Pantone has revealed their colour of the year for 2020 as PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. A colour to infuse the new decade with calm, confidence and stability. The colour of the sea and sky classic blue is deep, and meaningful bringing stillness to the body and mind.
‘We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on. (…) Classic blue provides an anchoring foundation. It encourages us to expand our thinking and to think more deeply’. – Leatrice Eiseman (Exclusive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute)
When it comes to combining blue with other shades, the first colour which pops into my mind is the classic blue and white Breton top. I do have a serious love affair with stripes!
I will write another blog post about my favourite Breton stripe looks in the meantime, I can’t survive without my chic, Joules jersey top. A Breton top can be worn with anything, and I mean anything…
A surprising yet sophisticated colour combination hit is classic blue with chocolate brown! A firm high street favourite already this year. Check out my top tips on how to style these gorgeous colours…
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The following dress is slightly darker than the Pantone shade but it is a classic cut, perfect for any age. It can be worn year-long – so versatile, it can be styled up or down, day or night.
OPTION 4 Blue and orange! The two shades form a strikingly powerful colour combo – they look amazing together. Pairing the two shades creates a perfectly balanced, complementary and stylish look (being across from each other on the colour wheel).
The Polka dot is your go-to investment piece this year. For winter sun or summer sophistication. This print is probably the vintage of the vintage when it comes to fashion history. It dates back to the 1920s representing a youthful, fun and trendy generation. From the mid to late 1920s it became a staple pattern for semi formal afternoon tea dresses.
Polka dot in 1920s
We have seen fashion designers constantly rework and revive this pattern since Spring/Summer 2019. Polka dots have been rising steadily on the trend scale. Here are my top 5 and how I would wear them!
A change in season can leave us a little bit confused about what is still ok to wear and what may be passed on to charities etc. However buying a brand new wardrobe can be a little pricey. I’ve created a simple plus size workwear wardrobe which I think could work really well and be your go to staple pieces. This selection is very neutral but can be combined with all your favourite colours, season in and out. Before you go out shopping, take a look at your closet and declutter everything you don’t wear anymore for whatever reason. Try to be ruthless and don’t keep items for “better days”. (Recently my friend Kerry Whelpdale and I filmed a video how we decluttered and started building that staple capsule wardrobe). Watch it here:
“Never wait to be a certain weight to start enjoying clothes and never reject anything thinking it won’t suit your shape. Try it on – you may be surprised.” Betty Bee
SUITS – a suit or matching trousers and blazer creates a beautiful silhouette and makes you look smarter and taller!
And my personal must have! – Paper bag trousers!
DRESSES – Wrap dresses are always a great option, by adding a belt you create a sand hourglass figure. Here are a few options:
I love this dress as it is such a versatile piece for every season. Wear it with sandals in summer, with boots in winter or with just sneakers to dress it down. Add a blazer for that corporate meeting or a jumper for some drinks after work. And with black and white you can never go wrong!
This dress is the classic wrap dress and another great option to wear with anything named above.
The following dress could be your always go to dress, your neutral goes with everything dress which you can wear with different blazers and shoes in summer and winter.
SHIRTS – When wearing shirts, always try to shop for a V-neck design, as they create a longer neck and silhouette. I also do really like the following Bib-Longline shirts with the top 2-3 buttons open:
V-neck blouses in different colours:
This could be your always go to top, easy to style and looks beautiful with any outfit.
Another beautifully shaped V-neck blouse in various colours:
SKIRTS – A-Line skirts are always a great option.
A linen skirt is always a great option for those warmer days.
Waist Coat – A sleeveless waist coat is a great investment piece as it just always looks chic and it creates a nice shape. You can wear anything underneath from t-shirts, blouses and roll neck jumpers.
I hope with this little guide I could help you to find some staple pieces or give you some ideas. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Not a lot of text, just the recipe to this yummy homemade granola! So here we go:
I like to add to mine natural yoghurt, crunchy peanut butter and berries!
You will need: – Jumbo Oat Flakes – Nuts (whatever you like, I use pinenuts, almond flakes, walnut and cashew nut bits) – Seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, milled seeds or flaxseeds, chia seeds)
Mix your jumbo oat flakes, nuts and seeds together and place them in a tray (you may need 2-3 trays). Place them in the oven (about 190 degrees) for 15 min to roast.
