Turning Twenty

I was lucky enough to spend my 20th birthday in Paris with my wonderful friends. Of course, I took my trusty disposable cameras with me, and ate too many macaroons. 

What I Wore To: Switzerland

For a country famed for it's mountains and snow, Switzerland is surprisingly warm. I could only take a carry-on case (thanks Easy Jet!), but I managed to get enough clothes for eight days into one tiny suitcase. Other than the clothes in these photos, I took one more skirt, top and dress with me, as well as some ballet pumps and Converse and that was it. I made sure that everything I bought with me went with at least two other items, so that I always had an outfit to wear. 

I'm wearing: Topshop t-shirt, Whistles skirt, Office sandals, Ray Ban sunglasses (I caved and bought some at the airport!).

Grace is wearing H&M jumper and jeans with Clarks Originals sandals.

Topshop t-shirt, American Apparel shorts, Office sandals and Ray Ban sunglasses.

H&M dress, Zara belt, Office sandals, Topshop bag and Ray Ban sunglasses.

I'm wearing: H&M shirt and skirt, Ray Ban sunglasses and Liberty headscarf (just seen). 

Grace is wearing a vintage shirt and American Apparel shirts (we have the same pair).

Switzerland

I spent the last nine days with my friend in Switzerland. I had a wonderful time - the country itself is beautiful, the people are lovely and the food is delicious. Of course, I took a disposable camera with me. 

Bank Holiday Weekend

We spent the bank holiday weekend at my godmother's house near Southwold, to celebrate her daughter's birthday.  I made an Eton Mess, in lieu of a birthday cake, and Lily (the birthday girl) helped me clear up the whisks afterwards.

We even bought the dogs with us.

I'm wearing an ASOS tee and Topshop jeans, and Lily is in her birthday top (from Monsoon).

We visited the pier at Southwold, which has an attraction on it called The Under The Pier Show, which twists traditional arcade games into something interesting and unique. The Expressive Photobooth is one example, and my favourite part of the arcade. 

Like a traditional photobooth, it takes four pictures, but it selects the emotions it wants from you. To create Picture 4, the seat drops and Picture 1 comes from our previous turn in the booth, featuring my brother. The Under The Pier Show is, in fact, on Southwold Pier. It's well worth a look if you're ever in the area. 

Flo x

click click SNAP

I'm not the only disposable camera fan in my family - my brother uses them a lot as well. He gave me permission to select my favourite pictures from the camera he took on our holiday and put them on here. 

Flo x

Holiday Reading

I'm starting university in a few weeks to study English Literature, so I've been reading a lot this summer. While on holiday in Italy, I read these six books:

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - I've never read anything quite like this book before - the story line and the world the author created seemed innovative and quite unique to me. There was a sense of mystery that prevailed throughout the book - like the handmaiden, the reader can never be quite sure of everything that it going on, especially as the handmaiden never reveals her real name. 

We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver - I was a bit dubious about starting this book; it is told in the form of letters from a mother, whose son has been on a murder spree in his school, to her husband. My mum, who read the book and loved it a few years ago, encouraged me to continue reading the book and overcome my reluctance. I'm so glad I did, I've never read anything quite like this book before. By the end, reading became compulsive and I skipped what I am assured was a delicious lunch to finish it. The book is quite unsettling and I didn't sleep the night after I finished it, because my head was buzzing because I was thinking about it so much. 

Harry Potter 1, 2, 3 by J.K. Rowling - I have obviously read these books before, but after the drama and intensity of We Need To Talk About Kevin, I needed something a little lighthearted that I didn't need to think about too much. I have to say, it was nice to read them again.

Perfume by Patrick Suskind - I've wanted to read the book for quite a while, and I was rather disappointed in it. I liked the writing style - it reminded me a little of Bret Easton Ellis', but the plot was a bit bland, with the end easily predicted, and the reader didn't feel empathy or sympathy for the main character. 

Flo x

Holiday Purchases

A few things I picked up on my travels:

1. A hair cream by J.F. Lazartigue. 

When I went to Paris a few years ago, I had a "hair consultation" at the concession J.F. Lazartigue in Printemps and the woman there recommended I used this product. The cream weighs my hair down and stops it from frizzing and going dry, but it doesn't make it look greasy or pull out the curls. I've never been able to find it in the UK, so when we were there I had to pick some up. 

2. A birthday present for someone very special.

3. Delicious macaroons from Laduree. 

4. Foaming face wash by Caudalie. 

Until recently, the only place Caudalie was available in the UK was Space N.K, who charged quite a lot for it. Recently, Boots have been stocking it, but the price has been a little high for my meagre budget, especially now that I have to buy my own skincare products. However, in France, you can pick Caudalie up at any pharmacy. I've used the Facial Foaming Mousse for several years now - it's very gentle for sensitive skin like mine, but it is pretty effective for use against spots. 

5. Chocolate for the Lindt shop (a whole shop, devoted to chocolate - my idea of heaven).

I bought this gorgeous jacket from Pinko. The sleeves are rather long but it's a beautiful cut and it fits like a dream. I bought it from a designer outlet in Tuscany, far superior to the ones in England (it had a Prada store), reduced from 275€ to 75€.

Flo x

What I Wore: On Holiday

Taken after a day in the car, where we had driven from France, through Switzerland (where this picture was taken) to Italy. 

I'm wearing an ASOS tee, Zara shorts and belt with my trusty Converse. 

We spent a night in a hotel that sat in the mountains above Lake Como. This photo was taken at 8:30am and it was already a good 25 degrees.

The dress and jacket I'm wearing are from Topshop, the belt is from Zara and the flip-flops are Havaianas.

My brother is wearing Ray Bans, a free t-shirt, H&M shorts and Vans.

 

We visited Volterra and it was a little cooler, so I was able to cover up a little (I really didn't want to get any sun burn). The shirt I'm wearing used to belong to my mother and comes from Jaeger, and the shorts are Zara. 

To brighten up the outfit I wore my favourite sandals from Office. 

My brother wore his Vans with Lyle and Scott shorts and t-shirt, and a very touristy looking camera.

In Pomerance, the Lyle and Scott devotee wore a polo and chinos with his Vans (you would think he didn't bring any other shoes away with him) and I wore a Dorothy Perkins dress with my Office sandals.

The swimsuit I'm wearing is from Speedo and I bought it a couple of years ago when I was still part of a swimming club. However, the head instructor told me that it was "inappropriate" because it was a "fashion swimsuit". It's from Speedo. Honestly. So now, I don't wear it unless I'm on holiday.

I wore the black Dorothy Perkins dress (with my espadrilles and vintage bag) again in Paris because it's cool, comfortable and rather chic. 

 Flo x