A Winter Guide to Zermatt

Zermatt, a small charming village in the heart of the Swiss Alps plays host to some of the best skiing in the world. With the Matterhorn sitting proudly like a king high above, unique ski areas offering a challenge to all levels of skiers and snowboarders and Michelin-starred restaurants on the slopes, it's not hard to understand why this winter resort is loved by so many. Beyond skiing, there is plenty of adventure to be had from winter hiking to paragliding. And with the winter season soon approaching, there seems no better time to write a complete guide on where best to stay, ski, eat, dance and drink.

I am by no means an expert on Zermatt but considering I've been going almost every year (mostly during summer, I'll admit) since I was born, I certainly know a thing or two on what's good. Zermatt is the most beautiful town I've ever seen, and everything you can expect from a winter resort with chocolate-box chalets, breathtaking views, Swiss fine-dining, all topped off with iridescent, powdery snow. I love hiking here in the summer, but Zermatt certainly comes to life in the colder months, with so much to offer in every possible way.

If you're all booked up or still considering a winter adventure to Zermatt, follow me.

(The Last of) Summer In The City

A floral dress for summer. Groundbreaking.

But considering the sunshine season, complete with evening walks in the park and al fresco dining, visits London so rarely, the need to make the most of it is imperative. After a week of rain, I was ready to slip into something wholeheartedly summery and loose.

Visiting Audrey Hepburn, Lake Geneva

This probably has to be my favourite and most special blog post yet. Anyone who truly knows me is more than aware of my adoration for Audrey Hepburn.

On our annual family trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, we usually take four-hours worth of trains to get there. But upon realising hiring a car was not only a shorter journey, but a cheaper one too, we buckled in and saddled up ready for a roadtrip around Lake Geneva to Zermatt. I knew that Audrey's home, La Paisible, was located in Morges on Lake Geneva which just happened to be in the middle of the route. So, I begged my family to take a quick detour for me to see it -it's any Hepburn fan's Mecca after all.

Surf House, Barcelona

My favourite day of every trip is always the beach day.

We strip off into barely-there bikinis, bathe in the tropical sunlight and listen to the sound of waves echoing in the distance.

But all beach days begin with a good breakfast feast.

Gaudi, Gallito's and Poolside Drinks, Barcelona

In comparison to London, Barcelona seems a lot smaller in size.

You can get from the heart of the city to the beach in a matter of a few minutes, but getting from West to East in London will take you nearly half an hour.

On our second day in the city of sunshine, it's safe to say we took advantage of this and packed in a lot.

Sightseeing in Barcelona

Barcelona is one my all time favourite cities. With amazing shopping, food, sightseeing, architecture and the beach all on offer, it's not hard to understand why. 

Abandoning our luggage in the hotel, we headed straight to Lulu's in El Born.

A Summer Sojourn to Sorrento

Until this trip, I've never had the pleasure of visiting Italy. A Roman holiday always sounded delightful and a romantic trip to Florence was worthy of a dream. But finally I had the chance to experience the true Italian dolce vita with a whirlwind trip to the Amalfi Coast with my sister.

Italy most certainly lived up to all of my expectations - endless gelato, spaghetti, fresh wine and eternal sunshine. I'd be lying to say the trip wasn't truly perfect from beginning to end.

For now, let's dive into our first day. 

Easter at Kew

I come from a long line of nature lovers in my family.

Every year we spend our summers in Zermatt, Switzerland to gaze at the majestic mountains, exotic alpine flora and wild animals. Add to that the fresh, clean air and that mighty Matterhorn view and you can probably picture quite the postcard perfect scene.

So it's quite a wonder as to why we don't always make the most of the natural beauty that's on our doorstep. Thus, for Easter, we headed to Kew Gardens for a dose of all things flora and fauna (though sadly, I don't think anything can compete with my precious Zermatt).

A Birthday in Bath Part 1

Surprisingly, I've seen very little of the UK. I know London like the back of my hand, where I live (just outside central London) I also know pretty well, and throw a bit of the southern coast in there too. However, apart from these few places, I've seen little more. So, in a bid to do and see something different for my mine and mother's birthdays, we drove to Bath for a very British weekend away.

Hey Spring!

It's March. It's spring. And I'm finally back with a new blog post! I've been a little quiet over the past month due to university work and celebrating my birthday, but I'm returning with lots of fun content to share.

First up, we have this beautiful backless bow bodysuit from Topshop I bought a few weeks ago. It's the prettiest thing and works fabulously for both day and night. But it was my go-to top of choice on a spring day exploring...and hey, it was almost 18'C which is practically summer in London if you ask me.

