5 Statement Coats You Need This Season

Though I hate to admit it, the cold weather looks like it's finally here to stay. Coming home from New York I definitely noticed an icier chill in the air, the heating's on and the fluffy socks are out. Though I'm sad to see the back of warmer days, it does also mean its coat season and that – I'm all about.

I used my time in New York as an excuse to select and shoot some key autumn winter pieces, maybe stupidly in-spite of it actually being pretty gorgeous weather over there (whoever's idea it was to walk the Brooklyn Bridge in PVC trousers and knitwear needs a word). Here's a couple of my absolute favourite new additions that I wore in NYC (warm weather and all) plus a few more I've got my eye on – happy coat shopping.

Coat: & Other Stories / Jeans: River Island / Headband: New Look / Tee + Boots: Miss Selfridge

This houndstooth A-Line beauty by & Other Stories is blue hued dream, I love how the colour is an updated version of a usually neutral-coloured style. Dressed down for the day here in jeans and a tee, but it'll also look great this season over a cream knit or your favourite party LBD.

 Coat: River Island / Tee: New Look/ Trainers: & Other Stories

Now I don't think I've ever had so many compliments on a coat as I did with this statement neon gem from River Island. Something way out of my usual comfort zone, but my NYC trip impending I was feeling brave and neon seems to be having a moment right now. It's a total outfit maker and statement staple for autumn winter.

Here's some more I am LOVE–ing right now:

Summer of Love: Bali Livin'

It feels so weird to say I've been in Bali almost a month now. It's been flying by and I've been hitting everything pretty full speed. From surfing to scootering to exploring and partying it's been non stop but I wouldn't have it any other way, it's giving me the best start to summer I could wish for.

I've found somewhere to live, have my own scooter, made some amazing friends and am settling into Bali life pretty well. Whilst sometimes it feels it's racing by, I'm savouring those special summer moments that I love, fully absorbing memories I know will be forever ingrained in me. 

From standing under cascading waterfalls or sipping a coconut on the beach post surf to watching crazy beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean with new friends I'm feeling the love for this magic island, the people I'm meeting and it's here I'm even learning to feel the love for myself too. So, I'm thrilled to announce I'm working with Accessorize on their Summer of Love campaign whilst I'm here in Bali.

Given my lifestyle, my wardrobe is a big part of my life out here. I mean, did you see the size of my 120 litre backpack? It was practically as big as me and I actually floored myself under the weight of it at Gatwick - forever failing at packing light. But my love for the things I wear comes only second to my love for travel, so it only seems fair I take this opportunity to style out my favourite kind of looks whilst I'm here in this beautiful place. I'm talking sunkissed skin, salty hair, swimsuits and bikinis a plenty with layers of gold jewellery, floaty dresses and trousers for those ultimate beachy Bali vibes.

From enjoying my daily smoothie bowl at Crate to an afternoon surf in Canggu to sunset cocktails at The Lawn, Accessorize has all aspects of my Bali wardrobe covered. They're nailing it on the swimwear front this season and I can't get enough of these statement flouro pieces with a tan and the high waisted gingham set is so adorable. Jewellery wise, gold is always very much my thing, it's timeless and I love the boho vibes of layering pieces during summertime and these stacking ring and necklaces nail the trend perfectly. And of course lets not forget my pride and joy... the yellow-tinted sunglasses. They seem to go with EVERY outfit and I always get asked where they're from, I'm obsessed! 

I hope you enjoy these unseen (and some of my favourite!) images from some of my favourite moments during my first few weeks in Bali, wearing all Accessorize everything of course.  

This is a sponsored post created in collaboration with Accessorize

All items available at Accessorize

Marrakech Musings

Sick of the sight of the British winter, I kicked off 2018 with an impulsive pursuit over to Morocco and it was one of the most beautiful, culturally eye-opening trips I've had to date. Rich in colour, culture, incredible architecture and people from all walks of life, Marrakech is unlike anywhere I've visited before, and with fellow travel babe Charlotte at my side, I had a magical few days discovering the city. Whilst I'll be sharing a full city guide and more travel looks, I wanted to share a few first impressions in a blog post – something I'll be doing with all new places moving forward!

