A perfect picnic

Balmy, warm evenings call for something rather delightful. Long and lazy picnics until the sun sets - which these days is around 9pm. Happy (long) days. Whereas once all I wanted to do in the evening was hibernate in a dressing gown and wonder if I was dying from vitamin D deficiency, now, an evening spent in the park with strawberries and food is actually a viable option.

Image: pinterest

When having a picnic, I always wear a dress of some sort. Picnics are made for pretty dresses (as are garden parties). Think floral dresses or a cute denim ones. Just ensure it's loose and comfy. One thing I've realised is sitting on the grass means that super short or fitted things spoil the fun of a picnic. And who wants to be uncomfortable after all.

Speaking of sitting on the grass. Be sure to bring a blanket with you! Freshly mown grass may smell delightful, but stuck to your dress....less so.... Failing a blanket, you could always drape a scarf around you and then multi-task it for the purposes of the picnic. Though of course you will need to wash it after - and preferably use a darker colour to avoid any grass stains.

What else? Well, sandals are a must. Because you want to take your shoes off for full picnic liberation. I love digging my bare feet into the grass. You know when people talk about 'the simple things in life'? I genuinely think this is one. Painted toe-nails and/or ankle bracelets gain extra picnic points.

Image: pinterest

Now to get down to business. Ensure you bring a large-enough handbag/bucket bag/oversized bag in order to pick up your food and drink on the way. Preferably get your friends to do the same, so you can share the load. A plastic Tesco carrier bag doesn't quite have the same effect, nor will withstand however many bottles of prossecco you decide to bring...

Oh and, depending on the destination, be sure to pack suncream (!) A lazy evening picnic may be deceiving given the sun is going down, but trust me you can still tan (or burn). And a picnic - no matter how perfect - is never worth the red look.

The only thing now is to decide what park to picnic in. Well that, dear reader, I leave to you.

My favourites: the flapper dress

Reaching its peak in 1920's America, the flapper dress has stood the test of time. Creating an androgynous look, the loose fitting style is both elegant and understated. But the embellishment of flapper dresses is where the real glamour lies. These are my five favourite out there right now.

1. The Floral one 

Embellished flapper dress, £65, House of Fraser

2. The Beaded one

Hollywood Vintage Inspired Fringe Flapper Dress, £125, Gatsby London

3. The Zig-Zagged one 

Liz Vintage Flapper Dress, £89, GirlMeetsDress.com

4. The Red one

Boutique Evelyn Hand Beaded Shift Dress, £35, Boohoo

5. The Understated one

Beaded Flapper Dress, £115, Label Lab at House of Fraser 

In my handbag: summer edit

This bank holiday has been rather delicious weather wise. For those of you not in the UK, a bank holiday is an extended weekend of three days. Everyone goes a bit giddy when they come round - especially when it coincides with some sunshine.

Those who know me well know I love to carry a handbag, filled with necessities. In the summer, the contents change a little. And to excuse you from having to nab a peek yourself, here's an insider's download, with a few hacks thrown in too.

First up, warmer weather calls for flimsier, strappier shoes. Whenever I'm wearing my sandals, I know the hot weather will result in some inevitable rubbing and, as a result, inevitable blisters. Unless you carry a tiny tub of Vaseline in your bag. Ladies, this is THE best hack I know. Just pop a little Vaseline on where the suspected rubbing will occur and a blister is far less likely. Carrying a small pot in my bag means I can top this up wherever I go - or walk.

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Another thing: face mist. When it get's hot, this mist is ideal to spray over you face. It keeps you fresh, dewy and glowing. It's highly soothing on the skin when the heat may otherwise dry it out. Just pack a small bottle in your bag. Failing that, a tiny spray bottle with some lemon infused water is your next best bet - and 10X cheaper.

Hands up who else loves reading? Yes. A book or magazine is in my handbag during those days I want to sit outside and just chill. Cosmo is my go-to light read. Or, if I'm feeling a bit more pensive, something like Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman or another psychological orientated book. Whatever your taste, have something with you for those times you end up in a cafe/garden/park with time to spare.

It goes without saying but: SUNGLASSES. Or rather, the sunglasses will be on my head so it's the sunglasses case you'll actually find in my handbag. Speaking of which - carry a case with you at all times if possible. It means you're far less likely to loose your shades, plus protects them from scratches. You'll also find some eye drops in my bag. Less exciting, but keeping the eyes moist in the sun is really important.

And finalllllllllly. My juicy lipgloss. If winter was all about the matte crimson lipstick, summer is all about the light dewy gloss. Opt for one with hidden SPF if possible. Like a set of keys, this is an essential component in my handbag.

Essential. Yes, really.

You know it's hot when....

This week has given us the first very taste of Summer. There were more joggers soaking up the morning sun, more people with an extra spring in their step as they made their daily commute. I, for one, was feeling good. As Nina Simone once sang, 'Sun in the sky, you know how I feel'. I also noticed a few key indicators clothes wise that confirmed, yep, we have reached a turning point in the British weather. How many have you seen?

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1. Sunglasses come out. Even if you're travelling underground. What better excuse to hide those late night bags. Ray Ban's are packed in handbags. Or rather, propped on heads, ready to be worn at every opportunity.

2. White shirts are totally a thing. As we all know, black absorbs the heat. White reflects the rays. Plus, it makes you look kind of effervescent and luminous.

3. The tights come off. So long the days of having to wear tights with that cute dress/skirt. Bare leg season is making a come-back for another year. Pass the razor.

4. As do socks. Which means one thing...hello sandals! From gladiator sandals to espadrailles to open-toe ones, it's time to invest in some new shoes. Either that, or dig out last year's pair.

