MY TOP TRAVELLING TIPS

AT THE EDGE OF PARADISE

Just a post on all the personal little things I picked up whilst travelling that I thought I'd share for any budding adventurers out there. Enjoy X

PHOTOS

1.

Let's start this off with one of my biggest regrets of the entire travelling trip. CAMERA. Silly really as I knew I'd be surrounded by epic tumblr worthy scenic shots. I've honestly been kicking myself when I look back at pictures. I even had the opportunity to purchase a decent camera at the airport and the gentleman helping me (bless him) kept asking me vital techno questions about what type of camera I wanted. I was a bit of a technophobe back then (improved since then, I think!) and ran away overwhelmed not knowing the right techno answers. Of course I still have the vivid memories captured in my mind, and yeah I still had a camera phone to use but as my first tip to you I would highly recommend investing in a proper high quality digital camera. If you're travelling with a friend or partner you could always pitch in the payment together. (as they aren't cheap) Pictures and visuals that you create whilst travelling will live with you forever. 

(THE VERY IMPORTANT) 

BORING BITS

2.

 Tick! If you can, start ticking all the boring (meh) bits off your list straight away. Such as flights, travel insurance, permits/visa, accommodation (if you want that sorted beforehand), car rentals, money exchange etc. It just means leading up to your trip you can spend (very needed time) looking up suitable bikini's online. (I mean that's just as important right??! **Covers face!)

 PACKING

3.

Another slight learning curve for me was WHY DID I PACK SO MANY BLEEDING SHOES! SERIOUSLY WHY! I mean I don't know where I thought I was going but I can honestly say I lived in one pair of converse trainers for the majority of the trip, and I only realistically needed one pair of my favourite heels. I overloaded big time basically and not just on the shoes as my clothing quota was also unnecessarily loaded too. Duh! But you live and learn! So just ask yourself (or the clothing) 'Will I need you?'. Also think about that extra weight on your poor back in your back pack. (I had a few of them moments) 

COMPANY

4.

Choose wisely the company you decide to go on your travelling trip with. Just being honest as you really need to. You are going to be spending a hell of a lot of time together, probably bunking up and sharing beds and just generally sharing the entire experience you have as a collective. You really don't want to break important relationships. Before our trip I remember one of my friends telling me that they travelled to India with a big group of girls, unfortunately that party that she travelled with kept bickering/arguing over silly things. A few of the party actually left, and went home back to the UK because they couldn't hack the back packing life and the general adjustment to the travelling living. Personally that would be my worst nightmare and would obviously make a huge impact on your trip.The backpacking life has no time for divas and it is a huge embarking challenge. But if you try and surround yourself with people that are up for it, down to earth, like minded and just nice people you'll have the time of your life. (I hope my ramble makes sense) Also if you are travelling as a big group you have to be prepared to alter your plans to (be considerate). Shaz, Cihan and myself all carried the same attitude towards the travelling lark. We got up early every morning and was out venturing buzzing for what the day had in store for us. We became a little team. Okay I think you get what I mean, I'm going to stop before I make us sound like the bleeding brady bunch!

FORGET THE RULES

5.

To be honest I'm not really a stick to the rules type of lass but I'll just share a wee story we encountered during our trip. So Shaz and myself said that we would never ever travel/drive late at night, as it would be much safer to drive in daylight. And we stuck to this 'rule' for half way across our trip. Now in Las Vegas we had Cihan (Geezy) join us for the rest of the duration and she drove us from LV to San Diego. Unaware of our no driving after dark rule we found ourselves on the road 'after dark'. We continued to drive 'after dark' for the rest of the trip and without even realising we've been driving late at night breaking one of our rules. West coast in the night time becomes even more alive. I don't know what it is and I can't even translate exactly into words how our long distance night time driving felt, but all I can refer it to is one of my favourite films Drive. The open road.  But if Geezy never joined us we would of stuck to our boring safe rule and missed that amazing experience which left since an impression on me. Face Your Fears. So my long winded moral of my story is stuff the rules and LIVE YOUR LIFE!

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

6.

So I have to say my least favourite part of our travelling trip was the main tourist attractions. I really didn't like Hollywood walk of fame, but I did love the boat trip to The Statue of Liberty and central park. Okay so only some tourist attraction if I'm honest bore the crap out of me. I don't find them appealing in anyway. They give me no inspiration and normally really overcrowded. If you can don't forget to venture out and mix in with the locals, try something different. The tourist places are also quite over priced. (Just my personal opinion)

OPEN

7.

