When I look through my wardrobe rummaging for warm Winter layers, I feel nostalgic when I see some of my holiday outfits. It's lovely to remember certain days from my trip to the south coast of France, and like scents, some outfits are so reminiscent of a perfect day or the excitement of a particular day out-like getting ready for a trip to Monte Carlo in the most wonderful intense August heat.
I went to Villefrance Sur Mer, a historic coastal town 15 minutes from Nice in one direction, and 20 minutes from the Principality of Monaco in the other. Across the bay from Villefranche are two other stunning villages, Beauliea Sur Mer and Cap Ferrat, where exclusive villas nestle amongst the trees all the way down to the peaceful coves dotted around the peninsula. It's known as the Golden Triangle, and 'golden' is pretty close to the truth-it's amazing (see end of post for some travel tips).
I’ve always coveted the elegance of French style and the taste with which outfits are chosen and homes furnished (choosing an apartment on Air B’n’B proved the latter to be very true!) So with French-chic in mind, and a carefully packed suitcase, I was excited to put my favourite summer outfits to the test.
The rather fabulous bay of Monte Carlo, seen from outside the Palace of Prince Albert II.
Posing near the steps of Monte Carlo Casino.
I picked up this unusual Laurèl top in a charity shop a few years ago now, and didn’t realise how much of a favourite it would become. I have never seen anything like it since-you pull it around and zip yourself into it. It is boned in places so it mimics a corset, it but isn’t uncomfortable in the slightest. I have worn it back home and styled it a little more conservatively, perhaps with jeans and a little cardi, but I think it was really made to be worn in France with this outfit-the only accessories a hat and sunglasses.
I wore it the day we went to Monaco, with some navy shorts and a simple sunhat to balance out the bare shouldered look.
Grace Kelly's rose garden, Monaco.
I made a friend.
I also loved this orange dress-I still can’t quite work out what to call this shade - orange or tangerine? Or dark peach? No idea, and I really don’t know where it was from but I rescued it from the carboot-sale pile about three years ago and am so glad I did. I really don’t have any sense of strict rules about what colours I should wear with my red hair-if it feels good, I wear it.
Cooling off in the shade of Villefranche Old Town
Villefranche bay.
Cap Ferrat, from the driveway of the Villa De Ephrussi Rothschild (you need to go, if you're ever on holiday there).
Then there's this little pink floral silk scarf-my ultimate accessory of the year. I am still wearing it with a smart jacket for work well into Winter, so it really is the definition of a multi tasker!
It was from Oxfam Originals in Manchester earlier this year, and I wore it in the Summer to brighten up a black t shirt with a coordinating skirt. I love this outfit as it is so simple and yet feels really pulled together. I love the subtle coordination a scarf can bring to an outfit. Audrey would approve.
My carboot purchase of the Summer was this playsuit-you wouldn't know it was Dorothy Perkins! It was a very cool, handy little outfit for a particularly boiling hot day trip to St Paul Du Vence, a historic town with a very artistic past, a little further inland.
I have never enjoyed a holiday more, both for the location and the good times. Having a minimalist capsule wardrobe of some stand-out items was worth thinking about beforehand. I didn't take a lot with me, and only a few items in addition what's photographed here. So wherever I'm going in future, I reckon thinking French can pay off-keep it simple and chic will follow.
Info.
Villefranche is the stuff of dreams. Worth a look, if you want some holiday inspiration for next year.
Check these websites out to daydream about next Summer.
Cap Ferrat on Trip Advisor
Villefranche rentals on Air BnB (this can be a really reasonable way to stay somewhere gorgeous).
This travel and photography blog has a great feature about the Golden Triangle.
It was from Oxfam Originals in Manchester earlier this year, and I wore it in the Summer to brighten up a black t shirt with a coordinating skirt. I love this outfit as it is so simple and yet feels really pulled together. I love the subtle coordination a scarf can bring to an outfit. Audrey would approve.
In the gardens of the amazing Villa De Ephrussi Rothschild.
The wonderful view of Villefranche from the bay of Cap Ferrat
My carboot purchase of the Summer was this playsuit-you wouldn't know it was Dorothy Perkins! It was a very cool, handy little outfit for a particularly boiling hot day trip to St Paul Du Vence, a historic town with a very artistic past, a little further inland.
I have never enjoyed a holiday more, both for the location and the good times. Having a minimalist capsule wardrobe of some stand-out items was worth thinking about beforehand. I didn't take a lot with me, and only a few items in addition what's photographed here. So wherever I'm going in future, I reckon thinking French can pay off-keep it simple and chic will follow.
Info.
Villefranche is the stuff of dreams. Worth a look, if you want some holiday inspiration for next year.
Check these websites out to daydream about next Summer.
Cap Ferrat on Trip Advisor
Villefranche rentals on Air BnB (this can be a really reasonable way to stay somewhere gorgeous).
This travel and photography blog has a great feature about the Golden Triangle.
