Just.arrived: Spring

When the blossoms start appearing on the trees and the sun begins to shine, I almost forget that its still February. Often deceived by the blue skies and too easily lured into believing its time for bare legs in my denim cut offs. Only I find myself running back inside the house the moment I step outside the door to put more clothes on, rather than basking in the rays of sunshine. However for the first time this year, surprisingly on the day we only get once every four years, I could feel the sun on my face as it streamed through the gaps in the branches. I didn't need any of my winter layers as I just sat on a bench in a pair of jeans and a tee. Spring is truly here and summer is finally on its way.

I found this cheeky photo shoot in an old issue of Numéro, featuring the beautiful Edita Vilkeviciute and shot by Camilla Akrans. Nothing like a setting of beautiful cherry blossoms to set the mood for the days of sunshine yet to come. 

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Just.been: Portobello Road

I managed to make time this week to check out one of my old favourite haunts of London, Portobello Road. It's been such a long time since I sifted my way through the endless racks of vintage treasures and ending up having to drag my bag home to Brighton rather than carry it gracefully. But it's all too easy to get lost among the clothes and jewels, and all too often I find my bag getting heavier and so much fuller than when I arrived. I just can't help myself, my excuse this time... my recent trip to Florence. Since snooping the numerous markets in Florence my mind has been left in complete magpie mode. Yet unlike magpies I discovered all that glitters is not gold when I bought the latest addition to my wardrobe, but then everything that is gold does not always glitter.

Below is a little peak at my golden find that is now firmly my new wardrobe favourite and I will be posting a new outfit featuring this beauty very soon.

Until then, here are a couple of dapper looking young men I discovered a wandering down Portobello Road. One I named Charlie, for reasons still unknown to myself and the other is Jerrick Gray, who I believe is wearing some of his own creations. Not to mention a beautiful pair of black and neon orange Y-3s, which are almost as beautiful as my white and green pair, but none the less are still going on my kicks obsession list!

Charlie

Jerrick

Just.worn: My Big Green Bag

I love love love my big green bag! If I ever need to fit all my life into one bag, this is the one, my 'Boxford' from Longchamp. The perfect one to take out empty when walking down Portobello Road. I wasn't quite on a mission to fill it entirely, but... who knows what you might find on the Portobello Road? (but more on that later)

It feels like spring is finally here and I so want to emerge from my winter hibernation, yet its still not quite warm enough to survive outside without a jacket. So for this time at least, I wore my cosy fur aviator jacket to fight back the last of winter (I hope). However in true spring style I did get round to starting some spring cleaning this week, even if it was only just to dig out some of my favourite vintage  and antique jewellery. I couldn't resist piling on the knuckle dusters and hanging my favourite ruby and amber necklaces round my neck! 

Just.worn:

Big Green Bag - Longchamp / Fur Trim Aviator Jacket - Topshop / Grey Tee - Forever 21 / Denim Cut offs - Levi's / Black Chelsea Boots - River Island / Red Scarf - Ebay / Amber and Ruby Necklaces - Vintage

Just.watched: Marni at H&M Directed by Sofia Coppola

The new designer collaboration launches in less than a month on International Women's Day. I think this might be my favourite collection of all the H&M collaborations. I adore the Marni signature prints and patterns. This beautiful spring collection just has to find its way into my suitcase for me to take on my dream trip to Morocco. Incidentally, the commercial for the collection was filmed in Marrakech. It is absolutely stunning part of the world and I really do hope I make it there this summer!

Stills from the commercial featuring actress Imogen Poots wearing both clothes and accessories from the collection

Watch the video below created and directed by Golden Globe winner Sofia Coppola shot against the beautiful backdrop of Morocco and set to the sounds of Roxy Music.

Sofia Coppola with Consuelo Castiglioni, founder and creative director of Marni

Just.heard: Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

I first heard Lana Del Rey on the radio, only to completely dismiss her with the view that her single Video Games sounded too depressing and melancholy. I now take it all back. I just heard her new single, Born to Die and have fallen in love with her! She has the most beautiful smouldering husky voice and the most beautiful femme fatal style.

After discovering her amazing new single, I also discovered that she adorns the front cover of the latest Vogue, I am running down to the shops now to pick up my copy!

Just.seen: Melrose Vintage

Being a complete sneaker addict, I could not resist snapping this ingenious wall of Converse, by far the best way I have ever seen kicks merchandised! I really wanted, no had to come home with at least one pair, but sadly every pair I fell in love with was either too big or too small. I still cannot work out how I managed that one, what with converse growing out of the wall? but hey!

This shop was amazing stocking rows of every item of clothing imaginable, here's a sample of some of the jackets available.

Just.been: Italy

PISA

If you fly into Pisa you can't help going to see the wonder that is the Leaning Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli.


FLORENCE

Florence is one of the most beautiful Italian Cities I have ever visited so far (although I think Venice is still winning). I'd thought I would post a couple of my favourite pictures from the trip along with a couple of cheeky shots of my favourite Italian cliché... Mopeds.  

Many Many Many Mopeds

View from the Top

Florence Duomo

I love this shot taken over one of the many bridges in Florence, even if I do say so myself. I especially love the pattern created by the clouds in the sky and how the direct sunlight creates a silhouette of the stunning architecture.


I saw so many beautiful things whilst on my travels around Florence. Beautiful architecture, renaissance paintings and sculptures, and not forgetting the many beautiful clothes from Prada, Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi and Armani. Plus I scouted out some brilliant vintage shops, proof to be posted very soon!

Just.worn: Leopard Print

These beautiful snaps were taken in the warmth of my hotel room in Florence (so apologies for the interestingly patterned carpet and curtains), before I braved the cold night air in search of a Pizzeria and Cocktail bar. 

Right now I seem to love anything with back detailing, dipped hems, backless or cut out.

Unintentionally this outfit is a little shout out to my favourite store of the moment, Zara, what with my dipped hem skirt and backless tee both coming from there. Admittedly so is the bag, but priced at €3.95 hiding in amongst the Florence sale, I couldn't not buy it! Plus it goes so well with my new moonstone ring, which I bought from one of the many market stalls on my travels around the city. However wandering this beautiful city's streets wearing heels is not the best idea, as they are covered in what I like to call crazy paving, or to be more precise, cobblestones in a variety of shapes and sizes. I thought my leather platform wedges would best ensure I remained on my feet whilst out for the night and free from any injury. To wrap up this outfit (pardon the pun) I wrapped myself up in this beautiful red leopard print scarf, not only does it add a splash of vibrant colour, but keeps me warm when I decide that I want to eat ice cream in sub zero temperatures.

Just.worn: 
Cut Out Tee - Zara / Dipped Hem Skirt - Zara / Red Leopard Scarf - Ebay / Wedge Ankle Boots - Next / Metallic Envelope Clutch - Zara / Watch - DKNY