'Have No Fear' or 'Do Something That Scares You', I used to think when coming across quotes of a similar nature to quite frankly do one. Lay off with your life messages. Why on earth would I want to scare myself? But travelling somehow enables you to do that. Your At the Edge of it All. Half the time feeling alive and half the time wondering if you'll die but that inner strength is risen out of you. Sounds so strange to write but it's the truth or my truth from the experience. Allow yourself to open up. Whether that's your mind, spirit or soul. But something in you I personally think changes. You do have to be open to allow that to happen. Find that trust within your being that tells you, you can do anything in this world. As you bloody can. Open to the experience.............

EXTRA COSTS

8.

We totally forgot to factor in the tipping system which operates in the United States. Tipping is not mandatory in most of the US, it is customary in many circumstances for service, especially at almost all sit-down restaurants which offer table service and many food servers depend on tips as an essential part of their wage. Generally, the average tip is 15% TO 20% of the total meal cost. So be prepared for any surprising costs as it can slowly eat in to your budget. (We kind of blew ours!)

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY

9.

It's so frigging true but so easy to do. We all worry but try not to worry to much and really take in the surroundings your lucky enough to experience around you. Travelling really does put everything in perspective. Smile and laugh you way through to enjoy the ride. 

SAVING

10.

I've barked on about my American once in a lifetime road trip for months now because I'm quite frankly still not over it. I don't think I ever will be. I do occasionally pinch myself and think did I really see or do that, like was I really at The Grand Canyon. So why not start saving for the next adventure. Every penny counts! India, South America or Thailand are all on my list.   

ENRICHED BY PEOPLE

BONUS.

Americans love to talk. We got approached by so many lovely friendly helping people in the US, they weren't out to get anything from us apart from our journey. (we did stand out like a sore thumb) Intrigued and caring of our mad cross country adventure. I can honestly say that the people we met along the way really made the journey that extra bit special for us. No one was mean (Apart from the staring truckers lol). If anything they were thanking us for venturing over to their country. The natives really changed my ignorant perception of Americans. Blinded and fooled. 

These guys made us laugh so much! Chicago.

(Oh photo judgement people just posing for pictures.)

We mixed with all different people with a an individual walk of life. Old, young, races, genders. I loved hearing stories and embracing the surroundings around me. Everybody and anybody would strike a conversation with us. We'd be sat in a cheap noodle bar and a guy across a table would come and introduce himself. He was like in he's fifties, white and business like, but not in a seedy way just an everyday polite way. Down south the lady servicing us would ask 'What are you pretty ladddies doing down south?', and that was the norm. It took us a while to get used to it. People actually talk. Oh my god I have to write this but the men are just so cool. They again weren't after anything, they just liked talking, it was like talking to old mates and they instantly knew how to pose for a picture! People  are actually nice. We are nice. 

As always many thanks for reading. I thought I'd do something a bit different from the styling this week. I've really enjoyed writing this little recap. Again feel free to let me know your thoughts and whether this has hopefully helped you in anyway. 

My Look

My Style

Flora Maria

XX 

DREAMY SPRING

Sweet Florals

Spring is here! Spring is HERE!!! Can we all do a happy CHEER!! Yaaaaaay! (unintentional rhyme) Excuse the cheesy sing song and call me weird but I'm honestly so happy that Spring is finally here. I've literally spent the last month or so dreaming of this exact moment. DAMN IT I just can't take this cold no more!!! Okay I really need to stop using so many exclamation marks and calm down. (breathe) I just always feel like my mood for the day is heavily dictated by the weather around me. I also feel like my fashion mind is ready for a climate change. Bye thick knits! (sorry winter lovers) 

My new season happiness may be a little premature as I haven't actually checked with the season master (google) whether it's technically or officially Spring yet, but I'm thinking if I act like it's spring and the sun is shining then it's spring. (How many times can I write the word Spring!)

Now with a wardrobe spring in my step (no pun intended) I hunted for my favourite spring like dress.......Voila The Hippy Patchwork Print Pink Dress (alliteration bonus points) that I purchased from Zara last year as I treat for my birthday. I just had to have it as soon as I spotted this beauty in the Westfield branch. 

