AHH! It’s here! My last post before Christmas! Although I was initially going to hold this one out until the new year, a few people have asked when it’ll be up- so I thought, if anyone has any festive trips across the continent planned, this one’s for you, kids.
It’s not the normal ‘Christmas send off’ post I’d do- getting all festive and reflective, but seeing as hopefully it’ll act as a bit of a resource (and there will be a big ol’ hearty one on New Years’ Eve) perhaps this is a little bit of reading and travel inspiration just before you can hopefully put your feet up for a bit (or plan a not-too-far-from-home January escape).
Anyway! Last week I headed over to Amsterdam for the evening with KGA Beauty for a press trip. It had been a good four years or so since my last trip, but seeing as I truly fell in love with the city last time- I was ridiculously excited to catch it just in time for Christmas, as I’d heard some very good things- and seen it’s quite the hub for all things bright, beautiful and twinkly (put it this way, I saw a guy wheel a Christmas tree on his bike and nearly fainted with glee).
And honestly? It was even more beautiful than I’d remembered. Sometimes I forgot how close we are here in London to some of the most stunning pockets of Europe, and Amsterdam truly is that. With the plane ride less than 45 minutes (still. not. over it), you could quite easily spend a day here- and it would absolutely be worth the yawns and bleary first-thing eyes to spend the day wandering around the canals and sitting al fresco outside some of the beautiful cafes.
And this time of year it feels a little bit other wordly too. Like you’re stepping into a film set, filtered come 4pm with a rosy warmth and a biting chill as you meander along the streets, hopping past bikes flying past and catching the houses in the Gingerbread dolls houses flicker on.
During our first evening, we spent sunset on a boat tour along the canals, and nosing inside the house boats and watching peoples lives from along the water was magical (a peepers PARADISE). It’s funny how a family watching the Lion King on the water packs a little more romance than it would on land, isn’t it? But catching a glimpse into other worlds, whilst listening to Christmas songs with a backdrop of fairy lights will do that to you, I suppose.
You Must Remember To Visit…
All The Luck In The World Studio
Oh my god THIS PLACE. If you’re a fan of delicate, beautiful jewels than this place is a total treasure trove, Decked out with home wares, vintage interior picks and cabinets of all things twinkly, gift giving is a total one stop shop here.
Indianaweg
Possibly the best vintage we came across on our one night jaunt. This place is heaven. Beautifully curated, and never overpriced- there are rails of beautiful things- from one off specials to vintage Laura Ashley- swoon.
Love Stories
I know I’ve harped on about them here before, but the nightwear and undies here are unreal. There’s also their cafe next door, and everything is merchandised like a dream.
The Hoxton
I was blown away by how perfectly located The Hoxton in Amsterdam was, and although we only popped in for lunch (which was A*), can’t recommend here enough for an afternoon tipple or somewhere to rest at the end of the day.
Rijksmuseum
Whether you’re soaking up the culture, ice skating or just admiring it from along the river- this is a one stop shop for all things art and history and is absolutely stunning to boot.
Café Caron
I’m only half disappointed in myself that I noticed this place from it’s beautiful typography (oh god I’m a parody of myself) but this little French restaurant looks like a total dream, and next time I’ll be heading by with bells on.
Anna + Nina
There aren’t enough words to describe how much I love this place, but I’LL TRY. Stocking jewellery, home ware and clothing (every brand from Ganni to a cool young thing you’ve yet to discover), Anna + Nina is a total slice of heaven. Try leaving without a paper bag filled with goodies.
Penny Lane Vintage
Okay one more! This place was BIG. The coat and beret selection was pretty remarkable, and I could have easily spent hours fawning over every item. It’s not a quick one to pop in to, but I can’t recommend stopping by enough.
Festival of Light
One thing we did that was absolutely amazing was a boat cruise to admire the annual Festival of Light on Amsterdam’s waterways. Although you don’t have to experience this by boat, I can’t recommend it enough- and with so many tours going, it’s a completely magical and festive experience which is pretty unforgettable.
Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!
x
8 Comments
Ana
December 20, 2019 at 2:37 pmOh myy, such beautiful photos. You made me want to visit Amsterdam so badly.
Ana
http://www.amariarita.com
Julia
December 21, 2019 at 10:56 amI have never visited Amsterdam, and any time of year seems amazing to see it, but of course there’s always something so special about Christmas time. You took some gorgeous photos!
Have a wonderful Christmas Liv!
Julia x
Last Post: How To Build Your Christmas Wardrobe | https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-2019-how-to-build-your.html
Mariya Zafirova
December 22, 2019 at 5:33 pmLove the photos!
Mariya | https://www.brunetteondemand.com/
Lucy
December 23, 2019 at 7:42 pmSuch lovely photos, I visited Amsterdam earlier this year and it makes me miss it so much – one of my favourite cities!
Lucy | Forever September
Eva
December 24, 2019 at 10:24 amMerry Christmas!! <3 If you ever want to visit Rotterdam as well, I'll be your tour guide 😉
Loved reading this post.
xxx Eva
Neeltje | Thoughts in Style
December 25, 2019 at 12:59 pmSo much love for Amsterdam!!!
https://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Alexa Marsh
December 28, 2019 at 7:23 pmThese photos are absolutely beautiful! I have always wanted to travel to Amsterdam.
https://alexagmarsh.blogspot.com
Sian
January 6, 2020 at 10:57 pmGosh. I can’t begin to tell you just how much these photos make me want to drag all of the ornaments down from the loft and redecorate the house for Christmas all over again – tree and all! I visited Amsterdam a few years ago and loved everything about it – I think I may have to take my boyfriend this year. He’d adore it! I’m definitely taking note of all of these – especially Indianaweg!!