Holiday Wardrobe: Simplicity in the City

New York is a city full of very stylish women. The signature style of a New Yorker appears to be simple and refined, glossy and glamourous, with just a touch of contemporary cool. I made no attempt to stylistically keep up with these sleek creatures, but tried my best to look stylish at all times.

For yet another day of sightseeing, this time on the liberty cruise, I wore a simple Topshop minidress with simple jewellery, nude ballerina flats and my new 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli.

To add a touch of individuality, I stacked up various bangles and cuffs and finished the look with a silver and gold interwoven chain from H&M.

SIMILAR STYLES:

Holiday Wardrobe: Dinner at 15 East

Deciding where to eat in New York is no mean feat. The city boasts such an array of accomplished and diverse dining spots that is hard to know where to begin. 

Of course I did my research- perusing all manner of blogs, travel guides, magazines and Instagrams* in pursuit of New York's finest restaurants. However, this only served to complicate matters: so many restaurants, such little time. 

I was tasked with selecting an assortment of New York eateries, making sure that each and every one offered a wholly different dining experience to the last.

My first dining choice had to be the famous Pure Food and Wine. A raw and vegan restaurant with a great wine list to boot, Pure Food and Wine is at the forefront of the raw food movement in NYC and I truly believe Pure could convert even the most stubborn of meat-eaters to veganism. Reading the menu I was totally spoilt for choice, but finally opted for a fresh fruity salad to begin with and a divine curry dish as a main, complete with a quinoa poppadom and a zingy trio of dips.

Our next evening was spent at the esteemed 15 East by Union Square. A stylish restaurant nestled away off the busy Union Square, 15 East is yet another fantastic Asian restaurant to add to my ever-growing list. As a sushi enthusiast with a rather unhealthy appetite for wasabi, I simply had to go for the elaborate sashimi platter. It was gloriously light with gems of tender scallops and ruby red tuna.  

*"Ooh Leandra Medine checked in here so it MUST be cool."

WHAT I WORE:

I was very naughty in New York. 

I tried to resist, but I am far too weak and by day two in NYC I had already succumbed to a 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli, an assortment of Kate Spade bangles and some Ray Ban sunglasses. 

I will live to regret this when Zara AW13 hits stores- mark my words.

For dinner at 15 East I went for a simple look with a touch of floral flirtation. I paired my new bag with a little Topshop shift, a Zara jacket (picked up on sale), a stack of Kate Spade bangles and my failsafe Zara sandals. 

SIMILAR STYLES:

Holiday Wardrobe: Yosemite Evenings

There are a few sights in the world that are enchanting beyond description. While words are my one true love (after Gosling, obviously), even they cannot do the beauty of this world justice.

One such example is Yosemite National Park in California. It is all too easy to mistake Yosemite for a stuffy hikers haunt, but there is something utterly captivating about the area.

Almost wholly unspoilt, the scenery is dramatically sculpted by glacial erosion, with rolling plains and ragged cliffs meeting seamlessly at rows of giant redwoods.

If ever we are lucky enough to return to Yosemite, we hope to stay in the park itself, as this year we opted for a chateau outside the town of Oakhurst. Oakhurst is, comparatively, rather mundane.

Our chateau, however, was glorious. Chateau du Sureau proposes a totally different experience to Solage, but is almost as enjoyable. With acres of forestry and secluded gardens, including a fairytale trail complete with antique swings and a lakeside gazebo, Chateau du Sureau is inspired by traditional traits of romantic resorts in Europe.

The Austrian founder Erna has an enthusiasm and warmth that enhances the elegance of the welcoming resort. Each lodge is stocked with treats including fresh lemonade and cookies studded with golden raisins, and every morning guests are offered freshly baked croissants and brioche with homemade jams.

The true gem of the hotel is Erna’s Elderberry House, a dining establishment with an inspiring five-course menu, which changes daily. The restaurant is suitably refined, with a smart dress code and exceptional service to match the carefully considered cuisine.

