Eat Drink Chic

Star print scarf from Country Road

Photo of Brigitte Bardot

Spun pendant light by Evie

Claude Walnut Gossip Bench Set from Jonathan Adler

tooth&nail leather pouches by designer Georgie Cummings

Pack a Picnic Champagne Box from Kate Spade

Globe-Trotter Centenary suitcase from J.Crew

Whenever I travel, it's not about rushing to the most popular tourist attraction or taking happy snaps of awe-inspiring natural wonders. For me it's about city life and all it's glorious and colourful details. Weeks before I go, I usually mark every destination meticulously in Google Maps- the quirky boutiques, the funky hotels, the restaurants and cafes, the bakeries and patisseries, the ice-cream parlours and candy stores...

Last weekend I picked up a copy of London Style Guide by Saska Graville. (Published by Murdoch Books). Similar to Sibella Court's 'The Stylist's Guide to NYC', this book is PACKED with inspiring 'style' destinations and would be essential in planning a dream trip!

With the aid of stunning photography by Jessica Reftel Evans and Martin Reftel, this book captures all the exciting visual minutiae that makes someone like myself weak at the knees. Details such as... drool-worthy, vintage cake displays at pretty patisseries...

...a row of mismatched chairs at a whimsical canteen...

...the vibrant pops of colour at a local farmers market...

...the rustic and industrial styling at a cosy cafe...

...all the colourful and quirky wonders of independent fashion and homeware boutiques...

and the list goes on...

Now that I've got this book, I would love to visit London and see all this delicious eye candy for myself. PIty it's a 22 hour flight to get there! *Shudder*

Check out London Style Guide right here.

{ all images by Amy Moss }

Psst... I'm documenting our travels through Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, as frequently as I can, on Instagram if you want to take a peek...

Our first stop was Portland. We were only there for a few days but, I have to say, I've become a huge fan of Portland and all its quirks. I love the generally relaxed, laid-back feel, the rustic dining, the insanely polite drivers, the ice-cream, the donuts, the food carts... I even don't mind waiting in the long queues that constantly stream out of 'hip' destinations (while surrounding establishments remain mysteriously empty).  Oh, and I LOVE how there are so many dog-friendly hotels. Although, seeing so many dogs makes me miss my Sukie even more!

So now we're currently in Seattle... and still getting a feel for the place.

I'll be back soon with more trip related updates that will include some of my favourite cafes, shops and restaurants that we've visited along the way...

Toodles!

Mark and I are jetting off to the U.S. tomorrow! We're going to be visiting Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. We'll then be heading up to Canada to visit Vancouver, BC.

Flying is really not my favourite thing in the world, but accessoring for the journey can make things a little more bearable! The following are some items that I either a) bought for the journey or b) fantasised about getting for the journey. The majority of which, unfortunately, fall into the latter category.

Safari collection { suitcases } from Globe-trotter.

Pastel Geo { scarf } from Topshop. (Is it just me or are planes always freezing! I'll definitely be bringing a warm scarf for the journey)

Organic pomegranate { lip balm } from Figs and Rouge. (A possible remedy for all that awful, dry cabin air.)

How cute is this { laptop case } from Ted Baker?

The comfiest sequined { bed socks } from Peter Alexander. (I actually splurged on a pair of these for the trip. I believe a 14 hour flight is solid justification.)

Cute pink polka dot { cosmetic bag } from Gorman. (Gorman really needs to stop tempting me with all their pretty goodies.)

So, just so you know, although I'm away over the next couple of weeks I will still be updating Eat Drink Chic whenever I can!

Should I ever visit L.A again, I must take a peek at Heath Ceramics. Beautiful homeware in a gorgeous space designed by Commune.

I think I'm in love.

Described as being "a gathering place for sea goers who seek warmth", San Francisco's Outerlands looks like the ideal cafe for a cosy brunch with comforting, homey fare. Great name too! If only I lived in SF.