Festivals, Carnivals and all that jazz

Yes, it's that time of the year again. People are spotted wearing 5+ wrist bands up their arm and glitter sales from Amazon are about to go through the roof. It can only mean one thing. Festivals and carnivals are back! If there was ever a chance to get fun with fashion - this is it. When else can you look like you've been pulled backwards through a rainbow bush and still look hot?

Image: Pinterest

For the record, Glastonbury is not on this year but there are many others to keep you occupied. Be it Secret Garden party, Coachella, Bestival, RiZE...the list goes on. And let's not forget the fact it is Carnival season too - the most famous Notting Hill Carnival, London.

So what does all this mean for your attire? Well, it means that 'day-to-day' dressing goes out the window - unless you are a) over 50 and b) the fun police. 

Instead, it's a fantastic opportunity to experiment. I love the use of crotchet fabric that is otherwise fairly risque. Festivals give licence for extra skin on show, so why not try a top that incorporates this style of material. Likewise, I'm a sucker for a cropped bodice....just pick one with a fun pattern (think juicy strawberries or bright yellow sunflowers).

Crotchet fabric. Image: Pinterest

And it's also a time to get out the dungarees! Again, this look seems to reach its hype during festivals and carnivals, and it's easy to see why - they are phenomenally comfy but also easy to dress up with a colourful t-shirt and heaps of jewellery. Think farmer chic meets boho goddess.

We've experienced a heatwave here in England - recently offset by some showers which was pretty welcomed. That said, everyone still wishes for a hot sunny day when attending a festival. But do you know the great thing about it if it rains? It means the WELLIES can come out. Again, when else do people wear wellies this much? Indeed, even if it is hot and dry, no one will batter an eye when you parade out your tent wearing the latest Hunters. 

Alexa Chung in Hunter wellies. Image: Pinterest

Also, let's not also forget the bum-bags. For 10 months of the year these are not a good look. But for the two in summer, they so are. Funny how these have such a seasonal dependency. However, the practicalities of wearing a bum-bag to music events is a big plus - hands free and secure, you can boogie on to Ed Sheeran's Shape of You until the early hours.

And finally. Glitter. Lots of it. Pink, purple, blue, gold, silver. The more the better. Shimmer over cheekbones, collarbones and decolletage. Just be warned that you *will* still find specks of glitter in the most random places come November. Worth it? Hell yeah.

Pendant perfection

There's something delightful about a simple, elegant pendant necklace. It can say a lot about your personality, your mood, your taste. Be it gold or silver, every woman should have at least one of these in her jewellery box. Here's the low-down on some of the most popular shapes out there.

1. The horseshoe

As the old adage goes, horseshoes are meant to be lucky. Wear this charm to your interview, your first date or when you want fate to work in your favour. Choose a plain pendant shape or one with added embellishment.

2. The four leaf clover

Image: Tiffany

Ah! The luck of the Irish. Another 'lucky' charm that you can wear around your neck. A change from a standard flower, this is a force to be reckoned with. If - like me - you have yet to find a four leaf clover in real life, then at least you can wear its shining substitute.

3. The half moon 

One of my personal favourites, there's something timeless about this shape. Not only does it remind us of the universe/galaxy (somewhat grounding) it has a sleek shape that goes with most items in your wardrobe.

4. The heart 

A classic, and one of the most popular pendant shapes. Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve, wear it on your neck for a dash of love. Perfect for moments with your loved ones - be it friends, family or partners.

5. The diamond

Image: Maya Magal

Shine bright like a diamond, once sang Rhianna. A diamond shaped pendant has a angular shape that works best with sharp cuts (think shoulder padded blazer). For the full effect, choose one that uses diamonds as part of its design.

6. The stud

The most simple out of all, this round shape can almost go unnoticed if small in size. But when the light falls on this circle of silver/gold, it has a wonderfully understated effect. If you're not really a jewellery person, then this one is for you.

Feeling inspired? For more shapes and designs, head to Gem & Company and enjoy 20% off all purchases with the code 'NILUKA20'