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Posts from the ‘TRAVEL’ Category

Oct 24

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California: Road Trip Highlights

Francis Ford Coppola winery, Sonoma

Francis Ford Coppola winery, Sonoma

California, Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, California

California, Yosemite

Yosemite, California

California Freeway

California Freeway to Death Valley

California, Death Valley

Death Valley, California

California, The Grand Canyon by Helicopter

The Grand Canyon by Helicopter

California Road Trip, The Grand Canyon

Landing in The Grand Canyon

California Road Trip, Vegas by night

Vegas by Night

I’ve just got back from the most incredible holiday in California, feeling a bit jet lagged but apart from that it was amazing!

We headed to San Francisco initially for a wedding and stayed nearby in the beautiful Sonoma wine region.

We hopped on bikes and went wine tasting round a dozen or so vineyards (including one owned by Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola)…things were a bit wobbly on the way back!

San Francisco’s an amazing city, it’s got a really great vibe to it and the people are so friendly.

After the wedding, we hired a car and headed out on the road. First stop, Yosemite. The national park is as famous for its breathtaking sculptural landscape, carved out of millions of years worth of erosion and the ice age, as for its black bear population (!).

We camped in the mountains and were taught to run at a bear shouting if we happened to encounter one.

On the second day, we set off on a 12 hour hike to Half Dome, virtually the top of one of the mountains..it was hardcore. The following morning, we were woken to the sound of shouting as a bear was chased out of camp, right outside our tent!

After Yosemite, we drove 11 hours through snow capped mountains, lakes and into the searing hot desert and Death Valley. It was the most amazing drive I’ve ever been on and I can’t recommend it highly enough. We were on the open road, roof down and driving through the most incredible landscapes. If was so strange, we headed from winter into summer in one day…

Death Valley led us into Las Vegas and we arrived late at night with the whole strip lit up. Vegas is a crazy place- very expensive (you need to go with a spare few grand at least!).

We gambled, saw some shows but the highlight was definitely a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, it was AMAZING!

We flew over Hoover dam, landed in the Canyon and sipped champagne, then flew back over Vegas at night with all the strip lit up from above..it was such an incredible experience.

It doesn’t come cheap, but it’s well worth it- especially if you can do the sunset flight. I also LOVED Freemont Street, which is old Vegas- about a 15 min cab ride from the strip..it’s absolutely crazy. A similar vibe to The Secret Garden festival if you’ve been and feels a lot less commercial than the strip.

After Vegas, we were back on the road and headed to Santa Barbara, a typical Californian seaside town just up from Malibu. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great but we hired bikes and biked all round the area. We then drove up the coast, through the Big Sur which is a coastal path with breathtaking views and ended up in San Fran again where we spent a few days properly exploring the city (and shops!). There was a big sale at Banana Republic-my credit card took a bit of a hammering..

So, back to fashion tomorrow- I start a job freelancing as the new online editor for a luxury/high fashion watch retailer called TIME².

There’s also loads of fab press days coming up over the next few weeks which I’ll be updating about on FashionBite- so keep posted…

FashionBite xx

Oct 5

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FashionBite heads to California on road trip

California Road Trip 2 I’m off to San Francisco nice and early tomorrow morning on a road trip all around California..woo!

I’m flying out to San Fran for a wedding, then hiring a car and traveling through the wine regions in Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, via Las vegas and back up the coast. I’ll be away for 2 and a half weeks. I can’t wait!

See you v.soon.

FashionBite xx

Aug 9

British female blogger killed by Taliban in Afghanistan

Karen Woo, the British doctor killed in Afganistan All weekend I have read the reports on Karen Woo, the British doctor who was murdered (along with eight aid workers) by the Taliban in a remote part of Afghanistan, and I am mesmerized by her story.

This is woman described by others as an ‘amazing lady’ with ‘tremendous enthusiasm’ and someone who was due to marry in two weeks.

I am mesmerized by her story because of the blog she kept, which is still up and running at explorerkitteninafghanistan.blogspot.com., because it gives an incredible insight into the life and struggles of this woman.

We get a glimpse into a woman who was clearly passionate about what she was doing. She said ‘the loss of nearly all elements of the infastructure of a country, security, governance, education, transport, clean water, sanitation and power, are all visible in the health of the people. The things that I saw…made me, as a doctor, want to be able to bring back the human stories both good and bad.”

