Travel – Page 3 – Nicole Ballardini

MY FIRST SUMMER AS A MOM: MY WINNING FORMULA DURING BEACH LIFE SEASON

Written by nickyinsideout on July 9, 2016. Posted in Fashion, Travel. No Comments on MY FIRST SUMMER AS A MOM: MY WINNING FORMULA DURING BEACH LIFE SEASON

Hello and happy Saturday! I hope you are having a wonderful beginning of summer!

I know, I’ve been MIA from the blog the last couple of weeks.. but if you’ve been Insta and Snapchat stalking me, you’ve seen I’ve been (and still am) enjoying the beach life in Italy with little Emma and my family.

It’s the first summer as a new mom and there’s nothing calm and relaxing about taking a baby to the beach everyday.. but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world and when Emma takes her daily naps I am still able to enjoy some quietness 🙂

The boiling hot weather hit us, (I am referring to Italy, not Holland.. Uh!) and I couldn’t wait to wear my ~~bikini~~ one piece as per this summer 2016 Vogue lessons -done my homework 😉 What I am really enjoying these days (apart from sand castle making, first attempts to walk and shells picking) is tanning in the shade with a high protection, one piece swimwear, shirt dresses and my jewellery.. never without my jewellery..

Layered over a fresh shirt dress and silk top, the perfect finishing touch is this Firma collection from Ellie Air. Dainty fine jewellery in gold and diamonds, with a contemporary design and understated look that screams chicness and quality.

Tipically, I wear a lot of gold jewellery and at the moment, I like mixing up gold and silver pieces.. timeless, minimalistic and wearable while being captivating enough to enhance a simple outfit.

Summer time and beach life is not synonymous of less attention to details and style.

This is coming from someone who tends to dress for comfort all year long, not only when the thermometer passes the thirty degrees. But comfort wearing, in my case, comes hand in hand with pure enjoyment of good life (.. need to make the most of those daily naps, don’t I?!) so pretty beach clubs, pool side and aperitivo with a glass of cold white wine are my passport for the best kind of summer. On a daily basis is preferable!

My winning formula is the following: one piece swimwear, lightweight wear which you can dress up and down according to the daily plan, never compromise on the accessories and jewellery!

Inside Out the Look:

Jewellery: Ellie Air: Kite Signet Ring with Diamond, Star Necklace, Stella Stacking Ring, Stella Eternity Ring, Star Bracelet, Sidus Ear Stud Earrings

Dress: Tommy Hilfiger (similar)

Top: Jikx

Shoes: Robey Casuals

Sunglasses: Celine

Watch: Cluse

Bag: Lancaster

Created in collaboration with Ellie Air. Story, styling, photography and creative direction my own.

MY PARIS: GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO HANG OUT (PART 2)

Written by nickyinsideout on May 29, 2016. Posted in Fashion, Travel. 144 Comments on MY PARIS: GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO HANG OUT (PART 2)

.. Here we are for the second part of my Paris guide in collaboration with OtterBox! If the first two days was about eating and drinking .. The following days have been erhh.. more eating and drinking (!!!), but also shopping and parisian breathtaking views from some amazing roof terrace that you HAVE TO visit!

The Broken Arm is a cafe I highly recommend if you happen to walk around Le Marais! For a healthy lunch, some coffee art, which also tastes the way it looks, and the minimalistic interior where I lost myself taking shots of (see my Instagram for even more pictures!). If you are looking for good food and simplicity accompanied by great quality, this is your spot!

Actually few steps away, literally on the same street, I died for the yummiest burgers at PNY Burgers! The additional good thing of these places is that they are located in a very cool area so you can easily spend the entire day here hopping from one cafe to a restaurant to some shopping and window watching.. just to burn out all the calories you have been inhaling (opsss!). The atmosphere and interior are very american, as a difference from the other places I am showing you but well worth a meal! When everything is photogenic and the food is awesome, you can make sure you are going to see me at one point!

Sartorially speaking, during this trip I really enjoyed wearing my new printed sweaters! They’re really trendy at the moment and adding that hip touch I really like.. Shame if you missed my snap chat since Emma was twinning me! (in case you don’t want to miss the next snap my username is ‘nickyinsideout’) 😉

We had a really nice coffee at Cafe Charlot sitting outside people watching-holiday hobby! The interior is really cool but we couldn’t help enjoying the warm weather! Right in the middle of Paris on a busy street I could have spent hours sitting here working on my computer! With the classic bistro look and the coolest signs on every corner we also got one of the most friendly service over all the places we visited these days!

When you think of the every day french style, the first thing that comes up your mind is breton print.. Yes it is! I might not got the memo but I just loved strolling the street of Paris in my new sweaters. I paired the oversized shape with skinny jeans, with rips of course, adding a feminine touch with gold jewellery. I think summer won’t stop me by keep sporting this printed sweaters trend.. I will just have to swap jeans with shorts or a mini skirt. But now for the Paris weather was just perfect and I just wanted to shoot in front of each of these magnificent doors in Le Marais.

