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Equipment blouse, Karen Walker cardigan, Topshop trousers and heels, Meadowlark ring
Classic. You know you're onto a good thing when months later you are continuing to receive compliments on said acquisition. While incredibly simple in concept, these Topshop heels - which I just so happen to have in a wine colour also - still manage to stand out and capture the attention of others. It goes to show you the power of simple wardrobe classics, and those that have been re-worked in a way that renders them slightly different to what you would normally expect.

This last year has seen me start to shy away from bold prints in favour of classic pieces and classic cuts with a point of difference, as I've started to appreciate what a beautifully tailored piece can add to an outfit. Cue an addition of white silk blouses, simple grey t-shirts, breton stripe tops, cashmere cardigans in multiples, and full skirts that skim over the hips. This is not to say that I don't still have room for fun printed pieces like these Topshop pants, but more that I've noticed a distinct change in what appeals to me when I'm browsing through shops or lookbooks.

 

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Comme des Garcon Play striped top, Kate Sylvester Skirt, Topshop loafers, Proenza Schouler bag, bracelets from Greece
Mariniere. With an abundance of stripes at my disposal, I get the feeling that it's going to be hard to avoid wearing them most days, not that I'm complaining. Synonymous with the classic and undoubtedly chic Parisian style, it's probably no wonder that I picked up three of said tops while in Paris, where I found them to be readily available and clearly hard to resist. As corny as it sounds, I can't help but save every breton striped picture that I come across - it would seem I have a mild obsession..

It's a bit surreal being back home after having such a magical four weeks in Europe, many memories I hope that I never forget. Returning to work the day after getting home has meant a quick return to my regular routine, and despite the mild jetlag and tiredness, it hasn't been too much of a shock to the system. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to a brief reprieve on the weekend, to catch up on some of the sleep missed on our 40 hour journey back home, oh and uh.. getting to see the new Karen Walker collection in the flesh.

PS. For those of you asking about the sizing of the CdG stripe top, in my experience it is true to size. I'm generally a small size 8, and purchased this in a size small, which has a slightly loose fit.

 

80

outfit 1: Zara linen t-shirt, Supre denim shorts (similar)
outfit 2: Kate Sylvester top, Karen Walker shorts, Topshop sandals, Karen Walker sunglasses
outfit 3: Topshop top, shorts (similar) & sandals, Karen Walker sunglasses, Diva necklace

Final days. I always find the ending of an overseas holiday bittersweet. On the one hand, I look forward to going back to the comforts of home and returning to my routine, but on the other, I'm sad that all of the wonderful times are ending - until next time that is.

Our last three nights sailing were spent anchored right by the village of Finikouda, which felt like home while we were there. Shortly after waking up I would - somewhat ungracefully - submerge myself in the water before motoring ashore for a combination of lying in the sun and cooling off in the warm waters whenever I got too hot. We were lucky that on our way back, a school of dolphins surrounded our boat, jumping in and out of the water as we sailed along. I don't think that I have ever seen dolphins so close before.

Aside from sailing, yesterday was spent travelling out to Olympia, quite fitting considering that the Olympic Games start this weekend. Today involved another venture to an ancient site, that of Arxaia Messini, quite possibly my favourite Greek ruin that I've been to. Still being excavated, there were a number of new things which had been uncovered since the last time I went. I doubt that there are many other ruins where you are walking over unearthed columns, and those that have been are easily accessible.

It would probably be unsurprising to most who know me, that I managed to have a couple of three-week old kittens as "pets" while in Valira. If only I could stay longer...

 

79

outfit 1: Karen Walker blouse, shorts & sunglasses, Topshop sandals, Zimmerman bikini
outfit 2: Forever 21 singlet, Supre denim shorts (similar), Topshop sandals, Karen Walker sunglasses

Mediterranean. The last five days have passed by in a blur, as we sailed the coast from Kalamata down to Finikouda. After spending so much time on a boat, I'm still getting the rocking movements from the water hours after being on land. I couldn't help but share the last few remnants of my time in Santorini, and thinking about it makes me miss the beautiful ocean and houses by the sea.

We were a bit unlucky in our initial sail to Xranoi beach for a swim, as it was quite windy and with the sails up the boat was tipping on its side a fair amount, something I had not been expecting at all. Even once we anchored in Koroni the swells were quite strong and I don't think any of us got very much sleep. The village of Koroni is so charming, with taverna's along the water, and an old castle a short walk away. The perspective of the village from the sea is incredible, as unlike on land, you get the full picture from your vantage point. More incredible still was watching the sun set over the buildings, and the sky fade away into pastel coloured hues. I'm pretty sure that I have spent the majority of the past five days lounging about in my swim suit, as we constantly dipped back into the water for a swim. I can honestly say that this has been a 'beach' holiday at its best, and not your typical one at that.

 

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outfit 1: Acne blouse, Supre shorts (similar), Topshop sandals, Karen Walker sunglasses
outfit 2: ASOS lace dress, Topshop sandals

While I've probably already said it, I don't think that I've ever seen any place as beautiful as Santorini, a place teeming with experiences and moments that I hope I will never forget. I'd forgotten the mist that hangs in the air, making it impossible to tell when the sea ends and the sky begins - something I still can't get over.

Most of our time in Santorini was spent either at the beach, eating at the various Tavernas, or simply enjoying the view from our balcony (which is where I'm standing in the first pics). Swimming down at Ammoudi Beach was an experience in itself, jumping off boulders into the calm cool waters of the Calderra. Perhaps regrettably, I didn't ride a donkey from the bottom of the steps near Ammoudi Beach to the top, instead opting to climb the 240 plus stairs in the heat. There's always next time!