However, we also see her struggles as a female in a war torn country and her human qualities, as she talked of the tortoise and kittens she looked after in her garden.

She talked of nail varnish worries..July 12“I’m in the shower at home and I’m contemplating the negative impact of taking nail polish on a medical expedition into a remote mountanious area of Afghanistan. Ridiculous I know but several tense minutes were spent thinking through the consequences of blonding with the women of the village over Crimson Lake or Buttercup baby…”

And she talked of time spent rummaging through the market stalls for clothing. She said “Being all so last minute I’ve got a ball gown being made in Qualai Fatullah and some ethnic tops I wanted for the trip. I probably shouldn’t be worrying about a ball gown right now, but still, what’s a girl to do?

She worked with the wife of a former ambassador to Kabul last year on producing a fashion show to raise money for Afghanistan. Bridget Cowper-Coles told The Sunday Times: “She volunteered her services quite late on and really pulled the show together. I just can’t tell you what an amazing lady she was, so kind..”

After reading all the accounts of Karen Woo’s life and so tragically her death, it seems such a terrible waste of life- through reading her blog you feel in some way you know her, her struggles and her thoughts…

fashionbite xx

Jul 25

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Travel: Ibizan-style summer looks

I’ve just arrived back from a week in Ibiza, amazing place- feeling just a little bit tired..!

A group of 9 of us stayed in a villa just by Santa Gertrudis, central Ibiza. It was stunning, high up in the hills of Ibiza with a private pool- perfect for relaxing after a hard night’s partying. Ibiza villa

One of my favourite parts in Ibiza was the Old Town, with its 16th Century walls and cobbled streets it’s absolutely stunning. If you climb to the top you can see panoramic views of the entire island.

The bustling Old Town is crammed full of bars, restaurants and little boutique shops. Known as ‘the white island’ due to its typical white architure and buildings, Ibiza also has a very distinctive fashion style which is personified by its own-label fashion line, Ad Lib.

Launched over 30 years ago and originally based on the underwear of farmer’s wives, Ad Lib has since grown to represent the look of the island. Using fabrics such as linen, gauze, cotton and lace, the look is loose fitting linen shirts, bohemian-style sundresses and cut-off shorts- often transparent but all in white.

I picked up this white Miso embellished maxidress, £40, (above) from Republic just before I left and it worked perfectly for the day. Also, great day-to-nightwear if you’re heading out to dinner- team with strappy sandals and accessorise with chunky bangles/necklace.

Black body con dress with twisted strips, Republic Republic has some great pieces just-in, I also picked up this fab black body con dress with luminous back detailing, just £20. The dress has brightly coloured twisted cotton strips running across the back, really livens up the outfit and great for clubbing.

fashionbite xx

Jul 14

Supertrash opens store on party island capital Ibiza

Supertrash opens store in IbizaSupertrash opens store in party island Ibiza LA fashion brand Supertrash has opened a standalone store on the party island Ibiza.

The brand, founded by Hollywood socialite Ava Rily, is a hip, must-have label for young fashionistas. The brand’s signature look combines pretty feminine styling with a super chic rock ‘n’ roll handwriting.

For spring/summer, an explosion of bold colours in kaleidoscope prints sit alongside shear kaftans, cropped shorts and beach dresses in key neutral colour tones…perfect for the Ibiza crowd.

Whether you are sipping cocktails in the Blue Marlin or partying at Pacha, the new store will give you that instant fashion injection.

I’m off to Ibiza this weekend for a week-can’t wait! Will be updating with some style pics whilst I’m out there…

Visit the new Supertrash store, C./Bartolome Vicente Ramon 28, Bajo.

Might see you there!

fashionbite xx

Jun 3

Gant inspired St Tropez

Gant- nautical inspirationGant, nautical Nothing quite says preppy sporty-chic as Gant.

I’m heading to St Tropez in August and looking for some nautical inspiration to update my wardrobe.

Gant has some fab, fresh summer looks which would look great for late afternoon drinks wandering around the French sea-side resort.

Team this fab Sport Maritime top, £79, (left) with cropped white trousers and gold flats or pumps for day time.

