Monday 28 July 2014

#FiorelliTravels: Island Hopping in Stockholm

This week, it’s Maria from the Fiorelli team’s turn to show you her #FiorelliTravels as she spent seven days trekking around Sweden with the lovely Vivi grab 




She began her holiday by renting a car and heading to Almhult, the home of Ikea, which is a must for any of its regular customers! There’s an Ikea museum which shows its changing designs over time, and even a hotel which Maria was lucky enough to spend the night in.


Next upon her trip was a quick stop close to Skruv in order to relax and enjoy a little peace and quiet, as she stayed overnight at a beautiful and very Swedish looking B&B! 


Heading over to Stockholm, she decided to stop and go for a wander around the seaside town of Vastervik, which was the perfect backdrop for a bag selfie!  


The remaining days of her holiday were spent enjoying beautiful Stockholm, from strolling around its many islands such as Sodermalm and Ostermalm or enjoying boat trips, to eating traditional food al fresco and rummaging around its amazing boutiques. You're also spoilt for choice with the amount of different museums to visit - there's some kind of exhibition to satisfy most tastes. 

        

If you’re planning on visiting Stockholm anytime soon, then, a visit to its Stortoget square in its old town (Gamla Stan) is a must for taking beautiful photos, or head over to its hipster district SoFo to enjoy its cool bars and boutiques. 

Don't forget, we'd love to see your #FiorelliTravels too, so, don't forget to tag us in your photos @Fiorelli_Bags on Instagram! 

Thursday 24 July 2014

Holiday like a Celeb this Summer

If you’re not content with pizza in Rome or posing next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, why not go one better and holiday like an A-lister this summer? From the French Riviera to beautiful Hawaii, follow in the footsteps of celebs with a lavish break that’ll be the envy of all your friends. Allow Fiorelli to show you how!

The French Riviera

Frequented by Kate Moss, Mila Kunis, Johnny Depp and Cate Blanchett to name a few, the French Riviera is an established hotspot amongst the rich and famous. Cruising around on a yacht is the only way to explore the water, and don’t forget you’ll need a designer swimsuit plus cases full of champers to keep up with the Joneses - or Kardashians!

All that swanning around is bound to make a girl sleepy, so, check into the swanky Hotel Du Cap for some high-profile rest and relaxation. Boasting an eminent infinity pool and plush suites which wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy-tale, you’re guaranteed to rub shoulders with the stars if you stay here.

As for South of France fashion, pack lightweight floppy hats, kaftans and Birkenstocks for the day and a statement kimono for the night. A huge pair of sunglasses is also essential- after all you never know when the paparazzi might decide to rock up.
Marbella

Marbella, or ‘Marbs’ as it is often referred to is not only a hit with hen party groups but a favoured celebrity hangout. And it’s not a new phenomenon either; Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly frequented the Spanish city back in their Hollywood heyday. Nowadays you can expect to see the stars of TOWIE and Eva Longoria amongst others touching down for a getaway.

Kick back with coconut water by the poolside or blag your way into one of the world’s most expensive homes which boasts £250k worth of goldplated taps, a private cinema and a fully-functional Roman spa. Not too shabby!

While working on your tan and sharing sea views with the glitterati might be top of your agenda, be sure to pay a visit to the legendary Villa Tiberio for a no-expenses-spared meal. The 18 year old restaurant and palazzo has quite a reputation in Marbs owing mostly to their signature dish anitra all’orange (duck baked with orange and curacao liquor) which is said to taste “out of this world.”

When it comes to Marbella style, the all-white trend is flourishing. Go for head to toe white and a pop of colour or choose one focus piece such as a triangle bikini or cover up.

Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise. Is it any wonder then that it’s the destination of choice for celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Sean Penn? Illustrious sandy beaches, tropical scenery and turquoise transparent water - can we purchase a one-way ticket please?

When it comes to this beautiful part of the world, celebs prefer to rent luxury villas with butlers and swimming pools rather than stay in hotels. Snorkelling is a must, as is watching the sunset from a boat while a chef prepares a slap-up meal of grilled white fish in front of you. Out of all the destinations mentioned, if money was no object this would win our vote.

Which of these celebrity holiday destinations takes your fancy? Share your location of choice with us in the comments section below or tweet us @Fiorelli_Bags.



Sunday 20 July 2014

The New Neutrals

Here at Fiorelli HQ, we've been enjoying the summer sunshine with a gorgeous new palette of neutral tones in the form of some Fiorelli arrivals. 

Hot off the Autumn/Winter '14 catwalks, neutrals were strong at Daks and Jasper Conran, and we couldn't help but feel inspired by these gorgeous tones.

