BBK MUSIC FESTIVAL BILBAO

It’s hard to go back to reality. But a weekend away from daily routine is always good for the body and soul. Especially when it involves Marcus Mumford, Luke Pritchard, and Thom Yorke (not all at once of course).

Read More

POLKA DOTS & PHOTO SPOTS

I received a little package yesterday afternoon which, although expected, was joy inside a brown envelope. After my cousin introduced me to the online vintage market, Anttique Code, it was literally impossible not to support the cause. With prices that couldn’t be more affordable, and items that are both unique and classic, this small but growing vintage e-boutique might quickly become a weakness.

Read More

A LE FRANCAIS

Week one of my intensive French course has come to an end, and all I can seem to think about is anything French. While my grasp of the “plus-que-parfait” verb tense might not be up to par quite yet, there are still 3 more weeks left “pour améliorer” (aka to get my act together). And there’s something about French style that is just so sharp and casual at the same time, you realize they didn’t receive the label of “effortlessly chic” for nothing.

Read More

SPANISH SUMMER

It’s easy to forget about something like blogging when you’re busy having fun. Being in Madrid during the summer can sometimes do this to you: you forget about time, obligations, family commitments, what your room looks like, whether you’ve fed your pet fish lately…? And with a heat wave now upon us, the only thing you want to do is find the nearest pool and stay there (or the nearest ice bucket).
Given that I am spending my whole summer in Spain for the first time in many years, I thought it would be only appropriate to feature Spanish-made swimwear. One of our most famous national swimwear designers is Guillermina Baeza, who has just come out with a new collection for Mango (making her catwalk pieces affordable for the rest of us). I love the purple ruffle bikini and the retro floral one-piece. Next up? Totón Comella who designs the line TCN. Who doesn’t already own a striped onesie? Shame on you. And if you’re tired of all the jungle motifs, and savannah prints (if I see another palm tree bikini I might cry) then Oysho has some great, comfy basics like this teal version.
Since nobody goes to the beach or pool without some important accessories, we can always resort to Zara for a floppy straw hat, Castañer for sturdy espadrilles, and Hoss Intropia for a canvas carry-all. The only non-Spanish item? Those sunnies which are too cool not to include!

IN TUNE

Festival Season

While I’m well aware that Coachella came and went, I am also aware that this is not the be all, end all of music festivals… Festival season is a long, hot, globe-trotting period of weekend get-a-ways and too much beer in plastic cups. While Spain may not be at the top of many band’s tour schedules, this country has plenty of music events to boast.

Read More

MADRID’S VINTAGE BOUTIQUES

I’ve realized, for a girl living in Madrid, I post very little on this incredible city. And while I could write for hours about all the Spanish capital has to offer, I figure small doses might be better. So I’m starting out by wandering the streets of probably my favorite neighborhood in the city: Malasaña.

Read More

INSPIRATION: THE REAL ANNIE HALL

As I spend a lazy Friday afternoon sniffling against a cold, and sipping green tea; I find myself watching reruns and old movies. Cliche as it may be, Annie Hall is one I return to time and time again. Annie Hall’s style has been referenced so often, you could say she is the icon when it comes to androgynous dressing. But her style would be nothing without the quirkiness and eccentricity that comes from being a female role in a Woody Allen film. The men’s button downs, wide legged trousers, thick rimmed tortoise rims… all copied and replayed by anyone who claims themselves fashionable. But it’s the fact that nobody else sounds that cool using the word ‘neat’, that makes her so memorable.

Read More

YSL EXHIBIT

This past Thursday I took a bus from campus down to the nice fancy part of town where I felt like royalty for an afternoon in the company of the master, Yves Saint Laurent.Well, fine, it wasn’t exactly with the real person seeing as the world unfortunately lost the great visionary back in 2008. But I did enjoy the company of his legacy: his most beautiful creations exhibited by the Fundación Mapfre and Fondation Pierre Berge, his long time partner in crime.

Read More

LES BOUTIQUES DE BIARRITZ

Yesterday was kind of an overcast day on the coast of France so I decided to leave my little surf village for a day and head down South to the slightly more glamorous Biarritz. I’d always heard that Biarritz has some great shopping and cute boutiques that are unique and très chic! Being an intern-on-a-budget, I wasn’t really in a position to do any buying, but since window shopping is free, I thought it a perfect occasion to check out said boutiques…

Read More