firststreet denisse

In many ways, moving to a new country is like dating someone new. First there’s the getting to know them stage; you’re a bit uncertain and insecure as you tentatively seek out information, armed with a generous dose of superficial judgement. Stage two equals the exhilaration phase. You’ve decided you like it so you’re swept up in the moment, thrilled at the prospect of something so new and exciting. You’re blind to faults, you go with the flow… It’s going to take 2 weeks to open a UK bank account? No problem! I don’t mind draining my savings while I wait, it’s obviously a very thorough process… The supermarket is only open for 6 hours on a Sunday? That’s fine – work life balance right? I’ll make sure I’ve got no plans between 12-6pm to grab those groceries… The Piccadilly line has severe delays [again]? That’s ok, I’m fine with a 2-hour commute, think how much of my book I can read… Rose coloured glasses, anyone? But once those come off, around about the year-and-a-half mark, say hello...

I feel rather guilty to admit that I didn’t take advantage of the sales this Christmas. What with my Dad around, there was no time for shopping. Thankfully I see there’s still plenty of bargains to snap up, some of which I’ve noted below for you. Check out my first street style babe round-up for 2016. Dress  /  Heels  /  Necklace  /  Bracelet Va va voom –  Khloe Kardashian  is sure looking sexy lately with that new bangin’ hair cut. Love this deep plunge red dress on her that hugs her curves in the right places. Finish with understated accessories. Knit / Coat  (sale!) / Jeans / Trainers / Bag   Ahhh Olivia Palermo , there she goes again with her effortless style. This time in a chic boucle coat, leather-look skinnies and platform trainers. And, looks like she hit the Zara sale herself! Jacket  (sale!) / Jeans / Top / Boots / Choker Channeling a bit of a Kate Moss style, Kendall Jenner looked understated and chic in LA i...

I grew up with the notion that January was one of the greatest months of the year. In Australia it was part of the Christmas holidays, the start of an exciting year ahead, I was often at the beach and temperatures sat around 30 degrees. Bliss. Londoners think January is the most depressing month of the year. Funny that. I mean it’s gotta be the weather – the Poms believe this so much, they even have a day for it. Blue Monday. It falls on the third Monday of the year. Supposedly it’s the day you’re likely to be the most depressed… I have to disagree because despite the zero degree weather, January always has me excited at the prospect of what the new year holds. Blizzard or no blizzard. Empty bank account or not. However, if you are feeling a little down, might I share with you my 5 favourite pick-me-ups. Dog Videos Honestly, I could wile away several hours each evening sifting through all the animal videos in my social feed, particularly those featuring confused and/or adorable pups. I...

If you hadn’t already guessed by my Instagram posts, I’ve had a bit of a shift in abode recently. Sadly it’s not a permanent move, but it’s one I’ve absolutely loved all the same because for 10 days I’ve been able to call South Kensington home. It all came about when Dad needed to hang around London for longer than expected for work and so rather than him hanging around a hotel, I found this gorge little air bnb which I’ve been able to call home for a few beautiful days. On the doorstep of the Natural History Museum and with its luxury lounge and significantly better-stocked kitchen [than my own], I’m been in seventh heaven. SW7 to be specific. My little taste of luxury has had me in raptures over gorgeous homewear and ways I can decorate my own little abode. Here are some of my favourite picks… Picture / Lantern / Mug / Cushion (a steal!) / Fairy Lights / Rug / Blanket / Candle / Paris Book / Chanel Book / Agate Book Ends Share your comments with me on  Instagram , ...

Verona. To me I will always associate this Italian city with Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets. We stopped off here on our way back to London as the final leg of our Italian Christmas extravaganza. And what a way to finish. This city is magic. From its historic walls and mini colosseum to its winding alleys and iconic squares. Sights I quickly decided after arriving here that Verona would be a fantastic place to live, particularly if you’re a creative type. There’s no doubt that writers and painters would feel completely inspired by this ancient walled city. Historical buildings greet you at every corner, each with a story to tell. The warm shades of peach, terracotta and yellow peek out at you as they line the streets with locals zipping by in their bicycles or ambling past with their pooches. Verona’s Cathedral is a sight to behold... As is the nearby Ponte Pietra bridge... And of course you can’t miss the central Piazza Erbe. I also stopped in at Juliette’s balcony (sadly it’s no...

After many Italian adventures over Christmas we decided on a day trip to cross the border and visit Innsbruck. Hello Austria! Having been on my travel wishlist for many years, I was excited to see this colourful little town nestled in the valley of the mountains. Upon arrival I thought “it’s pretty yes, but their tourism board must be very savvy”. It’s a quaint little place and very picturesque around the river however it didn’t quite overwhelm me as I had expected it would. All the same I enjoyed my first Austrian experience. Sights My tip would be to spend a day here, two max. The city centre is a compact little place so I don’t think you need any more time. Start down by the river and take in the sights of the colourful homes set against the mountains. Then wander up towards the park before looping back into the centre of town. Innsbruck Cathedral is an impressive sight and you can’t miss the Golden Roof in the main square. Back in the day the Emperors used this balcony to watch fes...

The best thing about living in London is having friends from all over the world. My beautiful friend Valentine is a gorgeous Italian from the Southern Tyrol region at the north of the country. Her home town is a quaint little place called Merano and boy can I tell you, it was a magical spot to spend Christmas. I’ll try and keep it short and sweet with this one because I think the photos simply speak for themselves. Behold the serenity…   That's my Dad, he came over to visit for Christmas Sights Mountains, mountains everywhere. Literally. They surround every inch of this scenic part of the country. Driving up to Merano from Milan felt like the beginning of a fairytale, I was just waiting for a knight in shining armour riding a horse driving a Ferrari to appear. We passed many-a-little-village, each as charming as the next and ooh'ed and ahh’ed at the historic castles perched on the mountains’ cliff edges. Merano itself is a spa town know year-round for its thermal pools. With a...