Laura La Rue | Loves sausage dogs and chunky heels

Viva España: Encuentro de Alternativas

May 18, 2012 by LaRue

It’s been over a month since we left London and Sevilla is starting to feel like home. So far, people have been friendly to us (despite my very poor grasp of Spanish) and we’ve discovered some great places to eat, drink, hang out and use free wifi (more on that later). Last weekend, we properly met our upstairs neighbours, shared a few beers on the roof terrace following which they invited us to a free festival.

Encuentro de Alternativas took place in Parque del Alamillo near Isla Magical in Sevilla. It involved live music, food, drink, craft stalls and plenty of hippies. The sun was so hot that I found myself praying for rain for the first time in my life (it was around 40 degrees). Fortunately, there were plenty of trees providing some much needed shade (it later clouded over) and beer for 1 euro. Can’t really argue with that!

As the boy and I are both vegetarians, we couldn’t believe our luck when we saw the many food stalls. There seemed to be no meat on the menu, but a wide variety of vegetarian option including calzone, burgers, crepes, paella and falafel (of course). I had a burger which came with fresh salad and aioli or roquefort sauce. Later we also shared some veggie paella (couldn’t resist). If you’ve ever been to Spain, or know anybody Spanish then you’ll probably be aware that vegetarians are not common here. There is a lot of ham on offer, including pig legs as standard on the bar.

It was a fun day out, especially with so many dogs hanging around! It also showed me a side of Sevilla that I hadn’t seen before and brought back happy Glastonbury memories! Shame there weren’t more people around though, also unfortunate that it was so hot otherwise I would have been more intrigued by the free yoga classes…

All photos shot on Sony Nex-C3

Category lifestyle, travel | Tags: , Sevilla | No Comments
H&M in Trouble Over Swimwear Ads

May 14, 2012 by LaRue

I don’t know about you, but I don’t really expect much realism from ad campaigns – especially when it involves swimwear. However, this week H&M have landed in hot water over their latest swimwear ads starring Victoria’s Secret model Isabeli Fontana. Apparently, the colour of her skin has got cancer experts “fuming”. They complain that Ms Fontana is overly bronzed (presumably with a little help from Photoshop) making it an unrealistic look. One expert, Dr Ralph Braun commented, “Many people, especially the young, will try to emulate this and will try to be just as brown, although with some skin types this is just not possible,” he states. “I find this advertisement very alarming.”

A British expert reiterated Mr. Braun’s point adding, “Whilst the British Skin Foundation recognises H&M are entitled to use whatever imagery they wish in their advertising campaigns we hope most consumers, especially the young, are intelligent enough to understand the risks of seeking a natural tan to this extent. If consumers seek to be bronzed in this way we would always advise seeking fake alternatives and reiterate there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ natural tan.”

Whilst I appreciate and support their advice, I don’t think that pale skinned Brits (myself included) should even try for a fake tan in such a mahogany shade. I also think that if you look at an ad campaign and think “I’m going to look like this” you are fighting a losing battle (unless you are naturally fortunate enough to look like Isabeli). H&M have defended the campaign saying that the dark tan highlighted the bright colours. If this is the case, I wonder why they didn’t just use a black model? I will leave you to reach your own conclusion on that one.

I have seen these ads plastered everywhere in both London and Sevilla and still can’t make up my mind about the neoprene one piece. Would you wear it? I don’t dislike it (it first caught my attention in a Vogue editorial), but I’m not sure I could pull it off on the beach and I’d look crazy at the swimming pool. Neoprene is a key fabric for spring/summer ’12 and can look really great (especially if you like body con dresses). What do you make of the adverts?

Category fashion | Tags: , Fashion News, H&M, Isabeli Fontana | 1 Comment
Up on the Roof

May 11, 2012 by LaRue

I’ve now been in Iberia for more than a month and am slowly adjusting to the way of life. This includes a 3 hour (!) siesta in the afternoon (not just for sleep, for lunch too) and then waiting til the sun goes down in the evening to eat. This week has been exceptionally hot, even for the locals as temperatures are in the high 30s. We have been spending a bit of time on the roof (Nick is going to try and fry an egg up there today) and often eat outside. I am loving being able to wear so many of the dresses which I’ve brought along with me, even if my legs haven’t quite caught the sun yet.

On this occasion, I’m actually wearing a maxi skirt as a dress with a little help from a belt. I love the versatility of the skirt, which I bought in River Island last year. We’re still playing around with the Sony NEX-C3 to figure out the best settings, but I love the light in some of these photos. What do you think?

* Skirt worn as dress: River Island * Neon snood: River Island * Pearl floral headband worn as bracelet: Topshop * Blue purse: Gap (gift from ShopStyle) * Shoes: River Island *

Category fashion, Photos | Tags: , look of the day, River Island, Sevilla | 3 Comments
Viva España: La Plaza de España de Sevilla

May 8, 2012 by LaRue

So our Spanish adventure has now officially begun as we take up residence in the Macarena district (yup, just like the song – how will I get it out of my head?). We are having a few teething issues with our accommodation, but that isn’t stopping using enjoying the sunshine and taking in some of the beautiful architecture in Sevilla. This weekend, we headed out with the boy’s fancy new Sony Nex-C3 camera (and many film ones too) and checked out Plaza de España.