Daks A/W 14
Jasper Conran A/W 14

Our structured Annaline Grab comes in four colour choices, from classic black, monochrome white with quilted detailing, a soft heather mix and easy to wear tan. 


Then there's our new Courtney, a soft shoulder bag available in black, gorgeous sage, tan and cream.


The neutral is an effortless addition to any outfit, from a casual daytime look to an evening dress. There's simply something about neutrals which shows real elegance and style - wouldn't you agree?

Which of our new neutrals is your favourite? Let us know by leaving a comment below or via Twitter @Fiorelli_Bags.

Friday 18 July 2014

#FiorelliTravels: The Lexi Backpack Heads to Berlin

This week, it’s the turn of our Assistant Product Manager Aleks to share her #FiorelliTravels with you, as she heads to Berlin with the gorgeous Lexi backpack!

Whether you’re after a cultural holiday filled with great historical sites to visit from the iconic Berlin Wall to the striking Kaiser Wilheim memorial church, or fancy yourself as a bit of a hipster and want to discover a multitude of cool bars and chic independent boutiques, then, Berlin is the place for you!  



Despite being Germany’s capital city, Berlin really doesn't feel like one with its relaxed attitude and lacks the hustle and bustle of places like London or Paris. It’s easy to go on long strolls from historic site to historic site in Berlin, and at some point you’ll definitely stumble across the Berlin wall’s famous East Side Gallery or the beautiful Berlin Cathedral. 


Berlin is a very environmentally friendly place, and bicycles reign as one of the most common forms of transport, with a special cycle lane upon most streets. There are also several group bicycles around the city which offer a great alternative to seeing the main sites with friends.  


Fashion’s focus is firmly upon the back pack this season, mix that with an atmospheric World Cup winning Berlin, and you get the perfect combination for a holiday. Berlin also has lots of green spaces too for those who just want to relax… and on this occasion escape the football frenzy somewhat! 


The Lexi backpack can be carried as grab which is perfect for hitting the Berlin bars with or alternatively as a rucksack, which comes in very handy for some hands free sightseeing!

We’d love to see your own #FiorelliTravels too, so, why not tag us in your photos @Fiorelli_Bags on Twitter or @Fiorelli_Bags on Instagram. 

Thursday 17 July 2014

How to Host the Perfect Garden Party

With summer in full swing there’s no better time than the present to throw a garden party. From chic decorations to creating the perfect ambience, allow Fiorelli to help you organise that special gathering.

Words and Music

There’s nothing worse than arriving to a beautifully crafted venue in silence. Bear in mind that you’ll probably be greeting guests who you haven’t seen in a while, so, a background playlist is essential to cover any gaps in conversation, and it also usually provides a great talking point!

Pushed for time? 8 tracks have a great selection of ready-made party themed playlists which are all around an hour long. Whether you’re looking for quiet instrumental melodies or dance hall classics, choose from an extensive collection. Alternatively, if you’d like to give your evening a more personal touch you could ask guests to submit their favourite tracks to a playlist beforehand.

Make a list of at least 3 ice-breaker topics so that even if you’re rushed off your feet being the hostess with the mostess, you won’t forget to ask Loren about her new job or how Alice’s friend is getting on in Italy.

Grand Designs

Transform your garden into a party paradise with a few simple tweaks. Hang home-made bunting from trees, place fresh flowers in milk bottles across the table, arrange tea lights in jam jars and place in flowerbeds to prettify the area (and provide direction after one too many vinos!)

When opting for a themed party it’s best to leave half-measures out of the equation and go hell for leather on outfits, décor, food, music and games. Be as thorough as possible because when the last sip of wine has been drunk and the final cab pulls away, it’s those little details that your guests will remember for years to come.

Food, Glorious Food

Food has become such a central part of social occasions it’s practically on par with picking out an outfit. Whether you’re laying on a feast to rival the last supper or stylish canapés to complement cocktails, presentation is key.

Individual prawn cocktails served in shot glasses, balls of mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and rocket arranged in mini-bread baskets, baked pizza cones.. These are just a few of the mouth-watering ideas we found while browsing Pinterest. Remember to prepare a little extra food in case of last minute plus ones, and when it comes to drinks always provide a tee total version of an alcoholic drink as there’s guaranteed to be a driver in the group.

We hope we’ve provided you with some takeaway inspiration for throwing that unforgettable garden party.

Stay on-trend this summer by following the Fiorelli Style Notes blog. From holidaying like a celeb to sneaky new season previews, we’ve got it covered.


Share your garden parties with us on Twitter and Instagram @Fiorelli_Bags.