Our meal began with tender sea bass, followed by a sweet plum gazpacho, a rich beef dish, a palette cleansing strawberry salad and a duo of desserts. Decadent, yes, but delicious nonetheless.

WHAT I WORE

It’s been a good while since I’ve dined at a restaurant with a dress-code, so I thought I may as well make an effort. No H&M menswear hoody here, folks.

Somewhat predictably, I opted for a tan-enhancing strapless dress in finely pleated ivory silk. This prom style is from H&M a couple of years ago, but I still love its elegant look. Try this cute style or this delight in Champagne.

To inject a little colour, I added a Zara statement necklace in jade and aqua and complimentary hoop earrings with turquoise drops. I loosely parted my hair off-centre and tied it in a low-slung ponytail before teasing out strands for a messy look.

Last but not least, I popped on my beloved Zara sandals and set off for Erna’s Elderberry House. 

SIMILAR STYLES

Holiday Wardrobe: St Helena Shopping

While in California, I must admit that Solage was my favourite resort. However, the nearby town of Calistoga left quite a lot to be desired. The nearby St Helena, however, was a treat.

St Helena is, quite clearly, a rather wealthy little town. With an abundance of glittering jewellers, higher end ready-to-wear boutiques and even a luxury shoe store, St Helena is a great place to treat yourself or simply window shop in the sun.

Thankfully we were there over lunch, and were able to to dine at French Blue. French Blue is the most darling little restaurant with a great varied menu including all day brunches and exotic seasonal salads. The restaurant has a distinctly European feel to it, with a bright and lively conservatory dotted with pretty wooden tables and beautiful blooms.

The glass shelves of one window are lined with antique liquor bottles for a unique vintage charm, tying in rather splendidly with their superlative cocktail list. They also have some tasty mocktails for us young'uns such as Nojito's and zesty Strawberry Lemonade.

Spoilt for choice, I kept things simple in ordering a vibrant house salad with chargrilled chicken breast, dressing on the side. Sweet, zingy and fresh, the salad made for the perfect light lunch for a sunny day. Check out the menus here if you fancy a trip.

WHAT I WORE:

For a little browse round St Helena, I opted for a simple camisole and miniskirt look. This frilled Zara skirt is actually from the SS13 collection and has sold out online, but an updated version of the Topshop camisole is available here.

The basic sandals are by Dune and are available here, but I sort of wish that I'd bought these ones instead- they would have been amazing with this look. I spotted them on someone when I was interning at Conde Nast, and I have been smitten ever since.

Accessories-wise I opted for my essential Accessorize floppy hat, this statement Urban Outfitters arm cuff, a gold caged cuff (I love this version) and my Mulberry Mini Alexa in Oak.

Holiday Wardrobe: Little Black Playsuit

While I am a more than prone to a little black dress (or eight, at last count), this Max & Co playsuit is the one little black number that has truly stood the test of time.

In silky smooth crepe de chine, this simple draped black playsuit is universally flattering.  It falls to the mid-thigh, ideal for work or evening, and the loose fit is perfect for skimming over the odd food baby.

I picked up this style in Siena a couple of years ago, and am still wearing it regularly. It is wonderfully versatile and very well made. You can find a similar black playsuit here, and this cross back Missguided one is a slightly sexier take.

This holiday outfit was my option for dinner at Calistoga's Jole restaurant. Jole was the one restaurant I was particularly looking forward to, having been told to expect a menu similar to Nu in Girona (the best restaurant I have been to in a good while- find out more here). Unfortunately I was disappointed.

In fairness the food was well suited to me, given the smaller portion sizes, but my family were not overly impressed.

Given that I can't remember what I ordered, and that I didn't even attempt to instagram it, suggests that the meal was pretty forgettable.

For this so-so dinner I wore the playsuit with my favourite Zara two-tone heels (these Kurt Geiger ones are just as gorgeous- in either nude or white), an & Other Stories cuff and carried my Mulberry mini Alexa- the perfect size for evenings. 

