Brasil Instagram Diary

 

1,8,9 & 10/ Shooting over Belo Horizonte (Wearing: Asos skirt, Maurie & Eve top) 2/ My first views of South America 3/ The sweetest Tam airline crew readers  4/ Views of Belo Horizonte from my hotel room  5/ Too many Luiza Barcelos‘ to choose from  6/ Personalised ‘Tuula’ car from Fiat for my time in Brazil  7/ With the Luiza Barcelos family  11/ Coconuts and perfect view  12/ Dinner with Chiara (Wearing Asos top, J Brand pants, PS11)  13&14/ Shotting in Praca da Liberdade (Wearing: Josh Goot skirt, Zara top & Claire Vivier clutch)  15&16/ Meeting readers at Luiza Barcelos BH Shopping event  17/  ‘Tuula’ juices  18/ Trying Caipvodka’s  19/ Flats for exploring BH  20&21/ Meeting readers at second Luiza Barcelos event at Diamond Mall (Wearing: Asos dress)  22/ Flats for the flight  23&24/ Belo Horizonte to Rio!  25&26/ Flying in to Rio  27/ Brazilian & Zimmermann bikini’s for Rio  28/ View of Ipanema from Fasano  29/ Caipvodka’s by Fasano pool  30&35/ Views from Fasano (wearing Zimmermann dress)  31,32,33,34/ Poolside with Vogue, Caipvodka and Karen Walker’s  36,38/ Sugar Loaf tourists 37/ Halfway up to Sugar Loaf with Thassia and Chiara 39/ Berry smoothies with Chiara 40,45/ Views from the Cable Car 41,43,44/ Views from helicopter 42/ Post helicopter hoorays with Thassia and Chiara (wearing Zimmermann playsuit, Karen Walker sunglasses) 46/ Ipanema beach 47/ Views of Ipanema from Fasano rooftop pool 48/ Sao Paulo’s scary airport amongst skyscrapers 49&50/ Incredible Unique Hotel 51/ Playing dress ups at designer Patricia Bonaldi’s store  52/ Drinks with Lu Tranchesi  53/  With Chiara and Luiza Barcelos at Sao Paulo Fashion Week  54/ Wishing I could have a sleep in at Unique  55/ Stunning beaded impressions from Patricia Bonaldi’s designs  56,57,58&59/  On location shooting with Vogue Brazil  60/ Flying out over Sao Paulo

 

If you were following my Instagram while I was in Brazil a few weeks ago you were probably over exposed to my surreal romance with heading south of the equator again. I am yet to post my photo and video diaries from Brazil, where I hope can justify my affection for my time there. I honestly have no idea why I hadn’t aimed at getting to South America sooner instead waiting for something to come up with reason to go, and kept returning to Europe that I knew better to travel more comfortably on my own. After being refreshed and excited with Brazil I realised how much I would love to spend weeks and months travelling South America, and hope that that can come true one day. Thank goodness this collaboration with Luiza Barcelos came about, because I have absolutely fallen in love with it within just 8 short, whirlwind days and cannot wait to get back.

West Coast

 

Wearing: Ksubi shorts, Karen Walker sunglasses, Zara top and vest, Luiza Barcelos sandals, Proenza Schouler bag, Gorjana cuffs.

Hey from sunny LA! I arrived in LA a few days ago and couldn’t be happier to be able to appreciate the sunshine before going back to NYC for the next few weeks, hearing of the horrible hurricane and snow storm that I miraculously timed to miss. On a much more petty note, I had my honey (yes, I travel with tea and honey) erupt through my suitcase and have had even more limited clothes than normal.

I was here in LA to meet with the awesome Citizens of Humanity crew, who if you follow me on Instagram set up a great few days of getting to know the City of Angels with a surfing lesson in Malibu, tacos from Kogi food truck and dinner at Mr Chow all after experiencing first hand all of the TLC that goes on behind their signature jeans wear. So happy that my beautiful friend Andy is here to have fun being sexy in wetsuits, falling off our surf boards with, and accidentally dress like twins every once in a while.

Photos by Richard Nicholls

West Coast

 

Wearing: Ksubi shorts, Karen Walker sunglasses, Zara top and vest, Luiza Barcelos sandals, Proenza Schouler bag, Gorjana cuffs.

Hey from sunny LA! I arrived in LA a few days ago and couldn’t be happier to be able to appreciate the sunshine before going back to NYC for the next few weeks, hearing of the horrible hurricane and snow storm that I miraculously timed to miss. On a much more petty note, I had my honey (yes, I travel with tea and honey) erupt through my suitcase and have had even more limited clothes than normal.

I was here in LA to meet with the awesome Citizens of Humanity crew, who if you follow me on Instagram set up a great few days of getting to know the City of Angels with a surfing lesson in Malibu, tacos from Kogi food truck and dinner at Mr Chow all after experiencing first hand all of the TLC that goes on behind their signature jeans wear. So happy that my beautiful friend Andy is here to have fun being sexy in wetsuits, falling off our surf boards with, and accidentally dress like twins every once in a while.

