NEW IN: MOROCCAN SOUVENIRS

I knew before going to Morocco that I wanted to return with two things: patterned bowls and a straw bag. It was horribly difficult to choose between all the beautiful offerings in the souk, but I came away with a brightly embroidered straw bag and four bowls. We resisted getting a big serving bowl - which I regret - but there's always next time! 

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TRAVEL: MOROCCO PHOTO DIARY

A few of my favourite pictures from our week-long trip to Essaouira in Morocco. It was all pots of fresh mint tea, bowl picking and bartering in the bustling souk, marvelling at the camels and cow-laden lorries that appeared out of nowhere before heading back to our lovely hotel to read by the pool and enjoy drinks on the terrace (during which time I spent many an hour ogling the painfully chic French families who were there during our stay. Suffice to say it was a Marant-fest. My whole wardrobe felt redundant after just ten seconds of watching them!) 

We stayed at the absolutely beautiful Jardin des Douars, just 15 minutes from the Essaouira's seaside Medina. 

Two restaurants that I recommend very, very highly are La Table by Madada for amazing seafood dishes and Umia (I won't be forgetting their salted caramel chocolate mousse in a hurry that's for darn sure). Be sure to pop in to Taros Cafe before or after supper (or both!) for rooftop drinks with a sunset view and live music.    

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NEW YORK: EATING OUT

I'm just back from a jaunt to America and wanted to share a few of my favourite things from the Big Apple. First up: food of course!

Pastis

We went to Pastis twice, and wished we could have gone again and again. It was literally just around the corner (and a wobble across the cobbles) from our apartment in the Meatpacking District. Whilst it is famed for being the best vantage point for people watching, it was the intimate low lighting, atmosphere and incredible food that won me over. If you happen to be in the neighbourhood, DO NOT miss out on the sea scallops to start. Perfection. 

Cafe Cluny

Before even arriving in the City, I reserved us a table at Cafe Cluny for brunch the morning after our very late arrival. It was exactly what the jet lag ordered. This is such a cool, quirky, pretty little cafe nestled in the West Village. The waiters all wear Saint James Breton tops, which I enjoyed. I ordered tea, French toast and chose from their delicious fresh juices of the day (and didn't notice the huge insect on the ceiling until my second visit).

 Cafe Gitane at The Jane

We went to Cafe Gitane on our first evening in New York, and it was a lovely setting - a beautiful place beside the Hudson to while away an evening. I wouldn't say the food blew my socks off, but still well worth a visit.

Arturo's

Oh Arturo's pizza. Incred. If the food and wine wasn't brilliant enough on its own, they have live jazz most evenings at Arturo's. We felt ridiculously New York and loved every minute. 

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THE OLDE BELL, HURLEY

This past week featured a belated birthday present trip to The Hand & Flowers in Marlow and an overnight stay in the Olde Bell in Hurley. It was such a lovely couple of days that I think it's best to split my posts about it in two: the hotel today, with the restaurant-incredibleness to follow. 

The Olde Bell is an old coaching house with parts within it dating back to 1135 - guaranteeing many a perfectly creaky floorboard and necessary ducking under mottled wooden beams. The history of the building is brilliantly preserved whilst sympathetic modernity ensures a luxuriously comfortable and cosy stay. Who doesn't love a retro red Roberts radio? And white wall tiles in the bathroom get me every time - there is something rather New York about it I always think. (That might just be me - I've never been!)

Sadly we didn't have time to dine in the restaurant, but if breakfast was anything to go by it definitely would not have disappointed, plus I've read wonderful reviews about the restaurant too. 

We did have a drink downstairs before going out which was a little curious I must admit. There was no music playing so it was deathly quiet (apart from the odd crackle from the fire) and I was sure I'd read on another review that they served lovely rhubarb and prosecco cocktails (which I was more.than.excited. about) but the friendly barman looked a little baffled when I inquired so I stuck with straight prosecco. 

Rhubarb prosecco cocktail aside, everything was so lovely and I'd heartily recommend a visit if ever you are in need of a night away from London. It's only 30 minutes from South West London and 45 to central London, but you really do feel like you're so far away from the hustle and bustle... 

