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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That floral dress looks gorgeous on you! What a perfect dress for a holiday in the sun 🙂 And I love the palm print bikini too!! I hope you have a lovely holiday Charlotte 🙂
Gemma x
The British Feather – Life, Travel & Home Decor
Thanks Gemma! x
Ahhh, we fly at the weekend to the Canaries, SO looking forward to some sunshine. My holiday purchases have mainly been for the kids, who have literally grown out of everything since last summer, but I did manage to order the Ascot dress from hush for evening meals out:
https://www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/ascot_dress_midnight.htm
Enjoy your holiday 🙂
Gorgeous Nicola! I too have bought quite a few things for Mabel….x
Look at you go with all the print / colour Mrs O. Not a bit of grey in sight!!
I bought the Ditsy Print Maxi after the Spring Knitwear post and I love it. Perfect print and weight.
Currently on the lookout for a kind of utility style jumpsuit in black or khaki after missing out on the perfect one from Hush ?
I’ve just place a massive Gap order for my mini maw’s holiday wardrobe. If Miss Mabel isn’t already sorted you should deffo take a peek. My fav is a little yellow candy stripe romper ?
Lynsey I have bought SO MUCH stuff for Mabel! And there probably will be more in the not too distant future! Must check out GAP though. Really looking forward to wearing the Ditsy and seeing some sunshine x
Loving the log and floaty coral number, saw this in Zara earlier today and tempted to get for our summer hols (also in P country!) which might be a good substitute? Love the drape back http://m.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/maxi/dress-with-layered-top-c400008p3307026.html
I love summer holiday wardrobe planning… Now what to wear in west wales for the bank holiday weekend in 11 degree rain! Sad crying face, I miss the sun!
That zara dress is ? Nicola. However I can’t decide which colour I like it in best!
LOVE this Nicola….might have to take a trip to Zara 🙂 x
This has come at the perfect time as we jet off to Portugal on Monday !!! Eeeek a little nervous as this time we have our 15 week old boy in tow with us !! Gorgeous maxis and swimsuit !!
Yay Angela! I love Portugal…..you will have a fab time. 15 weeks means he will be totally portable, I would recommend a sunsafe full swimsuit (SPF 40) as it will make you feel confident he is totally protected along with sunscreen x
How amazing do you look in that floral maxi?? Better than the model!!
I’m missing out on a holiday this year so trying not to look at all these beautiful summer bits but just had to stop by and say how fab you look!! x
Bless you Kate, you are very sweet. Maybe treat yourself to one of the camp maxis from ASOS? under £20….x
I too have that gorgeous maxi dress; you do look absolutely amaze in it Charlote. Sadly, I’m going to have to return mine as it fits perfectly but it’s just so flipping long! I feel like I have a train! I have debated keeping it and feeling all bridal and ethereal, but with a 10 month old to chase around I’m pretty sure it will just get wrecked…..I’m 5’4″ and ASOS petite comes up way too small, but any suggestions of maxi dresses to fit shortish people like myself would be wonderful….!
Cat I too am 5″ 4″, I will have to wear a stacked wedge….or get it taken up. I have it on with a 3 inch heeled boot in the images and it’s still long (i.e. on the floor)
Boohoo come up quite short I find – and super cheap! x
I just bought the same Birkenstocks in black before my last holiday, they are the comfiest things in the world!! I wore them non-stop for 3 weeks! Can’t wait til the weather gets a little bit better at home because I think they’ll look equally as good with jeans, a vest top and a leather jacket thrown on. Couple of tips if anyone else is planning on buying a pair – they are meant to feel big! So try to buy your regular size. The idea is your foot should not touch the front or back so it’s like walking barefoot, just adjust the strap if they feel a bit loose. And secondly, I got mine for around £40 on Amazon 🙂
Sarah I never wear my birkinstocks because I sized down and they really hurt! Good tip on getting your normal size x
Thanks Sarah…maybe I am more near a 4 then? They feel super comfy anyway! x
Ooooh lordy how have I never come across Free People before?! I can see this being an expensive wee browse!!
[…] you may have read my summer staples feature a few weeks ago, you will know I had recently bought a few new bits and bobs for our May […]
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