Holiday Wardrobe: Sonoma Shopping

Because my blogging has been so appallingly lazy of late, I can't actually remember what I did the day I wore this outfit. I'm getting old, folks, almost old enough to legally drink in the states...

Nevertheless, I shall try and recall. I think this is the day that my family and I upped sticks and headed from Sonoma to Napa, yet another stunning wine region with even more glorious weather.

We were staying in the slick Solage resort just a few minutes from Calistoga. Solage really was my dream resort- particularly for poolside posing. The pool is Olympic sized, great for early morning lengths, while the sun loungers and poolside bar offer the perfect place to soak up some sun in a floppy hat and itsy bitsy white bikini (mine is a cheap as chips ASOS number available here and here).

The resort has a Michelin-star restaurant, SolBar (more on this later) and incredible fitness and spa resources. 

I have to say that Solage was my favourite resort of the entire holiday perhaps, even, ever. With the possible exception of Tuscany's romantic Artimino castle/hotel.

For the trip to Solage, I wore my new H&M distressed denim shorts, my Urban Outfitters cream blouse, my Dune sandals (now on sale here, also in white) and my beloved Accessorize floppy hat. 

Holiday Wardrobe: Sonoma Dining

Firstly may I excuse (again) my lack of blog posts over the past few days. The last leg of our USA holiday was in New York city and- as you can imagine- I was really in my element. So much so that I hardly touched my laptop.

I also hardly touched my emails- sorry, folks!

Anyway, I shall rewind a little and share with you some more outfits from the glorious Sonoma in Napa.

As I previously mentioned, we stayed at The Lodge at Sonoma. For our second evening meal we took a trip out to the delectable El Dorado Kitchen in the town. 

El Dorado is a hotel by the main square in Sonoma and the "farm-driven" restaurant is renowned among locals for it's sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere. We visited on a delicate balmy evening, perfect for sitting outside in their pretty patio garden. 

A rather chic dining spot, this slightly experimental kitchen offers contemporary Californian fare with the most seasonal ingredients. I tucked into a vibrant Ahi tuna tartar. The chopped tartar sat proudly atop a salad of sweet asian pears, avocado and coriander with a light soy dressing. The true gem, though, was the powerful wasabi tobiko which crowned the dish. 

For main I took the plunge and ordered the dreamy Petaluma Duck Breast & Confit. This rich dish was served pink with spring onion purée, earthy endive and turnip and sharp local cherries. Though i'm not much of a pasta fan, I really was taken aback by the accompanying chickpea tortellini. A million miles away from mushy hummus, fresh chickpeas are more like broad beans and made for the perfect filling for these little pasta pillows. 

Finally I was able to crack out my little floral Zara sundress. A bright jade green floral with a dipped hem, this loose strappy dress is an easy-breezy piece for holidays. It is rather low-cut with long straps, but I pinned it at the back to stop any indecent exposure over dinner!

The dress has now sold out, but I love this bright pink camisole dress with strappy back from Topshop. In fact, had I seen it before my holiday, I would probably have purchased it for New York. Such a gorgeous lipstick pink shade and a universally flattering fit. 

I paired my flirty dress with my futuristic Zara sandals in white patent (sold out but I love these and these stunning studded sandals) and golden accents. 

Holiday Wardrobe: Sonoma Shopping

Sonoma is full of lovely little pockets of shopping, and I personally far preferred it to shopping in San Francisco.

On our little trip to Sonoma, we stumbled upon some gorgeous galleries and jewellers, and my mum really was in her element. The highlight? A little gallery specialising in Shona sculptures- yes, really- which we naturally bulk-bought.

Who'd have thought a glossy stone frog would be our first holiday purchase?

We perused a wealth of antique jewellery and midnight sapphires before exhausting ourselves and retiring for a lighter lunch in the Sunflower Cafe.

I opted for a grilled chicken salad and a sparkling water, which was just right for the midday sun. The Sunflower Cafe was suggested to us by the charming owner of the aforementioned gallery and it was just what we were looking for. Bright, cheerful and full of locals, it is a must visit for a bite of lunch in the area.

After lunch, tummies full, we chose to mill around town a little more and I was delighted to stumble upon found a fairtrade boutique boasting a wealth of pun-tastic cards. My favourite handcrafted cards were emblazoned with gems such as:

"We otter hold hands"
"You feta have a gouda birthday"
"You make miso happy"
"Owl always love you" 

I think I have found my home.

For this quaint shopping trip, I chose my tiger print Maje miniskirt (picked up in the Selfridges post-Christmas sale) paired with a silken cream camisole from Topshop (they have sold out of cream online but have the blush and cropped versions left)

These spaghetti strap camisoles have come in so handy this Summer and are my latest go-to basic. Silky enough to look elegant but plain enough to remain casual, I love my cream and blush shades for downplaying printed separates. Find a selection here.

In typical Shona fashion, I paired this look with a smattering of golden studs by way of my new Zara tote and studded Dune sandals. The finishing touches were my Topshop heart pendant, which I have also added my Stella McCartney locket to, and my (sadly) scratched tortoiseshell glasses from H&M.

Holiday Wardrobe: Miss American Pie

Our first trip to the States was always going to be a busy one. There are so many glorious pockets in California, and sadly we only scratched the surface. San Francisco, Napa, Yosemite and Monterey were our main stops, though I would love to have visited Los Angeles and the idyllic Malibu beach.

Following our initial days spent in San Francisco, we ventured out to SFO airport to pick up our rent-a-car. Oh, and what a car. As a family we have always gravitated towards generic family models by, the now defunct, Saab, so imagine my father’s joy at being handed the keys to a big fat Chevvy. A big ole’ American car in burnished silver, ready to drive all the way to the levvy ‘til the levvy goes dry.

Our next stop: Sonoma. Sonoma is a charming town nearby Calistoga and the world famous Napa valley. Celebrated for glorious wines and luxury resorts, Sonoma is a sweet rural town with an abundance of charming gift shops and suitably elegant dining spots.

We stayed at The Lodge in Sonoma, a complex of contemporary cottages with a main lodge building complete with a grand staircase and quaint coffee shop/wine bar, Bean & Bar. The pool is just dream, particularly when accompanied by a glass of cucumber infused mineral water and Be Awesome by Hadley Freeman (I highly recommend a read).

Having caught the last few rays of the day, I got ready for a dinner in the hotel’s popular restaurant, Carneros Bistro. Using local produce and herbs and vegetables from their impressive garden, The Lodge offers all manner of refined Californian fare from lighter fish dishes through to hearty steaks and very naughty desserts.

For dinner at this versatile establishment, I opted for my favourite Topshop wrap front playsuit in cream. I bought this last Summer, but Topshop have frequently released similar versions, such as this ethereal long-sleeved interpretation. For something near identical, Missguided have cheekily replicated the style here (I love the crisp aqua shade too). I layered with a lace trim nude camisole and added a touch of colour with No 7’s fiery orange polish “Tangy”

Keeping it suitably simple, I added my nude and white sandals from Zara, an assortment of charm bracelets and rings, my new chunky cage cuff from & Other Stories and my Mulberry mini Alexa in Oak.

Nothing highlights a tan quite like bright white, even if said “tan” is more crème than caramel. 

Holiday Wardrobe: San Francisco Shoppin'

Our second day in San Francisco was my kinda day- shopping! 

Usually, sad though this is, I spend time researching the best local boutiques before visiting a new city. However, this year all my research has focussed on our upcoming NYC jaunt (just FYI, best books for top New York tips are The Fashion Insider's Guide to New York and The Stylists Guide to New York- both are fabulous).

Sadly, San Francisco shopping was pushed to one side and we ended up spending our day milling around generic designer shops, with obligatory detours to Zara and H&M. I worry that we did miss a trick in San Fran shopping, but there were still a few gems in and around Union Square.

We began our day with a lovely breakfast at the Grand Café. I had creamy porridge topped off with sweet strawberries and a wonderfully strong skinny capp. We then began our shopping trip, despite the chilling breeze and grey skies.

The first SF gem we found was the charming San Francisco T-We Tea shop. I am a bit of a tea enthusiast and this colourful, uplifting store was a must visit for me. I hope to do a bigger post on this store in the coming weeks, but it really is quite a treat and a great stop for gifts. The T-We Tea store is in Crocker Galleria, 50 Post Street. 

My mother and I absolutely adored Neiman Marcus, which feels just like Harvey Nichols, and spent a good few hours perusing the beauty and homeware departments. I also found myself stroking Balenciaga leather bikers and Saint Laurent claret shifts… One day, my pretties, one day.

We stopped for a lunch in Neiman Marcus' restaurant, The Rotunda, which was divine.  I opted for a light salad and mocktail, my virtuous choices immediately spoilt by a scrumptious creamy coffee and massive complimentary brioche roll with strawberry infused butter. Oh well, as my father says, you’re a long time dead.

For this trip I wore a demure pleated midi-dress from Topshop, paired with bejewelled ballet flats from Zara. In an attempt to beat off the chill, I slung on my lightweight Zara khaki jacket (online they only appear to have a stone version left), but ended up having to buy a decidedly inelegant H&M hoodie, just as the colour started to drain from my extremities. I finished off the look with my new Zara tote and a bohemian ring from H&M (like this but in cream).

Note to self: Raynauds Phenomenon is not so chic. Bring gloves. 

Holiday Wardrobe: San Francisco Sightseein'

Firstly, I would like to apologise that my blog has been a little neglected of late. I have, in fact, been on holiday in California and have had reasonably limited access to internet (I have also had NO access to Champagne which has been difficult. On my return to the UK please send bubbly.)

California has been truly phenomenal and I have so many lovely restaurants, stores, spas and retreats to share with you from this holiday of a lifetime, but in the meanwhile I will be super boring and simply post shots from holiday wardrobe!

I know that i'm no Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and my wardrobe doesn't exactly rival Poppy Delevingne's, but I am a real nosy parker when it comes to holiday style and I hoped you may be too!

The first part of our wonderful West Coast journey was a few days spent in San Francisco. My only niggle? It is much colder than I had anticipated- so excuse the abundance of goosebumps in my SF posts.

We began our first day with a glorious breakfast by Union Square (porridge -or oatmeal- for moi and strawberry studded French Toast for my companions) and then went on to spend the rest of the day down by Fisherman's Wharf. We feasted on glorious fresh crab (with stolen sips of dad's fiery Blood Mary) by the bay before heading out on a boat across to Alcatraz, a must see for all other keen tourists.

For this trip I wore my beloved Zara lace midi-dress (a similar style here), my faithful Zara jacket with aztec embroidery (on sale now) my H&M aviators and my sandals du jour from Dune (see them here).

I carried about my ultra heavy DSLR in my panic-bought Zara studded tote (also on sale), which I have found to be a great bag for Shona the Explorer.

Dora, eat yer heart out.

Holiday Wardrobe #10

Holiday Wardrobe #9

Holiday Wardrobe #8

My £7 maxi 

beautiful!

sunshiney treat (nothing on Samba Swirl!)

Holiday Wardrobe #7

Holiday Wardrobe #6

Welcome to the SW Fashion Zara Lookbook S/S12. Apologies- I promise I shop elsewhere (sometimes)

Holiday Wardrobe #5

Holiday Wardrobe #4

Holiday Wardrobe #3

Yes... Most of my summer clothes are from Zara... so shoot me.

Hope you're enjoying my posts! I'm having a great time back in London (even though it is ridiculously busy- two weeks until Olympic mayhem!) as i'm working on guest editing the October issue of Company Magazine (read more about it here) which is super duper exciting. Yesterday me and the other grads styled and interviewed Fazer and i've spent today working on my feature for the issue- how very exciting!

Very much looking forward to another day at Company HQ tomorrow- I WANT TO WORK THERE SO MUCH. 

Holiday Wardrobe #2