The impressive square complete with beautiful buildings and moat (with rowing boats) is located in Parque de María Luisa. It was initially built in 1929 to host exhibitions of technology and industry, but now houses the city’s government offices. Apparently, it was also used for location shoots for Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars Episode II!

I loved that every single part of it (including inside) is decorated with beautiful tiles and painted detailing – even the floor is littered with small, patterned tiles. The bridges across the moat were my favourite as they were covered in white and blue detailing. It felt very romantic to me, not least because of all the couples in rowing boats (I only spotted one woman brave enough to take control of the oars) and the rose gardens.

The park in which it is located (Parque de María Luisa) is beautiful too. Here you can take a horse and cart ride or hire a “Chuckle Brothers bike” and there are plenty of trees creating some much needed shade. See below for more photos and stay tuned for my lomo efforts.

Category Photos, travel | Tags: , Sevilla | 1 Comment
The Spanish Fashion Goose

May 4, 2012 by LaRue

We all know that Emily is the main fashion goose, but in Spain it seems she might have a friend in a retailer I’ve just discovered. I got sucked in to El Ganso (which means Goose in Spanish) when walking around Sevilla due to a cool striped dress I spotted in the window. It’s a very preppy store with American inspired leisurewear including cute sun dresses, tailored blazers and polo shirts.

When I stepped inside, I quickly fell for the check detailing on these tailored trousers – especially on the cuffs. I also loved this bow-tie, collared dress (below) which I thought was a bit Alexa Chung.

I also like these pleat front trousers and Chanel-esque jacket. There are shops across Spain and a few in Paris, and one has recently opened on Carnaby Street in London (although I have never been). They also sell preppy menswear – think colourful chinos, tailored shorts and blazers with elbow patches.

P.S. Here’s another bird fact for you. Paloma means pigeon in Spanish, guess that takes a bit of the glamour away from Paloma Faith, no?

Category fashion, shopping | Tags: , El Ganso, Sevilla, shopping, Spain | 3 Comments
Roman Holiday

April 30, 2012 by LaRue

Just a few weeks before I left London, I was spoiled by my Mother with a week-long holiday in Italy. She wanted to mark her ~~60th~~ 21st birthday with a family holiday to Umbria. Whilst there, a few of us took a train from Terontola to the centre of Rome. It only took a few hours as Italian trains are generally efficient, on time and affordable. When we got there, it was beautifully sunny and we found ourselves easily able to walk around the city.

Our first stop was the Colosseum which was just as amazing as you expect it to be. You are immediately struck by the history of the building which is over 1,000 years old. When stood outside, imagine Caesar arriving by chariot! There were quite big queues to get in, but we were pleasantly surprised to find out that the entry fee was just 12 euros. If you got an audio guide, it was another 5 euros, and also a great way to jump the majority of the queue.

It was a little disorientating as there are not many clear signs to direct you around and (as you might imagine) there are a lot of people. However, the audio guide was very informative and definitely worth the extra 5 euros, otherwise how do you know what you’re looking at? It was staggering to see how much of the original building was still standing.

Then entry fee for the Colosseum also gets you in to the surrounding ruins, but we were too hot, impatient and hungry for pizza to stick around… After lunch, we headed to Vatican City which was busy preparing for Easter celebrations at the time. I had been in to St Peter’s Basilica before, and it is well worth a visit (whether you’re religious or not).

All of these photos were shot on my lomo sardina camera.

Category Photos, travel | Tags: , Italy, lomo Sardina, Rome | No Comments
Lazy Day Stripes

April 28, 2012 by LaRue

There are two main reasons why I wanted to do this outfit post. Firstly, usually when I post photos of my ensembles, they are pieces that I wear, but maybe not at that particular moment in time. I generally go in for a more artistic feel. For example, I have worn this floral Zara dress so many times it had rips in it (I say ‘had’ because my future mother-in-law fixed it just before I left the UK). However, I generally don’t wear it for a stroll in the park! Gah! Is this too much honesty? Am I ruining the whole illusion of this blog? If it makes you feel any better, I actually wear this outfit all the time and already miss the hat.

The other reason for this outfit pick is that people keep moaning to me that they haven’t heard anything about my new euro life. Well, it actually hasn’t been that glamorous yet so this is the reality. We are currently splitting our time between Faro and Sevilla. The days that are spent in Sevilla are very busy and generally spent running around checking out flats. Our time in Faro (which is the majority) has taken a slight turn for the worse this week as it has rained for two days! Queue strop about not moving to Iberia for weather I could get in London etc etc. Anyway, the days when I am working at my laptop usually see me dressed more like this!

