THE SUITCASE CHALLENGE DAY 6 - HANOI

Blank NYC high waist jeans via Shopbop, Lowry's Farm jumper, Topshop boots, patchwork bag from the Viet markets

I'm not gonna lie, I was thoroughly enjoying myself in Hoi An. It was a little bubble of calm, of leisurely seaside days, spring rolls and coconuts, old towns and colourful lanterns.

Then we hopped up to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and were instantly snapped out of that little bubble. We were back in the midst of constant car honking and where it was perfectly fine to drive against the flow of traffic. Moving around in a city like this called for comfort and practicality, and a slouchy jumper, jeans and flat boots was probably a no-brainer ensemble. 

But let me talk about these jeans - they're blue. The last time I wore blue jeans was actually in the year 2006, before jeans were phased out altogether in my wardrobe vocabulary. Floral and coloured assortments (slowly) drew me back into the world of jeans last year, and I am now in love with these vibrant blue, high-waisted ones by Blank. I truly have a newfound appreciation for their comfort and versatility once you find one that really fits like a glove and am already on the lookout for more to join the family! 

So thanks, Blank.

Photos by Thomas Lo

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the suitcase challenge day 5 - hoi an

ASOS blouse, Zara shorts, Missoni x Havaianas thongs

This floral on floral get-up might or might not have been inspired by these lovely women in Hoi An - in fact there were lots more of them clashing their prints in the most natural and oblivious sort of way that I found most intriguing and was quite delighted by! 

I don't think I'll ever tire of florals - as long as they keep varying in print, colour and material, and sheer florals (something that features a fair bit here) will only continue to inspire my outfits. This blouse with its floral collar and sheer shoulder and back panels easily caught my eye and pairing it with my favourite Zara shorties for a explosion of soft florals seemed fitting for yet another relaxed morning by the sea - before we headed off and were shocked back into the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

More on that soon - instagram knows where it's at x

Photos by Thomas Lo

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the suitcase challenge day 4 - hoi an

Decjuba floral dress, patchwork bag from one of the local markets

Hello from An Bang beach, Hoi An, where we enjoyed the clear skies and a mini Viet feast on the beach - a single serve of 9 spring rolls for under 3 bucks proved to be the best crunchy snacks I've had so far! Love the mish mash of colours in this breezy sheer floral dress and this little patchwork bag I scored at the markets here. In fact, these bags come in all shapes, sizes and colours here and you see them all around town!

I'm off now to find myself some bun bo nam bo for breakfast - promise I'll be back for more updates soon x

Photos by Thomas Lo

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the suitcase challenge day 3 - hoi an

Lula & Rose crochet fringe top, ASOS bikini, Minkpink x Nastygal denim shorts, Lovisa necklace; Tony Bianco sunnies

Sun, sand and the sea - this little town of Hoi An is an unexpected mix of new and old, with numerous resorts dotting its beachfront while its World Heritage-listed ancient town still retaining much of their old, traditional cultures. So thankful there was amazing sunshine today (it's been raining all other days) that was perfect for this delicate crochet top to come out and play.

In the quaint little town food stalls with their mini-sized furniture are all over the streets and both children and the elderly squat roadside selling paper lanterns - which are released into the river and make quite a pretty sight at night. Everything from pancakes to crepes to spring rolls is bundled in yet another layer of rice paper before eating, and I might have just found my favourite Banh Mi stand! 

Photos by Thomas Lo

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