Hot summer in Europe

16 July

Urban adventures, silver ballet flats and bag jewellery

I've just returned from a rejuvenating trip to the heart of Europe (having visited Poland and France), and I'm utterly enchanted!

Picture this: industrial buildings housing modern pop-up stores, cafés and wine bars dotting cobbled streets, art galleries mixed with fashion boutiques, and silver ballet flats paired with long summer dresses. Imagine sipping coffee (though not quite up to Australian standards) and organic wine, indulging in croissants, city biking, all while clocking 15k steps daily. And wearing pearls with tank tops and jeans from dusk till dawn (it only gets dark after 10pm!). Pure bliss!

*Exploring different cafés both in Warsaw (Poland) and in Paris has been amazing. Every city has their own sweet treat fads and delicious ways of serving cappuccinos.*

EUROPE'S HOTTEST TRENDS RIGHT NOW

PEDAL-POWERING IN HEELS

Bikes are as common in Europe as croissants in Paris or pasta in Rome. They're woven into the fabric of daily life, from bustling urban centres to tranquil rural communities. In Warsaw, Poland, the Vistula riverbank becomes a summer hotspot, with Paloma nad Wisłą offering a perfect blend of art, food and riverside views. I’ve rented e-bikes numerous times when travelling and I loved seeing fashion-forward ladies cycling in heels and summer dresses.

*Wearing a* *Pachamama pink opal* *and a custom made flame peach pearl necklaces.*

CAFÉ CULTURE: A PEOPLE-WATCHING PARADISE

For a casual coffee or wine date in Warsaw, Charlotte is my go-to. This Parisian-inspired bistro, with multiple city locations, offers a consistently cool vibe, complete with baguettes and prosecco by the glass.

When in Paris, all cafes seem taken out of a “Emily in Paris” scene, so whether you’re in Montmartre or near Louvre, the choices are endless. But I have a reco for green tea lovers – Irasshai near the Bourse de Commerce art gallery serves one of the richest, smoothest matcha lattes I've tasted (+ some amazing matcha-based cakes). Art and matcha – a divine combination.

ROOFTOP REVELATIONS

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's 8th floor offers breathtaking views of Paris landmarks. It's a coveted spot for photographers and influencers alike, especially at sunset. Best of all? It's free, with no photo restrictions! Bring your own bubbles :)

SCENT-SATIONAL LIVING

This June, Diptyque, a brand specialising in the art of scent, has opened the doors to Maison Diptyque (7 Rue Duphot, 75001, Paris), an exceptional concept store of over 400 m2, part art gallery, part boutique. Nestled between Place de la Concorde and Place Vendôme, it reinvents the Parisian art of living well.

*Maison Diptyque*’s Imaginary Garden stands as a lush oasis amid the bustling metropolis.

POPS OF SILVER AND BURGUNDY

BIRKINIFY YOUR BAG

The streets of Paris and Warsaw are alive with a trend that's music to a gemstone lover's ears - bag jewellery!

Imagine your favourite handbag adorned with sparkling gemstone charms. This "Birkinifying" trend is taking the fashion world by storm, and we're here for it. Our new line of detachable gemstone bag charms will let you add a touch of luxury to any purse, from casual totes to elegant clutches (launching in August!).

Here are some inspirations for bag jewellery from the one-and-only Jane Birkin.