Bargain Fashion Basics {All Hail The Bodysuit}

This is the first holiday ever where I have worn all the pieces I have taken with me (ok bar one maxi skirt but I failed to get it altered before we left so essentially it didn’t fit properly). We’ll also gloss over the fact I somehow managed to forget to pack both pairs of fancy flats and my entire summer make-up collection…

No coral lipstick. No peach blush. No Urban Decay Naked Eye Palette. I think I spent so long making sure I had ALL the things for my daughter I seemingly forgot to organise myself. Oh well, at least Mabel had everything she needed and I managed to remember my bronzer and a weeks worth of knickers.

For summer daytime wear I can’t recommend these ribbed vest tops from ASOS enough. £8 each or £20 for three (actually only £16 for 3 in the sale as I type) they are great quality for the price and the adjustable straps mean you can have a bit of cleavage on show or none at all depending on your mood. If you have an ample chest or are between sizes I would definitely recommend sizing up. I ended up buying two packs and I wore one by the pool over a bikini, tucked into a maxi skirt, with my capri trousers…you get the picture. Uber versatile. And they also come in pink, coral and blue as well as your standard monochrome/grey.

On the subject of maxi skirts, I rate the high waisted ones from Boohoo – this paisley number looks far more expensive than the £12 tag would suggest. Also very adept at disguising the over consumption of pasta and Sauvignon.

We should probably talk about bodysuits. When they first came back on the scene I won’t deny I was all a bit seriously? recalling the awkwardness of crotch placed popper buttons and extra time required to visit the ladies loo. But then I wore one to a wedding last September and it was a revelation. You know how these fashion folk look ridiculously cool with a lose slinky camisole kind of “half” tucked in? Well, in real life as soon as you bend over the rest becomes untucked and you are left with creases and crumples around your middle. Or at least I am. The left hand snap in the header image above I am wearing said camisole, I love it but my goodness after picking Mabel up a few times it was all askew. The right hand image I’m wearing my favourite scalloped edged bodysuit and it stays put. Plus it only has two fairly large buttons which I find easy to do up AND it was only £12. I also have the Elisha sleeveless bodysuit in a variety of hues (the navy is lush) and it’s….£6. No it’s not the thickest most luxurious fabric in the world but I’ve found they wash well and it’s opaque enough to cover your bra so winner.

On the shoe front due to my epic fail all I had with me was a pair of major nude heels (H&M and ridiculously comfortable due to the platform sole) and some brown suede flats. And actually, this was fine – although my pretty silver and leather/studded pairs were missed. I’ve since bought these AMAZING almost flat espadrilles from Office. I won’t take credit for the discovery, I copied my friend Kelly – I walked through her front door and before I even said “Hello” demanded to know where she purchased her strappy suede. I have them in blush but they also come in camel, pink, mustard, gold, navy…..literally any colour you desire. At £48 they are not a bargain as such but I know I’ll wear them for years so for under fifty quid, price per wear is essentially pence.

Last but not least, does anyone else have difficulty reminding their partners to make sure they have clothes for holiday? I swear James is useless, always leaving it until the very last minute and then realises there is nothing he actually likes. Luckily I bought him a multipack of crew neck ASOS T-shirts (having been so impressed with the vests for myself) and they fit really well. He has since ordered various other shades which means he at least has some new warm weather garb.

Do you own a bodysuit? Have they been a revelation or does the whole bathroom visit faff put you off? Are you able to do the whole casual/cool half tucked in top thing? Do let me know your secrets in the comments section below.

P.S Top tip for the heat – if you apply your Urban Decay Naked Eye Palette shadows with a damp brush, they will go on extra shimmery and dry to a completely no-budge finish.

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