Meanwhile, heat 2 table spoons of cold pressed coconut oil with either 400-500g honey or maple syrup. You can add cinnamon to the mixture if you like. Pour the mixture over the roasted oats and give it a good mix. If you want the granola to be sticky, then add more of the liquid mixture, if you like it flaky then less.
Return the tray back to the oven and leave it to roast for another 5 minutes.
Once roasted, you can add all sort of dry fruit, anything you like. I add to mine dry cranberries, coconut flakes, goji berries, dry papaya, dry berries, dry peaches or mango cut into smaller pieces. Basically anything you will find in your cupboards. As easy as this!
This is how much I get out of 1 bag of jumbo oats.
“Fashion has a habit of throwing us curveballs that we initially scoff at, before eventually wondering how we ever did without.”
YES, that was totally me! At the beginning I thought, oh not again the comeback of those mechanic garage workwear look alike. Then I went into a couple of high street shops and tried some boiler suits on… Still not quite convinced, I left it to the long leg beautiful and super slim young girls.
Few weeks on, they are still here there and everywhere… I called my sister and told her that I need a boiler suit in my life! The only thing she said to me, “if you find one which ticks all the boxes and fits perfectly, then don’t hesitate and don’t overthink the price tag, just get it! A boiler suit will always be on trend as it is an easy dress up or down one piece outfit which you can wear all year round!”
I found my perfect one from Topshop. It is a washed black boiler suit with button up fastening and a d-ring belt ( although I do like to change the belt around depending on the shoes I am wearing). I love the V-neckline as it is the most flattering for my body shape. I also like the side pocket detailing and casual short sleeve styling, it looks cool and very contemporary in design.
“You get a strange feeling when you’re about to leave a place, like you’ll not only miss the people you love but you’ll miss the person you are now at this time & this place, because you’ll never be this way ever again” – Azar Nafisi
That quote describes exactly the feeling I had when we got on that return boat from Capri to the main land. Capri! Probably a place to visit on most people’s bucket lists. When I think of this Island, I think of the endless, most beautiful blue I’ve witnessed!
Faraglioni – Three massive sea stacks sculpted by the wind and sea: the symbol of Capri and Love.
When we planned our trip to the Amalfi Coast, Capri was obviously on the “must see” list but we did not know if it would be possible and how we would get there. We were told that there are many organised boat trips to take you there but that they can be extortionately expensive. As soon as we arrived at our Air B&B Villa (In a small village near Sorrento) the owner presented us with a folder full of organised trips including a trip to Capri with prices starting from €400 for 2 pax. In the following few days we asked around in the village and found a boat which took us to Capri for €75 per person and children for free so we took up the offer. Wherever we go and if we have a little bit of time, we never take the first offer offered! It is always good to shop around and ask especially the locals, they are always happy to help out! Another little tip, if you ask for a price in the morning or afternoon, you will mostly get two prices and the afternoon one is usually cheaper! That was another big lesson we learned when in Capri.
The boat took us all around the island of Capri before dropping us off in the main port. The view when pulling into the port was literally breathtaking!!!
Grotta Verde
Many boats arrive at the same time and it can get very crowded with lots of vendors trying to sell the next excursion, whether to see the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) or a tour around the island in their unique taxis. The prices are again per person and extremely high. When you travel as a family, it can all add up very quickly. The queues to go and see the Blue Grotto were endless, as was the queue to the quick tram up to the main square “Piazzetta”. We decided to burn off those holiday pizza calories and make our way up the hill via the stairs.
It was hot and it took us about 30 min but even our daughter’s little legs managed to walk up those stairs. We saw so many beautiful little yards, resident’s houses and villas and got a proper feeling for the island. Up on the plaza, it was just amazing! The views are worth every penny and every step!
Piazzetta
The plaza was buzzing with people, different restaurants, coffee shops, shops, gelateria’s and street musicians. There was such a vibe, such a beautifully busy buzz and it was just a pleasure to be there and be part of it. We enjoyed the view, popped into a few shops, walked up and down the high street, ate a gelato and took the fast tram down to the port again. The aim was to manage to see the Grotto Azzurra in the afternoon and hope that most people had already returned from their trip there. The waiting did pay off, as all of a sudden the prices dropped by 50% per person and we even managed to get a private boat to the cave. Again, it was a local who pointed us in the right direction.
