Dream Destination #2 - Greece

Santorini, Greece

Now, I know that Greece isn't feeling too good at the moment. But that doesn't stop it from being one of my dream destinations. I have fantasised about island hopping around Greece for several years now, I even have the Lonely Planet guide to Greece which I leaf through every now and again. Ideally, I would get on a yacht and do the trip in style, but in reality I'll be relying on public ferries. And honestly, I think it will make for a far more exciting and sociable trip.

My Greece packing essentials...

Dream Destination #2 - Greece by emmatje featuring j crew

1. Shorts - And lots of them! A pair of denim shorts will be perfect in the evening while cotton super short shorts will be great during the day and at the beach. Plus, they're easy to clean in the sink.

2. Basic tops - Cotton t-shirts and silk-mix camisoles aplenty! Plus a thin denim shirt for cooler evenings and a bralet or two to go dancing in!

3. Short dresses - Cute, floaty dresses that I can throw on over a bikini at lunch time while I eat delicious greek food, plus a light crochet dress for evenings that I can accessorise with glitzy jewellery that I will buy at local markets.

4. Maxi dresses - These two quiksilver dresses will be perfect when I want to cover up in the sun, plus they are pretty enough to wear at night with wedge sandals.

5. Beach goodies  - I'll bring as many bikinis as I can fit in my bag, plus a large sun hat to protect my pale skin.

6. Shoes - A pair of espadrilles in a summery colour. I get mine from Spain as they are so comfy and simple, and you don't have to pay extra for a label like you do in England. A pair of pretty flip-flops, and a pair of neutral summery wedge sandals for the evenings.

7. Backpack and essential items - A colourful backpack like this Roxy beauty will be perfect for the beach and will be comfy while I'm taking in the sites and sounds of Greece. I'll bring a lomo camera to capture magical moments, my kindle loaded up with lots of Penguin Classics, my favourite sunglasses and of course a travel journal so I can relive my trip back in dreary England.

Top three must-see sights and attractions...

1. Mykonos

Since I heard the song 'Mykonos' by Fleet Foxes, I have wanted to visit the island. It is very popular with tourists, but I'm not afraid to take myself off on an adventure of the more secluded parts of the island. I hope to lose myself in the incredible architecture and ancient sites, including a 15th century byzantine church, as well as a secluded beach or two.

2. Athens

Slightly obvious, I know, but I will not be able to resist at least 4 days in Athens. Having fallen in love with Rome, I have a sneaking suspicion that I might also fall in love with Athens. There is so much to see and do in Athens, I'm sure I will have to pack myself off to a serene island afterwards!

3. Restaurant Barbarossa, Paros

The fact that I will be near or on the sea for the majority of my trip, I will want to sample the best seafood dishes that Greece can offer. The Barbarossa in the harbour town of Naoussa on the island of Paros is the definition of picturesque dining. I will be able eat delicious fresh seafood right by the water. What more could I want?!

Have you been to Greece, or are you dying to visit?

Much love, Bemsy x

Travel Essentials #3 - Rome, Italy

Rome Essentials by emmatje

I'm going on a little jaunt to Rome with my mum and brother at the weekend. I'll be there for 3 full days, so I won't need to pack a lot. These are my essentials...

1. Dresses - I'm taking these 2 maxi dresses so I don't have to worry about covering up in the churches, etc. I'll bring the blue floral dress for an evening out, and perhaps another shorter dress for the evening.

2. Sandals - 1 pair of flat sandals as they are so comfy for walking around in all day. Then 1 pair of simple heeled sandals for the evening.

3. Cardigans - thin knitted cardigans will be perfect for covering up, day or night.

4. Handbag essentials - Sunglasses, of course; my camera for capturing the sights; a guidebook so we can make the most of our trip; and my kindle to relax with in the hotel bar after a day of sightseeing.

5. Handbag - I'm going to take an across body bag so that I don't have to worry about someone grabbing my bag while I'm gawping at the architecture. A simple suede bag will take me from day to night.

6. Accessories - as I will be keeping my outfits simple, I will make the most of being able to wear lots of lovely jewellery and hair accessories. 

Have you been to Rome?

Much love, Bemsy x

Dream Destination #1 - Paris

I'm cheating slightly here because I've visited Paris three times already, but Paris is one of those cities that I will always long to return to.

My Paris packing essentials...

I would love to visit Paris in the winter, perhaps in December around my birthday. My packing essentials will therefore consist of A/W items.

Paris A/W Essentials by emmatje

1. Coat and other winter warmers - A wonderfully cuddly coat that I can snuggle up in as I explore the city, plus a faux fur headband for chilly moments, my Alexander McQueen scarf that I just can't live without, and the most beautiful kidskin, silk lined gloves by Dents. To enjoy the city in the winter, it's essential to be warm.