Now you probably know that I'm slightly obsessed with the subtle yet effective detailing of a garment and this pretty number is of course full of them. Firstly I love the elegantly long sleeves, round neck and the perfect midi length skirt, (such a favourable creation, thanks designer gods) which instantly makes me feel like a lady. Equally the epic print patchwork pinks which scream hippy chic for me and lastly the exoctic fabric which is soooooooo silky on the skin. 

dress:here, boots: similar here, unisex sweatshirt:here, sunglasses:here

You can dress this piece up for the evening by adding heels and accessories, or down like moi. As I was just heading out to run a few daily errands I threw on my cosy black sweatshirt jumper (which is another wardrobe staple ladies) and my favourite ankle boots. I think the black contrasting help the flash of colour to really stand out. I like to mix match my pieces especially items that you wouldn't necessarily piece together. A timeless dress with an edgy black boot will always get a sunny fashion freak nod from me.

Let me know what you think of this look?

Thanks for reading. 

My Look

My Style

Flora Maria 

Ps. A fashion blogger favourite! Love these images. Thanks photographer :-)

CASUAL SUNDAY

SUNDAY STAPLES

                          

Every Sunday you'll probably find me in my snug oversized hoodie and my old not giving a care leggings, but as it's the big V day I thought I'd make more of an effort but still keeping my Sunday look quite casual. 

I went straight for my favourite staple pieces that I tend to live in during the winter season.

 I love love love this aran 100% wool vintage cable knit as it's so warm and comfy. The off white colour is a great way to interject light by brightening up an everyday outfit. White always looks so fresh and clean. If you wanted an all round jumper for life this is it as I honestly throw this warmth on with anything (Skirts, jeans, shorts, flares). 

The stone washed highwaisted denim leg dreams are such a huge favourite of mine. Finding the perfect jean to feel fabulous in is so damn hard but these you just can't go wrong with. You could say they are a statement denim piece by the distressed denim immediately screaming eighties old school and perfect for adding a bit of retro funk to your every day look. 

 The ankle booties again I honestly wear with anything and everything. They are quite worn in now being suede and I should get them cleaned more often but I don't. (Ooops!) I think it's because I secretly like the scruffy need to clean my boots look (plus I'm half tom boy). 

And of course my satchel which finds itself propped into my hands daily. I've decided that this little vintage gem is so classic in design that it completes an outfit for me (and I'm addicted to it) Lastly my old time retro sheep skin coat that again I wear again and again! Me del boy coat is the only thing keeping me warm so I'm practically living in it! (No joke!)

Jumper: Similar here, Jeans: Similar here, Black Booties:Similar here, Coat: Similar here, Bag:Similar here.

My wardrobe staples: Cable Jumper, Highwaisted jeans, black ankle boots. 

What's your favourite wardrobe staples?

Thanks for reading. 

My look, 

My Style,

Flora Maria

XX

ME AND VALENTINE

 A BLUR VALENTINE 

Whether you have a super hot date this valentine Sunday with a love one or your sexy girlie bonafides! I thought I'd share a favourite vintage look of mine. 

shirt:Porcelain and Red, leather waistcoat: Mum steal, mini skirt:Rokit, shoes: Kurt Geiger, Lip: Mac ~Ruby Woo, bag Next.

What can I quickly say about this look. I really like to have fun with fashion especially vintage clothing. The leather highwaisted mini skirt is a definite wardrobe staple for me. I just find the shape and look so versatile to style and effortless to wear. The one I'm wearing here is very short (freezing legs) but you could always add tights. (I've been over wearing tights recently as I'm still dreaming of heat!) I teamed my skirt with this super fabulous monochrome pattern shirt with the touch of a dainty bow that I think add's a bit of fun to the look. The waistcoat is such a special find that I've again worn over and over again. The zip and cinched in belt really do help create a super sleek sexy (eek) look. The shoes add the perfect amount of chic too!

The images are a little blurred to add a rough retrotastic 70's vibe and I also love the hard industrial brick contrasting background. 

What do you think lovelies?

Thanks for reading. 

My look 

My Style 

Flora Maria

XX

TRAVEL - WE MADE IT - FINAL CHAPTER - LA

Wow! I can't believe I'm writing my final chapter of our American road trip. I've really enjoyed reliving it all again.

Let's enjoy the final chapter......... 

LOS ANGELES

Arriving in Los Angeles from San Fran took us just under five hours, driving along the west coast within them five hours I think between us we knew that this beautiful experience was all coming to a sudden end. Together in the midst of  our last long haul drive (sad face). We seriously didn't want it to end and began regretting not booking a whole year away (duh!) but hey ho we were lucky enough to of made it there in the first place. The home stretch was upon us.

