Holiday edit

Holiday edit

I love going on holiday! Don't you love shopping for new pieces to update your existing (and extensive if you're anything like me) holiday wardrobe? I love planning my outfits and packing. I love the airport, the flight and that feeling when you arrive and the heat hits you and you know you have a week or two of this ahead of you.

I have been on some great holidays, mostly in Europe but I have seen a bit of America and the east coast of Australia. My memories of these past vacations inspire my future holiday wardrobes. 

Ibiza is my beloved spot to visit. I love the hippy, boho beach style that works so well there. I love the white cotton sundresses against a deep tan, accessorised with leather sandals and gold or turquoise jewellery. I am inspired by Ibiza from spring to autumn. I love it. I've seen Ibiza in May, July, August and September. Warming up, super hot and cooling down. 

I have had a trawl of www.johnlewis.com and found some beautiful, summery pieces that I think are perfect for a summer beach holiday.

First up, swimwear.

I am really drawn to greens and blues in the summer.  Greens look great with gold, tan or black accessories. I like the Greek inspired blue and white print with plaited rope  detail, this again looks fabulous with tan leather or you could try chocolate brown, navy or white flip flops or sandals. I think taking a full suit is useful rather than all bikinis if you plan on doing any swimming or visiting a water park. The days when you feel a bit bloated too from a cold coke or basket or bread and aioli or fancy a bit more coverage they will come in handy. 

This leads me nicely to beach cover-ups. 

There are some beautiful kaftans and kimonos out this season. I am practical and take one printed kaftan and one plain one with me most years but this year I am loving a kimono so would be packing a few more if I was jetting off on a beach holiday. They come in handy for evening too when your shoulders are a bit pink and look elegant with a simple vest and tailored shorts or over a maxi dress.  

Sunglasses.

I have my eye on a few John Lewis pairs this year. I think a tortoise shell pair look stylish and go with a lot as do plain black but there's a lot more choice out there this season. I think I'll get a pair of gold aviators too. Hopefully they will last me a few summers. My Primark wayfarers were £1 each and have lasted a while but I want slightly better quality this year. My taste is changing.

Beach bag. 

I love a big beach bag. I use it as my carry on bag and can fit so much in them. A big beach towel is a must on holiday. You can pick up novelty ones there and leave them there or you could buy a nice one that you like and use it each holiday. I like this multicoloured striped one. So a big bag is necessary. 

Leather bags can be hot against your skin in hot countries. This metallic one has sold out but it gives you an idea of shape and size but also may encourage you to try different textures. For a bag that's a bit smaller but still has enough space for suncream, water and your book when you go on a day trip sightseeing, this bag is ideal.

Outfits.

So when you have your day trips on holiday or you go somewhere a bit nicer for lunch you need some smart shorts and a top. I love a Breton stripe and will be stocking up on these hopefully in the John Lewis summer sale which starts tonight online at 8pm and instore tomorrow from doors opening. 

Necklaces.

While sightseeing or eating lunch you can still keep your outfit simple but add a statement necklace for a little personality to the outfit. I love gold costume jewellery and this coin necklace is a fab grecian style I think. This coloured necklace is fun and a pop of colour. I think styling in magazines look amazing when jewellery is layered on with beachwear but practically it'll be too hot against your skin and look silly. 

Footwear.

You can use flips flops to and from the beach or the classic Birkenstocks maybe try a bold colour to keep them fun or a metallic version for a modern touch. When sightseeing you can use a more pretty sandal or an espadrille like these leopard print ones. I love the combination of a simple tailored short with a Breton striped tee with a leopard pump for your accessory. These metallic sandals are modern and stylish, I will pick a pair of these up in the summer sale. 

That is a daytime guide to your holiday clothes and accessories. I will try and put together an evening holiday outfit guide soon.

Enjoy your holidays X

Prom fashion

Prom fashion

So the proms are starting here in the UK. My little brother has his in July. I can't believe he's 16 and much taller than me already. He's just completed his GCSE exams! Crazy! 

