Rome - the IQ hotel. Perfect location, SO close to a metro stop. Small but exceptionally planned contemporary room. Blackout blinds. Safe in the room, amazing water pressure/heat in the shower. Only downside? We are massive herbal(me)/regular tea drinkers so we will have a special kettle rating. No kettle in the room? Goodbye one star. Oh yes. We ARE that Irish. Sorry.

Venice - Becher hotel. As opposite a style of room to the IQ as one could fathom. Plush, warm, spacious, a BATH and big windows that opened right on to the canal. Shutters for total darkness, though not sufficient to block out the rather loud boats - but hey, no major complaints from us on that. We were sleeping right beside a canal. In Venice. It was amazing.  Oh - no kettle. Dammit. Also, avoid Venice in the Winter. After the initial atmospheric awesomeness of the mist and the canal, it is incredibly cold.  It was still a beautiful place, but it would be beautiful in the non-baltic Springtime too.

Florence - Palazzo Tolomei. This place is incredible. Really, truly - from arrival, where we were treated in such a full on manner that we genuinely double checked that they hadn’t mistaken us for celebrity guests. Genuinely. We also had to double check our booking to make sure they hadn’t confused our room, as we were shown to the nicest hotel room I have EVER stayed in… The superior double, which had a view of the Duomo, boasted not only the FLIPPING KETTLE but also a fully stocked kitchenette including a microwave, cutlery, delf etc. Add to this the dining area, sitting area, pretty plush shower room and a dvd player - and you have quite the home away from home.

The owner, a delightfully eccentric French lady, presented us with a pice of her own artwork upon our departure. We were invited to have an apertif with them every evening. Honestly, I could gush some more so instead I shall offer two small downsides just to make sure this is all genuine etc. The room was big and old and therefore chilly. This won’t be an issue if you visit in warmer times, so not a big deal. The windows were big and old and therefore not great on the old sound levels. This is not an issue if, like us you brought ear plugs.

That is my little hotel round up, hope it’s helpful if you’re planning your own trip.

Oh and more on each city itself in the next post.

xBlanaid

I recently travelled to Italy - my first ever visit there, part work, part play. We travelled to Rome, which was intensely amazing, Venice , which was atmospheric - and then on to Florence, which was just cool. It was like holidaying in a live-action version of The Sartorialist.

Here are some images from my days there - with a couple more posts to follow, a little collection. So many odd or interesting or astounding things to capture, so little time when stuffing one’s face with Straciatella gelato. I’ll add notes about where we stayed etc to the next posts, just in case you’re currently concocting a travel plan.

Italy - I heart you.

xBlanaid

P.S Discovering the Canadian maple leaf graffiti was poignant as my time away clashed with a sudden, unplanned, yet with reason, visit from my Canad-ia residing sister, who’s a total doll.

Currently absolutely obsessed with layering, and cutting clothes to make them work as flattering layers. It’s influencing my entire fashion-related life at the moment, from what I’m wearing to throwing out, and what I’m currently buying in for my store, shutterbug.

Images via another obsession - Jak&Jil

xBlanaid

Happy New Year - I’m hoping it will be an interesting one for all of us…As it’s still so fresh and clear, laid out before me, I’ll say my aim is to tread carefully on 2012. Enjoy it, be good to it, achieve in it and continue the mission to live each day with happiness on my mind.

On a smaller scale - this photo makes me happy. The styling - just…wow.

xBlanaid

When surrounded by the same problems, still and repeated, perhaps it’s time to question my own role in it…finally and without self-preservation. Removing any defensiveness.

I’m happy to continue trying to grow but am definitely frustrated that I would be so blind to my own role in situations at times. How and ever. Now I ask myself, if it is not absolutely clear that the other person is completely at fault, if there is even a small doubt, then there must be blame and responsibility on my part. Am I the trigger, or do I wade in half way, say the wrong thing and cause reaction? Does my lack of understanding cause frustration, or my lack of trying to understand from any other point of view than the effect it would have on my own life or feelings? A learned behaviour.

Difficult questions, but necessary. Most definitely necessary.

xBlanaid

You know the moment when you suddenly fall in love? I had such a flash lust when I saw the work of Irish illustrator and fashion designer Kitty Moss. Firstly - her nom de plume is pretty perfect. Secondly, her illustrations are stylishly accomplished, and finally - the clothes. SWOON. The clothes. I love the characters she has created, Maud and Minet, with as much affection for their look along with their own names. Above are the illustrations, below is some of the collection and in between, beneath here, are Kitty Moss’ own words. Read and see more at Maud & Minet, and buy prints online >here<

“I am a designer and illustrator based in Dublin and I go by the name Kitty Moss. I studied Fine Art and then Fashion.  I have just started a label and hopefully it will grow and evolve…

It is based around two characters Maud and Minet, Maud, is a stylish ghost and Minet is her loyal floating cat. The idea is that I document this lady as she glides ghoulishly through the veil of our world floating through parties and the media merry-go-round. It is both a homage and a playful satire on the fashion industry.

Maud is my muse and I am channeling her through illustration but also through Fashion Design and I have made a collection inspired by her.

All the garments on my site are available made to order and are all hand made from the finest of silks, leathers and hand dyed wools. Each piece is unique to the wearer and embedded with the spirit of my muse, a spirit that is spookily sweet, darkly romantic and playfully poised.”

xBlanaid

Following on from the last post, I went on a little etsy tour - I LOVE this jewellery from ChainChainChained . I shall be making some purchases.

I’ve added the pieces I love to Pinterest >here< so each image will link directly to it’s place in her etsy store.

xBlanaid

I could not love the jewellry situation on the arms of the Oracle Fox anymore, or the dress and accessories on this shoot from Foam magazine.

Must start buying.

xBlanaid

Currently loving intricately pale rooms, chevron rugs and wire organisers and the chair.

xBlanaid

Back in 2009 I did a post about ‘the most beautiful wedding invitation of all time?’ -  so here is it’s distant cousin. This image comes from the recent nuptials of David Lauren (son of Ralph) and Lauren Bush (niece of George W and who will now be know as Lauren Bush Lauren.) It made me say ‘ooooh!’ - it’s original, though yes - nostalgically so… and it is beautiful. Of course, that is aided and abetted by the incredible gown and lovely faces.

xBlanaid