Sunday 13 July 2014

#FiorelliTravels: Summer Fun in Menorca!

One of the perks of working at Fiorelli is that we get to test out some of our new season handbags before they even launch, and this week that’s exactly what we've been doing in the sunny Menorca. 

Our lovely graphic designer Heather took the Rose clutch away on holiday, which will be available for you to buy later this year. So, consider this an exciting sneak peek!!


They stayed in Santo Tomas, a small peaceful town upon Menorca’s south coast, which is the perfect place for a relaxing yet sun soaked holiday mixed with fun water sport activities from wind surfing to cliff diving. 


There’s just one main street close to the beach with a handful of shops and restaurants, and of course, some great tapas bars. If you’re looking for somewhere a little livelier, then, there are a few surrounding towns which you can get to within just 15-20 mins. 


It’s a great location to show off your summer wardrobe too, and the bright bold flowery hue of the Rose clutch was perfectly fitting. It’s easy to wear as a statement piece and as it combines so many different colours you’re spoilt for choice outfit wise. 


Heather showed her #FiorelliStyle by teaming her clutch with a bright blue summer dress and statement necklace. Creating a statement with accessories is key for summer. If you can’t wait until September to snap up your own Rose clutch, then, why not take a look at our current clutches from the Dixie to the Julietwe've got your summer style needs covered!

Why not show us your own #FiorelliTravels style with us too on Instagram


Thursday 10 July 2014

How To: Pack for a Long Haul Summer Holiday

Packing for a long haul holiday can often be tricky, - you want to take an abundance of things with you, (including ten bikinis and matching jewellery for each outfit) but what exactly do you need? Take a look at our holiday essentials that'll help you to leave the kitchen sink at home! 


Lay Everything Out on Your Bed
Whilst this may sound pretty straight forward, most of us pack straight into a suitcase - cue the “Uh-uh” buzzer sound.
The problem with packing your clobber straight into a suitcase is that you don’t actually realise exactly what you’re taking, until you unpack your belongings at your far-flung destination. By laying your things out upon your bed, you can see what you've got enough of, what you need more of, and what you need to leave behind.
Fiorelli’s Tip: Avoid packing your spending money. Why? If your luggage goes missing, so does your cash! Why not invest in our Serena Large Zip Around Purse available in caramel, a perfect hue for summer that’s certain to keep your currency safe.


A Scarf Goes a Long Way
A scarf is actually a versatile essential for a summer holiday, and obviously we don’t mean your typical chunky knit, we’re talking about a skinny scarf that you can tie around your waist and use as a makeshift sarong.

A lightweight scarf is perfect for summer styling and will barely take up any space in your bag. Forget packing numerous sarongs, cover-ups and beach hats, a scarf is your solution to all. Fold it in half and wear it as a mini skirt on the beach, and throw it over your shoulders when that scorching sun gets a bit too much for your skin. Take a scarf on your holiday this summer and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one before.

Fiorelli’s Tip: Conventionally wear it around your neck to the airport and if you’re feeling a bit nippy on the flight, this multi-use beauty will make for a great blanket.

Carry Your On-board Essentials in Style
You’ll no doubt want to over pack for a long haul flight. Why? Nobody wants to be without a book, magazine or iPod for all those hours spent on a plane, plus of course those must-have chewy sweets and packs of chewing gum – there’s nothing worse than your ears endlessly popping! Basically, you need a Mary Poppins bag, perhaps not in looks, but in depth - our Drew Hobo is your answer!

The slouchy shape of this beauty gives this piece of arm candy a chic but casual appearance, making it the ultimate choice for carrying all your necessities. Available in three classic colours; black, tan and grey, this bag will effortlessly go with any ensemble.

Fiorelli’s Tip: Use all the pockets in the bag, that’s what they’re there for! Nothing will go missing in the trusty zip pockets.


Don’t Forget the Essentials
Make a checklist – and stick to it! The last thing you want to do is turn up at the airport without your passport, forget your summer beauty essentials, or arrive at the beach without your sunglasses.

Fiorelli’s Tip: Protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays with the Fiorelli Bali Sunglasses, available in classic black, red or stylish tortoise shell.  


Will you follow these tips? Do you have any more for us? Tweet us at @Fiorelli_bags and share your tips and photos of you preparing for your long haul summer holiday. 


