Packing For: Backpacking Around Europe

Packing For: Backpacking Around Europe by rionadoherty featuring a straw hat

On the 1st July, two friends and I are setting off to backpack around Europe for 2 weeks. First stop Budapest, then Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam. We're Interrailing but cheating the system by flying to Budapest first, thus only activating our 10 day train pass when leaving Budapest. We leave next Monday and  this Polyvore collage is literally as close as I've got to actual preparation for the trip.

Obviously the one major thing (that I've completely left out) is a Duke of Edinburgh-style backpack. When packing for travelling, the most important things to remember are:

• Does this go with several outfits? If you're not gonna wear it at least 3 times, don't bother.
• Can I layer it?
• Is it lightweight?

I LOVE denim but don't think I'll be bringing my dungarees. And I'll have to limit myself to only one pair of jeans, probably my Topshop Moms.

But here are my other picks... (going clockwise)

a) a nondescript wide brim floppy straw hat (the hat featured above is an overpriced one from Nordstrom). Straw because it's lightweight, won't make you hot and straw hat can get creased in the backpack and usually spring back into shape. To chic it up a bit you could tie a scarf around the brim, Breakfast At Tiffany's Sing-Sing-Prison-visiting style.

b) A bralet. Again, lightweight and just so easy to wear and layer. Also perfect with high waisted shorts, skirts etc.

c) A duffle bag. Not a necessity but I just LOVE this tribal festival style one from Accessorize. This one also has pockets inside and duffle bags generally are ideal for travelling - spacious, stylish and easy to hang onto and open.

d) A midi smock dress. Ridiculously comfortable and lightweight, can be dressed up or down and it's an entire outfit. I especially love the flowy shape of this one on ASOS.

e) A print pair of shorts is also a must, again very light to pack and a high waisted pair like these can easily be paired with a crop top.

f) A pleated midi skirt. This ASOS skirt comes in cream or green and is high waisted enough to wear with a crop top - I think it goes great with a denim bralet and ballet flats. Daytime look = sorted. I would say if you buy this skirt, that it is very see-through so investing in some sort of slip or thick nude underwear-shorts is essential.

g) A kimono. Kimonos are going to be huge this summer and are the ultimate beach cover up. This Topshop number can be dressed up or down, unlike some which are really only suitable for the beach. 

h) A bumbag. A seriously 'dad' accessory, but an essential nonetheless, and probably the most secure way to keep your phone and money on you. You can also sleep with it in your hostels. This studded one from Pieces (via ASOS) adds a modern edge to the 90s it bag.

i) Ballerina flats. The comfort of standard ballet flats, PLUS adorable leg ties that can be shown off with a midi skirt. Win win. The Office link I used on Polyvore was actually out of stock, but Miss Selfridge have sold them from time to time, and if you're really desperate you could go to a proper ballet outlet.

j) A hoodie. Whilst I'm not a huge fan of the drawstring hoodies that everyone in the UK seems to own (I can't help but think of Cher Lloyd), they're comfy and therefore ideal for travelling. I can't imagine the night time 8 hour train rides from country to country being too warm, or comfortable. The hoodie featured is an oversized Topshop one but I'd probably just pick up a cheapy Primark one.

k) A fail safe evening dress - specifically, a landscape dress. Landscape designs are HUGE at the moment and H&M have released an absolute steal for £15, when they used to only really be sold by more expensive shops such as American Apparel. The cut out design on the back also makes it stand out.

l) Comfortable but stylish sandals. You definitely won't be taking heels with you so a stylish pair of flats is essential for the evenings. This Accessorize pair are £29 and can work in the daytime as well as the evening.

m) A crop top. Invest in basic colour crop tops, they can be matched with other items so so easily.

n) A vest. Vests are also easy to wear when crop tops aren't an option, they can be tucked into anything, or in this case the 'extreme swing' fit looks great with print leggings or shorts.

I did this with backpacking in mind, but I'd say it's a generally good guide line for most holidays.

Where are you off to this summer?

Bises,

Riona

Desperately Seeking Serena ('s Swimsuit)

Obviously I still haven't got to terms with Gossip Girl ending. To be honest I don't think I ever will. I was rewatching a few Season 1 episodes the other week (as usual) and was reminded of my infatuation with Serena's ruched halterneck swimsuit in episode 12 School Lies.