Anyway, him and Dad have been to buy his suit and all the other must haves for prom. He bought everything from Next in Liverpool. Their website has a "Dapper Gents" section for styling a suit and a button to take you to the "Prom" section.

His school have planned a fab night for his year at a local golf resort hotel (where I go for my spa breaks - see previous posts). Sensibly, they have insisted all students meet at school and travel together by coaches so there's no competitiveness over the cars or limos etc at least. The outfits however are another matter.

What to wear for prom: The Girls

So I didn't have a prom. I had a small class of about 10 pupils and that was the entire year. It was a small, private, all girls school so a night out was as much as we did. (Can you imagine how boring our prom would of been!) But I can remember being 16 (it wasn't THAT long ago) and with working in fashion retail for 10+ years (selling brands including Ted Baker, French Connection and Coast) I have picked up some useful tips and ideas. Also, for the last 2 years I have worked as a personal stylist advising on fashion, colour and shapes. 

The Dress

I dislike the traditional strapless bustier knee length plain dresses. I don't think I ever have liked them! Then there's the floor length version. Traditional, not flattering and never to be worn again. I would avoid these styles unless you stumble on an absolute gem.

It's too late to get anything made now so I won't cover that but the fit has to be flattering. Fit and colour come hand in hand and are of as equal importance. However, if you find a super flattering dress fit wise but the colour isn't wonderful near your face there are some tricks to help that. The colour that's nearest to your face is the one that counts. You can use a complimenting necklace to break it up or play around with your makeup to make it work.

Shopping for your prom dress should be fun and a nice part of a the build up to a big occasion. I would recommend booking a free appointment in a department store with a personal shopper who can show you the shapes and colour that will suit you and are appropriate for the occasion. Go with your mum or sister rather than your friends incase they are jealous and steer you away from a great one so they can buy it themselves. Remember though, what suits your tall, brunette best friend might not (probably won't) suit you with your petite curves and fair hair (and vice versa).

Proms are held over summer here so a pretty summer dress with a statement necklace, neutral heels and clutch bag is appropriate. It's something you can wear again at a family wedding. This is usually what I suggest to clients. 

If you have your heart set on a long dress here are some fun, young styles. 

Essentials

Underwear: you'll probably need a good strapless bra in nude. I would recommend getting fitted in a department store. They are trained fitters and can advice you on the right size etc. Don't be shy, they fit bras all day everyday. If you need seamless knickers get nude ones. Don't bother with Spanx, you'll be uncomfortable. 

Heels: it's easier to dance in heels than flats. Don't go too high though as you want to enjoy your night and not be in pain. Try and get ones in a neutral colour with a thin ankle strap with a bit of a platform and a block heel rather than a stiletto. You'll be safer and not as wobbly which looks so much better and shouldn't fall off them or out of them as much. If you are wearing a long dress get it altered to just above the floor when you've bought your shoes so it's not trailing. If you go for a shorter style you could do statement shoes or neutral as they lengthen your legs and draw the eye to your dress not your feet. 

Clutch bag: preferably one with a thin strap that you can use later in the night when it's needed. Neutral is best but a jewelled one can add something to a plain dress. 

Angel feet & plasters: for the obvious reason, comfort. 

Bobby pins: for hair that comes loose from your updo, for dress straps that snap. Take a couple of safety pins too incase any zips bust. Pay for an updo, show the hairdresser the neckline of your dress and they can suggest the right look. Show them your ideas in photos. Search Pinterest and Instagram for the look you want.

Makeup: take a block powder to combat shine and the lipgloss or lipstick you chose to wear for touch ups. I would pay to have your makeup done for this occasion. Hopefully the makeup artist will consider your youthful age and style and give you a summery look.

Most importantly, think of the night as a celebration for your hard work and revision. A nice end of exams and the school year or education if you plan to get a job straight away. It's a big party. Have a dance and enjoy yourself. Your outfit should feel comfortable but it's the night itself you want to remember, not the dress. 

What to wear for prom: The Boys

You need a smart, slim fit suit. My brother bought his from Next. Burton and Topman usually have offers on with a free shirt or shoes around prom time. 