Tuesday 8 July 2014

Best Celebrities to Follow on Instagram

If we happen to step out of the house without our phone, we feel lost. Why? With WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter constantly keeping us busy, a train journey or a coffee queue can seem boring without our must-have phones in tow.
But what about Instagram? That’s a whole different kettle of fish. This photo-sharing app is one that most of us can’t get past breakfast without having a cheeky look at. Those fantastic filters help those bad skin days and generally just make everything look ten times sexier. Better again: you get to stalk your favourite style icon, girl crush or dream hubby without feeling guilty. 
Here at Fiorelli, we can’t get enough of Mollie King, Lauren Conrad, Millie Mackintosh, Cara Delevingne and Holly Willoughby.  Read on and you’ll understand why.
Mollie King - @molliethesats
This blonde beauty is completely down to earth, that’s why we love her!  (And of course, she’s a regular shopper here at Fiorelli). When she’s not singing, she’s out and about with her precious pooch Alfie. That’s right, even when Mollie is off to attend meetings for the day; her sidekick is right beside her – literally! Alfie gets front seat, he really is a King. Mollie also takes great pride in her nails so if you’re one to splurge out on nail varnish, you’ll want to follow this hottie for inspiration. Lust after her luscious nails and discover what shade she’s wearing so you can go ahead and copy!




Lauren Conrad - @laurenconrad
If you’re ever looking for hair inspiration, LC is the gal to follow. Her gorgeous locks always look perfected but in such an understated way. Not only do we pine for her hair, but we’re completely jealous of her lifestyle too. When this cutie isn’t hard at work, she’s frolicking around at the beach or travelling somewhere exotic, in style (that goes without saying).  Lauren often gives a sneaky peak at what she’s wearing so if you love her style, follow her on Instagram and be inspired!


Millie Mackintosh - @camillamackintosh
When this socialite got married to Professor Green last September, we were checking her Instagram like crazy for wedding snaps. Our hearts melted when we found one of her and her Grandpa: a Quality Street heir! Millie loves keeping fit, and you’ve got to give it to her, she has one enviable bikini bod. Follow her on Instagram and you’ll certainly get some gym-spiration!

Cara Delevigne - @caradelevigne
This model came out of nowhere but suddenly she’s all the rage, and we know why! Cara’s not just a fashion model; she’s a fun-loving natural beauty, and enjoys much of the same things that any other 21 year old would. Behind the lights, camera and action of Cara’s day-to-day modelling duties, you’ll find her spending quality time with her little nephew Atticus. The young model is also a quote-lover so you’ll find a sprinkling of deep and meaningful quotes on her Instagram which you can draw from.  She’s also notorious for her beautiful bold brows, causing eyebrow envy everywhere.


Holly Willoughby - @hollywills_
The bubbly mum of two (soon to be three!) is always a spark of interest what with her chic dress sense on This Morning. When Holly isn’t busy presenting or making a “bang tidy” appearance on Keith Lemon’s Celebrity Juice, Holly is busy spending time with her best friend Fearne, and of course her family whom she absolutely adores. Holly’s Instagram gives us a sneak peak at her subtly sexy model shots and…well you’ll have to find out yourself. This Fiorelli fan is certain to fascinate you with her high-flying life. 


Who are your favourite celebrities to follow on Instagram? Did you know that you can find us on Instagram as well as on Twitter. Be sure to check out our summer sale and find a gorgeous piece of arm candy with a fantastic 50% reduction!

Friday 4 July 2014

Styling the Hobo Bag

With Summer truly upon us, we've been enjoying some warm weather outfits and have discovered that the Hobo is the perfect multi-styling bag shape!

For lunch with friends, we'd partner our Drew Hobo in tan with a ladylike tea dress and some flat embellished sandals for a style contrast. As you know - we've got a soft spot for accessories and would finish the look with a cuff bracelet and some sunglasses.


Bondi Sunglasses, Sandals, Dress, Drew Hobo,  Oval Cuff

For work - our Alex Hobo in black is the perfect everyday style and now has 50% off in our sale too. We'd add it to an outfit of monochrome for timeless office chic. A shape skimming dress in grey tones is an investment piece for all seasons, as is a simple jacket with modern front zip. A classic pair of black court heels and delicate bracelet to finish the look.

Alex Hobo, Shoes, Dress, Jacket, Teardrop Bracelet

Last but not least, is our favourite outfit style - the casual look. Pastels are staying strong through the Summer and our Serena Hobo (also now with 50% off) with textured detailing is statement piece. We keep the outfit simple with a pair of light jeans and t-shirt. Slip on some sandals and a petite bracelet for easy weekend style. For those chilly evenings - why not add a knit, like this slogan jumper.

Serena Hobo, Hope Bracelet, T-Shirt, Jeans, Jumper, Sandals

What's your favourite Fiorelli Hobo and how would you style yours for the Summer? Let us know by leaving a comment below or via Twitter @Fiorelli_Bags.