I thought it wouldn’t be a proper Paris guide without some shopping. Indeed I could list you all the french amazing designers shop to visit, and we did visit most of them (opsss!) but I thought the one worth mentioning at this time was the Anine Bing store newly opened in Paris. Straight from LA with the right summer vibe is a mix of boho meets relaxed and sexy at the same time. One of the coolest brands at the moment!

If you scream for ice-cream while walking your days around this incredible city, you’ve to pay a visit to Amorino. From Le Marais is walking distance, they have all sorts of gelato flavours (and this is coming from a picky italian… ) and put it together shaped like a flower. It’s a winner! Good for your belly, your eyes.. and your instagram feed! 😉

The last spot I want to show you is Le Perchoir du Marais. The main reason to go there, is not only the wine – I know, that’s always a good reason – but it’s the view, and it’s just fantastic! During summer nights this place must be amazing.. Just imagine all the city lights! Located on top of the BHV’s store it’s the perfected location to end an afternoon of shopping with a sunset, if you are lucky enough!.

Inside Out the Look:

Look 1:

Look 2:

Symmetry Series Cases are sold across on OtterBox.com as well as in stores across Europe. France (FNAC, DARTY, Boulanger), Benelux (Coolblue, Bol.com), Germany (Media Markt ), as well we Amazon.

Created in collaboration with OtterBox. Story, styling, photography and creative direction my own.

MY PARIS: GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO HANG OUT (PART 1)

Written by nickyinsideout on May 25, 2016. Posted in Fashion, Travel. No Comments on MY PARIS: GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO HANG OUT (PART 1)

When OtterBox asked me to write a list of my favourite Paris places to visit, I was extremely happy! OtterBox is a company I am enjoying a lot working with since I am finding their products of great quality and their people always show a high level of professionality. This is very important to me when I am recommending you a product.

Having said that, Paris is without any doubt my favourite city in Europe. Moreover, I am enjoying a lot lately mixing fashion and lifestyle in my photography, so this project has been one of my favourites so far!

It all started at our hotel in rue La Fayette, Best Western Premier Opera Faubourg, a 4 stars with a central location that couldn’t have been more perfect for our needs. A cute room and a oh! so necessary parisian balcony to enjoy the view, the architecture and the wine after the baby was asleep at night.. Yes, Emma came with us this time! (So, for the ones of you travelling with kids, I am going to show you a list of places where it also possible to bring your babies along during the day!)

When we arrived the weather was sunny but not too warm, just very enjoyable and with the perfect late afternoon light for our first photo shoot. We headed to Palais-Royal, absolutely one of my favourite places. Not only one of the most – if not the most- coveted shooting location for bloggers but a hidden place from the busy parisian roads where you will find a beautiful garden surrounded by designer boutiques. It’s quite populated and busy but at the same time it offers quiet spots under some gorgeous linden trees.

The first of my favourite Paris hangs out starts with a good cappuccino (what else!!). Cafe Kitsune‘ is the perfect cutest discovery inside Palais-Royal. It’s not the easiest cafe to be found but well worth the walk. I would recommend to visit it on a sunny day so you could sit outside overlooking the gorgeous courtyard.

Another parisian must is Laduree. You will be in for a real treat which will please not only your mouth but your eyes too. Everywhere you are going to put your eyes on will be extremely cute and coloured in pastels. It is the dessert heaven where the macaroons are stock up to the ceiling and you just don’t want to stop eating them. Everything is just perfection , the presentation, the atmosphere, the sweets.. I couldn’t help it buying some extra to take home with me!

Another must is dinner at Hotel Costes. Trendy and sexy, with wonderful food, drinks and the best music. The vibe will make you feel part of the parisian creme and the staff is gorgeously selected.. No joke, everyone looks just out of a magazine! No wonder is one of the fashion week places to be.

Day 2 has seen me embracing the parisian look of red and blue stripes. Unfortunately, not as expert as the ‘how to be parisian’ masterpiece, but holidays was a good excuse to try my new overall and I must say you are going to see a lot of this from now on, it’s just a wardrobe must, comfy and edgy at the same time.

The plan for our second day was to visit another two wonderful parisian spots and once again, we were not disappointed.. This was actually the best afternoon!

Since the weather was being sweet with us once again we could enjoy an aperitivo sitting outside the tables of Cafe de Flore. Everything is iconic here and it’s the perfect picture of how you imagine a parisian cafe and ideal for people watching, if you know what I mean! It’s a bit of a cliche place if you want, but in my opinion it has to be experienced and enjoyed.

Last but not least of this first part, my very favourite restaurant of this trip so far was Ralph. The yard is the masterpiece of this restaurant and after seeing dozens of burgers passing by I decided to join the festival and it was indeed delicious.. bit pricey but considering the whole experience, I wouldn’t think it twice. I am a huge fan! The setting is outstanding and the people beyond lovely. Surronded by green plants and red roses is the perfect american high society vibe of Ralph Lauren. Be sure to book a table outside and leave it a few hours to enjoy the food, the wine and the vibe!