To see the Grotto, you need to take a smaller boat from Capri, get to the grotto where you wait for your turn, then climb into an even smaller paddling boat (max 4 people). Then they sail you up to the paying station, where you pay the “entrance” into the cave. You spend maximum 1 minute in the cave with many other little boats whist the boat driver likes to remind you constantly that you have to give him a good tip (nothing under €10 is accepted). Then you are taken back to your main boat and can head back to the island. The experience was rather disappointing and just felt like a money making venture but the colour of the water is amazing in the most stunning blue I’ve ever seen! Would I recommend it? I can’t say yes, and I can’t say no! I am glad I did see it, but I probably would not return to see it again!
Back on land we had about an hour left before our boat arrived to pick us up and take us back to the main land. We found a cute little bar and enjoyed an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine whist taking in the beauty of this unique island. Capri is probably one of the most stunning places I have ever seen, I would love to go back and spend more time on the island and maybe (probably!) without children. I would say it is the perfect romantic get away with your partner, but make sure you save up your pocket money as everything is three times the price compared to the already expensive Amalfi Coast mainland.
“Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy is my ultimate holiday destination.” – Vidal Sassoon, I now absolutely get your point!
“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone. It’s houses climb a hill so steep it would be a cliff except that stairs are cut in it.” John Steinbeck
Positano is a beautiful little cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It’s famous for its colourful buildings, steep and narrow streets, excellent restaurants and cafes and gorgeous little unique boutiques, mostly owned by locals.
When is the best time to visit Positano?
The official tourist season is between Easter and the end of September. We went in May and learned that in May and June prices are generally lower than in July and August and it is less busy with tourists. The temperature is perfect and everything is blooming with its most amazing scents.
Franco’s Bar – Le Sirenuse Positano
Does Positano have a beach?
Oh yes! Marina Grande Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches. This beach is an ideal picture postcard material. The beach is divided into two bathing establishments and an area where excursions along the coast and shuttle boats to nearby towns can be booked from.
Positano is the perfect walking city. Every turn, every little road and corner brings something new. The charm of this absolute gorgeous city is magical and intoxicating. It is the perfect romantic getaway for couples but also a step counting experience for families.
“Positano is a love story set against the backdrop of the warm Amalfi Coast.” – William James
The most delicious treat you will ever have – meet the Italian Ice Cream Sandwich – Brioche con gelato. This is South Italians version of breakfast, soft sweet eggy bun filled with two flavours of smooth and creamy gelato.
Positano is just the perfect place to just sit back, relax, and take in the view, I honestly could have spent hours just sitting there and watching the people whilst drinking their famous Aperol Spritz
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add ice to a wine glass until it is nearly full. Pour in the Aperol (about one-third of the glass).
Pour in an equal amount of Prosecco. Top your drink off with a splash of club soda and add a slice of orange. Enjoy!
A dream come true and one tick more on my bucket list! It’s a magnificent and magical place, a must see, must visit! And even on the greyest day, it shines in all its bright colours!
“If there is one portion of Europe which was made by the sea more than another, Portugal is that slice, that Portion, that belt. Portugal was made by the Atlantic.” – Hilaire Belloc, Places, 1942
Praia da Marinha
I heard a lot about Portugal from different people, but it was never really a place that was on my travel list until my little sister turned 30 years old and decided to have a party in a villa in Tavira, Algarve, Portugal… and so the love affair between me and Portugal began…
“Any Portuguese town looks like bride’s finery – something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” – Mary McCarthy, Letter, 1962
First of all, can I just say here that my biggest weaknesses are succulents and cactuses, I have them everywhere in my house and in the garden – so when I saw the flora in Portugal, I felt happy and at home. Then came the little villages, the tiled buildings, the people, the markets with organic fruit & vegetables and the fresh fish…”One day we are moving here!” I said to my husband.We had a great birthday celebration and left this beautiful country after only 5 days, already planning to come back and explore the following year.
