I know what you’re thinking, summer? already?! Didn’t you just tell us all what spring knitwear to invest in seemingly five minutes ago? Yes folks. Yes I did. But I also booked a last minute holiday to Portugal and we fly in less than a fortnight…and I have NOTHING to wear.

Ok so this is basically a big fib. But the truth is, I don’t love any of last year’s ensembles and I’m determined to move towards more colourful fabrics and comfortable styles. Bar a linen maxi skirt that I have owned and adored since 2007 (True story, I’m worried it might actually disintegrate) I’m very fickle when it comes to sunshine suitable attire, favouring cheap throw-away pieces that don’t wash particularly well and come the following year, I wonder why I ever bought them in the first place.

Anyway, enough about my closet calamities, I am actually rather proud of my recent purchases. My suitcase will be considerably lighter (or at least in terms of clothing, cosmetics is another matter entirely) and I feel an altogether more capsule approach will make getting ready every day easier – especially when I have a two year old, who mainly likes to be naked, to endeavour to dress as well. Of course this isn’t everything I’m hoping to include as we approach warmer climes so please do leave me (plenty) of ideas and links in the comments box below!

Dresses And Skirts

One of the first items I treated myself to was the flutter sleeve floral maxi dress you can see in the header image above. Super flattering and actually quite transitional – you can easily wear it when it’s a little on the cooler side with a leather or denim jacket and ankle boots. I wear it with hold ups (so my legs don’t catch a chill) and my favourite Tulsi suede with tassels. There are not many sizes available as I type but the Tea Soft Wallpaper Print Maxi is almost identical in shape and cut.

I bought this Ditsy print number a while ago now, such a bargain at £20. I think the whole of the Rock My Ltd may in fact now own one as well. Again not many sizes left but they do come up on the larger side – you could easily get away with a size or two smaller than what you would normally opt for. Also I REALLY wanted this beautiful coral pleated number but alas…..none left in my size (really sad face). However please can someone buy it for their holiday? Would look amazing with darker skin tones or a (fake) tan.

I treated myself to a luxe tiered maxi skirt from Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply, which has since sold out everywhere unfortunately. However, I do have my beady eyes on this stunning watercolour floral equivalent from Karen Millen (I’ve been in to the store and touched the fabric and everything, it’s gorgeous) and also the Smooth Sailing Maxi Skirt from Free People. The latter is rather ooh la la with a bit of sexy leg flash.

Swimwear

We should probably talk about this palm print bikini from Warehouse. It’s the best in terms of fit and the fabric is soft and heavy duty in a good way – at £45 for the top and matching bottoms it isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s almost half as much as I’ve paid for my favourite Australian brand Seafolly before now and I’d say the quality is similar.

This bright Apricot set from H&M is also lovely and under twenty quid, the briefs actually cover your bum properly and the top gives excellent cleavage AND you can buy it in bra size, rather than clothing specific (Who has size 6/8/10/12 etc boobs anyway?!)

I have difficulties with swimsuits, I’m petite but I do have a bust – I find they are often unflattering and kind of squash your chest and dig into your behind…? This palm design from John Lewis is great though. There is enough support and padding to ensure your chest is lifted and distinctly not squished. It also has medium tummy control built in so I’m looking forward to not caring when I over do it on the almond magnum ice creams.

I’m yet to buy anything “short” as yet, but there are still 13 shopping days to go! I have however stocked up on my go-to vest tops though (currently 20% off on a pack of two) and a pair of the Birkenstock Mayari Cross Strap Sandals in Mocha. Super comfortable to walk in and this style is distinctly more delicate than the Birkenstock regular designs. I would advise going down a size as they come up HUGE. I am a 4.5/5 and even the 4 is on the roomy side.

Happy Summer Shopping you stylish lot you!

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