Travelling in Style - Paris

Paris, Paris Paris, THE city of LOVE. Many have complained that it’s cold and the people aren’t that nice. But seriously, what’s not to like about Paris?   Every corner of this city truly mesmerizes me. And if you go there with your partner, AND during Valentine’s Weekend (as I did), then it is even more charming, if possible.

I’ve been there many times now. But I must say it doesn’t really matter how many times you’ve been, it always feels special. That is why I wanted to share my special spots and moments with you, so that you fall in love with this city too.

If you are going just for a couple of days, there are certain places you can’t miss out.

First of all, museums. You might not be the cultural kind of person, but you HAVE to visit le Louvre and Centre Pompidou. Moreover, if you are on a tight schedule you should spend the money and get a Museum Pass. It’s about 40 euros, but it allows you to skip all the lines and go straight in (as if you are a VIP) to pretty much every single museum and big monument in Paris.

Le Louvre is possibly one of the biggest museums in the world and it is pretty impressive. You could spend a whole day just wandering around the big palace. But if you like, in few hours you can get to see the big hits like Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo.

If you are more into Modern & Contemporary Art, then you will absolutely love Centre Pompidou. The architecture of the museum is already so impressive, not to mention their temporary exhibitions are always incredible (Jeff Koons is currently on).

Second of all, get lost. If there is one thing I like to do with my boyfriend is just to pick an area and wander around. This is how you usually get to truly discover a city and it is so much fun! My fav areas to get lost are definitely Le Marais or Saint Germain des Prés.

Le Marais is very hipster. It is full of fashion houses, vintage shops (such as Free’P’Star or Kilo Shop) and lots of trendy restaurants. On the contrary, Saint Germain des Prés is more classy, relaxed and as the french like to call it, it is Bo-Bo (Bourgeois and Bohème). Very close by you'll also find Jardins du Luxembourg, which are perfect for an afternoon stroll, they are so majestic!

Of course you need to do the main sightseeing bits though, like Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe-Champs Elysées and la Tour Eiffel. You are in Paris! But if you do so, please make sure you don’t miss Sainte Chapelle.

Pretty close to Notre-Dame, this little Chapel is considered among the finest architecture of the 12th century because of their stained glass windows. And trust me, the whole thing is just dazzling.

Also, very nearby there’s one of my favourite spots in the city, the Shakespeare in Company Bookshop. The original shop, which doubled as a library, publisher and boarding house for aspiring writers, was featured in Ernest Hemingway's memoir, A Moveable Feast. It is the tiniest and oldest place I’ve been in Paris, and it keeps the oldest books you could ever imagine. I guess it’s the mixture of the literature enclosed in the place and its charming vibe what makes this place so unique.

I know, I know. You might be thinking why the hell I want you to go to a bookshop. But I guess this time you’ll just have to trust me and see it with your own eyes. And then you’ll understand.

Thirdly and to conclude, do yourself a favour and indulge yourself into some real treats. After all, you are in Paris.

TCB x

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Wearing Sister Jane Faux Fur Biker Jacket (available here), H&M  jeans (available here), ZARA Ankle-boots (sold out, similar here) and &Other Stories Clutch Bag (similar here)

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Wearing Kenzo Tiger Jumper (sold out), ZARA Boyfriend trousers (old, similar here), Maria Pascual Jewellery (available here) and Adidas Stan Smith Trainers (available here)

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An Italian affair - Venice

Venice, Venice, Venice...Couldn't find a better timing to talk about this beautiful city considering that Mr & Mrs Clooney celebrated their nuptials there so recently! Venezia is one of the most romantic and charming places in the world, and perfect for a weekend getaway. My boyfriend and I decided to spend our last days of holidays there and the place does not deceive.

Starting by its architecture and followed by the colourful little alleys and the gorgeous food, its offerings are limitless. If you are planning to stay there for a couple of days (as we did), I suggest you do the following:

1. The Grand Canal. There are two options for you to do it: by foot or by boat. Doing it by foot might seem very time consuming but I can tell you it is totally doable. You need to remember the city centre itself is quite small!

We did the foot path to discover the main area and it was perfect. Starting from Cannaregio area, you can walk all the way until Piazza San Marco, the main highlight of Venice. The path includes going through the canal bridges and Venice's labyrinthic streets, passing through Santa Croce, San Polo and Rialto neighborhoods, until you get to the Basilica di San Marco.

Piazza San Marco is stunning. There are plenty of posh cafés (with an orchestra playing all sorts of music), and if you are up for an experience and you don't mind splashing the cash I suggest you having a capuccino and some sweets at Café Florian.

Now coming back to discovering the Grand Canal. As I said, you could do it by foot or by boat. And as any other tourist, I wouldn't miss the oportunity to jump into a boat or a gondola to see the highlights of the City. If you are on a budget, a good option is to take a Vaporetto (their main public transport, €8/hour) from the train station to Piazza San Marco, and do the foot path from there.

2. Shopping. Of course, I couldn't miss talking about shopping! If you are in need of accessories, you are at the right place. Venice is known by its good fabric (looove their leather bags) and by its glass (make sure you get some murano glass jewellery).

3. Cicchetti and wine. There are plenty of places you could stop to indulge some good food & wine (and Prossecco, of course). In Santa Croce you've got Al Prossecco, one of Lonely Planet's favourites wine bar. Here you'll be able to taste natural-process wines and prosecco for a very decent price. Its location is quite local, which gives the place a nice touch.

However, my favourite place was Cantina do Spade in San Polo. We passed through this place several times while walking around the city and every single time it was so busy and lively that we couldn't resist going in. They serve fresh ciccheti (italian tapas) that vary from a wide range of seafood to very yummy veggie fritters. And bare with me, a glass of prosecco is 2€! What else could you ask for.

