Weekend Habitat: Casa Modesta, Portugal

Breathe and escape for this Weekend Habitat. Casa Modesta is a small family run hotel located in the Algarve, Portugal which I had the pleasure of visiting and photographing in October 2019. Combining rural tourism with a contemporary feel, this tranquil oasis is the perfect weekend escape for a slower way of life. Consisting of 9 rooms with patios, privacy is guaranteed. The property promotes and supports local businesses; it's a good feeling to know you will be supporting small. Skip the larger chain hotels in the coming months and keep these family traditions running. You won't be disappointed.

Photography: Helen-Jayne Driscoll

Casa Modesta Website: https://securept.e-gds.com/casamodesta/

Three Knitwear Trends for Autumn/Winter

If you’re like me, you couldn’t wait for colder temperatures to set in so you could finally start layering and having more fun with your styling choices (or maybe that’s just me). Blame my mindset on stifling summers in Australia! Knitwear has had an overhaul this season and some late contenders have made the colder months that bit more bearable, not to mention experimental ways to style your wooly pieces. I’d say there are three key knitwear trends  the street style crowds have been delving into even since early spring of this year. 

1. The Double Knit 

I first started experimenting with adding a jumper into my outfits back in April, but back then it was over a white shirt or tee and tied cross body. This season we are seeing more draped thicker styles over turtlenecks and thicker knitted pieces. There are many ways to try this trend, and personally now it’s getting colder I’ve been experimenting over blazers loosely tied to give that snug look. Keeping the hues similar appears well put together with less fuss, so I’ve opted for double camel. My turtle neck is a lot thinner and then the draped jumper adds texture and warmth. 

2. The Knitted/Sweater Vest 

I first noticed this trend at CPFW in August (namely the beautiful baby blue Jaquemus number which I still can’t stop thinking about) but the vest was styled with no under layer and was paired with culottes/masculine trousers and strappy shoes. Temperatures are plummeting in the UK, so now we are seeing this layered over white shirts or slip dresses, paired with chunky boots. I’d say it’s a good piece to invest in, as it can be worn with bare arms when the warmer months kick in. The cream vest I am wearing in these images is from Arket, and they have such a great selection this season in lots of neutral colours. 

3. The Knitted Bib 

No, it’s not a baby bib but an adult version to literally ‘place’ over a light under layer: turtle neck or blouse. Lets just say that added layer that will thank you on a bitterly cold day. I personally love the cropped versions with a white shirt unbuttoned underneath. There is also the knitted tube top or bra which gives a similar vibe. Looks super cute with a buttoned cardigan over the top.

So have fun this season with knitwear, and happy styling!

All images photographed self-portrait.

Healthy Meals Inspired From Sydney

Back from a month in Australia, and what an amazing trip it was! Waking up so close to the ocean, eating healthy and getting creative in my second home felt really good. Especially because January is such a grey month in the UK. I knew I didn’t want to fall into the slumped January blues upon return, so made a promise to myself I would bring the positive energy and healthy lifestyle home with me. When you spend time in Sydney, you realise just how much people take care of themselves, and its good motivation to practice a good routine of exercise and healthy eating even when the weather isn’t as warm here. 

I’m not one to make New Years Resolutions, but I am making a conscious effort in 2019 to take care of my skin and body from the inside out. Making just a few lifestyle changes can have such a huge difference on your skin and overall wellbeing. So the first thing I did when touching down was stock up my Samsung fridge for the week ahead. Lots of greens, fresh fruit, fish and coffee (the last one needs no explaining!). I have been using The Beauty Chef Glow Powder, which is a beauty blend containing probiotic super foods. I add one scoop with water which aids a healthy gut to start the day. As I work from home the days I am not on location photographing, I try to stick to a routine of having breakfast, lunch and dinner at home. Meal prepping helps, and to give variety I usually swap out my breakfast choices each morning or the protein in each meal. Below I’ve listed some of the meals I have been preparing inspired by dishes I had in Sydney.

Breakfast: 

The Beauty Chef Glow Powder mixed with water 

and 

Avocado and 2 x chilli boiled eggs on wholemeal toast 

(The best I had in Sydney was Infiniti Bakery, Paddington) 

or 

Blended blueberry, dates, avocado, banana and almond milk smoothie 

Lunch: 

King prawn Broccoli Salad 

(Inspired by the amazing salad menu at Harrys, North Bondi) 

Ingredients: 

handful of long stem broccoli 

one pear chopped 

handful of green beans 

half a red onion 

half a cup of pomegranate seeds 

olive oil and balsamic dressing 

Snack: 

Handful of dates and half a handful of nuts 

or 

Watermelon, mango and blueberry fruit salad 

Dinner: 

Salmon Green Stirfry 

(Inspired by Chin Chin, Surry Hills) 

Ingredients: 

salmon fillet 

handful of kale 

handful of spinach 

handful of chopped cabbage 

half a red onion 

one cup of chopped carrot 

rice noodles 

sauce of choice: I like sweet and sour sauce, Katsu curry or sweet chilli. 

