City break wardrobe

(New York) City break wardrobe

I have been putting together a couple of outfits for a city break, as I have been recently contacted by Kendra Thornton, a travel expert as part of her #fashionchallenge.  

New York City Bound!

I am so excited  that my upcoming trip is all I can talk about or think about. The only slight problem I see on my otherwise bright horizon is my limited clothes choices. As a mom of 3 kids, my wardrobe is more suburban frumpy than city chic. It is just that clothes have not always been a priority. I know that with a little help from some fashion experts and those in the know, I can get my wardrobe in shape in time for my trip. To find that help, I have created the Kendra Fashion Challenge! I’ll be visiting New York City to spend a couple nights in one of the cities best hotels, The Standard High Line Hotel.

While visiting the city, we have a special outing planned. At the corner of 13th and Washington Streets, sits the public Standard Plaza. There is no other square quite like it in lower Manhattan. In the winter months, cold weather lovers can enjoy the skating rink at this square and enjoy a warm snack at Alpine Kaffeeklatsch. At all times of the year, this square plays host to some of the best large art installations, featuring such artists as Erwin Wurm, Kaws and Kenny Scharf. Snacks. In the summer months, snacks are created from fresh produce from Locusts Farms in upstate New York along with a variety of gelatos and sorbets made there. It is going to be an exciting afternoon and evening.

I know that to enjoy my time at Standard Plaza I need to look my best in a new outfit put together during my challenge. Planning this trip faced some other challenges. When a group travels to a new city like my friends and I, everyone has their own list of “must see” places. I used Gogobot to help determine, which places to see and things to do were the highest rated. This made creating the perfect itinerary that suited everyone a snap. I know that walking around the city or visiting a luxurious hotel such as the Standard High Line Hotel will be a lot more enjoyable with a new outfit and great look.

She is looking for some style inspiration as she is off on her travels to stay at The Standard High Line Hotel in New York for a few days.

Here are some ideas as to what I would pack in the suitcase!  

This cool 100% fine cotton shirt by BYoung will look great with just about anything, worn loose over a simple camisole top

and teamed with these funky kaleidoscope patterned pants by Selected Femme 

I also love this angelfish printed dress by Spanish design duo Malahierba

with this zip front denim jacket by Blend (which works with pretty much anything)

and to finish these looks try these Mascha avaitor style sunglasses also by Selected Femme 

For going out I have chosen this amazing kimono style jacket again by Malahierba 

and worn with this draped jersey maxi dress by Selected Femme

and to complete this outfit a lightning clutch bag from Compania Fantastica!

Here's to a fantastic trip!

Barcelona travels...

It's been a busy week with another trip to Spain, this time to Barcelona which is home to Eden's brands Desigual, Smash! and Malahierba.

While away we visited Malahierba who have just moved from their original shop to a new and much larger showroom (just round the corner, but still in the Gracia neighbourhood)!  The AW14 collection is entitled "Moonlighting" and features some lovely prints and designs.

I particularly liked their oversized tunic which can be worn loose or belted and will look great layered up come the autumn.  

We also got a look at some of their archive original screen print designs too -

They are in the process of getting everything all ready and can't wait to see the finished results - so another visit soon may be in order!

  

While in the city we also checked out the exhibition on show at the Arenas shopping centre at Espana, Barcelona www.drapart.net of some amazing and creative upcycled art and design and is on display until 5th June.

Malahieba -  Bonavista 26, (Barri de Gracia, Barcelona)  www.malahierba.es

Protected Species - stylish rainwear

This time last week I was enjoying wall to wall sunshine in Majorca on my holidays but i'm now back home and facing the fact that the weather here in Scotland is somewhat unpredictable (and unfortunately it does rain here quite a bit) to say the least!  

Eden is pleased to now stock a new brand - Protected Species who specialise in 100% waterproof jackets made from their signature fluid intelligence fabric.

Two styles are currently available - the West End waterproof mac and the Northern Quarter waterproof parka which are both extremely stylish yet totally practical too.  Find out more about all of the technical details behind the jackets here. 

Northern Quarter Parka jacket - available in grey & black £179

West End waterproof Mac £179

Pop in-store to find out more and try them out for yourself