Our new home for the next six nights was the The Bonaventure Hotel situated in the heart of the business district of down town Los Angeles. I remember arriving at the hotel feeling really dazed as everything around me didn't seem real. I mean I'm a Dagenham girl (bird) at heart and pulling up and actually stepping on LA turf just doesn't happen to people like me. I'm from a background where LA was just a dream. Cheesy and corny as that sounds but that's exactly how I felt in that moment. Was I actually there? Seriously WAS I THERE? You know when something feels so good you can't actually recollect and feel it happening so it turns into a giant blur (I hope that makes sense). 

My blurriness state wasn't helped by the hotel having a frigging crazy stream running through it, over 40 restaurants/shops to choose from, an outside glass lift, killer skyline view, giant pool, oh and a moving roof top restaurant. The lobby was huge and I initially felt very out of place like I wanted someone to pinch me. But I guess we wanted to have our road trip adventure go out with a bang in this amazing fabulous hotel.



After we did the obligatory jumping on our hotel beds and crazy run around the hotel we set off into the land of dreams, first stop a long drive down the iconic Sunset Boulevard.



Which nicely led us to a spot I'd never ever thought I'd ever get to see Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive baby! (I think I cried like a big baby)

                              

I think we drove up into The Hills past the luxurious mountains and mansions where I think I stood in front of THE HOLLYWOOD sign. (I think) 

We sunbathed and ate fish and chips on Venice Beach. I fell in DEEP LOVE. I mean this place for me was one the highlights of the entire road trip. Venice beach is full of hippy fun loving, live life in the moment people that I wanted to ALL befriend. I genuinely could live there forever. (did not want to leave)

I thought I was a Life guard from Baywatch. This life guard was adorable. Gave us lot's of tips of where to go.

We experienced the LA Night Life and got into places like Bootsy Bellows, 1Oak and other funky places. Californian folk know how to party!

Drank cocktails at a fabulous city hotel roof top with my gals! (as you do)

Drove up into the mountains to Malibu and dined in to the evening along the pacific ocean. Was it a dream?

Well it has been very surprisingly emotional reflecting back writing My America Road Trip posts. I wasn't expecting it to be but I guess it wasn't just about the journey we embarked on physically cross country but also the journey we went on mentally. I am so happy and grateful that I got to have one of the best experiences of my life with two of my closest friends. We were in it together. Talking of them it would be wrong of me to tell of the journeys they were both going through on the trip, and I'm not saying everyone that goes travelling is off to find themselves again because that is so cliche but we all shared something so special whilst being away that will live with me forever.

The worst part was saying farewell to Thelma our stunner of a car that didn't break down or give us any problems once. I still love you Thelma. Ok I think I need to stop writing now lol. 

I'll be doing a Travelling Tip/guide post to help any future adventurers out there and I think I'll add my America highlights to that final post too. (How many times can I write travelling lol) I hope you've enjoyed these posts and on my next travelling trip I'll be blogging as I go as I wasn't a fancy blogger on my American trip. 

Once again thanks so much for reading these chapters which I've thoroughly enjoyed writing. 

Ps. That's not the end of mine and LA's relationship. Actress life!

DREAM BIG 

My Look 

My Style 

Flora Maria
XX

RETRO BERK

The Pinafore Dress

I'm not sure about you but I still haven't had enough of my denim pinafore dress yet. 

Wearing this little sixties inspired beauty just makes me very very happy. I feel super cheeky in it and the design is a perfect style to recreate a sleek vintage look.

The sun was nicely beaming this week with a touch of warmth so I jumped at the chance to bare my legs. (brave I know) To be honest they did freeze a bit but they haven't been out in months! Hurry up Spring! (anyone else over winter?)

I styled my dress with a new orange woolly turtle neck jumper, a vintage pale yellow leather clutch to add a snap of extra colour, (I love the square shape) and my Italian Bruno Magli front buckle vintage brown shoes. (Which I'm also kind of in love with) 

Pinafore dress: Top Shop Similar Here, Jumper: Mint Vintage Similar Here, Clutch: Stole off me mum years ago.

 Shoes: Mero Retro.

What do you think of this look?

As always thank you for reading,

My Look

My Style

Flora Maria

XX