This swimsuit seems to be one of Norma Kamali's swimwear collection and I've been searching for a similar (and more affordable) one for weeks...

A - River Island Black Body Jewellery Halter Neck Swimsuit, £35

B - ASOS Plunge Backless Suit, £35

C - ASOS Cupped Bandeau Swimsuit, £24

Though it only comes in navy, B is my favourite and definitely bears the most likeness to the original. If you like to bling it up a bit, there's River Island's art deco-esque A option, and if you don't quite want to take the plunge (literally, har har) then C is a safe option.

I will definitely be investing in the plunge backless suit to take abroad with me this summer.

Serena's character is generally styled very well, especially in the summer, so here are a few other photos for wardrobe inspiration:

Bises,

Riona

Brie, Honey and Peanut Butter Grilled Sandwich

Don't you always find that it's when you need to make something to eat in a rush that you suddenly create what could be the next sliced bread?

I definitely do. And I am always getting ready, eating and running out the door in a rush, as I'm pretty much always running late. So the other week I saw some leftover brie from a cheese board in the fridge, tried and failed to find some cranberry sauce (brie and cranberry is just as tantalising a combination), so then dug out the very end of a pot of Basics honey and some peanut butter. I hope you're ready.

The recipe is achingly straight forward, even for me, but I wanted an excuse to take photos, so after preheating your oven to 70ͦc...

Firstly, toast two slices of bread. Personally I'd use white as I think it a) tastes nicer and b) looks better when grilled.
Slather one side with peanut butter then honey, and fill the other side with as much brie as you can:

Pop them in the grill as they are above and leave them for about five minutes, or until you can see them browning...

Brie forms a bit of a film when grilled so just poke through it with a knife. Then put the slices together, cut, brew some fresh coffee and voilà.

So easy/quick/cheap/delicious. Just call me Nigella.

Bises,

Riona

Wireless Festival Launch Party

When your friend who runs a music site texts you saying 'Got 2 tickets to Wireless Fest launch party in MayFair tonight. Wanna come?', there is only one possible answer - YES. You cancel plans and you go.

Said friend is Connor Willis, founder of Music Matters and general music fanatic, who managed to get tickets. Don't ask me how. I didn't bring the DSLR as I fancied being more 'guest' than 'press' so had to take photos on my iPhone.

The event was at The May Fair Hotel and had a formal dress code, I stupidly completely forgot to get a photo before I left (literally got ready in 20 minutes) but, of course, had time for one quick posey snap:

I decided to play it safe (and quick) with brown eyeshadow and some blusher; the dress was a black, bronze and gold knee length ASOS number.

After queueing and receiving wristbands, we were led to one of the hotel's function rooms complete with a free bar and LOTS of food.

Mini burgers, canapes, newspaper-wrapped fish and chips, prawns, chicken satay skewers, Jager shot girls, you name it.

Everyone went crazy for the live acts but as it was the Capital FM DJs playing towards the end of the night when everyone had taken total advantage of the free bar and loosened up, they were most definitely the highlight as everyone moved into the dancefloor and went crazy to the likes of Daft Punk, Disclosure, Baauer, AlunaGeorge, Azealia Banks, Robin Thicke and a few Jay-Z hits, who's headlining the festival on Saturday 13th July.

Yahoo, the official sponsor of the festival, boasted a supposed celebrity-packed guest list to the event, such as some of the MIC/Towie/Geordie Shore cast, Conor Maynard, Alex Jones, Emily Atack, Jorgie Porter, a few former X-Factor contestants such as Diana Vickers, Misha B, Amelia Lily and a few others. It would have been rude not to ask for a few photos...

Diana Vickers

Hahaha, Conor Maynard... I can't say I'm a huge fan.

Alex Jones

Bluey Robinson

Connor with electronic dance music trio (one missing) Monsta who he's supported on his website a lot.

After an AHMAZING night we met some friends also in Mayfair for cocktails, walking around barefoot and tragic London jump photos:

Yahoo generally do quite a lot of ticket giveaways, both to Wireless Festival and the launch party, so definitely keep a look out for a chance to win launch party tickets next year!

Bises,

Riona

FREEDOM!

Apologies for my absence as of late but I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that A Level exams are currently ongoing, and I finished mine last Friday! My last one was French, which thankfully didn't go too badly. 

