8/20/16

Nice Nice




Photos by: Cami Bell

Jumper: VS Ruffle Cover up (similar here, splurge) / Hat: J.Crew Panama Hat (natural)
Shoes: Splendid Mason Sandal / Handbag: HM (similar here, splurge)

Before visiting Nice I didn't know what to expect. I knew there would be fantastic seafood, great beach views, a plethora of outside dining options but I wasn't expected how incredible the views of the city were. The coast is actually very mountainous so any drive or bike ride up will leave you with 360 views of Nice! My friends and I ended up renting electric bikes. I've never even heard of such a thing! They are very cool, you hop on a modern spin of a bike, sleek black frame, wood grain details and a quiet hum sound coming from the power source. It came really came in handy when traveling up the steep roads heading to the top of the city! There were even openings on the road leading to gorgeous cliff views of the city! Highly recommend visiting Fort du Mont Alban for great views and tours of the monuments. 


8/17/16

So Bleu



Swim Top: Flounce Crop Top  / Swim Bottom: Flounce Teeny Bikini bottom (under $5!) 
Bottoms: Elevenses (sold out, similar here) / Lips: Bobbi Brown (buff)

How's everyone's week going??! I'm excited to finally share this look with you! What I love most about traveling to beach locations is the necessity to always keep a swimsuit within reach. This day I decided to wear my off the shoulder crop top bikini as a shirt. Pairing the top with a high waist wide-leg pant was a no brainer! The solid high-waist band is just the right height to keep the part of my stomach covered that I'd rather not bare :-)

There's no disputing, the French Riveria is one of the most beautiful beach cities in the world. I learned a lot in the few days of my stay. For one, the city of Nice only has pebble beaches!!! I got a rude awakening when I ran barefoot down the boardwalk stairs. All I saw were rocks and pebbles! Luckily, there are a ton of private beaches where you're able to rent a beach mattress and parasol. If you find yourself in the South of France and seeking sandy beaches you'll get just what you came for in Cannes and Antibes. Both locations are a 10-15 min train ride from Nice. I was incredibly surprised at the level of public transportation available. I look forward to going back!

Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo


8/12/16

Jumping Stripes








Jumper: Zara Paris (similar here) / Jacket: Trouve leather jacket / Shoes: Nike Free Flyknit
Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac (on sale!) / Lips: Stila Beso / Fitbit: HR Tracker

Hiya! Today's blog post is I'm sharing the not so bright side of traveling abroad. Now that I'm home safe and sound I can share without completely breaking down! Shortly after these pictures were taken I began taking pictures of a girlfriend with the marvelous Lourve in the background. In the midst of taking pictures a group of gypsies bum rushed me and my girlfriend shoving clipboards and papers in our faces asking us to sign. I thought being direct and matching their aggression would get them to back off. Instead, it was all a ploy to distract us. While we were telling them, no screaming at them, NO, GO AWAY, their hands were going through our bike baskets and they were able to steal my things. As soon as I realized the only thing left in my basket was my scarf, I knew what happened. My first instinct was to jump on my bike and go after them! But they moved so fast...so second instinct, locate them on Find My Phone and go gettem! I was successfully able to track their location but my friends refused to let me go. And understandably, I was not thinking straight and considering what could go wrong failed to cross my mind. So instead I went to the police station. 2 or 3 hours after attempting to communicate with the police officers I left with a police report and no effort to go after the thieves. I was able to track them and showed the officers, their reason for not pursuing...I have no way to prove they are my things. Such a frustrating and infuriating process! I cannot begin to tell you how down I was after these events. It literally took me going on 3 days to get over it. I didn't want to talk, laugh or enjoy this beautiful city. And in hindsight I wish I was able to just: Let. Go.

I have a few tips for you fellow travel bugs. I'd hate for anyone to have an experience while traveling abroad. Especially if traveling alone. It's important to know that there are professional thieves abroad, even locally, that target visitors. And when across the pond, it's usually easy to identify an American.