5. Brighter colours. Somehow, sun solicits wearing brighter colours. Perhaps it's the mood-boosting serotonin (those 'happy hormones') that mean we are more likely to pick that orange top over the grey one.

6. Cardigans draped over shoulders. I love - repeat, love - this look. It is so dainty, so Audrey Hepburn, so goddam summery. Take Alexa Chung's cue below...

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7. Sports wear? Now includes shorts. Forget wearing long leggings for that gym session/run/work-out. Hello, short shorts. Goodbye, chances of a 2018 work-out video.

8. Coats go into hibernation. Trench coats, faux-fur coats, padded coats, gilets.....Archive them as easy as that annoying Whattsapp conversation.

9. Patterns! Just like brighter colours, people tend to choose more patterns when the sun is out. Yesterday alone I spotted: sea shells, oranges, flowers and (I think) monkeys. Really.

10. Smiles. Okay, not technically clothes but as the saying goes, 'The prettiest thing you can wear is a smile' - especially in the sunshine, who could argue with that.

Now to get back outside....sunglasses at the ready.

Top of the crops

The crop top is a love/hate item for most women. Wear it right and it can be oh so chic. Wear it after that three course meal and the bloat is real. Now the weather is (finally!) returning to normality, the sight of Spring - and indeed Summer - is less dream than reality. And that means it's well and truly time to dig out those mid-driff skimming tops. Hurrah.

When it comes to crop tops, there's no one way to style them. These are my favourite options.

Look 1: Classic crop top + high-waisted skirt.

Quite possibly the easiest way to style a crop top. Just find a skirt that'll do the trick. If out for a classy or formal evening, opt for a longer skirt. Pleated versions or the A-line skirt (which made a comeback last year) work nicely. Otherwise, a shorter skirt presents a more relaxed look, perfect for day outings.

Look 2: With 'mom' jeans. 

A bit more chilled. A crop top worn with wider mom jeans looks effortlessly stylish - and is incredibly easy to do too. Pair with chunky belt and oversized shades for major Jessica Alba just nipped to the supermarket vibes.

Look 3: Go quirky with trousers.

And patterned trousers at that. The top just acts as a complimentary piece during this look, so keep it plain and simple. Choose bold printed trousers and let them do the talking. [Click here for some flared options] Feeling more brave? Choose matching crop top/trouser for a high-fashion catwalk look.

Look 4: Under dungarees. 

This is a wonderful way of styling the crop top, because it exposes your torso only from the side allowing a subtle flash of skin. Think denim dungarees worn with a Breton top underneath. Picnic outfit, sorted. Just match with flat pumps or espadrilles for cute, girl-next-door style.

All images, Pinterest

City break essentials

Recently, I headed to Lisbon, Portugal for a much needed city break. We spent our time there and in Cascais, a seaside town about 30 minutes away. Travelling in March, the weather was the biggest question mark over the holiday - and what to pack. Luckily for us, we experienced a few sunny days. But also some terrible showers too!

Packing the correct clothes for an out-of-season holiday (or indeed any UK holiday all year) can be tricky. That said, there are a few things to take so that you are always be prepared, whatever the weather. 

Image: Pinterest

First up, layers, layers, layers. My friend and I could have clothed a small family with the amount of cardigans, shawls and jumpers we had between us. Layers are a brilliant way of keeping you warm while also allowing you to moderate your temperature when the sun comes out. (Think a cardigan tied around your waist or loosely hung over shoulders). If you know the weather might get a bit too nippy, I would recommend packing a scarf too.

Select your coat wisely. If the forecast shows some chance of rain, a hooded coat is your best option. For the 20 minute showers we experienced in Lisbon, this was an absolute life saver. And THE best protection against the dreaded, humid, frizzy hair look.

Image: Pinterest

Although I spent a lot of the holiday in a pair of good jeans, I also packed some skirts and dresses for the evening. When it's a drizzly but still warm, sheer tights are the answer. They allow you to mix up your outfit from the standard top/jeans look, while giving you some coverage. And if it  gets hotter? Like a jumper, just take it off!

Now let'ts not forget sunglasses. Chances are there will be some sunny moments. Squinting at the beautiful architecture or tourist attractions is not ideal. One pair packed in your bag is all you need.

Speaking of bags, this one is up to personal preference. However, taking into account a) ease of walking and b) safety, a secure rucksack or a sling over bag is probably your best shout. I opted for a compact canvas rucksack so I could fit my umbrella/water bottle/sunglasses/cardigan inside, but a sling over bag works well too if you prefer to have less on you. Both free up your hands for much needed Intsa-gramming and coffee drinking.Win Win.

So there we go - a quick guide to city break essentials, drawn from experience. Now to book that next holiday...

My favourites: the flare hem trouser

Flared trousers used to be all the rage. Well, step aside. It's time for the flared hem trouser: a trouser that has a flare at the bottom, in a distinct shape. The result is a wonderful silhouette and a unique look. Once only appearing on the catwalk/high fashion, these trousers can now be worn for work or play. Choose black for an effortlessly stylish look or try some colour. Here are my favourite five right now.

1. The Elegant ones

Cameo Rose Black Flared Trousers, £19.99, New Look

2. The Gingham ones

Grey Check Frill Hem Trousers, £24.99, Quiz

3. The Fitted ones

Black Flare Hem Trouser, £12, PrettyLittleThing

4. The Coloured ones

Berry Cropped Double Frill Hem Trousers, £24.99, Quiz

5. The Asymmetric ones 

Black Asymmetric Frill Hem Trousers, £30, River Island