Turquoise Lakes and Fireworks, Switzerland

If my last post didn't quite sell you on Zermatt, Switzerland, this one might just do the trick. For our first hike of the holiday we popped on the train to another village nearby and walked back to Zermatt, with the snow-dusted Matterhorn in full view.

A Toast To Adventure, Switzerland

This is a little bit of a higgedy piggedy post as what I'm about to share with you all is our travelling day, so of course not many photos were taken. Especially when it takes a plane and two trains to get to Zermatt, i.e virtually an entire day. Nonetheless, travelling is always fun and I'm possibly one of the few people in this world who actually enjoys the airport experience.

Ways To Style: Summer Denim

I love denim. Denim jeans, shirts, jackets, shorts, skirts - you name it, and I either have it or want it (it's an obsession my purse nor bank account admires). There's something about this tough fabric that is quintessentially cool, perhaps due to it's manifestation of the nineties or it's effortlessly stylish wearer. It adds a certain toughness to an outfit that would be absent without it, and when teamed with other fabrics such as silk or leather, an outfit becomes instantly playful, chic and cool.

Yet, denim can be a little warm for the summer months due it's thickness. But, with a little know-how and styling, and you'll never be denim-free. Here are a few ways you can style denim for summer...

From Gelato to Mojitos, Barcelona

Last week my sister and I popped over to Barcelona for a whirlwind tour of the Spanish city. After a very early start and a delayed car transfer, we arrived in the city at around lunchtime, giving us the perfect opportunity for a delicious bite to eat in Flax and Kale. We heard about this healthy-eating place from a vast array of sources, from magazines to blog posts, and felt it was our duty to see what all the hype was about.

The Bardot Top - Five Ways

Top, skirt, sandals, bag, earrings, ring (top), ring (bottom)

I'm not usually one to follow trends but I am rather loving the ubiquitous Bardot, a.k.a 'off-the-shoulder' top. Forget shiny pins and sun-kissed arms, this season's most-displayed body part is the shoulders as high streets fall for the Gallic charms of a clavicle-bearing neckline named after fifties icon Brigitte Bardot. However, as they are so incredibly popular and favoured by all, they can become tiresome for they are always teamed with the same item; the skinny jean. Thus, today I've steered clear of this slim fit denim and opted for other alternatives to inspire new pairings. From embroidered mini skirts, to mom jeans and daisy print midi skirts, here are five fresh ways to wear the Bardot top this season...

Polpo and Pastels, Chelsea

There are many things that please me about London, but the delicious food and beautiful houses are top of the list. Yesterday, my friend Sarah and I headed into Chelsea to indulge ourselves in just those - mouthwatering Italian tapas served at one of my favourites, Polpo, and storybook townhouses down Bywater Street. 

My Take On The 'City Break Essentials'

It is officially one week until my sister and I whisk ourselves off to the incessantly sunny Barcelona, so city break essentials are undoubtedly on my mind. I'm a huge fan of city breaks, whether it be Paris, Barcelona or Zurich, and I definitely plan to take excursions to Rome and New York soon. Cities are filled with so much amazing food, culture, history, art, monuments and so on. 

Cosmopolitan, cultural and cool - whichever city you're headed off to this summer, here's my take on the essentials you should be taking, from beauty products I'd be lost without to a quick run down of wardrobe must-haves for exploring a new or favourite city.

Farm Girl Café, Notting Hill

Prepare for a picture overload! I may of got a little snap happy during my sister's and I's adventure to Notting Hill. This neighbourhood is one of my favourites in London for so many reasons but I must admit, I have only ever explored it a few times. Upon reading Julia's (writer of Gal Meets Glam - one of my favourite bloggers at the moment!) blog post about her wandering around Notting Hill, Jess and I decided to recreate her day as it just seemed so beautiful, whimsical and perfect. 

The Evening Look: Pink Culottes

I for one am loving culottes as of late. I can certainly promulgate and confirm that this trouser trend is certainly the comfiest (no post-meal unbuttoning needed), making them all the more fabulous for quotidian wear. Yet, I'm sharing a more 'evening' look with you all today. If, like me, (in a totally non-pretentious way), you feel a dress is just a little too overdone and predictable for party attire, and prefer something a little more daring, this look will be perfect for you.

The Perfect Summer Pj Set

I'm a sucker for beautiful pyjamas. Yet, my adoration for delicate, silky and elegant evening-wear has only manifested itself within the last few months. My floral Marks & Spencer Rosie For Autograph pjs I was gifted at Christmas were the catalyst to all things satin and two-pieced. Before then, I'll admit, it was a shameful case of 'old ripped t-shirt and unmatching pyjama bottom' syndrome. This summer, I rather quickly nabbed my sister's slinky pj set from Lavish Alice, and upon noticing how comfortable and care-free I felt in them, I promptly declared them mine (sorry sis!).