Of all the islands visited thus far on our trip, Panarea has definitely been my favourite. The white-washed walls, cobbled streets and winding paths make for an incredibly characterful location; buggy cars whizz past, beeping at pedestrians, delivering goods to various markets and shops. The very Italian, laid-back way of life seems interrupted yet enhanced by these speeding vehicles, and passionate Italian cries.
Leaving Lipari and stopping off briefly at Salina, we travelled onto our fifth island of the trip, catching some rays along the way. One of my new bikinis, picked up at Seirenes in Salina – which I fell in love with because of the majolica tile inspired print – is pictured here.
Couldn’t find my own two-piece (by Zeybra Swimwear, Portofino) but I think it must be inspired by the Dolce and Gabbana swim collection from last summer, such as the bikini pictured left.
You can find some highlights from the collection here.
But do not be fooled – these somewhat tranquil-looking photos of me soaking up the sun, feeling all chic in my new swimwear, and snorkelling to observe the sea life, were taken before my near-death experience. Keep your eyes p e e le d for jellyfish in the Mediterranean kids – I was literally attacked by a cute-looking pink squishy that wrapped its tentacles round my ankle and tried to suck my blood. No jokes. Needless to say I cried a number of unrepeatable expletives, which proved rather embarrassing in front of a crew of sexy Italian sailors who have experienced this and hella worse throughout their years at sea. But trying to keep it cool was not on the agenda when I thought my entire right foot was going to fall off. What’s that? Me? A hypochondriac? Never!
Having managed to collect myself and most of all calm my doting Grandma (who is still concerned that my foot is going to fall off), we set off to roam the streets and boutiques of Panarea.
In keeping with the ‘pretty in pink’ trend from this season, I opted for an entirely rosy outfit: shorts – vintage Levi’s by Urban Outfitters, (sold out but found some similar here in peach). Pink aviators – also by UO, silver sliders (similar pair by Kurt Geiger found on asos), and a pink shoulderless top by Golden Days Paris (couldn’t find mine but asos do a hot pink one which is gorge).
After browsing the colourful boutiques of the island, such as A’biddikkia and Buganville, we dressed for dinner at the island’s favourite fish restaurant, Da Pina.
The dress I wore is an old favourite of mine – a ba&sh number which skims the shoulder and always looks 10 x better with a tan. As does everything tbh. Tassel wedges are by kanna and bag by Valentino.
We finished the day with another beautiful sunset, setting sail for the volcanic Stromboli.
The Cat, the Kitsch, and the Wardrobe 