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Sydney-based fashion creative, Arianne Witt, shares her favourite spots and sights in the enchanting and vibrant city of Victoria in British Columbia, paired with her must-have frames. 

I recently spent the summer in a dreamy seaside city in British Columbia called Victoria, situated at the rocky southern end of Vancouver Island. To get there it’s a beautiful scenic ferry ride through the Gulf Islands from Vancouver across the Salish Sea, where you can spend the duration of the sail orca-spotting as you make your way across the bright blue waters. 

Escaping the Australian winter and chasing summer, I headed to the northern hemisphere where the days were warm and the nights were balmy. Sundown wasn’t until 9 pm and we watched a golden sunset every night in awe, whilst adventuring around the city, soaking up the rich history and heritage of its architecture and culture. 

When it comes to overseas travels, I like to try and pack minimally but still have fun pieces that add a pop of colour or make an outfit feel more special. For this trip, I packed my most-loved green Bottega Veneta BV1144S Sunglasses and they were the perfect accessory, especially in a city full of bright-hued floral beds and lush greenery. 

The cat eye silhouette is a no-brainer for me and something I always reach for, it’s a classic shape that I find suits my face shape and adds that final pizzazz to a look. Especially with the gold detailing on the sides, which compliments the gold jewellery I love to wear every day. I think it’s definitely smart to pick a universal shape that can be easily worn with different outfits when you’re running low on space in your suitcase.

One of my favourite things about travelling is the memories that items we wear hold and the stories they tell. I love that these sunglasses will carry so many memories from this holiday - helping to create a visual snap shot in my mind of moments like watching the orcas frolicking in the ocean as the green and gold of my sunglasses glisten in the sun. To sitting pretty on the bedside of our hotel after a long day of sight-seeing or being worn to the local wine bar on a Friday afternoon, complimenting the bold green hue of the big bowl of Sicilian olives.

If you have the pleasure of visiting this city, here is a little travel guide of some of my favourite spots -

Nubo for delicious Japanese, their sushi rolls were amazing and hot tip: sit at the bar so you can watch the chefs work their magic. This area is of course well known for their incredible wild salmon and alaskan crab so this is naturally an absolute winner. 

Red Fish Blue Fish is a casual eatery situated on the pier - don’t be intimated by the long-ish waiting line that’s usually there. It moves quickly and their seafood is most definitely worth the wait. I recommend going for dinner so you can watch the sun set right in front of you. 

II Terrazzo and Pagliacci’s are date-night worthy spots and if you want a cute diner experience for brunch then add John’s Place to your list. 

Tourist is a very sweet wine bar with a plethora of natural wines and delectable bar snacks like local oysters, anchovies and steak frites. The atmosphere is 10/10 and an absolute delight on a summer evening.

There is a place called Peacock Billiards and Bistro that is basically full of brilliantly designed vintage-esque pool tables with walls covered in the most interesting large scale paintings and tile artworks. You can spend your day like a local playing a few games of pool whilst eating Canada’s national dish, poutine!

We stayed at The Fairmont Empress which was an other-worldly experience. It’s a sophisticatedly designed hotel and is included as one of the world’s 21 most iconic hotels (fun fact: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed there!) - you really do feel like you’re staying in a castle on the coast. It’s a dream location as you’re right across from the Harbour and very close to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. It’s also adored for its afternoon high tea, so be sure to book in if you visit. 

They often have markets on during the weekend along the harbour so keep an eye out, it’s a great way to buy from local makers, creatives and artists.

 Museum hop, stroll along the harbour, visit The Butchart Gardens (A vibrant flourishing garden that was started in 1904!), wander through the villages as you’ll find a treasure trove of local shops and quaint cafes, whale watch and immerse yourself in the heritage of Victoria. 

Another great thing about Canada is that saunas are a common way to relax and rejuvenate, so there are some great one-of-a-kind wellness spots around like HAVN - a floating space on the harbour with hand-built saunas, hot tubs and cold plunge pools as well as Ritual which is a Nordic Sauna house. There are also a lot of stunning natural Hot Springs around for you to explore and enjoy. Heaven! 