Beautiful as it is, Marrakech is not a relaxing holiday. There's a relentless energy constantly pulsing through the Medina – be it from the eager sellers in the souks, the ferocious street performers in the square or the hypnotic call to prayer come sundown. The bustling atmosphere is heady and you certainly have to have your wits about you, but I absolutely adored being in the thick of it. Sure, you can spend hours relaxing in a resort outside the city (though I don't see much point in that – you could be anywhere) but if you come to Marrakech, you'll expect a busy atmosphere and personally, being in the throng of the local culture is my favourite way to experience somewhere new.

Though it's a popular touristic destination, you do see more locals than tourists in the city – something you don't always find in popular travel spots. You'll be in a plush riad hotel one minute yet two doors down there'll be a local butcher or a tiny room packed with locals all surrounding one small TV set. From grand mosques to fruit-selling shacks it's a real fusion of insular cultures and life.

Before visiting Morocco, people will be quick to tell you to watch out for the men, the aggressive sellers or the young kids that trick you into charging for directions. And whilst yes, this is true (though you'll have learned all your lessons before the end of the first day) it's not something to put you off visiting. What people rarely remember to tell you is that many locals are a pleasure to meet, so proud of their country, their handmade products or knowledge of their hundreds of spices. Charlotte and I are fortunate enough to be quite well traveled, so little of the heckling really bothered us as two girls traveling alone there. But, the few lessons I did learn I'll be sharing in the form of some do's and don'ts in my full city-guide post.

And of course, it's not 24/7 hustle and bustle. Come the end of the day, escaping into our riads was like slipping into a slice of paradise hidden away in the medina. One absolutely gorgeous place we stayed was Riad Johara, home to the most intricately beautiful architecture (as you can see) and owned by the most wonderful German lady called Astrid whom you may be lucky enough to meet should you stay here. And of course Aladdin and Armani – the most adorable resident cats.

During every trip I take, there's always small moments of magic, surreal seconds that remind me why I have such an insatiable hunger for travel and wonder at this gorgeous world we live in. Sat up on the rooftop at Riad Johara, drinking mint tea and basking in the dusty pink sun as it set behind the atlas mountains whilst the call to prayer echoed around us was one of those moments. And, when one as special as that comes around I let it soak into every pore like sunlight, as it get's etched into the stock of travel memories that I'll never forget.

Thanks, as always, for reading and before I sign off, I should probably welcome you to my newly designed site (and name!). Now that I'm finally happy with my new space (still a few tweaks needed here and there) I'll be sharing a lot more words and content on here, my mojo is well and truly back and creative veins are bursting – stay tuned.

Shop the post: Privacy Please blue stripe dress and 
LPA Gia bag via Revolve, Missoma Roman pendant 
and initial pendant, New Look matching tie top, tassel shorts 
and embroidered mesh maxi.

Images shot at Riad Johard Marrakech

Black Out

It's nearing that time in November where we all go a bit berserk over the biggest sale weekend (or rather whole week) of the year. You may already be sick of hearing about upcoming Black Friday deals, but let's face it – it really is the best time to snag some brilliant bargains. So in honour of the upcoming sale mayhem that's about to hit, today's post is an all-black look in collaboration with Brand Attic and sneak peek at their amazing deals coming up this week.

Get Black Friday ready at BRand Attic by starting your shopping on Monday 20^th with a generous 30% off ladies knitwear.

Expect 30% off all footwear on Tuesday 21^st where you can get your hands on some killer heels for the Christmas party or this season’s most wearable trend; the over the knee boot.

Mid- week, make sure you take full advantage of the £1.99 next day delivery & 20% off site wide to get that Christmas shopping sorted before the December madness hits.

On Thursday 23^rd beat the Black Friday rush with 25% off site wide. A good chance to nab your favourite pieces before they are gone!

Black Friday will offer an extra special discount. With over 30 brands to choose from and a recent own label collection launch, there will be something to suit everyone. And the deals don’t end there, Head to their website on Cyber Monday to see another secret deal saving you a ton of cash on that all-important Christmas shopping list.

*Offers exclude Sale items

And, if you really can't wait 'till tomorrow you can use my code 'LUCIA25' for 25% onsite off form now unitl Wednesday. Happy shopping my loves!

