Beautiful Barcelona

Oh, I miss it so! I’ve been back in the UK a week and half, and as anti-social as this sounds, I’d much rather be roaming the streets of Barcelona alone with my iced coffee and map than doing anything with anyone here at home. That sounds awful! but Barcelona is one of the most culturally rich, beautiful, classic/authentic looking places I’ve ever visited and its a dull realization when  I’m sat at home planning a night out in this little, dead-end town whilst working out my finances.

I spent 5 days and 4 nights alone in Barcelona after a week at Benicassim festival with friends, I was desperate for some time out and to discover somewhere new at my own pace, doing my own thing, and that I did! Before I went I was warned time and time again about Barcelona’s “seedy back streets”, I’m pretty sure 95% of my friends and family expected me to get mugged! Fortunately, I had no problems like this and heard nor witnessed anything of the sort. Thankfully, I had a brilliant experience!

I’ve been compared to Monica Gellar from ‘Friends’ a million times, and in true Monica style, I planned everyday down to the hour to ensure I made the most of my time in Barcelona. My favourite places to visit which I would fully recommend are;

La Gothica area off La Rambla, La Rambla itself, Gaudi museum, Sagrada Familia, Port Vell, The cable cars that go either over the port or mountain, depending on the view you want! and of course, the beach! my trip wouldn’t have been as good if I hadn’t gone aimlessly wandering, there are sights to be seen like the ones noted above, but the true beauty of Barcelona, I think, lies in the historical back streets that are filled of buskers, charming old shops and shabby balcony clad flats.

Happy Wednesday! x

PS, If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, I can’t recommend this hostel enough! Or if that’s not for you, check out this website for the best locations to stay in Barcelona.

The Spanish dream

Ola, I’m home!

I’ve been on my little travels to Valencia and Barcelona. I have a million photos I want to share with you all, but instead of just doing one haa-uge post, I thought I’d start off with something I know most of you will be interested. SPANISH FASHION. Well, I say fashion. It my own take of their style that I’ve recreated with pieces I bought from a Spanish charity shop in Barcelona called Humana.

I know a lot of you will read that and think 1) Who goes clothes shopping on holiday!? 2) Who goes second hand shopping on holiday! Well, the answer is, me! someone who has an addiction and in need of new clothes as they all got ruined at Benicassim (which was amazing by the way, post to come.)

This baby blue smock dress is in fact a size 22 top for the larger lady. But when I spotted it, I knew it could get away with wearing it as a floaty dress! I had many smiles whilst trotting around Barcelona in this, its pretty cute isnt it!?

This photo was taken upon my arrival back in the sunny UK, its also my favourite Spanish buys! the linen vest is ZARA! but bought for 1 euro, the checked green skirt as cute side pockets and fit comfortably, something that is a rarity with fitted skirts on my big bum! The tan sandals are as Spanish and cosmopolitan European you can get, and I love them. The tiny heel doesnt make me feel frumpy at all, but cute and dainty, just like a real Spanish lady (ha!)

Every young person, girl or boy, had a leather necklace with a pendant on, mine is of a feather as I love feathers! Las Ramblas is full of small shops that sell cute earrings in all shapes and sizes, I got myself some silver earrings in the shape of baseball caps!

This oversized khaki green vest is a shade and style that was worn heavily amongst the younger Spanish girls, most of them had a really cool, grungy look about them. It was a look much like the cosmopolitan styling that I’d been inspired by, but for now, my tee, eyelinger and ear stretcher is as hardcore as its gona get!

Spanish fashion is a wonderful mixture of tailored Mango and ZARA pieces, teamed with vintage and/or grunge looking dungarees, retro pencil skirts and dainty sandals or converse! it was a gorgeous mixture that has totally made me realise that theres so much more to fashion than the British high street, and although we do it well, I will definitely be adapting some new looks into my wardrobe!