Journey with @lola_jagger to the dreamy seaside city of Victoria in British Columbia as she details her must-see places and the sunglasses she pairs with the lush and floral-dotted landscape.

Journey with Arianne Witt | Sunglass Connection

Journey with Arianne Witt @lola_jagger to the dreamy seaside city of Victoria in British Columbia as she details her must-see places and the sunglasses she pairs with the lush and floral-dotted landscape.


Lisa Danielle Smith, content creator, business owner and mother hailing from Byron Bay, shares inspiration through her travels abroad and her perfectly paired frames. 

Where did you grow up, and where are you currently located? 

I grew up on the sunny Gold Coast! And now we live in the beautiful Byron Hinterland. 

Ohh everything! The architecture, the deep culture, the art, the food, the fashion & the fabulous locals.

We want to know which parts of Paris you find yourself visiting time and time again. 

There are so many areas of Paris we love for different reasons, Le Marais for vintage shopping, Pigaelle for delicious food & bakeries, the 5th for Jardin Luxembourg, and of course Jardin Tuileries & the Louvre take my breath away every time we visit.

What does a typical day in Paris look like for you, and which sunglasses can we expect to see you wearing throughout the day? 

We start our day walking to a bakery to get coffee & croissants! Or if we’re lucky there might be a farmers market on where we can get some beautiful fresh fruit. We’ll then take Gigi to Jardin Luxembourg for a play, and then we’ll walk the city as she naps in her pram. Visiting museums, stopping at restaurants & maybe a bit of shopping! The afternoon we’ll visit the park again for Gigi, find her a Nutella crepe & then wander along the seine for Sunset. You’ll find me the Saint Laurent Tort SL 557 shades.

For those who haven't been to Paris, how would you describe the Parisian architecture and style in three words?

At the moment I am loving Elsa Hosk & Emili Sindlev… I’m also always a fan of Hailey Bieber's cool effortless style. 

Finally, what is one pair of sunglasses that you couldn't live without?  

Of course these Miu Miu 11WS in tort! They’re so cool & go with everything. 

Journey with Lisa Danielle Smith as she seeks inspiration through beautiful architecture and deep culture while wearing her favourite Miu Miu sunglasses.

Journey with Lisa Danielle Smith | Sunglass Connection

From the Byron Hinterland to the City of Lights and everywhere in between. Journey with @lisadanielle_ as she seeks inspiration through beautiful architecture and deep culture. 


Ally May Carey, a creative from Sydney, Australia, shares her inspirations, favourite places to explore and must-have frames.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in your career?

The beginning of my career in the fashion industry started as a model when I was 17. As a side project, I began blogging and selling vintage clothes! A few years into blogging it became my full-time job and I decided to leave the modelling industry!

Now, I am a full-time photographer/creator. I have been studying graphic design the past 2.5 years, and have 6 months left until I am finished! I love being a creative and know I will always use my creative skills for my career.

Art, everyday people, travel, interiors, light, texture, pop-culture, music, films, vintage.

What are some of your favourite places to visit? 

How do you find inspiration for your content when traveling and exploring new places?

I find that travel automatically inspires me. The culture, the new people, the sights, the smells. Everything is new to the senses, and it just excited me. I think as well, because you’re relaxed, and you’re not working per se, you’re just creating because you want to.

I always travel with a note pad, film and my digital camera. 

What does a 'normal' day in your life look like and where can we find you in your sunglasses?

I don’t know if any day is normal for me. As a freelancer, I am always working on different things. I try to set up my mornings as the routine of my day - you’ll catch me walking my dog, Bowie in some fresh air, and sunglasses on.

Favourite place to explore, eat and shop.

Primary Coffee Potts Point if I am in the city

Harrys Bondi for my morning coffee or iced Matcha

Join us in experiencing a day in the eyes of Ally from @allmaycare whose awe-inspiring journey in the fashion industry sees style, creativity and inspiration intertwine.

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