We found this gorgeous spot among the cork trees last week whilst driving around Monchique. Completely calm, quiet and totally serene, hubby and I were immediately taken with it. Surrounded by cork trees, it would be the most perfect location for a house – pity we’ve already bought a plot elsewhere 😉
Cork trees
Did you know that Portugal produces half of all harvested cork trees worldwide? Once they reach about 25 years old, they’re then stripped of cork every nine years. The trees live up to about 300 years old. Nowadays, you can buy a huge multitude of cork products, with the most common being wine bottle stoppers. Jewellery, handbags, shoes, umbrellas, flooring, bulletin boards, shuttlecocks, and much much more. I’ve just read that it has even been used to make postage stamps here in Portugal!
Inspiration
Cork trees are completely full of character. Gnarled and unique. I just love to be surrounded by them, they really inspire me in the creative process of writing, especially when I’m writing urban fantasy books like Raven (one of my young adults books which is free to download, btw).
Outfit details
It was a tad chilly whilst we were there, hence my denim jacket – one which certainly gets a lot of wear. I actually thought my darker denim jacket looked better with this outfit but the its dark colour made me think of wintery months and not the fact that it’s nearly June! Both denim jackets came from Primark, surprisingly. When I was on a mission for denim jackets (!), I literally tried on every one I could find. The ones that fitted, and looked, the best were the ones from Primark. They were the cheapest too so what a result!
I love these Converse All Stars! I bought them in a closing down sale a couple of weeks ago. At first I thought they were a bit weird looking but now I’ve worn them a couple of times, they’ve totally grown on me. They’re such a fun shoe to wear – and perfect in the rain due to their waterproof rubbery material!
You’ve seen the chinos a couple of times on the blog recently, here for instance, when I wore them out to dinner with friends in Lagos. They’re so comfortable and versatile. What isn’t so great is their tendency to crease like mad, but you can’t have everything, I suppose! I bought them from C&A (their online shops are only available in foreign languages like Spanish and German, unfortunately) a couple of months ago.
Although I’m quite fond of pink, I usually find that pale pinks don’t really suit me. But when I saw this vest in a slightly darker shade, I was delighted to discover it looked quite good against my skin tone. Again, it’s a Primark purchase, of which I have quite a few in almost every colour!
Accessories
I found this cream necklace online, years ago. It was from eBay I think, but I can’t be entirely sure it was so long ago. I haven’t worn it much though, for some reason. The handbag came from a leather shop in Portimao (my nearest city) quite a few years ago too. Although it’s quite versatile and comfortable to wear, I do think it’s a little boring lol.
Thank you for all your well wishes this past week, by the way. Although I’m still very snotty and have dodgy sinuses, I’m feeling much more human at last! <3
LINK-UPS
Fine Whatever / Not Dressed as Lamb / Elegantly Dressed & Stylish / Living on Cloud Nine / Style Splash / Shelbee on the Edge / High Latitude Style / Honest Mum / Style Nudge
Those cork trees are amazing- very atmospheric. I remember reading that when plastic wine stoppers became popular there was a lot of worry in Portugal about the cork industry. Love your denim jacket – am still looking!
Author
Thanks Gail! Yes atmospheric is exactly the right word. You’re right, there was a lot of worry over here when those awful plastic stoppers were introduced. I really don’t like them at all. They just seem cheap too!
Suzy xx
Wow, I love the cork trees, what a magnificent spot to take in all the wonder and snap some darling photos! Love a good chino and that color of tank is fabulous on you!
Author
Thanks Andrea! We got lucky with this location – and so close to home too.
Hugs sweetie!
Suzy xx
You know I’ve never heard of cork trees…but they are pretty awesome!
Author
Sarah, they’re all over the place here in Portugal and they really are cool! Thanks for stopping by!
Suzy x
Wow, I didn’t know about cork trees. You learn something new every day. 🙂
#brillblogposts
Author
LOL I aim to please Nichole! Thanks for stopping by!
Suzy x
Great look. These cork trees are so interesting. Aren’t they? Thanks for joining the Top of the World Style linkup party.
Author
They certainly are Nicole! Thanks so much!
Suzy xx
Love this outfit, really cool, laid back and pretty. Fab location too x
Author
Thank you so much, Vicki! Lovely of you to stop by 🙂
Suzy x
Love this casual look Suzy! The pink tone is very pretty and I love a great cargo pant myself or chino.Pretty necklace! What a neat location!
Thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Author
Thanks Jess!
Hugs
Suzy x
Such a beautiful and tranquil location. I love the colour of your vest, it looks great with that pretty necklace. Glad to hear you’re feeling better. Thanks for linking up 🙂
Emma xxx
wwwstyle-splash.com
Author
Thanks so much Emma!
Suzy xx