2 – Page 9 – Nicole Ballardini

{TRAVELS} PACKED MY CASE, WENT OUT OF OFFICE TO MALAGA WITH OTTERBOX.. AND IT WAS AMAZING!

Written by nickyinsideout on June 2, 2017. Posted in 2, Travel. 5 Comments on {TRAVELS} PACKED MY CASE, WENT OUT OF OFFICE TO MALAGA WITH OTTERBOX.. AND IT WAS AMAZING!

OtterBox organised an outstanding trip for us. We stayed in Malaga and road tripped for four days through Andalusia soaking up all the magical vibes that the South of Spain has to offer.

For my job nothing is more important than my phone and OtterBox had it protected all day every day! We had a whole spread of phone cases we could pick each morning! Thanks to OtterBox my phone is always safe, making sure I can always capture and share the best images with you and stay connected at all times! My favourite is their ‘Clear Collection’ and the case I am always using now is the ‘Stardust’.

I couldn’t wait to finally sit and write this post to show you where we stayed in Malaga, our itinerary, what OtterBox organised for us and, of course, what I wore during the trip!

We stayed just outside Malaga at Rancho del Ingles. This place is truly a hidden gem. If you visit Malaga it’s a must stay! In fact, I really look forward to go back with Emma and Menno one day.. I had a big crush on this B&B! It’s owned by a lovely couple who really made sure we all had a great time. They have an amazing eye for details and every corner was a shot occasion! I could have easily been spending the whole of the trip chilling in their garden by the pool, with a magical view overlooking the Spanish hills. But we had to much to do and experience..

We explored the city centre of Malaga where the colours are breathtaking and each little street has a cute spot to offer. We ended the day having mojitos and tapas overlooking the sunset from a rooftop bar. It was the perfect occasion to get to know everyone while enjoying the view!

On the second day we spent the morning in Frigiliana. It’s the cutest little town with a greek look, white houses, blue details and steps.. Loads of steps! If you visit Andalusia I strongly recommend to go and take the time to explore it and enjoy each little corner. It’s seriously too cute!

When I thought Frigiliana would have been already a blast for the day, then I had to rethink. OtterBox seriously wanted to spoil us this time and organised a boat trip for the whole afternoon! We just chilled with music and some bubbles and it was my favourite time! I just love being on a boat!

On the third day we were up early and drove a couple of hours to visit Alhambra and Granada. If you visit Andalusia my tip is to rent a car so you can really make the most of it! I think it would really be a shame to just stay in the same city for the whole holiday.. this region has so much to offer and so many beautiful places to visit! Alhambra was incredibly busy and I strongly advise to go very early in the morning to avoid the big groups. Besides the million of tourists this is the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen. Finally we had lunch in Granada city centre and spent the afternoon wondering the city and the local markets.

With 16 influencers, you can only imagine the amount of pictures which were taken! We seriously had a lot of fun and an incredible stay in Malaga. OtterBox really spoiled us and made our stay one of the best weekend of this summer and surprise surprise.. nobody’s phone crashed!! 😉 Content is safe!!.. Good news is, you can see even more pictures of our trip if you check out the #OtterboxOoO on Instagram!

Inside Out the Look:

Khaki Dress: American Vintage | Pink jumpsuit: Takko | Swimsuit and Cover up: Freya from Wacoal | Head scarf: Unmade | Spaghetti strap dress: Alix the Label | Straw bag: Kayu from Shopbop (more beach bags here, some on sale!)

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

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TOP 5 PINK SS17 PIECES FROM SOMEONE WHO HARDLY WEARS PINK

Written by nickyinsideout on May 15, 2017. Posted in 2, Fashion. 23 Comments on TOP 5 PINK SS17 PIECES FROM SOMEONE WHO HARDLY WEARS PINK

We’ve almost made it to summer (yayy!), and so it’s time to think what we will be wearing on holiday and those long summer days. You know I hardly wear colours but this SS17 got me to love some pink splashes here and there.

I thought of rounding up for you the 5 top pink accessories I am loving at the moment.. by someone who hardly, or I can say never, wears girly pieces and bright colours.

SEE BY CHLOE POLLY MINI BAG: One of my latest addition to my bags collection and wearing it in this post. It’s a little pop on pink in my spring/summer looks and loving the trendy metal rings and tassels at the front. I got mine from Shopbop.
GANNI LINFIELD TEE: Already on my wish list and can’t wait to wear it with denim shorts on those hot beach days. The pink faded peach print adds charm and cool touch to the simplest look!
ACNE STUDIOS AMINA NAPPA SLIDES: These flats would be mine already but couldn’t find them in my size yet! The style is so minimalistic that actually allow the pink colour and still makes you not too girlie! Loving the fold-over heel cap that can be worn up or down.
RIVER ISLAND FAUX FUR SNAFFLE BACKLESS LOAFERS: I was wearing these in one of my latest blog post (here) and still going strong!
MUSTANG PINK SUNGLASSES: this is a style I love seeing on other girls but unfortunately doesn’t work with my hair and skin colours.. you have to try them on and hopefully they work on you because they’re really cool!!

MY NEW ART GALLERY WALL AND A DISCOUNT CODE TO MAKE YOUR OWN!

Written by nickyinsideout on May 2, 2017. Posted in 2, Interior. 12 Comments on MY NEW ART GALLERY WALL AND A DISCOUNT CODE TO MAKE YOUR OWN!

