Three days on the road

Some more pics from my trip - the last couple days we've spent driving from Palermo, via Erice, to Marsala; then to Licata via Sciacca; then to Siracusa via Ragusa and Scala dei Turci. Phew, no wonder I'm knackered! xo

1. Ragusa, a town in the mountains
2. Me in Licata. Quite an 80's print but I like the colours, plus it got me a 'bella, ciao!' from a passing native :)
3. The BEST bread I've ever had; ever. In Ragusa.
4. View of the castles in Erice - beautiful
5. Sicilian biscuits from our B&B in Licata
6. White cliffs of Scala dei Turci
7. View from our balcony in Licata

Food, glorious food

Today was a good food day - amazing Sicilian pasta for lunch (with sardines, wild fennel, saltanas and pine nuts), followed by the creamiest ice-cream ever. We took the bus to Monreale for lunch, a pretty town just outside of Palermo, before heading back for some alfresco afternoon tea and wine. Can't wait for dinner now! xo

1. Marzipan fruits, a Sicillian specialty
2. Backstreets of Monreale
3. Bucatini con la sarde
4. My look today - nautical mango dress & fun white sunnies
5. Hazelnut plus Sicilian flavour ice-cream
6. A wall in Monreale

Palermo, Palermo!

Holiday time!! We arrived in Palermo, Sicily this afternoon after a harrowing 4am start to the day (and a terrifying Ryanair landing). Getting some much needed rest now (read: Nick's napping) - once showered we headed out to lunch and wandering around for a couple hours. Here's some photos from the B&B. xo

1. Yellow nails & cherries
2. Pretty flowers in our room
3. Cherries from a local market - yum!
4. View from our balcony, towards hills
5. My chosen holiday nail colours
6. New silver sandals from Kurt Geiger
7. View from our balcony, towards the port / sea
8. Me! Chilling in the hotel room, waiting for Nick to wake up!

Blue over you

Sorry I've been out of touch for the last week - it seems spring/summer had arrived in London! The weather's been too lovely to stay inside on the laptop and when I have been stuck at this desk it's been to book hotels and car hire for Sicily (we leave Friday!).  But I did steal some time to take an old dress and 'make do and mend' (shout-out to the upcoming jubilee with that gem) and to take some pics for you guys!

I was actually wearing this dress the day I met my boyfriend (almost 3 years ago), but i fell out with it last summer as it was looking 'a bit tween-ish'. I thought removing the ruffles might tone it down a bit, so that's what I did! It took a sharp pair of scissors and a careful hand but I think the finished product is great. It's simple and ergo more timeless, so I'll be able to keep wearing the dress that become history...

What do you think of my attempt at fashion DIY? xo

BEFORE

AFTER

I was wearing: New Look Dress (altered by me), stripe belt (from a differnt dress), Bertie boots, H&M straw bag. Accessories include: Michael Kors watch, white gold diamond spot ring, Scagen black pearl ring, Banana Republic silver hoop earrings (the same pair that I gave to my friend as a gift, who now knows I bought a pair for myself too... ).

Foot hardware

Marc by Marc Jacobs silver sandal

Something I love about fashion is how one specific accessory or item can make your old wardrobe look so of-the-moment. This summer I’m investing in a pair of flat silver sandals to do just that – I can see them taking me right through the hot season, being worn with denim shorts, floaty tops and every kind of dress.

For starters, silver goes with pretty much everything; plus I think there is something brilliantly futuristic about a metallic finish that will really compliment this seasons trends. All the florals, paisley, lace, broderie, pastels and candy colours that are around at the moment can be a bit too traditional or girly if embraced head to toe (at least for an ex-tomboy like me), so I’ll be adding a little harmonious contradiction into my summer wardrobe.  What could be more perfect with floral shorts or a sugary dress than some sleek, silver sandals? :)

Kurt Geiger has my favourite collection of sandals at the moment – if you are looking for any colour or style I suggest checking them out! xo

Miss KG Peyton sandals

Musa metallic braided leather sandals

Kurt Geiger Koko sandals

Zara basic sandal

French Connection Raymond strappy flat sandal

Topshop Houpla leather strap sandals