In Rialto you'll find plenty of touristy stalls selling you venetian hats, masks, and murano glass. But you will also find a beautiful local market selling fresh fish and food. Additionally, Rialto is probably the best place to rent a gondola.

4. Take a ride on a Gondola. You need to be aware that the starting fee for a gondola ride is €80, which to me is a complete rip-off. However, if you've travelled all the way to Venice, and you are only there for two days, you will want to do it! Specially if you go there with your partner. So if you are ok spending 80€ for a 30min ride, then just go for it. Another option is to find another couple that is interested in doing it too and share the ride with them (cheeky, cheeky).

5. Gelato. There's no need to say that every trip to Italy needs to include at least one coffee and one gelato per day (or is it just me?).  My favourite place in Venice for ice cream was withoug a doubt Suso Gelatoteca. There are plenty of flavours to choose, the portionts are gigantic, they taste wonderfully and the price is very reasonable, so that's a 10 for me!

To conclude, we've got: a beautiful scenery, delicious food, lots of romanticism, and a perfect weekend away.

Do you need anything else to make up your mind and go?

TCB x

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Wearing Uterque LBD (old, similar here), Zara chunky sandals (sold out), and Black Mini Satchel Bag (sold out, similar here)

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Wearing: Zara floral dress (sold out, similar here and here) and Bosanova Gold Flats (sold out, similar here)

Historical Greece - Athens

 

I've always wondered why dressing nicely while on holidays is a synonym of not being comfortable. Being away from home shouldn't be an excuse to wear your sports kit. This year I've been in very hot places, with lots of humidity, walking around for hours, and yet I tried to look OK! Oh Holidays, holidays. That time of the year everybody looks forward to. I find it quite funny how high expectations people get about them and how much time most of us spend deciding what's best to do and how to do it. All those hours of going through the internet trying to find the best routes, the best itineraries, all to have the best time of the year (or at least that's what I think!).And then they go quickly...Argh, I guess it means we are having a good time.

This year I wasn't sure where to go. Lots of destinations to choose and very little time (and budget). So I decided to travel around Europe. Since I moved to London it's getting more complicated to plan holidays, I must say. I want to spend some quality time with my friends and family back home (in Barcelona) but also discover new cultures. So after several hours on the internet, the decision was made. Greece! Italy! and of course, Barcelona.

Our journey began in Greece, and more specifically in Athens. I don't get why so many people told me I was going to hate it. I think it's the perfect weekend destination and it has so much to offer! For me the mix of culture and cuisine was just the best.

We got there very early and even though we travelled during peak time, we managed to get a very nice room at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel (with a rooftop with views to the Akropoli) for a very decent price. And the staff were so friendly and helpful!

If I learnt anything from visiting Greece is that the Akropoli and its surroundings make it worth the trip. The Akropoli is at its best during early time in the morning, less crowded and nice weather. You could even catch some breeze! And what to say about the Akropoli...well, I think the pictures say it all but if I had to use a word it would be majestic. We spent about half a day just wandering around it and it was superb.

From there we went to try what Athens cuisine had to offer. It really depends what you are looking for but I personally loved Souvlaki around Plaka, at the very famous Meatropoleos 3. I'm just going to say, if you are a meaty person, you won't go anywhere else.

However, if you are up for a more fancy option, I'd say wander around Kolonaki. It's quite a residential area but I'd say it is also one of the nicest. There you can taste one of the most exquisites greek frozen yogurts in the city and have greek tapas in little homey restaurants in the street (my favourite, Kalamaki Kolonaki).

After three days there, our journey was finished. But not completely! It was just time to move to the Greek Islands. And damn I was excited. Santorini was awaiting for us.

TBC x

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The Parthenon.

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Wearing Topshop Metallic Skirt (similar one, here) , Topshop Gingham Top, and Miista Dee Silver

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Agora

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The temple of Zeus

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Hadrian's Arch (With the acropolis behind it!)

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The Radisson Blu Hotel and its fantastic restaurant and pool

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...and once more, the view to the Akropoli from the hotel.

Shoreditch Hype

Well, well, well...I moved to London literally two months ago and I feel so settled already! London bursts of energy, creativity, innovation...and of course, a lot of fashion. I've been living here only for few months but every day is an adventure. And I wanted you to be part of them sharing my experiences here.

Last weekend I spent my time discovering (once again) Shoreditch, the neighborhood of hipsters and fashion craziness. There's nothing you can think of that you wouldn't see here. It is truly amazing.

My Sunday ritual in Shoreditch consists on having a nice breakfast at the Beigel Bake (salmon bagel, what a classic!) up at the end of Brick Lane and then just let myself into the litlle stalls where you can find real gems (fashion-wise, don't get me wrong).

One of my favourite spots is that Vintage Market under ground of Brick Lane. Live Music, Vintage Clothing and lots of food stalls to try different types of cuisines. What else would you need to spend your sunday?

But before getting into Brick Lane there is one stop I ALWAYS have to make, and that is the street market next to Old Spitafields Market. It is just bedazzling. Don't ask where those clothing pieces come from but they seriously have good stuff. They only work on the Sundays so make sure you are around to treat yourself to a nice piece! P.S: I've got that stunning metallic jacket I'm wearing in the pictures last Sunday :)

For outfit details, just see below the pictures. Have a nice week, fashionistas!

TCB x

WHAT I WORE:

Metallic Glitter Biker (bought at Spitafield's Sunday Market)
& Other Stories Dress (sold out)
Miista Brogues