Valentine's Day is all about love and while most of us tend to celebrate it with our better halves, this year I choose to share the love with my hometown as well (Mario, if you're reading this, please don't be jealous). Let me explain myself. This February, it will be two years of me moving out of Cospicua but my love for my city has never ceased - I dare say it grew stronger. I have always been proud of hailing from this charming city in the south of Malta, even though I sometimes get looked down upon for it. I never miss Easter Sunday celebrations which are probably the most sought-after in Malta (and if you've ever visited, you know I'm not exaggerating) or our beloved festa in honour of the Immaculate Conception. Going for a walk along Dock 1 is a breeze in summer and the old part of the town has a magical aura surrounding it that I truly cannot put into words.
Yet, unfortunately, there is this stigma that surrounds Cospicua and its inhabitants, from other locals but that is mostly because they have never experienced the true essence of being a Cospicuan. It pains me to see the name of my city being plastered across news headlines only when something bad happens, but luckily, the cards seem to be turning in our favour lately and our city is finally getting the glory it deserves.
It seems that other Maltese are finally beginning to see Bormla for what it really is - a city inhabited by people with a heart of gold, beautiful landscaping and old streets you can make you forget the rest of the world. Entrepreneurs are investing in this largest of the Three Cities and boutique hotels are opening their doors to guests wanting to experience the true essence of Malta. One such entity is BOCO Boutique, a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of Cospicua; and yes, it is as fancy as it sounds! I've had the pleasure of teaming up with BOCO Boutique for this project to bring you some outfit ideas just in time for Valentine's Day which I will, of course, celebrate with my better half, the first one for us as an engaged couple.
About BOCO Boutique
BOCO Boutique is a 6-roomed hotel, situated on one of the picturesque streets of Cospicua, just a short walk away from the recently renovated Dock 1 area. The majestic 400-year old town house, overlooks the town and provides guests with breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, Valletta and even Mdina, the former Maltese capital, from the penthouse suite on a clear day.
The name BOCO is derived from the two names of the town - BOrmla (in Maltese) and Citta' COspicua, the title bestowed upon the city by Grandmaster Fra Antonio Zondadari in 1722. The Grandmaster's wish was that Bormla thrives along with Birgu and Isla which together make up the Three Cities but his wish lay unfulfilled for almost three centuries. Thankfully, Bormla is finally getting the glory it deserves and places like BOCO further elevate its status as a grand town in this picturesque part of our island.
BOCO strives to remain faithful to Grandmaster Zondadari's wish and this is reflected in the decor of the house where traditional features and modern works of art adorn all six rooms and the rest of the house together in harmony. The hotel is full of quirky objets d'art co-ordinated in winning combinations which are bound to leave a good impression on guests for years to come.
Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas
Red is the colour of love and at the moment, it is one of the hottest colours to be seen in. I chose this top and skirt from River Island which combine red and flowers - can it get more symbolic than this? I doubt it ;) The flouncy sleeves work well in creating an interesting silhouette which is balanced with the skirt's cut. I opted for high shine rose gold metallic heels and accessories to really bring out the metallic details in the skirt.
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Top, skirt & heels - all River Island | Star stud earrings - Tommy Hilfiger
Ring, Victor Azzopardi Jewellers |
For the second outfit, I opted for a classic black ensemble. As soon as I saw this tuxedo playsuit, I knew it had to be mine. The fluted sleeves add a modern touch to this classic and the green tassel earrings lend it a bit of colour. I love how the Gianvito Rossi plexi pumps work with this outfit, giving the illusion of longer legs. I chose to wear a strappy bralet underneath it for a sexier edge and to lend the outfit some more femininity.
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Jumpsuit - River Island | Bralet - ASOS | Heels - Gianvito Rossi
Earrings - Stradivarius | Ring - Victor Azzopardi Jewellers |
This was indeed a project I thoroughly enjoyed working on with all the people involved in making it possible, but my favourite part was definitely having the opportunity to step into the stunning and unique BOCO Boutique in the city that stole my heart right from the start :) How will you be celebrating Valentine's Day? Any plans on what to wear already?
Location: BOCO Boutique, 65, Triq l-Oratorju, Bormla
Outfits and rose gold heels: River Island
Bralet: ASOS
Black shoes: Gianvito Rossi
Tassel earrings: Stradivarius
Star earrings: Tommy Hilfiger
Ring: Victor Azzopardi Jewellers
Lenses: Dailies Total 1 at Optika Opticians
Fashion Photography: GoRaw Photography
Makeup: Daniela Ebejer at Melita Health & Beauty
BOCO Boutique forms part of a chain of curated boutique accommodation and is operated by The Guest Experience Company.