My background is tourism and I worked in many different hotels, that is probably the reason why I dislike hotels so much, so whenever or wherever we can, we try to book an Air B&B. We explore the surroundings by foot, bike or car, we eat in local restaurants and buy in local shops – that for us means giving back to the locals, to the people who let us in and show us their country and let us be part of their beautiful culture. That is what I define as sustainable tourism.
A family friend of ours went to a place called “Armacao de pera, Alporchino” and loved it, so we went onto the https://www.airbnb.co.uk website and started searching for options where to stay. We found a lovely 2 bedroom flat with a shared swimming pool and 3 different beaches within 5-10 min walking distance. We didn’t think too long and just booked it. The host was kind enough to pick us up from the airport, take us food shopping in his car and book us train tickets to go to Lisbon (after a week in the Algarve, we did a city trip to Lisbon – our short trip summary here: )…I always find that in general, wherever we go, the local people are very friendly and always willing to help. We found out that there is a local pirate festival, which we visited 3 nights in a row. That was the kids entertainment sorted.
My husband basically grew up on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean so his biggest weakness are beaches and the ocean. Every holiday he wants to discover as many new beaches as possible. On our first day, he decided to do a speed boat trip along the coast with a local map in his hands and circled all of the beaches we had to visit during our stay. We went to a new beach every day and made it our holiday challenge. Because “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
To sum it all up, Portugal is such a wonderful place, its still a little bit undiscovered, its beauty, beaches, towns and villages are incredibly charming and magical. And what we want to teach our children is the “real” life, the “real” culture, the “real” country with its positives and negatives, where they hear the spoken local language and eat local food. Of course, they would love the all inclusive every day and night kids club experience, but we hope that one day they will understand and thank us for that.
I am leaving you here with some of the beaches we visited in the Algarve!
“I reached the place of our vibouac by sunset and drinking much mate, soon made up my bed for the night. The wind was very strong and cold, but I never slept more comfortably.” – Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle, 1936
Billions of people start their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea, but in some parts of the world, especially in South America people wake up with a drink most of us may not be familiar with, Yerba mate.
It is officially the national drink of Argentina where 500 million dollars worth of it is consumed every year (in 92% of all Argentinean household.) It is called “the green gold of the Indios” and is said to offer the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of herbal tea and the euphoria of chocolate.”
What is yerba mate? It is a green leafed shrub, a species of the holly family, original of subtropical South America. It tastes very grassy and is similar to green tea. If you haven’t been raised on it, you might find the taste slightly weird. But still, the consumption is increasing worldwide because it improves how people feel. So what are the health benefits?
It provides a smooth and the most balanced increase of energy. It doesn’t have any side effects like coffee, black tea or chemically produced energy drinks.
It boosts mental function of all kinds, boosts memory, mood, alertness.
It is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
It has a long history of traditional medicinal uses like digestive aid, stimulant, weight loss, nerve illnesses, fatigue, depression (Argentina has the lowest rate in postnatal depression), allergies and sinusitis.
It boosts the immune system.
It helps with weight loss.
Its a natural antibacterial and is a digestive and elimination tonic.
It helps to build strong bones.
With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it keeps the heart healthy.
Last but definitely not least, it’s extract kills cancer cells.
If you’re not a fan of a hot drink, you can also drink a cold-brewed yerba mate. Combine cold water (or fruit juice like orange and lemonade) with Yerba (in a tea infuser) and leave it for a couple of hours, preferably over night in the fridge. Add some honey or fresh mint leaves to taste. Another option is to combine yerba with grapefruit juice, cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves.
I was introduced to Yerba mate about 10 years ago and fell in love with the drink and the tradition. At the beginning I drunk it with lots of sugar, now I drink it pure. If you ever have the chance to try it, please let me know what you think. If you google some famous names in Argentina or around the world like Lionel Messi, Maradona, Luisana Lopilato (Michael Buble’s wife), the Pope or even Barak Obama, they all love their Yerba Mate.
“Buy less! Choose well! Make it last! Quality, not quantity! That is true sustainability!” Vivienne Westwood
Now here is my question: how many shoes do you own and how many of them do you actually wear?
This blog post is a very short one but with many pictures and styling ideas with just 3 pair of boots!!! Those are the ones I’m literally living in this winter!
TORRES HOUSE 