POSTCARDS FROM MIAMI

My first trip to Miami was a couple of years ago and was a place I immediately fell in love with.

Always a must return when I'm in the States,  Miami is the perfect blend America, Latin culture and the beauty of the Caribbean.

For quick visits, I like to stay on South Beach, right in the heart of the action. I think some mistake South Beach for a party crazy part of Miami - it is definitely an experience, full of all sorts of nightlight and interesting characters, but it really is a great base to explore not only the South Beach area - shops, architecture and restaurants, but also greater Miami, and Florida Keys. South Beach for me is electric and eccentric.

This time I stayed at The Betsy Hotel, and absolutely stunning boutique hotel right on Ocean Drive. An oasis from what I affectionately refers to as Miami madness. Great rooms, lovely service and access to a private beach right on your front doorstep, which I definitely took full advantage of.

If you get the chance, I'd also highly recommend hiring a car and exploring surrounding Miami, including Key Biscayne, Bal Harbour (all your luxury shopping needs covered), and if you have a little more time, do yourselves a favour and make the 2.5/3 hour drive down to Key West, stopping at the many lovely and often secluded swim spots along the way.

Crystal blue waters, endless supply of palm trees and coconuts - a tropical wonderland.

In summary, when in Miami you MUST spend as much time sea-side as possible, water-sports mandatory, try some diverse and delicious and of course indulge in a little shopping.

Follow my adventure around the world on instagram @friendinfashion, facebook and twitter.

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ISLAND LIFE

 

Cameo playsuit, Topshop shades, Zara sandals

There is something to be said about island life and neon. 

This incredible playsuit has come in extremely handy during my time exploring the beautiful islands of Croatia (you can see all my travel pictures and video on instagram @friendinfashion), and I'm sure I'll get even more wear as I venture towards the equally as beautiful Greek islands next.

For now, I'm off to explore more of Dubrovnik before I sadly bid the amazing country of Croatia farewell. 

You can follow my summer adventure around the world on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

Photos / Tim Florea 

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FROM CROATIA WITH LOVE

Fiel Sol earrings, Esther Boutique crochet top, Zara sandals

Croatia has always been on my bucket list and for one reason or another I'd never made it. This time round, I knew I had to make time for this Adriatic jewel, and am I thankful I did! 

Flying from Australia, then on to France and then ferrying across from Italy, Croatia did take a bit of effort to reach, but It is such an amazing place, I'm afraid my words and pictures hardly do this incredible place justice. 

I write you from Hvar Island - an absolutely breath-taking slice of paradise, about 2 hours via Ferry from mainland Split. The original plan was to say five nights on Hvar, but I've absolutely fallen in love with this place, so I've decided to extend my stay. 

Hvar is such a dynamic place, it has arguably some of the most pristine, crystal clear waters, I've ever had the privilege of seeing, and caters to all all that you would want in an island holiday. 

When I travel, I tend to steer clear of major hotel chains, invariably all hotels end up looking the same throughout the world, so I tend to opt for accommodation which allows me to absorb more of a sense of place. 

Hvar has many great options - my choice - a family run apartment right on the top of a beautiful hillside overlooking and only a short stroll from Old Town. 

As always, the other half has picked himself up a scoter to get us around the island, and in my opinion is a fantastic way of uncovering some incredible hidden and secluded swimming spots - just like this one.  

Here are few of my own Hvar recommendations:

EAT

There are so many dining options to cater to all tastes and budgets - an absolute stand out meal of mine has to be at a tiny sea-side restaurant called Gego, about a 15 minute scooter ride from Old Town. Hands down the most amazing seafood - I ordered the Lobster spaghetti - best I've had anywhere in the world!

DRINK

If you're after a few drinks, good music and a great sea-side experience, Hula Hula bar - is a must. 

SWIM

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing swimming spots - there are plenty of beaches along the coast-line. If you have the chance though, I'd recommend hiring a scooter and heading away from the main swimming areas to uncover amazing and mainly secluded swimming spots. Zarace is my favourite! 

I'm here in Hvar for a short while longer, before exploring another Croatian Island, Krocula. 

You can follow my summer adventure around the world on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

Photos / Tim Florea 

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LONDON TRAVEL DIARY

Westminster Abbey / Checking in to Citizen M Hotel / view of London Eye / Selfridges, Mary Katrantzou window / streets of Soho wearing Lucette coat & Esther dress / ASOS Fashion Finder Behind the Scenes / Shopping Oxford Circus  

Generally not more than a stop-over (and always lusting for more time), my brief visits to London are always a highlight of my travels and this week was no different.