Mix-and-match gold flats with the strappy, black dress (below) for eveningwear, or this cute, polka-dot top and cropped white pants.

fashionbite xx

May 26

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Gili Trawangan- the fashionable new Ibiza…?

Gili Trawangan So, I’ve been really lax about updating over the last week… as you’ve probably gathered- but for good reason.

I’ve just spent the last week on a beautiful island off the east coast of Bali called Gili Trawangan, it’s absolutely stunning!!

An article in The Guardian describes: ‘Just as Ibiza’s halcyon days were in the early 60s (when the first wave of beatniks arrived) and the late 80s (when acid house exploded), this tiny island off the north-west of larger Lombok is shaking off its reputation as a backpacker hangout and starting to register with a hip crowd from Asia and Europe.

‘”The scene is quite raw, unpretentious and hedonistic, with stylish bars, vibrant nightlife, a hip hotel or two and very decent diving. Designers from Hong Kong and fashionistas from Tokyo mix with travellers from the UK, scuba nuts and Indonesian creative types..’

The picture of me above is at Sunset bar, where you drink Bintang (the local beer) and watch the sunset whilst dancing to an eclectic mix of dance/reggae-style music.

The island has no police or motorised transport- you get around on horse and carts, bikes or by foot. The people are amazing and so friendly- a mix of travellers, local Indonesians, families looking for that alternative holiday and young couples. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday is party night (a different bar each night)- the atmosphere is amazing, with travellers and locals partying together and people spilling out on to the roads and beaches.

I spent five nights in Gili Trawangan, a night in Bali either side and now back in Singapore…back to London on Friday!

If you’re looking for the new paradise, I can’t recommend the island enough..I’m already planning next year!

fashionbite xx

Jan 14

Detox in the Cotswolds


Just returned from a wonderful few days at a picturesque 16th century hotel and spa in the Cotswolds The Lygon Arms…almost didn’t make it though due to the snow.

The deal was booked through Lastminute.com and included a massage/facial, use of the swimming pool/gym/spa facilities, a three-course dinner in The Great Hall and breakfast the following morning…at just £125 per person- incredible value!

The staff were so lovely, friendly and welcoming and the hotel itself was stunning. After dinner we sat by a huge roaring fire (idyllic with the snow billowing down outside) with a- not so healthy dessert of- port and cheese and chatted to the lovely Italian food manager.

The facial used Elemis products and was probably one of the best facials I’ve had, my skin felt incredible afterwards and the spa facilities are exceptional.

I couldn’t fault the whole experience- and it felt like we were away a lot longer than two days. The hotel was located in the beautiful setting of Broadway, a small village in the heart of the Cotswolds…and felt it like a million miles away from London (despite only being an hour and a half by train).


To kick-start your new year health regime or as a relaxing break away, I highly recommend it…would make a fab valentine’s getaway if you’re looking for ideas.

fashionbite xx

Nov 15

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Winter sun..?

moontide 1 I popped down to the press day of Australian swimwear brands Moontide and Bond-eye to check out their offer for ss10. Although it’s hard to imagine bikini-wearing weather with the rain pouring down outside, freezing temperatures and 70 mph winds..the burst of bright colours and floral prints gave me a glimpse of things to come! Much of Moontide’s offer (above) is also reversible -two for the price if one- so great if you’re on a budget! You can buy it online at www.very.co.uk. I loved Bond-eye’s range (below), the designs are really fun and young…I just need to book my winter-sun break now to wear them…! bond eye 1 bond eye 2
You can buy Bond-eye online at www.very.co.uk.

I also tried my first St.Tropez spray tan…which was amazing! The tanning expert sprayed me once all over, then went over it again with a darker shade to contour in more of a shape to the tan- the result: a toned look which slims you immediately! See my before and after shots below…
st.tropez 1 tropez 2 What I really liked about the tan is its natural look, I hate it when fake tan looks obvious and caked on..footballer’s wives-style!

Prices start from about £25 and should last up to a week if you keep moisturising. Check out St.Tropez’s website www.st-tropez.co.uk for your nearest salon. If you’re looking for that perfect party dress..accessorise with a St.Tropez tan to complete the look- it really gives you that winter pick-me-up!

fashionbite xx

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