I hope you’ve all had a great start to 2019! 

Photography and Creative Direction by yours truly 

Collaboration in partnership with Samsung Home Appliances

Black Dresses For Party Season

I’m sure most of you are thinking “I can’t believe another year has flown by”. It’s the same story every year “so done with this year, bring on 2019, I’m going to be a better version of myself when the clock strikes midnight” and all that jazz. But how about ending the year getting your finest threads on, slapping on that lippy and making the most of the final weeks of 2018. A New Year shouldn’t be the reason to think more positively and achieve more of your goals, why not start now? I think this is why I truly struggle making New Years resolutions. 

Whether you’re off out on your office Christmas party, date night with your loved one (even that lucky Tinder guy), or tearing up the dance floor on New Years Eve, there are plenty of dresses for you. I must say, I am actually digging sparkle this year if paired with a knit or blazer. But a simple black dress with a bit of detailing is definitely more me, and in line with my motto of only purchasing items I will wear time and time again. 

I’ve put together this small edit to help you find that cute new dress. Now, is it just me who still doesn’t have their Christmas tree up??

Shop my look:

The Greta Mini Dress: L'Academie via Revolve

Knotted Satin Bag: Mango

Shoes: Zara, similar here and here

Lipstick: Wild Ginger, Tom Ford

Photographed at The Artist Residence, London

Paris Cafe Hopping

Bonjour from Parii! Apologies for the radio silence, I’ve been taking time out for some much needed R&R. It’s been just over a year since taking annual leave in Europe and couldn’t give one of my favourite cities a miss! Especially before the hustle bustle commences for Paris Fashion Week. As you may have seen from my Instagram, for the most part of my trip I have been in Ibiza. But took a short flight to Paris for 3 days to catch up with my bestie from back in the UK. Whenever I travel to the French capital, the itinerary somewhat ends up being the same - Cafe hopping! So what better way to participate in this 8 euro a cup activity than in comfortable, easy to wear head to toe linen. Comfort is key in this city, especially when you plan on walking around to take in the culture.

I am revisiting my roots in British brand Marks and Spencer who are known for their great selection of workwear and urban styles. It’s been a whole 2 weeks since wearing anything other than a bikini (hard life) so I was finally happy to wear a blazer and real footwear in Paris! I must admit, my shoes as pretty as they may be didn’t bond well with the cobbled streets so we just avoided those! I have been after a good pair of tapered pants for some time, and with summer rolling round in Sydney linen is all that’s on my mind. I will definitely style these up with flats and a basic white tee for day to day at the office. 

Shop the look:

Kitten Heel Sligback Court Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Petite Linen Rich Tapered Leg Trousers: Marks and Spencer

Linen Rich Gold Blend Jacket: Marks and Spencer

Cotton Rich Ribbed Half Sleeve Bardot Top: Marks and Spencer

Style post in collaboration with Marks and Spencer and Shopping Links

Slips and Statements

Season to season, the black slip dress has remained a versatile piece within my closet, and I’m sure yours too. Details change - whether it be the neckline, the straps or the length. Overall, it remains a strong option worn alone or styled layered. I actually love the update on todays Third Form dress. The tie details on the spaghetti straps add something a little more than just a simple LBD. Styling can be mixed up depending on the occasion, worn high on the neckline to look more polished or a little more loose for those easy braless beach days.

Now onto the slogan tee - I.JUST.CAN’T.GET.ENOUGH. My collection is rapidly growing and a little less serious than some of my wardrobe staples. I am finally introducing this seasons biggest colour red somewhere other than my make up bag. The pop of colour on the tee pairs back nicely with a strong lip. I've opted for a statement earrings because let's be honest... there's some amazing pairs around right now. My jewellery box is begging for more space. Something about this ensemble takes me back in time - and I’ve come to the decision it’s the sunnies, clogs and red lip that contribute to this!

Shop the look:

Mini Tie Dress: Third Form Via The Iconic or similar here, here and here

(Similar) Feminist T-Shirt: Tee and Cake or similar here, here and here
Kyra Shoes: Senso, or similar here and here
Formalities Coat: Third Form or similar here and here
Statement Earrings: similar here and here
Faye Suede Bag: Chloe via Farfetch
Audrey Sunglasses: Celine and similar here

Photo credit to Jo from Jo Hombsch blog