When we realised we had ten days between two weddings in Italy we knew instantly we wanted to do a bit of a road trip. As if by magic Alcatel got in touch to tell us about their new POP 4 phone and an amazing deal to get return flights to one to of 9 destinations over the summer when you buy the handset (discover more here). As Rome was one of the destinations I leaped at the chance to visit it and meet the challenge of experiencing the city in 48 hours. 

We drove from Tuscany (more on that later in the month) which took about 2 and a half hours. I'd been forewarned that driving in Rome was absolutely mental, but having experienced some of the sharp twists, turns and driving styles for the previous two weeks it really didn't seem that bad! We arrived at our hotel (incredible find, if you're going you must stay here: Trevi Palace) smack bang in the centre and parked opposite for 6€ a day...

Few things to know about these steps: Keats and Byron lived next door (viewers of The Trip will know this), Susan Sarandon conceived her first child on them and in 2007 someone attempted to drive down them in a Toyota Prius, and failed. We took some recommendations (thank you, Twitter) and went up to Il Palazzetto for a quick drink on their rooftop bar - perfect if you want a view of the Steps and not be covered in other tourists.

From there we caught the tube to the Colosseum. I'd done this before and wasn't all that bothered, but as the boy hadn't it was the first time in my life the expression "when in Rome" made perfect sense. To be fair it was actually really good, there is something pretty electrifying about walking through something with that level of history and theatre about it.  From there we grabbed a quick drink in a nearby bar (you really can't go wrong in Rome, it's all good) and went back to the hotel to freshen up before an evening stroll.

Freshly showered (needed, Rome was 38 degrees) we wandered from the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon (do bother to read up on this Roman building as it really is quite special, housing the world's largest dome until the 1960s - pretty incredible considering it is two thousand years old) to Piazza Navano for a drink whilst watching the world go by. Following that we found a great little pizza place just around the corner and filled out boots with freshly baked carbohydrates before bed.

Up and at them the following morning, we had a quick breakfast at the hotel (exceptional, seriously do stay at this place, here) and drove over to St Peters Square. Admittedly, we should have been more organised. If you want to see things like the Sistine Chapel then you need to book weeks in advance unless you fancy queuing for four hours under a baking hot sun. We didn't so instead we explored the Basilica and the tombs of the Popes which was very special. I was quite taken back by the power of the architecture...

I really can't recommend a city break enough. Living in Europe (!!) it's easy to forget how close we are to all these places. Flights take 2 hours and at really good times to help you make the most of a weekend. To keep an eye on all the adventures involved in the Alcatel POP 4 project follow the hashtag #makeitpop4 on Instagram (find me here) and to discover more about their return flight offer visit their site here.

Followers of my Instagram here will know I've been away as it was blasted out as much as possible. I'm not even sorry; we'd been waiting for this holiday since Christmas and it was even better than I anticipated. Over the next couple of weeks I'll pop more details about our travels through Sicily, Amalfi, Tuscany and Rome but for now here is a quick post about a pit stop we made in Ravello on our way down to the Amalfi Coast.

When we first arrived, we were a little haggered after an overnight ferry trip from Palermo to Naples. The winding roads of Amalfi didn't make for the easiest journey, so we peeled ourselves out of the car and made a run for the nearest source of cold beer...

After a couple of drinks we finally felt our shoulders go down and relax. Finally, we were on holiday. We sat and watched the locals put the world to rights as only Italians can do... Popping from cafe to restaurant to bar all over the town we made the walk down to Villa Cimbrone. This was somewhere firmly on the list of places to see for us, having watched Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan sit on the terrace there during The Trip TV Series...

We were not disappointed, despite the walk (girls, do not even think about taking heels to Amalfi!) down what felt like 1000 back streets, mainly uphill. I had possibly one of the best gin and tonics I'd ever tasted with cracked pepper and cucumber in. 

Ooh and the outfit! I'd been pining to wear this Topshop dress ever since I bought it. The weather in the UK just hasn't been kind enough... The detail on the sleeves, the floaty shape... I just love it. Topshop have done a few dresses like this, the blue and white version here has been a bestseller for them so they followed it up with my one here and a polka dot one here. 

The shoes are from Mango, and a total steal. They are incredibly similar to the Chloe designer ones, but only £24 in the sale... And I really can vouch for them being comfortable, I wore them to death on holiday. Get yours here.

We loved this town so much we ended up going back for an impromptu night at Hotel Caruso, which ended up being the showstopper of the entire holiday. More to come! For all outfit details, see the base of this post...

Dress = floral print, Topshop / similar here / similar here

Shoes = strap block heels, Mango

Shirt = white shirt, Gap

Trousers = chinos, Ralph Lauren

Shoes = brogues, Grenson

I'm slightly concerned that I've become obsessed with jumpsuits. Given that a year ago I'd ruled them out as options only for the "long and lean" I've acquired quite the collection. This one from Madewell (J Crew's funky little sister) made the perfect weekend outfit when I had to mix bouncing around town with meeting the girls for drinks in the evening.

