A Week in France

                                 Bias Camisole – Organic by John Patrick

Shirt Dress - Outsider

Despite having reached the grand old age of 22, last week I unashamedly tagged along on the annual family holiday, which this year was in the beautiful town of Gordes in the south of France.

Most of the week was spent poolside and firmly horizontal but we did squeeze in a few visits to neighbouring towns, generally on market days to browse the abundance of beautiful wares on offer. France is unbeatable when it comes to old, abandoned charm and I harbour a definite penchant for the decrepit doors, peeling paint and mismatch pastel colours of the houses and shutters, particularly in the icy blue variety.

Always one to over pack, I spent a large proportion of the week wearing the black Outsider dress pictured. Made from organic cotton, it’s a beautiful twist on the classic shirt dress and so versatile, perfect for slipping on over a bikini at lunch or with a little rouge for dinner. I lived in my Birkenstocks, having conveniently forgotten to pack another pair of shoes. Luckily they're turning out to be the most comfortable things I've ever had on my feet. Another favourite new addition was a navy camisole from Organic by John Patrick, made from cupro, a biodegradable and certified cotton material. The fit is perfect and the slightly crumpled appearance perfect for squeezing into a suitcase.

rêve en vert

After experiencing my annual pre-summer wardrobe meltdown I’m taking it back to basics with a boyfriend shirt and skinnies, made all the better with my new clunky summer 'slides' (sorry). After years of trying to persuade me to buy a pair of Birkenstocks, my Mum had just about given up. Now here I am buying them of my own accord, well, with a little help from Instagram... They’re doing that great (and right now much needed) thing of bringing in a new dynamic that helps me see old clothes in a new light. I’ve had my eye on them for a while but it was this article on The Distillerist that had me racing to the shops. Who knew Birks were eco?

Those of you who follow me on twitter might already know, but for those of you who don’t, spot the obvious visual clue above by way of an official introduction. I’m really excited to be interning with sustainable e-tailor rêve en vert over the summer! I’ll be getting to know more about the workings of the ethical fashion industry through REV founders Cora and Tash and will have lots of exciting things to share on here so stay tuned..

Second hand GAP shirt

Old Zara jeans

Birkenstocks

New (Old) Additions

Apologies for the long silence, Paris unfortunately signalled the last few days of freedom before end of semester madness descended, but I thought I’d quickly share some second-hand bits and pieces I bought back in February.

A gingham smock dress that saw me through what appears to have been a very fleeting dip into spring.

A blue shirt for a slightly subtler alternative to double denim, which I’m still not brave enough to attempt.

Finally, a leather rucksack that came very handy in Paris. Although the small bag/big coat combo didn’t quite go to plan, hands free made snacking on French treats a whole lot easier.

   Anyone else found some good second-hand buys recently?

French Fancy

This Thursday I’m off for a fleeting two-day trip to Paris, my favourite city in the world. I’m so happy to be heading back across the channel, particularly as I’m going with friends who haven’t been before. It’s always lovely to rediscover somewhere through new eyes. Our visit also coincides with some of Paris Fashion Week, which makes it extra exciting. No shows for me but I will find some time to hang around outside and ogle the outfits. I’ll be looking for lots of inspiration from that effortless French styling we all admire so much and will hopefully squeeze in a visit to a vintage shop or two over the weekend.

In anticipation, this look is a little homage to the French; a classic trench that I actually bought two years ago in Paris styled with blue jeans, Kurt Geiger boots and a beautiful black Outsider blouse. My bag is second hand Chloe, a belated 21st birthday present - more on that next week.

If anyone has any recommendations for Paris, send them my way, I’d love to hear from you! 

Photos taken by Jamie Biles