2. Mary Poppins handbag - I plan on acquiring this H&M A/W '12 handbag as soon as it hits the shops. For my dream trip to Paris I will fill it with lovely bits and pieces, including, but clearly not limited to: a Paris guidebook (it will make planning museum and gallery trips so much easier - no arriving after they've closed!); a pretty notebook and pen (to facilitate drawing, dreaming and musing); a camera (I think it would be fun to capture my adventure on film rather than on a digital camera, and what better than a pink SLR!); sunglasses (I cannot live without them, and how darling are these minty green cat eye glasses from Topshop); my kindle (loaded up with romantic novels set in the 1920s); phone, tissues, etc, etc...

Evening bag - a simple clutch for the evening. After carrying my life around all day (a necessary exertion, believe me), I will relish the chance to grab my clutch and get myself to the nearest quaint restaurant for some moules et frites.

3. Tops - Comfortable loose blouses (I'm obsessing over the army trend already and all the green it brings) and plain cotton tops in dark hues.

4. Skirts - Chic black skirts (yes, pleather can be chic). Peplum is a godsend - instant chic and it hides those pesky love handles!

5. Trousers - Pleather leggings and skinny printed trousers (both by Topshop and both will be appearing in my wardrobe ASAP)

6. Evening dresses - Plain, modest dresses to ensure a hassle-free and relaxing evening in gay Paris.

7. Knitwear - Knitwear galore in fact. The gold beaded beauty is in the H&M A/W '12 collection and will be perfect for Paris. A cosy waterfall cardigan will be ideal for colder days, and a thin knitted jumper will look gorgeous over a crisp white shirt.

8. Shoes, glorious shoes! - Knee high boots will keep my calves toasty; ankle boots will be handy if it's icy and/or snowing; sturdy leather flats will be great with tights and a skirt, and with the skinny printed trousers; and finally some simple but gorgeous heels for the evening paired with thick black tights - perfection. 

Top three must-see sights and attractions...

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

I drank the most expensive Diet Coke I've ever bought in my life in a cafe opposite Notre Dame, but I've never actually been inside. I love old buildings so I will brave the queues to get inside on my next trip.

2. Cafe Louis Philippe

I've eaten here before, but I will most certainly return, mainly so I can pretend that I'm in Gossip Girl. I actually ate at this restaurant before the Gossip Girl episode was aired, and was so excited to see Serena and Blair in a restaurant that I recognised. Seeing it again brought back so many great memories. 

3. Les Arts Décoratifs

A museum with a gallery dedicated to fashion and textiles. I will be spending many hours in and around this heavenly place.

Do you want to visit Paris? When would you go? What would you see and do?

Much love, Bemsy x

Travel Essentials #2 - Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier Essentials by emmatje featuring printed shorts

Jetting off to Verbier on Thursday. It's going to be hot hot hot but I can't wait to go walking in the mountains and swimming in the lakes with my lovely doggies.

1. Bottoms - One pair of thin jeans for cooler evenings, plus a few light and airy skirts.

2. Sports gear - I plan on doing lots of hiking and cycling so I'll be bringing my most colourful gym gear with me, plus some comfortable trainers.

3. Linen shorts - I have several pairs of linen shorts and they are perfect for the hot weather.

4. Sunglasses - obviously!

5. Bikinis - for sunbathing on the lawn and swimming in the lakes.

6. Sandals - I love my leather sandals, they go with everything!

7. Backpack - For transporting picnics.

8. Casual tops & shirts - Lots of loose and casual tops that I can just throw on.

9. Knitted cardigan - A light cotton or linen knitted cardigan that will come in handy when the sun goes down.

Much love, Bemsy x

Travel Essentials #1 - Biarritz, France

Biarritz Essentials by emmatje featuring plastic flip flops

I plan on heading back to Biarritz at the end of August, so I thought I'd share a few essential items that I will be packing in my tiny suitcase...

1. Bikinis, of course! I'll bring at least 3, it's nice to have some options.

2. Sun cap and sunglasses - practical yes, but in Biarritz my cap will also be trendy haha! I'm not one of those girls who likes to look particularly well groomed at the beach. Basically it's too much effort! Nothing wrong with salty, wavy hair under a cute cap and big sunglasses.

3. Light sweater - perfect for when the sun starts to go down at the beach.

4. Shoes! - Thanks to ryanair, I have to pack light. So flip flops for the beach, and a pair of comfy heels for going out. If possible I will squeeze in a pair of Vans as well. I'll bring my JC Foxy in turquoise as they're so comfy and such a great colour for summer nights.

5. Shorts - cute shorts galore! I'll be bringing a pair of beach shorts and then a couple of other pairs for the evenings in neutral tones and light fabrics.

6. Tanks & vests - Biarritz is not a fussy place, so a couple of tops that I can just throw on will make life so much easier. Pretty vests for the evening, and casual, cotton tanks for the day time.

7. Dresses - A maxi and a mini, but aren't they both sexy?!

Much love, Bemsy x