Photos by Richard Nicholls

Neon Orchid

Wearing: Josh Goot skirt, Zara top, Luiza Barcelos heels, Claire Vivier clutch, Michael Kors watch, Gorjana bracelets, Jacquie Aiche rings and Athens market ring.

As I mentioned in my pervious post, while in Belo Horizonte with Luiza Barcelos I had the amazing chance to meet my readers in store (posting that later!). This is what I wore from the first in store event, except a quick shoe change for a block heel to give my legs a bit more stamina. To attempt to explain my obsession with this skirt; print and shape in general is impossible. It arrived from Australia in the nick of time to take it along to Brazil and I wore it the first moment I could. I love wearing it with a plain grey tee and boots to toughen it up, or this clashing stripe top but I’m also still looking for a pair of yellow or electric blue sandal heels or clutch that would finish it perfectly for me.

Photos by Luiza Ferraz

Praca da Assembleia

Wearing: Paprika dress, Luiza Barcelos shoes, Michael Kors watch, Gorjana necklace and cuff, Jacquie Aiche rings.

While in Belo Horizonte in Brazil I had the incredible pleasure of meeting a whole lot of my readers during two events with Luiza Barcelos. I had no idea blogging was such a big part of Brazilian life and am still overwhelmed at the support by so many young girls that came to say Hi. It really makes such a difference being able to meet individually and say thank you to everyone who reads my blog in person. I snapped these photos in Praca da Assembleia before the second event in which I wore this black backless maxi with nude sandals. While meeting all of the stylish readers I realised how different my simple style can be compared to the more daring Brazilians with crazy bold colours and layered accessories, which only made me appreciate their broad taste as readers even more.

Photos by Luiza Ferraz

Ipanema

Wearing: Zimmermann playsuit, Karen Walker sunglasses, Proenza Schouler handbag, Luiza Barcelos shoes, Michael Kors watch, Jacquie Aiche rings, Gorjana cuff.

Even before we landed in Rio I knew I was in love with the city. Flying in with the incredible mountains meeting the sea, with the massive amount of city made it one of the most picturesque populated landscapes I’ve ever been able to see. We stayed at the amazing Fasano Hotel which has a mind blowing rooftop pool with views of Ipanema beach, especially watching the sunset over Morro Dois Irmaos. I just arrived back in New York now and am drafting my photo and video diary that are coming soon that I am a bit too excited to share, so I might save blabbering my affection for this particular city until then…

I bought this playsuit on sale from Zimmermann‘s Soho store in NYC knowing it would be the best basic for tourist days like these where you’re constantly sweating, hair unwashed in the humidity and need something easy and lightweight. With only one single full day in Rio we made it a mission to do and see as much as we physically could, and every moment of it was surreal with us literally screaming at some points.

Photos by Riccardo Pozzoli

Beautiful Horizon

Wearing: Asos skirt (worn backwards), Maurie & Eve top, Luiza Barcelos heels, Michael Kors watch, Gorjana bracelets, Jacquie Aiche rings.

I cannot believe I have already been in Brazil for an entire week. My first day after flying in to Belo Horizonte I went straight to the factory and showroom of Luiza Barcelos, meeting the entire team which is more like a huge, welcoming family. To celebrate my first time in South America, Brazil and being here with the Luiza Barcelos team they organised these balloons to accompany my first time viewing the entire city of Belo Horizonte from Praca do Papa.

Switching from New Yorks fall to the heat of Brazil meant straight to skirt and sandals. When I was growing up I refused to wear anything but a “twirly skirt”. I was the child that would dress up and dance around the grocery aisles, at the restuarant, soccer field etc. I wear pants more these days for comfort and practicality of travelling but putting on a skirt like this again I immediately switch in to my prancing, twirling skirt mode.

Since I’ve arrived I think everyone was a little worried I wasn’t enjoying myself, but I think it is the exhaustion that is hampering me being able to grin as hard for how happy and appreciative I am to be here. Everyone I have met here in Brazil has been overwhelmingly hospitable and humble. Every moment has been surreal, and cannot wait to share everything more as soon as I get some time, and perhaps some sleep…

Photos by Luiza Ferraz

Beautiful Horizon

Wearing: Asos skirt (worn backwards), Maurie & Eve top, Luiza Barcelos heels, Michael Kors watch, Gorjana bracelets, Jacquie Aiche rings.

I cannot believe I have already been in Brazil for an entire week. My first day after flying in to Belo Horizonte I went straight to the factory and showroom of Luiza Barcelos, meeting the entire team which is more like a huge, welcoming family. To celebrate my first time in South America, Brazil and being here with the Luiza Barcelos team they organised these balloons to accompany my first time viewing the entire city of Belo Horizonte from Praca do Papa.

