My favourites: the floral crop

What's better than a cute crop top? A cute floral crop top, that's what. They really are great - team with high-waisted shorts/skirts/jeans and you're good to go. Dress up or down, just be sure to make the most of them during summer. Stay top of the crops with my favourite five. 

1. The Embellished One

Floral Embroidered Crop Top, £125, Raishma at House of Fraser

2. The Sheer Mesh One

Floral Mesh Cropped Blouse, £25, Glamorous at Topshop

3. The Bodice One

Endless Rose Short Sleeve Floral Print Crop Top, £48, House of Fraser

4. The Off-the-Shoulder One

Sunflower Floral Crop, £15, Nasty Girl

5. The Bow One

Marguerite floral-print cotton cropped top, £225, Rebecca Taylor

Personal Shoppers - the check list

Image: Luxeexperiences

There are moments in life when a personal shopper is an absolute necessity. I'm thinking weddings, balls and other special occasions. Rather than trudge through rails for the 'perfect' outfit, not knowing where to start, sometimes we need a little extra direction. I'm yet to use one (mainly because I just love trying on evvvvverything...) but if you're short on time, this is the answer.

The demand for personal shoppers is on the rise -  for many, it's a full time job. Selfridges, House of Fraser and other luxury department stores have them. Retailers like Topshop are also rolling out the service, offering options such as 'The Big Event' to 'The Wardrobe Overhaul' (both free of charge).

So, what should you look for when deciding to hire one?

They have experience

Just as personal trainers have experience in fitness, personal shoppers should have experience in fashion. Do your research and ensure they know what they're talking about. Expect higher prices for those more established.

Image: Pinterest

They do their prep

A personal shopper should contact you before the appointment day to ask about the event (if any), your style, what you like/don't like wearing and your key personality traits. They should then have options waiting for when you arrive.

They listen 

A good personal shopper will listen to you and be genuinely interested in what the clothes are intended for  - whether it's your new career or a best friend's wedding. Friendly rapport is key.

They're diplomatic 

Even with their expertise, not everything they choose will look good on you. Rather than a blunt response, lines like 'We can do better' or 'Let's experiment a bit more' will stop you feeling awkward and make the process all the more enjoyable.

Image: Pinterest

They offer perks 

Really good personal shoppers will offer complimentary drinks and snacks (especially those working for luxury retailers). Free prosecco? Yes please.

They don't pressure you 

The last criteria - and possibly the most important. You should never feel pressured to buy throughout the experience, or at the end. If you aren't happy, walking away empty-handed should feel a plausible option. Remember, a personal shopper is there to advise, not sell.

Denim: our enduring love affair

Image: Elizamagazine

In 1969, a writer for American Fabrics magazine said that “Denim is one of the world’s oldest fabrics, yet it remains eternally young.” Sitting here writing this in 2017, I see what he meant. Denim - and denim jeans in particular - is something which never seems to be in or out of fashion. It never gets old. It's just wonderfully, gloriously here. 

And it's unsurprising really. The sturdy cotton textile has a twill weave which means it is super durable - even thinner denim will last longer than most material. It endures not only in the fashion stakes but literally, physically too! That snag on your wool top? It just wouldn't happen with trusty denim.

Whereas once upon a time, denim was restricted to blue jeans, the fabric has been re-invented time and time again. Coloured jeans were all the rage in 2014/2015 - yellow, green, red, you name it. Forget apps. There's a coloured jean for that. And then we have our low waisted/high-waisted denim shorts - frayed, neat or turned up. And then we have denim jackets. And denim shirts. And denim dresses (my last Insta post). And denim accessories. There's even denim lingerie available now. Have we gone denim mad?

Image: houseofelegancefashion

Not really. The long lasting appeal of this fabric (for both sexes) comes down to a classic appearance that says 'you can't go wrong'. I've even started wearing my dad's old Wrangler jacket - probably the only thing I'll ever borrow from his wardrobe (sorry dad). Double denim may have once gone against the fashion rule book, but rules are made to be broken - especially this one. Fashionistas Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have all sported double denim in recent years, proving that we just can't get enough of the stuff. 

So what's the deal with denim now, I hear you ask. Well, 2017 was the year where jewels were added to denim - pearl encrusted denim was seen by the likes of Zara, Topshop and ASOS. It's also a big time for flared jeans (#tb to the 80's) and ruffle hemmed jeans. Patterned denim is bigger than ever. 

New embellishment, cuts, colours and patterns. Denim is a fabric which is both timeless yet constantly evolving. Three words - watch this space.

Image: Pinterest

The Bikini Bible

Oh England. Here I am sat writing in the rain and cold (it's apparently August, but a sweater is still needed). This time last week, rain was swapped for sun, a bed swapped for a sun-bed and a cup of Earl Grey swapped for a Pina Colada. Thank goodness for holidays.

Most importantly, my sweats were swapped for a bikini. Since me and my friend bought enough bikini's between us to clothe a small island (!) a blog post just had to be done. Still got a holiday planned and want to buy a new bikini set? Here's what to consider before buying. 

All images: pinterest

Firstly, avoid the urge to buy online. Definitely been there - bought two online which looked fantastic but had to return one since the fit just wasn't right. For almost any other form of clothing, online shopping is pretty fail safe (to a degree). But sizing for lingerie and swimwear is often more tricky to get right. Avoid the hassle and try it on.

Next up is material. You may have noticed I have a thing for good quality textiles and it's no more important than with a bikini. All that sun, sea and sand can ruin your bikini if it's made from cheap material. Thin material will also leave you a little exposed...ahem.

From material to fastenings. A lot of bikini tops come with a removable halter-neck style strap so you have the option of wearing it strapless. Double check the clasp fastening. Here's a secret - in Bali the tiny plastic clasp of one bikini top snapped. Which meant it had to always be worn strapless. Needless to say I avoided it (crashing waves would definitely have bought it down!). 

Lesson learnt: ensure the entire bikini is constructed well, clasps and all.

From wear to aesthetics, don't be afraid to mix and match! A black bikini top paired with tropical bottoms can look great, as can two clashing colours or prints. Buying separates means you get more for your money, since rotating them around will inevitably create different looks. Plus, who doesn't love a little holiday experimentation!

And finallyyyyyy, make sure you are comfortable. No matter how good the bikini may look on the outside, if you're constantly adjusting the top or worrying about the bottoms you won't enjoy yourself. And that's what holidays are for, right? 

Now to re-fill my cup of tea and book that next trip...