Introducing Michela Chiappa
Michela Chiappa
Where is home for you?
I am from from Wales/Italy but currently living in Dorset. I live with and remotely with my extended family (my sisters and 1 move in with each other every summer for 6-8 weeks with our 9 children to give them the experience of Italian mountain life just like we did. They are all bilingual and it is a magical chaos - intense for us mums but memories for life for the kids.
Tell us more about your passion for food.
My absolutely passion is to try and help EVERYONE cook from scratch - I am not a chef but I grew up in an Italian household where food was at the centre of everything we did. Not just the place to eat, but the kitchen table was where we socialised, chatted, argued and cooked together. Cooking for families can be tough with the faster paced lives we now lead BUT I am trying to help people keep this alive by sharing simple, yet tasty family meals anyone can attempt.
How does nature inspire you?
I have realised the past few years that I need to be outside as much as possible - the fresh air and outdoors changes my mood instantly. If I could cook everyday outside that would be my dream but nature and the green that comes from nature and plants is what gives me the best mood booster! I have also recently discovered a love for gardening.....I can't just sit outside, I have to be busy and gardening combines the two!
What do you love most about time spent in nature ?
The mental space it opens up for me
What is your favourite way to spend a weekend?
Cooking being outside and with my family
How would you describe your style?
100% RUSTIC - I have always been wowed by other mums who look so sharp and perfect and slick....I can't ever keep my clothes clean or unruffled. I like to look nice but I am always that person that splatters something on me within seconds that I put it on. So earthy clothes and easy to wear pieces with a little nod to something unique/standout is my fav. I love a splash of neon or colour mixed into a classic timeless piece. Navy's, biscuits and whites I love too.
Which are your three favourite pieces of Cape Cove clothing and why?
- My denim dress I will never give up. It is sooooo comfortable and easy to throw on whilst being hard wearing (and hides a multitude of sins!). I love how the belt gives it shape as I'm not great with loose fitting clothes as I think they make me look bigger than I look, however, I can pull it in or loosen it depending on my mood (and what I've eaten!). I love that it's got a classic feel and yet the embroidery makes it stand out and unique. The quality is also incredible without it being too heavy to wear.
- The Sadie Scoop swim suit is an absolute dream - I don't normally invest in my swimwear but now I know why it's worth it! It is incredibly comfortable and holds everything in whilst being super stylish.
- The Carla dress is another massive favourite of mine. The cut and style are really flattering and the colour so easy to wear either dressed up or down with a pair of sandals. I love the shape and could have this in every colour that existed!
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to go back to Bali with my kids - it was one of the most dreamy, naturally outdoor places I've visited....warm breezes, water, mixed with greenery and nature....