Switching from New Yorks fall to the heat of Brazil meant straight to skirt and sandals. When I was growing up I refused to wear anything but a “twirly skirt”. I was the child that would dress up and dance around the grocery aisles, at the restuarant, soccer field etc. I wear pants more these days for comfort and practicality of travelling but putting on a skirt like this again I immediately switch in to my prancing, twirling skirt mode.

Since I’ve arrived I think everyone was a little worried I wasn’t enjoying myself, but I think it is the exhaustion that is hampering me being able to grin as hard for how happy and appreciative I am to be here. Everyone I have met here in Brazil has been overwhelmingly hospitable and humble. Every moment has been surreal, and cannot wait to share everything more as soon as I get some time, and perhaps some sleep…

Photos by Luiza Ferraz

Olá Brasil

 

Wearing: Zimmermann dress, Michael Kors watch, Gorjana bracelets.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram you might of noticed that I arrived to Brasil a few days ago. It has already been a whirlwind trip from Belo Horizonte and arriving last night in Rio de Janeiro, unfortunately haven’t found much time to post yet but the inspiration has been endless. I am here for a collaboration with Luiza Barcelos, an incredibly talented and welcoming shoe designer based in Belo Horizonte. My friend Chiara is also here, and it is so nice being able to both share our first experience with Brasil together.  I have been so excited to come see and experience Brasil for so long, and cannot understand why I hadn’t made it a priority to come to South America sooner. If you have any tips for Rio or Sao Paulo please let me know! Much, much more to come…

Carry On

Recently I have been inundated with the same question that has randomly popped up since I left for Europe months ago- what is in my handbag? It might seem silly, like lipgloss and my wallet. But each of these pieces have either been collected along the way or are what I highly recommend for helping you travel. These are the things my bag is stocked with every single day, all floating around loosely in my signature ‘Messica’ style. I also noticed a few things I forgot- Bio Oil, tea and honey and several pens & sim cards. If you plan to travel remember to only take with you what you are prepared to lose or have stolen- they might make your trip more comfortable but at the end of the day are just things and coming home safely with happy memories matters more.

1/ Proenza Schouler handbag. If you know me personally you’ll know this is my “child”, having been kidnapped and finally returned. It always surprises me just how much I can fit inside it, and how it will go with absolutely anything I ever wear.
2/ Karen Walker sunglasses. I sold several pairs of my Karen Walker sunglasses before I left for overseas, mainly because of space but you honestly only really need two pairs. One tortoiseshell, and my black Celine’s.
3/ Diaries. These two travel diaries are perhaps my favourite belongings, titled “Travels and Experiences” and “New York, London, Milan, Paris“. I adore writing and these hold everything about my travels and experiences, and plans for what is to come.
4/ Headphones. These noise cancelling headphones are the result of a last minute ‘use all the Danish Krone’s I have left’ at Copenhagen airport. They are one of the best things any traveller could invest in, from drastically improving long haul flights, to having company of music when travelling solo, or simply having a background soundtrack to accompany all of the amazing sights.
5/  Loose change. I have too many currencies floating around the bottom of my bag that instead of sorting it out, I just add to it. My frame of mind is half hoping I’ll find a reason to run back to whichever country the coin belongs to before I have to store it in a piggy bank back home.
6/ Loose jewellery. I wear fine jewellery and the same watch all of the time, collecting new or vintage but also losing it way too regularly. I find I loose track of it in my luggage bag so I just keep everything in a pocket of my bag now and pull out what I can find to wear of a morning.
7/ Flowerbomb Perfume. I used to carry around a large bottle of perfume but thanks to Sara finally convincing me, I feel like an idiot for not having this tiny, and adorable travel sized perfume earlier. Perfect for when I get off a plane and don’t have access to my suitcase for a few hours.
8/ Alexander Wang Wallet & Passport holder. This wallet really is the best of both worlds. I don’t keep my passport in here all the time (lock it inside luggage wherever I’m staying) but on travel days and whenever you need it on you it is perfect to have such a great home for it.
9/ Lucas PaPaw ointment. My Australian readers from home do not need me to explain this any further. To everyone else; it is the best thing you will ever do for your lips, especially during flights and season changes.
10/ Lumia. This phone has not only my entire photo gallery from the last few months of my travels, but the playlists that Zanita made me before she left for home. I have a specific “Happy Travels” playlist that I listen to while on trains, at airports, flying etc, and I’m always the nutcase crying with a huge smile on my face.
11/ Fisheye Lomo & film. I first became addicted to Lomo’s years ago on my first European trip, and despite it being a bit pricey to develop the film and carry it around everywhere, every single shot has been worth it. When I don’t want to take a big camera out, or perhaps just a more sentimental moment with friends or a sunset, this has been my memory maker.