Exploring North Amsterdam in La Redoute

Dress*: La Redoute

Leather Jacket*: AllSaints via John Lewis

Tights: Primark

Reebok Classic Trainers: Urban Outfitters

A couple of weeks ago I returned from my fifth visit to the Netherlands over the past two years. Ever since I first stepped foot in Amsterdam in the February of last year, it stole a little piece of my heart and I've felt unsettled ever since. There's just something about that city that has a hold on me and draws me back continuously. We usually spend our time in the Netherlands capital walking as far as our legs can carry us along the winding canal belts, because that's exactly what a city break should be about. Admittedly, we kind of suck at the more tourist aspects of things and despite our numerous visits, we still haven't seen a lot of the tourist attractions. Instead we seek out flea markets, engage with locals, drink until the early hours, eat as much as physically possible and explore the suburbs. This particular trip we found ourselves north of the city, and just when I thought I couldn't fall in love with Amsterdam anymore we found Amsterdam-Noord.

A short, free ferry trip from Centraal station is this industrial plain with shipping containers that have been converted into restaurants, warehouses filled with secondhand treasures, cute little bars dotted with fairylights and street art canvassed over every single surface. It's just wonderful. If we were ever to up sticks to Amsterdam, the north would be my first area to search for a home.

Dressing for a city break isn't my strong point; how do you find the perfect balance of stylish and comfortable? I'm one for floaty, vintage maxi dresses and platform boots, which usually leave my feet a little worse for wear by the end of the day. I never usually wear trainers, but for a week of walking around the cobbled streets, they're pretty much a must! Luckily before we left I found these metallic copper Reebok Classics, which are my favourite trainers in the world right now!

This velvet, smock dress from La Redoute is warm enough for a winter wander around the markets when teamed with a leather biker too. An added bonus is that I can eat as much street food as possible and any inevitable food babies will be kept conveniently concealed beneath a sea of velvet. The last thing I need when planning a winter feast is a restrictive waistline, so I tend to always steer clear of jeans otherwise that top button will be a poppin'!

This outfit is actually being entered into a La Redoute competition to win a trip to the festive Paris xmas markets. Now I'm not expecting to win, but if you fancy voting for me here I'd be absolutely made up! I've never been to Paris before and I really, really like Christmas, so a girl can dream. It just takes a little Facebook like to vote for me if you think I deserve it, of course.

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