After a quick visit in Dubai, I caught the red-eye to London, checking in to what has to be noted as one of my favourite hotels, Citizen M.

Jet-lagged and tired, I went to check in, only to realise that I had mistakenly booked my room a month earlier than my arrival - rookie mistake. Thankfully the team at Citizen M were so helpful and understanding, they were able to assist me and before I knew it I was changed an bound for my favourite shopping spot Oxford Circus. What is travel without adventure, the unknown and the unplanned.

A few hours into my visit, and early credit card damage done thanks to Selfridges, Cos, Urban Outfitters and Topshop, It was time for a bite in Soho (Vitao is my favourite vegetarian cafe in Soho - worth a visit). I always love a visit to Soho, an amazing creative/grungy vibe, unique only to London. Visits to Covent Gardens and Camden made sure that my short London visit was packed with great sights, shopping and tastes.

For those following @friendinfashion on Instagram, would have also noticed during my London visit, I was lucky enough to collaborate with ASOS and ASOS Fashion Finder, shooting some of my key holiday looks for the season. The team was amazing, as was the ASOS operation, with over 1000 staff.

Such an extraordinary experience - I can't wait to share the end results with you soon.
 
I've now landed in the Cote d'Azur, where I plan on spending as much time in the crystal blue Mediterranean as possible, as well as checking out the Festival de Cannes. My favourite time of year in the South of France.

Follow my journey on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

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SAMSONITE STYLE AMBASSADOR

Samsonite Firelite / Topshop tee / Sheinside skirt / Alexander Wang heels / MAC Morange

As I head aboard a plane on my way back from Bali, I'm thrilled to announce to that I'm collaborating with Samsonite Australia/New Zealand, as their style ambassador.

In May, I'll be heading off on a round-the-world adventure taking in the sights, sounds and fashion of some of my favourite countries, as well as some new ones. I'm lucky enough to have travelled extensively, and I have to say quality luggage is an absolute must.

In addition to being perfectly stylish, my new Samsonite FireLite, pictured here is incredible lightweight. The benefit of this? More luggage allowance for all my shopping finds! 

This week Samsonite will be giving away a Firelite suitcase in their Travel Light & Bright With Samsonite competition so you can score some fabulously stylish luggage of your own. Follow the link, and upload your travel photos for your chance to win.

Good luck!

Photos / Tim Florea

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BALI BOUND

Boohoo.com.au top / General Pants shorts / Tony Bianco heels

I post this, as I hurriedly pack the last of my tropical wardrobe for my first visit to Bali.

I've luckily enjoyed many trips to Asia - Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, as well as living in Vietnam for part of 2010, but surprisingly (especially to most Aussies), I've never visited Bali.

I'm really looking forward to checking out a new city, meeting some locals, savouring delicious Indonesian cuisine, and of course the shopping!

Of course, I welcome any tips, must sees/dos.

Be sure to follow @friendinfashion on instagram for all of the adventure.  

Photos / Tim Florea

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PALAZZO

      Shakuhachi palazzo pants, Vamastyle tank, Tony Bianco sandals, Samantha Wills ring & bangle, Low Luv necklace via Eyegasm Brands (03 9528 7300)

  

I'm definitely a summer kind of gal.

If I had my way, I would spend my time chasing the warm weather around the world. Alternate trips between Europe and the Americas June-September, followed by Island hopping, en route to Australia for some beach fun to kick off the new year.

Enjoy and repeat.

This time round, the West Coast of the States, Mexico and Vancouver are calling me, and these exquisite silk palazzo pants will be sure to get a work out abroad. With heels or flats, I think there is something so sophisticated about a good palazzo pant, and Aussie label Shakuhachi sure are on to a winner with these.

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And the winner is...

As I'm MIA most of this week, with reliable internet difficult to come by, I thought I'd share with you a handful of my favourite travel looks: from Monaco to Romania to Switzerland, Melbourne to the Greek Islands.



It is also with great pleasure that I announce the winner of the Friend in Fashion/ Viparo leather jacket giveaway. Drum-roll please.....



Congratulations to Renna Whaleboat, who is the lucky winner of a brand new cropped sleeve biker jacket.



Thanks to everyone who entered, there were some fabulously stylish entries!



Be sure to stay tuned for another fantastic Friend in Fashion/ Viparo giveaway coming up very, very soon!



Luv,

Friend in Fashion

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