.. This was only the first part!

Hold your breath until Sunday.. the second episode is coming with more cafes, restaurants and amazing roof terrace views of Paris!

Inside Out the Looks:

Look 1:

Look 2:

Symmetry Series Cases are sold across on OtterBox.com as well as in stores across Europe. France (FNAC, DARTY, Boulanger), Benelux (Coolblue, Bol.com), Germany (Media Markt ), as well we Amazon.

Created in collaboration with OtterBox. Story, styling, photography and creative direction my own.

BIRTHDAY TRIP TO VENICE

Written by nickyinsideout on April 16, 2016. Posted in Fashion, Travel. No Comments on BIRTHDAY TRIP TO VENICE

When I left London to move to Amsterdam what really made me sad was leaving my friends behind. So, when your best friend decides to get on a plane to come and spend your birthday together I couldn’t think of a more perfect gift and a most special birthday! If I say it was extremely perfect and fun, it’s still not enough to describe it!

We stayed at the Bauers, a luxury hotel just steps away from Piazza S.Marco. Imagine the most beautiful terrace on the water where we spent the longest breakfasts and aperitivo hours.. It was just too good! We made sure our days were slow and enjoyable, just enough time for multiple cappuccinos, a stroll around the canals, a boat trip, a gondola ride, outfit shoots and the most yummy lunches and dinner with way too much vino.

I decided to wear something really comfy but chic and edgy at the same time. Here, meet my new Style Butler fringed jacket! I love the classic style of black suede mixed with the fringes edgy details. I have been looking for the perfect one for a long time!! A basic boyfriend jeans and white tee combo suddenly is not so average anymore. I kept it casual with my latest sneakers addiction I got just the day before leaving and added gold details to give the look a little festival vibe. I loved the long rosary necklaces from Amen layered on the basic white t-shirt and a hand candy thanks to Jewelry by Add.

Nothing feels better than slipping into your feet a pair of brand new white sneakers. After all, within all the seasonal trends experimenting, the combo ‘denim + white t-shirt + blazer + sneakers’ is still the coolest one in my opinion!

When they say there are no distances nowadays, I could not agree more. All the ridiculously cool and adventurous plans we made before I left, are now becoming reality and any occasion, fashion week and birthday is a good enough excuse to jump on a plane and meet up with Lorna. Drinking wine while planning the next trip is becoming our favourite thing to do.. Expect more sunny Italian destinations this summer!!

Photography John Andrews

Inside Out the Look:

AROUND AMSTERDAM WITH OTTERBOX – EP. 3

Written by nickyinsideout on April 4, 2016. Posted in Travel. No Comments on AROUND AMSTERDAM WITH OTTERBOX – EP. 3

Among leather layering and counting down the days to a more summer bohemian dress code (will be spending great part of my summer in Italy this year), I am still in the city, enjoying the transitional weather and ready to show you more of my favourite spots!

It’s been just over a month I took you around Amsterdam (in case you missed last episode it’s here) inside the warm glass houses of the botanic garden enjoying the lovely tropical temperature, in the middle of city cactus heaven.. Today is time for some culture.. I take you to a museum!

As third and last episode of this little tour with OtterBox around my favourite Amsterdam places, I chose to take you to the Scheepsvaart museum. As difficult to pronounce as it sounds, for the non-dutchies like me, it is the National Maritime Museum. The building is spectacular and indeed, surrounded by the seaside.

If you think this looks great from the outside, wait until you see the interior!

I would really recommend you a visit, not only for the museum itself if you are interested in maritime paintings and impressive display of model yachts, but also for the whole experience of a lovely walk along the water from the city centre and this building architecture. I fell in love with the main courtyard area and its incredible intricate glass roof!

Sartorially speaking, the bare legs season has started and I have been enjoying it already since the fashion month with over the knee boots. It’s the perfect alternative until we will be all ready to show some tan, plus they can upgrade any outfit adding a chic touch. I styled them with a shearling vest to still keep warm but in a spring look and would easily work for a night out just by changing the vest for a black blazer.

I accessorised the look with gold, leopard print and black. Still my same old phone – as old as 5 months old – as main accessory.. considering the amount of time I spend on social media, the zillion of photos I take, the non-stop messaging and the way too many time it drops on the floor thanks to my little one who now just wants to be like mommy – typing on her phone – shame on me!

But this gig is still going on thanks to OtterBox who always takes good care of my essentials, aka iPhone, in a stylish way with the symmetry series clear case in black.

Together with bare legs season, spring brings back the roof terrace season. So while in the area, I couldn’t resist a walk along the seaside to the Hilton Hotel roof top to enjoy the sun, a breathtaking view of the city and indeed my cappuccino!

And when you think its over, it’s not just yet!

I put together a video of the best moment of the last 3 episodes around this beautiful city and in the best company, of my well protected phone!

Inside Out the Look: