DAISY CHAIN

I adore Dior's latest campaign dedicated to what connects us all: LOVE.

I would go to Timbuktu, and back again.

Well?

Then, Now, Always

My FB feed has been particularly colourful this weekend with everyone celebrating Manchester Pride & I've been bursting with pride to call the city that fiercely protects love my hometown.

Leave the light on, Manchester - I won't be much longer... 

you want anything from Duty Free, luv? 

Je M'appelle Claude

I read a fascinating article on the guardian recently that explored the concept of being bilingual. Although I was born in Manchester, I actually grew up on the island of Corfu until my parents divorced when i was 9. Since moving to the UK, my Greek has become a lil rusty but my summer vacations always grease the wheels. In light of John le Carré's article, I thought I'd share my top tips on learning a foreign language.

#1 Immerse yourself in the language and culture. I always have hellenic radio stations playing when I'm cooking and surf Greek news sites. I also listen to a podcast run by two Greek lads in Germany who review movies ~ it's ace as there are lots of English references. In the run up to summer, I also watch reruns of cheesy 90's sitcoms such as eisai to tairi mou and to kafe tis xaras on my lunch break. You'd be amazed how much seeps in when you're constantly exposed to the language. 

#2 As lame as it sounds, I get Greek word of the day emails. Also when a national holiday approaches, such as carnival or Saint Patrick's day, I get a dedicated vocab list emailed to me which is ace.

#3 If you're in the early stages of learning, or brushing up, ain't no shame in watching children's cartoons. They speak significantly slower and follow much simpler storylines. Lord knows I have multiple Greek Disney dvds that I rotate when the slog of winter is over and the countdown to summer begins. 

#4 Create unconventional methods to help you remember certain key categories. For instance, my high school French teacher helped us learn months by singing them to the theme tune of Coronation Street. It's been eight years and I still find myself breaking into 'jaaaanvier, fevrieerr...' That has to be the most northern sentence I've ever written.

#5 If the language has its own alphabet, you may find it useful to attach alphabet stickers onto your laptop!

#6 You know things are clicking when you can joke and dream in the language. Celebrate the little victories, not that you said meat instead of wave in front of your crush. Greeks will feel my pain. 

#7 My final and most paramount tip is: 

DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE AND FUCK UP. 

Yes - it's daunting, yes - you'll get tongue tied. But shit, at least you're trying! Also don't be discouraged if you're plateauing - hey, the fact that you've reached a stage where you can converse at all is an achievement in itself! There's something rather brazen and endearing about speaking a language you're aware you haven't entirely conquered... yet. & On the off chance that a native mocks you, respond with "oh, would you prefer to speak English instead?". Usually they don't.

I'm actually on Corfu at the moment, as summer is in full swing and the feta isn't going to eat itself. I actually asked my girlfriends for their advice on the subject at hand. They said move to Greece and get a Greek boyfriend. Their words, not mine - although that doesn't sound like such a bad idea...

“To have another language is to possess a second soul.” Charlemagne

Brits Abroad

I recently discovered portrait photographer Charlie Clift's impeccable series, Brits in Europe, where he photographs the lives of Brits living in various EU countries. 

This is Kathryn who plays the fairy in a Venice pantomime ~ she spends her winters in Venice and her summers in Yorkshire. She loves the anonymity that comes with living in a foreign country. Only time will tell what the effects of Brexit will hold for expats like Kathryn...

Moonbathing

Did you manage to catch the phenomenal meteor shower last night? 

My family and I spent a good hour moonbathing in our garden and yelling with glee every five or so minutes when we spotted a shooting star. Then around 2am a family friend of ours visiting from Sweden drove us a little further south of the island to a glorious 360-degree location. We soon realised that there's only so long you can look directly up before your neck aches, so we all clasped our hands to support our lolling heads. Many curious drivers slowed down to suss out what on earth we were doing - poor sods probably thought we were being held hostage.

What a magnificent night!