Shop the look: Brand Attic faux leather biker jacket, Brand Attic tie back OTK boots, Neon Rose star print wrap dress

This is a sponsored post created in collaboration with Brand Attic

Dress Robes

Today's post is an ode to this gorgeous velvet addition to my autumn winter wardrobe. A robe so fancy that I'm sure if Ron Weasley had worn it the Yule Ball instead of his hand-me-downs he would have been in with Ms. Patil for sure. Somewhat 'extra' and definitely a statement piece, it's a throw on and look good number that'll see me through many outfits this season, party or paired back like today's look. As with many of my beautiful pieces, this slice of velvety goodness is from Revolve by one of their gorgeous in-house labels, Tularosa.

It's been what feels like bloody ages since I did a good ol' outfit post, so to celebrate the return of what will hopefully be a regular rhythm of them – I've got a sneaky limited-time discount code for you all to use at Revolve, so if you didn't already need a reason to snag this robe, now you really do! From 31/10/17 at 7pm PST 1/11/17 at 2am GMT, until 11pm 3/11/17 you can grab 20% off this outfit and everything else at Revolve with code 'FALL20'. 

Whilst it's a gorgeous party piece to sling over a LBD  (I've tried it on with this Majorelle skirt and will definitely be wearing it out out one Saturday soon), this robe is great for stepping up any basic look. For a day of running around London for meetings I wore a slogan tee, GRLFRND denim and flatforms and paring it with this golden velvet outer-piece adds a great bit of seasonal tone and texture.

Thanks as always for reading! Don't forget to use your 20% off at Revolve here.

Shop the look: Tularosa velvet robe and GRLFRND denim via Revolve (USE CODE FALL20 FOR 20% OFF), Topshop hat, Asos tee (old, similar here), New Look flatforms, Gucci bag

Autumn

Hi there friends, how are you all doing? It feels like ages since I've sat down and put some proper words down here. I've done so much travelling this year – from the months of March-September, I didn't really stop. I didn't let a beautiful moment go by without sharing it on Instagram, and what with all the gorgeous new places and different cultures I was discovering, it would seem I should be full of words to share with you here.

Truth be told, I guess I fell a bit out of love with writing full stories, maybe because so much was happening so fast. It felt more natural to share each and everything in short snippets on Instagram as these short moments in time unfolded. Life was tumbling by from one experience to another, and as much as what was happening was constantly firing synapses and bouncing ideas around my little butterfly brain – it literally felt like I didn't have time to write about it all. 

Or, maybe because I put too much of my fire and drive into a heady summer romance with a boy I met in Bali – who of course proceeded to and dump me as soon as the autumn leaves began to fall (totes fine – more on this in a later post haha). But honestly, there's nothing like a bit of heartbreak to motivate you to get your shit together. 

I forgot how much of a therapy writing is to me, and in addition to having a few stories I've been working on ready to share here with you, I'm back on my work game better than ever before, smashing my weekly fitness goals and have some of the most exciting travel plans of my life coming up over the next few months. Autumn looks like it's going to be pretty bloody good and though I'm sad to see the back of my summer adventures, I'm so ready for the new season and new chapter.

Not namely because of all the autumn-winter goodness hitting the stores right now, but it certainly helps as I say goodbye to my bikinis (for now). Today I'm super happy to be sharing these images I shot with New Look over London Fashion Week. As an official sponsor, they invited me and a few of my favourite blogger girlies to attend the absolutely incredible Molly Goddard show (watch it here – it was pretty bloody epic) and to a wonderful lunch at The Hoxton to follow. 

And of course, I couldn't have been happier to wear some of their new season pieces on the day. This incredible rust-toned satin skirt is a gorgeous way to add some AW hues to your outfit, and at under £25 it's an awesome transitional piece – I also wore it with a little black bodysuit for dinner in Italy! I've also already worn this cream lattice-back knit to death already, for it's length it holds a great A-line shape (I usually find longer knits tend to go slightly pear-ish) and the back detail makes it look like a much more expensive piece. Teamed then with an on-trend Prince of Wales checked blazer (I have the matching trews too), these super comfy flatforms (which have currently replaced my Stan Smiths), and my trusty Gucci – it was one of my favourite LFW looks this season. Hugest of thanks to NL for having me. 

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Shop the look: New Look satin skirt, cream knit, check blazer & flatform trainers | Gucci bag | Celine sunglasses