I love the fit of it; the wide leg, the peep hole (wearing a normal bra with this and it doesn't show), the elastic waist... It was really, really comfortable and got a lot of "ooooooh where is that froms" with the girls...  Not a bad price either considering it's an entire outfit. I could go on but I'll make it easy for you; buy it here.

I wore it during the day with my white Birkenstocks... Are they still cool or have they gone back into "mum" territory? To be honest I don't really care, but good to know. For the evening I swapped them for my new pumps from L.K.Bennett. It won't come as any surprise to long term readers of the blog that they are the Floret shape as I love them and have quite a few pairs. This shade of blue is just brilliant, I'm wearing them to death and they still look like new... Get them here, and I have my idea on their apple green ones here too. 

Accessories wise, I never stray far from Astley Clarke and these Gucci sunglasses are my favourites (which says something as I have quite a few pairs now). It's not the first time I've blogged about them and they're past season now, but I'd really recommend Gucci as an eyewear brand as they're really nice to wear... See their collection here. For cheaper options, ASOS have some really nice floral print ones here.

We're off on our Italian road trip this week and this whole outfit will most definitely be coming with me, it's super easy to wear and really doesn't take much to pull off. I was a bit unsure about the peep hole in the middle but find it really flattering, in reality not many people are chubby on that part of their body so its actually really nice to show some skin...

shop Madewell at Net A Porter here

jumpsuit = jumpsuit, Madewell at Net A Porter / available in smaller sizes here / similar from ASOS here / similar from RI here

shoes = white birkenstocks / 

sunglasses = Gucci selection / ASOS selection 

This month's beauty post is dedicated to the men in our lives. Today (in the UK) is Fathers Day and if yours is anything like mine, they have everything. Buying for someone who would like nothing more than a day spent is a power drill in the garage with the cricket on the radio is pretty tough. Which is why when Mr Porter offered their grooming box as a gift it was a complete blessing in disguise. Dad does actually care about his beauty regime, not that he'd ever call it that. We lived with him for a couple of months between houses this year and I noticed his bathroom cupboard was stacked with products that were actually being used.

Admittedly I'd imagine Mum is responsible for the change - she's a fiend for a beauty cream. Regardless the grooming box made the perfect gift, but wasn't handed over before I had a thorough nosey through it. Have to say, I'm seriously impressed by the selection for the price. Here are a few of my top favourites:

Today is a slow one... Last night I went to see Coldplay with the girls and Marks and Spencer - am feeling the midnight espresso martini decision... The only win is remembering I bought this jumpsuit from ASOS which I am going to rename The Most Comfortable Item Of Clothing That Ever Dared Exist. 

I cannot explain to you how much I love wearing this, literally the most comfortable thing in the world ever. It's super soft and the really relaxed fit means you sort of lose all worries about arms, tums and bums... if I could wear it everyday I 110% would. I bought mine true to size (this is a size 10) but could probably have dropped to a smaller one if I'd wanted to as it's very roomy - depends how you want to wear it...

I threw my hair up and didn't even check myself in the mirror before these photos so apologies for the bedraggled-ness... I kind of thought that if I hid my eyes under my new Jimmy Choo sunglasses I'd get away with it. They're so sparkly and shiny I'm hoping all attention is directed to them and not my face... They are most definitely an investment (find them here) but I found these ones from Jeepers Peepers at ASOS that'll do the trick for under £25, or these for SIX POUNDS...

I wore my box fresh new trainers, which I am a bit obsessed. It's the first time I've ever had non-sport-brand trainers. They're from Iris and Ink and it's love. I'd been pining after a pair of Isabel Marant or Saint Laurent ones for months but when my friend showed me these I instantly knew I had to have them. Such good value, love the ostrich skin effect and really comfy from the beginning. Iris and Ink haven't done footwear for long but the collection is awesome, find it all here.

My bag is new from Reiss here... I struggle with finding good mini bags that are pale coloured and needed one for events over the summer (most of mine are all dark colours which doesn't look right at weddings). I really like the fringing as it adds a little something to an otherwise very plain and simple blue suede tote... 

In case you missed it, sales started properly this week. Have a look at my edit here. Whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope you have a great one. We are spending the whole 2 days enjoying our new area and unpacking the final boxes... Loving being back in North London!

jumpsuit = jumpsuit, ASOS / similar here / similar here

sunglasses = sunglasses, Jimmy Choo / similar here (£24!) / similar here (£6!!!)

bracelet = green agate snowdrop charm / turquoise stone moon bracelet

trainer/sneaker = trainers, Iris and Ink / same in blue satin / Iris and Ink footwear collection here

bag = bag, Reiss