Did you remember to make a wish?

Perspective

Every child deserves the right to play.

Gratitude.

What More Do You Want? Jam On It?

HB to the ever eccentric Betsey Johnson.

The lady who taught me to always add another accessory before you leave the house.

"I'm 75 now. Do I have any regrets? About three and a half husbands, yes."

Drift Drift Drift

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the sublime Devon Aoki ~ a.k.a Suki! ;-)

Chanel FW 1999/00 haute couture

If these perspex cowboy boots were a day of the year, they'd be your birthday.

The Sailor's Life For Me

How groovy are Salty bags made from upcycled sails in the heart of Corfu? I'm always eager to support local businesses, especially when they're from my home town!

What better way to declare your love for Greece and all things nautical than to rock these innovative bags made from retired yacht sails! The monogram option is also rather chic.

Wednesday Wishlist

It's been so refreshing over the last few weeks to not be constantly checking my emails. Although last time I was bombarded by SUMMER SALE emails and man alive is it hard to resist clicking them. Here are some goodies I'm lusting over rn.

This summer I've been channelling my inner Naomi Campbell X Ralph Lauren circa '98 and sporting my zip up swimsuit.

I love the idea of carrying this 90's trend into the winter with these cosy zip up tops.

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 I've been after a dreamy bag like this for a while now:

When I heard that Kourt's khaki glitter ensemble was head to toe H&M, I was gobsmacked. Unfortunately - albeit, unsurprisingly - it's sold out.

I'm loving these Holly Golightly inspired tassel earrings!

I recently bought a few Diane Von Furstenberg zodiac patches, with the intention of revamping an old denim jacket when I return to the UK. I think this fancy fella from Shrimps would be a cute addition...

I can't quite tell if this Missguided X Barbie quilted bomber jacket is the shit or just shit?

This on the other hand... *heart eyes emoji*

Tartan and polka dot jeans are exactly what my A/W wardrobe is currently missing!

Mango / Moschino

I can imagine wearing this with black jeans and a red lip for a night out. Ideally, Revs de Cuba!

I am allllll over Lazy Oaf X Dr. Martens collaboration!

I'm also digging Charlotte Olympia's fall range. How groovy are these safari blush velvet trainers?!

This bubblegum coat looks ace for those bitter cold autumn mornings. As much as I pine for summer, there's something so invigorating about the possibilities that September holds.

My mum spotted this adorable Daisy Duck raincoat in Next back in July and I'm still miffed that it was in the children's range! lol

As the season of thick knits creeps closer, these jumpers are increasingly tempting.

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Drooling over this skirt and how the hoop gives it a punk edge!

I L.O.V.E these spaghetti strap satin tops in baby blue and pink.

Perhaps I'm crazy - almost definitely - but these heels seem like the under the sea scene from The Little Mermaid encapsulated in a shoe to me. Having said that, it is 3:53am here in Greece #nightowl

This winter I want to - in the oh so eloquent words of Fergie Ferg - 

be up in the gym just workin on ma fitness.

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How sick are these icy blue Adisas kicks that are made from parley ocean plastic?

One of my goals this winter is to take up boxing.

Not only is it an ace full body workout, but it's equally great for self defence purposes. 

I think these trousers speak for themselves ~ swoooon!

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My sunglasses collection may be giving Elton John a run for his money,

but you really can never have too many in my eyes! @_@

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How DREAMY is this icy blue satin and lace pyjama set?! 

Primark recently dropped a HP collection and I've got my eyes on these Slytherin pjs!

Don't read too much into it.

It was love at first sight when I saw this mock Supreme tee.

Sappho's come close collection of poetry comes with me wherever I go. <3 <3 <3

I really wanna up my beret game this autumn. These ASOS gems are eagerly waiting in my basket for my return to the kingdom. The united kingdom that is...

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This Moschino devil's tail dress is so groovy. I might have to make an early Halloween purchase...

What are you lusting after?