But anyway, after being a sleep-deprived hermit for the last two months, we hit the ground running and headed straight to sunny Oxford Street on Friday afternoon to one of my favourite haunts, Meat Liquor (previously blogged about here). As it was also Hannah's 18th birthday the day before, there was no excuse (except possibly money...) not to have as many cocktails as possible.

Two Grogs and a Henrietta Fizz 

As far as first legal drinks go, I think Hannah did pretty well...

FOOD. Dirty chicken burgers and the Philly Cheesesteak...

More cocktails... I had the jam jarred Louisiana Jam, made with Southern Comfort and apricot jam.

We then found ourselves wandering towards Carnaby Street in grease induced comas in search of more drinks. 

After having heard a flyer-giver on the street advertising half price cocktails, we followed his lead and ended up in a very chic little bar called Zebrano's which did not disappoint...

A 4 hour happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays?!?!

I didn't think proper cocktails for £4.25 existed in central London, but they do here. I definitely recommend.

 On Saturday we flocked to Hannah's garden for ice cream cupcakes and mojitos from teacups...

And champagne from teacups because we're classaayy.

A good way to end exams? I think so.

Bises,

Riona

This Is The One: Gig Wear

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This Is The One: Gig Wear by rionadoherty featuring high rise jean shorts

The ultimate gig questions "coat or no coat?" "Bag or pockets?" are truly up there with the questions of life. I was at the Stone Roses' Finsbury Park gig last night (hence the title - the best song of the night and possibly the best five minutes of my life) and though I wore dungarees and a crop top I thought I'd share some other ideas...

Bumbags especially are so ideal as you don't have to carry them, but another option is a parka/denim jacket with inside pockets. However, choose shoes carefully as more often than not they'll end up like this:

Above all though, without wanting to sound patronising, comfort is everything.

Everyone knows Ian Brown isn't exactly renowned for flawless live performances, but if you're heading up to Stone Roses' second gig tonight, don't even waste a second doubting their live abilities - they're everything you hope for and more.

Bises,

Riona

Vogue/Kurt Geiger Secret Garden Party

Last Thursday, Hannah and I forgot about our English and Media exam related worries to lose ourselves in a chic evening of heels, Pimm's, cake pops and strawberries, courtesy of Kurt Geiger and Vogue.

I obtained an invite through Vogue, who advertised the event in last month's issue, the aim of the evening being to officially launch KG's summer collection, with Vogue's retail editor Emily Zak presenting her take on the summer trends. There's nothing I love more than a good free event. And people from Vogue were there. So despite our A Level English exam mere days away, off we went (prepare for lots of shoes).

Taking advantage of Starbucks' Happy Hour promo

The queueueueue outside the Covent Garden KG store

Guests were invited to participate in a game of croquet in heels upon entry...

Flowery Pimm's

Hannah's judgin

Ladies from Nails Inc. offering manicures

Cocktails which were grabbed from the poor waiter's tray as quickly as they had arrived

Hannah being chic

Myself... Wearing the black Jules jumpsuit from Forever Unique with heels from eBay and leopard print clutch from H&M

Hannah doing what she does best - being sasseh

An acoustic set from Ria Ritchie

Not just strawberries and cream. Strawberries filled with cream.

Emily Zak presenting the summer trends to us - flats, low heels, neon and animal print.

Emily Zak looks effortlessly chic and summery in a Derek Lam maxi dress

After having asked to take her photo, and having gushed admiration at her amazing career, I asked her a few questions about succeeding in the fashion industry, such as her stance on a university degree vs fashion experience. She was on the side of the degree, and not any old fashion journalism degree, she favours 'classic' subjects, such as English, History etc and seemed to think the true way forward is, of course, internships. Having spoken for ten minutes and collecting my coat about to leave, I realised I'd made the excruciating faux pas of not even properly introducing myself. I tried to salvage this rookie mistake by tweeting her the following morning, but it turns out there are several Emily Zak accounts, each with very few tweets and followers, so I got a reply off an Emily Zak I hadn't actually tweeted... But it seemed to be her all the same.

Little did we know there was a promotional shopping night event going on at the Seven Dials in Covent Garden, just down the road from the KG branch, so we had a wander round there...

Our free American Apparel headbands

And rounded off the night with how all chic nights should end - Pret.

Obviously, the 6 inch heels came off and the ballet pumps went on the moment I stepped out of KG

Cute.

So the moral of that story is - always buy Vogue.

Bises,

Riona