bag

Look 2 - Shoes: Crossover Flats / Raffia Bag

This post is sponsored by Russell and Bromley. All words, opinions and styling are my own.

COS AW19

I know, I know. We shouldn’t be talking about winter before we've had a hint of summer, BUT when I saw the Autumn/Winter 19 lookbook imagery from COS, I couldn't resist sharing. Doing what they do best, A/W 19 looks set to full of big silhouettes, clean cut leather and earthy tons. I’ve got the cropped navy leather jacket bookmarked in my memory already.