I always love colour and prints, but I also love to be warm! I actually got this red striped t-shirt at an outlet Jigsaw at Bicester Village for about £5, but I wear it all the time and it goes with a everything. The cost per wear, must be very small! The poodle skirt is from ASOS and the star print leggings are from Uniqlo. I wonder if any other bloggers are brave enough to share their lazy day outfits?

Photos by Nick Jones

Category fashion, Photos | Tags: | 1 Comment
Lily Donaldson for Vogue España

April 24, 2012 by LaRue

As I try to acclimatise to Spanish life, little things help me to feel at home including finding green tea bags (té verde) and seeing the beautiful Lily Donaldson glowing on the cover of Vogue España. There are many news stands around the streets of Sevilla (some even have free wifi, can you believe that?) and I often linger around Vogue, trying to decide if it’s worth carrying it around (I still don’t have a home). As yet, I haven’t given in, but as soon as I have keys to a flat, I will be running to the nearest newsagent to purchase one (along with a cool dog poster I’ve spotted near los Jardines Reales Alcázares‎).

There aren’t many great British models who actually still model. I mean, girls who star in magazine editorials, who appear on the catwalk, but have earned their status as a model. Not girls who are just photographed at celebrity parties, who have a famous parent or who “DJ” at brand launches. In fact, the only other British name which immediately springs to mind after Lily is Jourdan Dunn. Sure there have been many iconic stars in the past, but not many that still appear on catwalks (Cara Delevigne comes close). The term ‘model’ gets handed out a little too easily if you ask me…

Lily was photographed by Alexi Lubomirski for the cover where she wears a nude bikini and gold, fringed jacket along with some statement jewels. Do you like this cover?

Category fashion | Tags: , Lily Donaldson, vogue, Vogue Espana | No Comments
Time Out

April 22, 2012 by LaRue
Just wanted to write a quick update as I realise I have been a bit MIA. Nothing very interesting has happened to me on my Spanish adventure. Yet. We’re currently attempting to find somewhere to live in Sevilla, so I am only online for a few hours a day. Most of my time on the internet is spent working with ShopStyle, which includes updating the Style Notes blog, so if you want to know about the latest fashion news – check it out here.

Normal service will resume on this blog as soon as I have a home that has wifi!

In the meantime, here are some blog posts I think you might be interested in:
- Surprisingly cool, bright coloured rain coats – Kat Hannaford
- Stylish festival looks at Coachella – The Blonde Salad
- Nick Knight photographs the first ever high fashion instagram shoot – Fashionista
- Incredible photos of the Harry Potter studio tour – What Katie Does
- Watch Gala Darling’s TED talk – Gala Darling
Category travel | Tags: , ShopStyle, Update | No Comments
Leaving on a Jet Plane

April 13, 2012 by LaRue

Today is my final full day living in London for a while. Next week, I am deciding on the most important 22kg of clothes I own and heading off to sunnier climes. When I tell people that I’m leaving, everybody wants to know why so I thought I’d take some time to explain. I am not moving for a job, for family reasons or with any real, solid plans. The main motivation for my move sounds cheesy, but is because I think there must be more to life than working every waking moment to pay ridiculous rent prices. This week, there was an article on The Guardian that confirmed this motivation. Palliative nurse Bronnie Ware has written a book on the top five regrets of dying patients and top of the list? ‘I wish I hadn’t worked so hard’.

Modern life makes it easy to become wrapped up in your job and having enough money to live. You get caught up on spending money at the coolest hang outs, buying things you maybe don’t need and stressing about the future. Rent prices are so high that you can’t afford to take the time to kick back and actually enjoy life. This is something that suddenly dawned on me just before Christmas, what’s the point in living my life like this when there’s so much more to explore? This leads me on to the 5th biggest regret, “I wish that I had let myself be happier”. I think that a lot of people go along with life, without really questioning whether they are happy or even if they’re enjoying what they do. Obviously, I am romanticising this a little as many other factors come in to play (money, children, spouse are just a few that spring to mind), but it’s important to assess your motivating factors and the end result every so often.

Ware explained the 5th regret, “Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.” I can think of many people who this applies to. The boy has lived in many different countries and spent a lot of his life travelling, and he has always said to me, “Lets just pack up and go,” and I always think that it’s not that easy. Well, I hate to admit it, but it turns out that he might just be right.

I hate the winter. I am miserable when it rains and notably more productive when the sun is shining – and I know I’m not alone on that one. So why stay in rainy, grey England for another summer of hoping that days of sunshine and 30 degrees are just around the corner, when you could go to the sunniest city in Europe? Seville has 2,928 sunny hours each year! Anyway, I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I have no idea what the next few months look like (although I have an idea that it involves a tiny, tiled flat with a balcony), so stay tuned and I’ll let you know if life is more than a 9-5.

Category travel | Tags: , Sevilla, Seville | 5 Comments

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