A crisp shirt: this could be plain or tiny polka dots or if you like pinstripes go for that. 

A slim tie or bow tie: plain or printed depending on the shirt. These usually come in an offer when buying a suit or if you buy a shirt you get free shoes etc.

Smart shoes: navy suits look great with brown or tan shoes. A black suit needs black shoes though. A grey suit works with either black and brown shoes. A leather belt to match. Fab socks: matching! Not white! Black, grey, navy or funky socks. 

The extras:

A pocket square? Don't match this to your tie if you're going for stylish. If you're going for traditional then go for it and coordinate. 

Sunglasses? You're only going to lose them. They'd look good on the photos outside the venue though if the sun's shining.

Be confident not cocky. Make memories. Ask the girls to dance. Tell them they look pretty. Make sure everyone is having a good night and nobody is left on their own. These are people you have spent years with, celebrate together.

Have an absolute ball! 

X

May payday splurge

May payday splurge.

Due to another bank hol weekend (our 3rd recently here in the UK - spoilt!) we were paid earlier than normal. This is great & feels fab in May but by mid June, the 5 week pay gap hits home. 

I have been picking up a lot lately, especially online. Some I've returned though. But I've been selling a lot on eBay too. I've earned £230ish from selling my unwanted items in the last 4 weeks. eBay take a cut but it's worth all the uploading and describing when you see your paypal pot mount up.

Things I actually need.

Really, I only need work wear of decent quality as I work full time so wear the items often. I want to look professional but stylish. I'm favouring a more modern and minimalist look of late. I want to feel comfortable. On my evenings and days off I need gym wear as I'm on a health kick.  I like comfortable clothes for lounging around and running errands in. I have such nice clothes for days out and evenings that I'm happy to wear something I've got. I tend to only buy things I can dress up and down anyway so for going out clothes I'm sorted.

What I will get my use out of.

I needed a thin waterproof jacket to wear to & from work the gym but as it's spring/summer, I didn't really want a black one. I decided on an aqua North Face jacket. It will come in handy for dog walking too.

The North Face £100

For work.

I decided to invest in some pieces from Whistles. I chose a dress with pockets that is machine washable, slim fitting and minimalist in look. I bought it in both navy and black. I can add a belt if I want to emphasise the waist too.  I feel smart in it and it is comfortable. 

Whistles Shona dress £95

I bought a navy version of a black Whistles skirt in a neoprene fabric that I'd bought a  while back when the brand was last on offer. So now I have both colour ways in that style. I have a few tops I can swap between. 

Whistles £75

Now I just need new work shoes and I'm set. I need boring comfy work shoes as I cover miles and miles every week in that shop!

For the gym.

I definitely could do with replacing my Primark tees with proper gym tops but I think I can hold out a little longer. I'd like 2 or 3 to alternate between. I need a spring colour hoody, I'd like an apricot, peachy colour to wear under the aqua jacket.

Nike £25

Nike £20

Things I want not need.

Depending on the weather I have numerous jackets and one smart coat to wear to work and on my days off if I do anything other than work out or dog walk. I like to wear a thin scarf with my outerwear to knish the look and add a bit of personality too. Put my stamp on the outfit. I bought an acid green/yellow thin scarf which will look fab with all my spring/summer jackets and my coat.

John Lewis £22

My trainers are fine but a more current style would be nice.

Nike £90

Spring footwear. I like the low block heel styles and in a different colour like a silver metallic for a change. I don't like feet and don't like drawing attention to my toes but a fuchsia pedicure and a fab shoe like these might not faze me too much!

Carvela £85

I wear skinny jeans or gym pants but never trousers. My height and build does not suit many trouser styles. I love the look of harem trousers with a t-shirt and denim jacket with cute shoes. But harem trousers don't suit me unfortunately. Again I love that look but swap the harems for tapered trousers plain or printed. Unless I wear them with heels no again not a flattering look on me. Next I am going to try a full jumpsuit with a denim jacket and change it up with Converse then block heels.

Warehouse £42

What were your payday purchases?

What have you got your eye on next?

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