Ahh, going back to this day makes me so happy. We'd just sailed into Capri on a spontaneous travel detour and decided to make camp for a couple of nights. Neither of us had been before and it had always been on our bucket lists. Arriving into Marina Grande was every bit as special as you'd hope, and the taxi ride over to our little hotel in Ana Capri had some of the most breathtaking views I'd ever seen.

We stayed at Hotel Orsa Maggiore which is absolutely amazing. All the options were either incredibly expensive or hostel-like so we were a little apprehensive as to why we could afford this one, and in truth we still can't really work it out. It's a really beautiful family owned guest house, with a gorgeous pool. The rooms were beautiful and just outside the town rather than off a market square, which most of the others seems to be. I'd definitely recommend staying in sleepy Anacapri if you're looking for a more relaxed break.

These snaps were taken from our balcony and I just remember feeling so incredibly content. We later wandered around the area somewhat aimlessly, which is exactly what you should do in a place like Capri. The backstreets, pretty little boutiques, restaurants - couldn't get enough of it. Without a doubt one of the most special places I've ever been.

And of course, my outfit. This dress is another brilliant holiday-throw-on from Monsoon. I've always wanted a black summer dress, I think they're so chic and perfect for a European beach break. I felt like someone from a film in it! That said, it's unbelievably comfortable and being black means that it hid a multitude of sins (by this point I was about seven days - so probably ten pizzas and twenty ice creams - down). I cannot recommend it enough, get one here - and hurry as it's already sold out once...

shoes = as worn, Tory Burch at The Outnet / similar here / similar here

After the first wedding in Sicily, we drove to Palermo, caught the ferry to Naples overnight and drove on to Amalfi - all in twenty four hours. We found a teeny little hotel in neighbouring Atrani (here - and more on that village to come) and went for a walk along the coast to see what all the fuss was about.

The Amalfi Coast is everything you expect it to be. It oozes cool; everything you love about the sea and Italy in one place. It's the first place I've been to in a long time that has a clear dress code from the start. You need to have white and blue sundresses, floppy hats, off shoulder tops and expensive looking swimwear. Luckily the piece at the top of my suitcase was this dress from Monsoon. I'd seen it on a few blogger friends so when they asked if I'd like to wear some of their pieces on holiday I jumped at the chance.

Amalfi wise, we were really surprised by prices. We expected London-level charges on menus but a pizza and drinks in the nicest bar on the promenade (the first one if you hit it from the East) was around 20€ in total! Don't be fooled by no obvious large road veering you towards the centre of the town (behind the strip of hotels and shops on the sea front).  Venture down and of the little paths between them to discover the beautiful central square and incredibly impressive gold and black cathedral.


In truth, after a dip in the sea and a drink/meal there isn't all that much to do in Amalfi so I'd recommend using it as a base to discover neighbouring Positano and nearby Ravello. It's also a great place to catch a boat trip over to Capri. As a really boring final tip if you're driving; don't bother trying to park in Amalfi itself as it's absolute carnage. Instead go to the LunaRossa car park between Atrani and Amalfi and walk through their own tunnel to the heart of the town...

outfit details at the base of this post

Oh and the sea... I mean just look at the photo below (which has had no editing whatsoever). Who can resist a dip in that ocean?!

dress = blue and white dress, Monsoon (US shoppers use this link) / similar here (just order this, love it)

sunglasses = polaroid lenses, Polaroid