For ladies:

  • Keep your purse zipped at all times and if possible try not to care purses without a closure
  • Never keep your phone visible when not in use, i.e.. in back pocket or on table while dining
  • Do not keep your purse in a chair or hanging over chair while dining or seated
  • Always put your cash in wallet and secure in bag after a transaction before walking away

For guys:
  • Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Most guys have room in back pocket that makes it easy for pick pocketers to grab and run
  • Never carry all of your cash in your wallet. Portion cash by day and keep just that when traveling
  • Keep phone secure in a place with no visibility 
A dear friend of mine shared a very helpful link with tips on outsmarting pickpocketers. Please review, it only takes a few minutes to read. Just knowing of all the risks will keep your risks at a minimum!

Hope this will be helpful for future travel! 
Since I neglected to finesse your fashion appetite I'll leave you with some cute rompers since the one I'm wearing is not available online.
XOXO

8/9/16

Crop and Dame



Top: Tularosa Crop Top (same print here) / Bottoms: Madewell Flea Market Flare (on sale!)
Sunnies: J.Crew Betty Sunglasses / Booties: VS / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff 'Love' Bag

Hello there everyone! I don't know about you but I'm getting a little bummed about the end of summer approaching! You know what that means, that leaves about another month to flaunt all the crop tops your heart desires! My favorite thing to pair crop tops with is high waisted skirts and flare or wide-leg jeans. I've selected a number of crops I think are incredibly cute below!

This day we walked over to Notre Dame. I think I've developed a strong taste for anything containing gargoyles in some shape or form...I just couldn't keep my eyes off this cathedral! Hope you enjoy the pics and these cute crop tops below, all of which are on sale!

xoxo


8/5/16

Frock and Kicks



Dress: H&M Satin Dress (under $20!) / Jacket: Nordstrom Trouve (splurge) / Shoes: Nike Flex Fury

Hi dolls! I don't know about you but when I travel I love walking everywhere! And what comes with tons of walking must come comfy shoes. But wearing shoes that are good to your feet doesn't mean it will take away from your look. Today I opted for a satin dress and created a sporty chic look by adding these Nike Flex Fury kicks. No destination was too far or out of the question wearing these babies! Here are a few other sneaks I'm really loving!

8/3/16

Blue Lagooning









Swimsuit: MasiMiele Lace-up Swimsuit (Splurge) / / Eyewear: J.Crew Betty Sunglasses
 Headscarf: Target  / Lips: Stila Beso

Hi Dolls! Today has been such a wonderful delight! As soon as we landed we headed straight to our first destination, the Blue Lagoon! I've heard tons about the place and it's as amazing as everyone says. When you first walk onto the establishment all you see is a volcanic rock pathway leading to The Blue Lagoon! We first checked in our luggage and continued down a narrow path to the facility to get our electronic wristbands. I recommend purchasing ahead of time to secure a good time. If you plan on staying to dine I would get the package that comes with a Lava Restaurant reservation and a glass of bubbly! Once me and the girls got suited up we opened the doors and were immediately blown away by the site! Ice blue steamy water spilling into different bridges and paths of volcanic rock.  You can't help but feel at peace with the calm and tranquility of the landscape. 

What I didn't expect to receive was a skin makeover! I learned the water containing many minerals and scillia has many self healing and rejuvenating elements. We kicked it up a notch by going to the mud mask station and dousing ourselves of the pure white mud. I kid you not, my face and skin felt soft and clear for at least a week! What's even better, the mask is available for purchase online!

8/1/16

Icewear Insider


Sweater: Icewear Elis Wool Sweater  / Dress: Free People Shake It Printed Tunic (on sale!)
Handbag: The Limited (similar here and here) / Booties: T&B Winsor Block Heel

Although the light is still present it's actually 11pm, this is the first time I've witnessed the phenomena of the Midnight Sun! It's very cool when you're out about and strolling but when it's time to hit the sack your body is crippled with confusion! I remember midnight approaching and I had the energy of just stepping out.

I couldn't help but share the remix that occurred when comfortable 50-60 degree afternoon weather turned 40's at night. Fortunately, the stores didn't close till late so I was able to spot this cute hand woven 100% wool Icelandic sweater! Itchy yes, but the warmest sweater I have ever owned!