ISLAND LIFE

 

Cameo playsuit, Topshop shades, Zara sandals

There is something to be said about island life and neon. 

This incredible playsuit has come in extremely handy during my time exploring the beautiful islands of Croatia (you can see all my travel pictures and video on instagram @friendinfashion), and I'm sure I'll get even more wear as I venture towards the equally as beautiful Greek islands next.

For now, I'm off to explore more of Dubrovnik before I sadly bid the amazing country of Croatia farewell. 

You can follow my summer adventure around the world on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

Photos / Tim Florea 

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FROM CROATIA WITH LOVE

Fiel Sol earrings, Esther Boutique crochet top, Zara sandals

Croatia has always been on my bucket list and for one reason or another I'd never made it. This time round, I knew I had to make time for this Adriatic jewel, and am I thankful I did! 

Flying from Australia, then on to France and then ferrying across from Italy, Croatia did take a bit of effort to reach, but It is such an amazing place, I'm afraid my words and pictures hardly do this incredible place justice. 

I write you from Hvar Island - an absolutely breath-taking slice of paradise, about 2 hours via Ferry from mainland Split. The original plan was to say five nights on Hvar, but I've absolutely fallen in love with this place, so I've decided to extend my stay. 

Hvar is such a dynamic place, it has arguably some of the most pristine, crystal clear waters, I've ever had the privilege of seeing, and caters to all all that you would want in an island holiday. 

When I travel, I tend to steer clear of major hotel chains, invariably all hotels end up looking the same throughout the world, so I tend to opt for accommodation which allows me to absorb more of a sense of place. 

Hvar has many great options - my choice - a family run apartment right on the top of a beautiful hillside overlooking and only a short stroll from Old Town. 

As always, the other half has picked himself up a scoter to get us around the island, and in my opinion is a fantastic way of uncovering some incredible hidden and secluded swimming spots - just like this one.  

Here are few of my own Hvar recommendations:

EAT

There are so many dining options to cater to all tastes and budgets - an absolute stand out meal of mine has to be at a tiny sea-side restaurant called Gego, about a 15 minute scooter ride from Old Town. Hands down the most amazing seafood - I ordered the Lobster spaghetti - best I've had anywhere in the world!

DRINK

If you're after a few drinks, good music and a great sea-side experience, Hula Hula bar - is a must. 

SWIM

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing swimming spots - there are plenty of beaches along the coast-line. If you have the chance though, I'd recommend hiring a scooter and heading away from the main swimming areas to uncover amazing and mainly secluded swimming spots. Zarace is my favourite! 

I'm here in Hvar for a short while longer, before exploring another Croatian Island, Krocula. 

You can follow my summer adventure around the world on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

Photos / Tim Florea 

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FRENCH RIVIERA

Talulah dress via Style Milk, Lack of Color hat, Claire Aristides bracelet, Zara sandals

The South of France is one of my absolute favourite parts of the world. When I visit, I usually base out of a beach-side apartment in Nice, and then rent a scooter to ride up and down the French Riviera.

The best part about this is you have the freedom to explore all the main spots - Cannes, Monaco, as well as uncovering so many unknown and quite off-the-beaten track beaches and picturesque hot-spots. 

The other day, I was treated to the most crystal clear blue Mediterranean, so I couldn't help but spend the entire day beach-side.  

As always, you can follow my travels on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

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Who's that Lounging in my Chair?

"Mama this surely is a dream. Yeah, mama this must be my dream." 

I have an apartment with the love of my life, a walk in closet, my own bathroom, a leopard chair, and a pillow top mattress. This most certainly is my dream.

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's pants (similar) and blouse, Zara blazer (similar here and here), Sam Edelman pumps (similar), vintage brooches, Francesca's earrings, Essie Sure Shot polish

South by Southwest

I picked up this cardigan on major sale at Zara a couple weeks ago and immediately thought of how perfect it will be to wear for a music festival, street fest, flea/antique market...essentially, any outdoor warm weather activity. If I was going to South by Southwest in Austin this month, you better believe I'd be wearing this with a graphic tee, jean shorts, and gladiator sandals. But for now, I'll pair it with some cold weather earth tones and dream of sunshine!

Zara cardigan (similar), Gap henley and leather jacket (similar), LOFT cords (similar), Franco Sarto booties (similar), Stella & Dot Leona pendant, Gap snood (similar hereand here), leather quilted purse via Crossroads (similar), Tory Burch sunnies

STATEMENT PEPLUM

Cameo peplum top via Market HQ / Zara leather panel jeans / Chanel purse / Bvlgari watch / Mac Morange lipstick

I've decided to continue to embrace all things monochrome. As I've mentioned before, I'm never one to steer clear of colour, but sometimes, change is as good as a holiday right?

Speaking of which, I'm in the midst of planning out another global adventure. The thing with travel is that once you start, it becomes incredibly difficult to stop. I find myself compelled to explore new uncharted territory, whilst at the same time being drawn to my sentimental favourites.

As Bill Bryson puts it perfectly - to my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.

For now it's back to the planning station.

Photos / Tim Florea

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300

I have worn these waxed, coated, leather-like jeans many times, like double digits, yet they've never been photographed...even though they're so photogenic! Seems only fitting that on a countable post (my 300th), I wear such an "every day" outfit - blazer, roomy tee, skinnies, and flats. No pattern mixing, no backwards cardigans, just a few items that we can all feel comfortable wearing. 

Rock & Republic Berlin Coated Skinny Jeans, Zara tee & blazer, Stella & Dot Lillith necklace, Jessica Simpson Amity Flat, Givenchy lipstick in Illicit Raspberry

BETTS - THE EDIT MAGAZINE

Vamastyle jumpsuit / Zara blouse / Vamastyle shorts / Vamastyle skirt & cami / Fiel Sol necklace / Staple maxi skirt via Market HQ / Vamastyle tank / Fiel Sol necklace

A short while back, the Betts team invited me to style some of their summer styles for their magazine - The Edit.

I'm definitely a summer dresser, so it was a pleasure to take some very pretty, and colourful Betts sandals and heels and team them back with my very colourful wardrobe.

All shoes featured here can be purchased online at the Betts website.

Photos / Tina Kay

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PASTEL BABY

   Shakuhachi dress via ZOIE / Zara shoes / Cartier Love bangle / Tiffany rings / L'avion scarf

Last week, we were treated to a very warm afternoon, so sea breeze in hair, the team at zoie.com.au and I headed straight to the beach to snap some of their newest arrivals.

This too-sweet-for-words Shakuhachi dress, was another collection stand-out for me and is a real show-stopper.

From the floral lace, pretty pastels and elegant cut-out detail, what more could you want in a dress.

PHOTOS / ZOIE

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