I had in mind to create an art gallery wall for quite some time now. Finally I got my hands on it and I couldn’t be happier with the result!

I did some research and fell in love with the vast range of choices at Desenio. I love the fact I could also shop the different frames on their website. What was stopping me before it was the idea of having to browse and shop on so many different websites.. The idea appeared chaotic and not so appealing. On Desenio I could space from fashion posters to botanic, from world and city maps to quotes posters. Exactly the ‘cocktail’ I wanted for my art gallery wall. On top of it, I chose different colours frames in black, white and gold to spice it up a bit!

I found out creating an art gallery wall is the perfect way to make a personal statement at home, expressing who I am and what I like. Like the prada poster and cactus photo mixed with the black and white world map and quote print. I could simply space out between all the things I am passionate about. I want to see them every day and know I will not be bored of them! Finally I loved combining the different sizing, I feel it makes it more interesting and less perfectionist!

Today Desenio gave me the opportunity to help you build your own art gallery wall! You can shop on Desenio with a 25% off!! Use this code at check-out: nickyinsideout (valid 2nd-4th May only on posters). Now you can use your creativity and I can’t wait to hear what’s your favourite posters and see what you will create!!

Inside Out the Look:

Top: Scotch & Soda | Jeans: Levi’s vintage | Shoes: Acne Studios from Shopbop | Bag: Kayu from Shopbop

Decor:

Cactus: Modemusthaves | Crown: Wild Monarchy

Created in collaboration with Desenio. Story, styling, photograpy and creative direction my own.

3 SPRING’S BIGGEST DENIM TRENDS WE NEED RIGHT NOW

Written by nickyinsideout on April 20, 2017. Posted in 2, Fashion. 18 Comments on 3 SPRING’S BIGGEST DENIM TRENDS WE NEED RIGHT NOW

Without a doubt, denim is my sartorial best friend. Every season I continue to add my collection new washes and cuts. This spring, it’s all about the high waist with details: frayed hem and embroidery taking it to the next level. Today, I am showing you two denim looks – one more chic and one more casual – I have created in collaboration with River Island which include the three spring’s biggest trends of the season.

Mom jeans. This cut is my absolute favourite denim for several reasons and has completely replaced the beloved skinnies in my closet. I love this River Island model because the mid wash blue reminds me of a vintage look and the light colour is perfect for any summer styling. The relaxed fit goes with all my casual chic daily outfits and the distressed detailing is always a cool detail to have in our closet.

Embroidery. Sure you have noticed embroidery denim is everywhere these days! My favourite is the ones really subtle, with only a little bit of detail like these gold roses on the side.

The good news is, this week you can get your denim embroidered at the River Island Kalverstraat store until April the 23rd! Throughout the Amsterdam Denim days weekend River Island gives you the chance of making your jeans your own! You can customise selected denim styles purchased in-store with bespoke RI x UncoverLab laser tattooing or hand stitched personalised embroidery.

Patchwork and frayed hem. This denim mini skirt will be my most worn skirt from now until the end of summer! I love it because it embraces two of the biggest denim trend of the moment. The patchwork design adds personality and dimension to a regular denim mini skirt staple. I am loving the contrasting blue panels in large squares of this River Island one and it’s the perfect detail to be added to any summer weekend casual look!

Finally, the good news is not over! Don’t forget to enter the competition on my Instagram. You have to chance to win one of mine my River Island outfits and participating have never been that easy! Take a look here!

Created in collaboration with River Island. Story, styling, photograpy and creative direction my own.

CLOSET CLEAN OUT: WHAT GOES AND WHAT COMES IN!

Written by nickyinsideout on April 17, 2017. Posted in 2, Fashion. 7 Comments on CLOSET CLEAN OUT: WHAT GOES AND WHAT COMES IN!

Normally Easter period means to me going through my closet and do a big closet clean out to decide what to toss from the previous seasons. Obviously to make space for new summer clothes!

It can be difficult to let go of pretty things that once made our heart flutter.. Am I right?!

Let’s be realistic, this is not always an exciting task. There are better ways of spending a spring day off than being overwhelmed by our closet clean out. First step for a ‘successful operation’? Having clear in mind what we want to be wearing the coming season. Especially what we don’t want to be wearing any longer!

The main thing I will be tossing this season is skinny jeans! As a jeans obsessed person as I am – I wear jeans 7 days a week! – denim is literally my life partner. At the moment I am all about high waisted, straight and wide fits like these white denim culottes from Opus. I’ve been wearing culottes since they first came out and it was one of those love-at-first-sight trend which became part of my personal style, especially over the warm months.

My current passion for loose shapes extends to the tops too! Besides a big passion for statement t-shirts, I am going to make space in my closet for light coloured off and cold shoulders, bell sleeves, ruffles and loose shirts like this one, also from Opus, I am wearing today. Specifically this is very versatile and I wear it both boat neck and off shoulder. It’s the perfect piece to pack for summer holidays!

Finally, the verdict of my seasonal closet clean out is going to be all about ‘out’ the tight and skinny shapes to make room for soft and loose pieces. I just find them much more chic and flattering.

What about you? I am curious to hear what’s going to be your favourite summer style.. Leave me your comments!

Inside Out the Look:

Created in collaboration with Opus. Story, styling, photograpy and creative direction my own.