Soooali

Well after leaving you in the safe hands of all these brilliant Irish bloggers, I’m finally here! I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going to end up when the Soooali Grand Tour began. After arriving in Nice, I headed to San Remo and have spent the last couple of weeks working in Venice. Che bella!

Who would you take with you and why?

Well after travelling on my own last year, I decided to do the same this summer and it’s definitely been the best decision. But Venice is extremely romantic, so I wouldn’t mind someone special to go on a gondola with

What designer/brand would you seek out that’s made there?

A small island just beside Venice is Murano which is famous for their spectacularly coloured glass. On almost every street you can see the glass blowers, which is incredible. They make so many things from this glass, but in particular, the jewellery is beautiful and definitely worth a look.

Where would you go to eat and what would you order?

Italy is famous for their gelato. Forget your watery/icy sludge you get in Ireland, this stuff is the real deal. Special to Venice is Gianduiotta. This is a thick slab of rich chocolate, nut and praline ice cream served with a dollop of cream. The Venetians usually take it in a cup and sit beside the water to relax. Perfetto!

Where would you stay and why?

Venice city itself can be quite pricey, so if you’re on a budget, consider a commute. Oriago di Mira and other towns are only twenty minutes away and are still as beautiful as they are beside the river.

What have you packed in your overnight bag?

Olay Complete Care with SPF 15, Piz Buin Factor 30 and L’Oreal Millionize mascara, waterproof. Essentials!

What places will you be sure to visit?

Piazza San Marco, for the beautiful church and the Ducale. But there are also some nice hidden parts of Venice like Campo Santa Margherita which show you how the true Venetians live!

Describe the style of your destination.

Lively, carefree and creative. Venetians don’t have a particular style, but they are unique in what they wear.

What would you bring home as a souvenir?

Masks and costume shops are all over the place and I hate to be a typical tourist, but I would love one. If I had the money I would buy some of the animal masks which are incredible.

Finally, Soooali recommends…

Venice can be a bit claustrophobic with all the tiny narrow streets, so take a day out and visit Lido which is famous for it’s beach.

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Not only is he devilishly handsome, but Cillian O’Connor of Male Mode is full of knowledge too. He takes the Soooali Grand Tour to Berlin today!

Who would you take with you and why?

Probably Christopher Isherwood. Considering he had a fairly extensive knowledge of Berlin’s best during the famously debauched Weimar Era; he might not be a bad choice for the present-day.

What designer/brand would you seek out that’s made there?

Kilian Kerner - just to see what his work is like in the flesh as it were. Other than that? Thrift and vintage places.

Where would you go to eat and what would you order?

Mustafa’s at Mehringdamm - kebabs are everywhere you look in Berlin but these, I’m told, are the best. Monsieur Vuong’s on Alte Schönhauser Str. in Mitte is also pretty delish.

Where would you stay and why?

In my friend Sarah’s apartment in Mitte ‘cos because she’s amazing and it’s perfectly situated.

What have you packed in your overnight bag?

All the essentials: a book, a map and a camera.

What places will you be sure to visit?

Made in Berlin - a slightly pricey but brilliantly curated vintage shop; Garage at Nollendorfplatz - a huge thrift shop with loads on offer; a playground and Chantal’s House of Shame (if I’m arriving on a Thursday that is).

Describe the style of your destination.

Eclectic, laid-back, and in no way formulaic.

What would you bring home as a souvenir?

Photos from a Photoautomat.

Finally, Soooali recommends…

Get yourself to KaDeWe, Berlin’s biggest and best department store. It may be pricey, but it’s worth a look and has anything you could ever want. My advice is head to the very top for the food court and stuff your face with the most delicious cake!

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Today Becky from Becky Dazzler brings us to Milan!

Who would you take with you and why?

I would take my sister Catriona because I haven’t seen her in ages and we always have the best fun together.

What designer/brand would you seek out that’s made there?

Missoni! I love Missoni and would love to visit the head quarters that are based in Milan.

Where would you go to eat and what would you order?

I would go to a hidden away restaurant, where the food is good and local and try out some new dishes!

Where would you stay and why?

A cosy and pretty hotel in the heart of Milan.

What have you packed in your overnight bag?

Denim cut offs, cotton shorts, sunglasses, wide brim hats, and white vest tops.

What places will you be sure to visit?

The flagship stores of designers such as Prada and Dolce & Gabanna, any unique little boutique and obvious tourist attractions.

Describe the style of your destination.

Black, chic and classic.

What would you bring home as a souvenir?

I’m really into vintage at the moment so I would love to hunt down some cute sequin jackets and pretty summery dresses.

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