But close enough to get back in a jiffy when you start to miss it. 

http://www.theoldebell.co.uk/

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JUST TO SAY...

I did make it back from holiday in one piece! My holiday has seemingly extended into a bit of a blogging holiday, which was not my intention. Time has just run away from me of late. 

There have been a number of changes recently - new season, new career aspirations, new-ish home (more of which in my next post). So all has been a little hectic - too hectic to put pen to paper - keyboard to blog if you will - let alone coordinate any nice outfits or outfit observations to share with you. A thousand apologies. :)

So in the mean time I wanted to record a few images from my holiday (as inappropriate as it is now we're racing towards Halloween and the like!!) 

It was truly lovely - beautiful weather after the first thundery day and landing during a thunderstorm no less... 

Tasty food, lots of G&Ts and Retsina, basking in the sunshine and swimming in the sea. 

The view from beneath my umbrella... naturally

The lovely view from our little villa

Greek honey of course! And lots of it!

Topshop dress, Stella McCartney woven sandals and Essie Lollipop polish

My Topshop "holiday dress" - apologies for the headless picture, I struggled to find one of my face doing a nice, normal expression. I'm a challenging photographic subject it would appear! 

There is no denying it's a jazzy pattern, but I feel one needs a bit of jazz on holiday. 

To follow - less summer, more Autumn/Winter!! 

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Ciao Bella!

On a lunch time stroll around H&M I happened upon this little beauty... What's this I thought? Missoni for H&M? Negative. A bemused shopper put their Missoni cover up back on an H&M hanger? No such luck. Turns out it is part of the Fashion Against Aids at H&M - which landed in selected stores recently.

I'm quietly smug about my new purchase - my smugness crept into my photo booth images I must admit! For 7.99 I consider it quite the steal :)

I always end up stroking the Missoni playsuits in Terminal 5 - thinking, knowing, they'd top my holiday look off if only I could scrape together enough coppers. The dream of the Missoni playsuit is still alive, but until my ship comes in I shall very much enjoy this worthy homage to the masters of the colourful knit. I'm faking it 'til I make it.

Dreaming of Packing My Bags

Despite the moaning I went in for in my last post, previously unforeseen circumstances have led to a total 180 turn in my seasonal feelings. Work has given me time off at the end of May and I'm off to France avec the boyfriend's family who have a lovely house there. Within a few hours of hearing the news tickets and a swimming costume were bought!I went into Topshop after work on the hunt for an actual swim suit instead of the usual bikini. Since going to University and moving to London my exercise regime has suffered. Well, not only

suffered but positively shriveled and died from being left out in the cold for so long. Hence I am not about to show off my newly acquired tummy off to the French in a bikini. It is nothing a bit of exercise won't rid of, and I'm probably being a little OTT about it all, but for now I plan to be all about the swim suit. And so I picked up this beautiful little number in Topshop on Friday evening and I love it - it's so flattering and pretty thanks to some clever ruching and delicate florals. I fancy it'll look mighty decorative on a sun lounger with some 50s-esque shades on courtesy of Tom Ford.

So with this in mind I have picked out my other must have summer pieces. My approach to Summer dressing is so different to the way I operate in the Winter. I plan out each piece carefully, attempting to assemble what can only be described as a capsule wardrobe. I think this is because I find Summer dressing so much harder - I need limited, fail safe options, otherwise I know I'll make outrageous mistakes - mistakes that will haunt me as they stare out from multiple holiday photos. My inspiration this summer is without a doubt, the beautiful Kate Bosworth, and every aspect of her flawless wardrobe. Hence my need for some Tom Ford Cary's and the Mulberry Mini Messenger to punctuate my Summer style. Add this to oodles of white cotton broderie anglaise blouses and oversized jersey and I'm (hopefully) away!

Now I just need to locate said cotton tops, black patent gladiators, nude ballet flats and statement scarf. Phew - quite the challenge.

(Images: Reiss Chinos & Denim Jacket - reiss.co.uk, Topshop Floral Swimsuit and Jumpsuit - topshop.com, Mulberry Denim Mini Messenger- mulberry.com, Tom Ford Cary's: geeksunglasses.com, Byredo Blanche - byredo.com)