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'

No time, no problem

We have all been there. You are ridiculosuly comfy in your bed, enjoying the satisfaction of a few hours rest while watching the latest on Netflix (or LoveIsland, if that's your thing). You are fully aware that you have a night out later and time is ticking. But boy is your bed comfy and the thought of making an effort to get ready is, well, effort.

This happened to me last night. However, when you have less time than you would like (even if through choice!) there are some nifty ways of cutting corners.

Firstly, thank the inventors of dry shampoo. Yes. Washing hair takes time - as does the blow dry and styling that comes with it. Save a good 20 minutes by spritzing some dry shampoo through your roots instead. There are so many varieties out there - includidng perfumed and volume-added ones - that the possiblities are #endless.

Secondly, make a 5 minute stir-fry. Short of time does not mean short of dinner. Whip up some stir-fry vegetables, ready-cooked meat or tofu, sauce, and damn you are done. Unfortunatly this will never be a food blog (sorry mum) BUT this recipe will tick the box when it comes to getting ready in DAMN QUICK time. And that's all that matters right?

Also, choose the outfit that is tried and tested. Now is not the time to be experimenting or calling your friends for their opinion. Stick to your guns and go for the outfit you know will work. For most women, this tends to be a fitted black dress. Always flattering, it'll never let you down. Alternatively if you have planned ahead of time, then getting ready in a rush is altogether less stressful because you already know exactly what you're wearing.

Another thing that works is ditching the fancy eye-shadow and make-up. Unless you are the next top make-up artist, a smokey eye (for example) really does take time to do. And rushing it could risk a black-eye look. Or mirroring the scene in Bridget Jones where she ends up putting her make-up on in the car. Hilarious to watch, less hilarious in real life.

And finally - set a timer to actually leave. Or rather, 10 minutes before you need to leave. During this time: shoes on, baththroom stop, bag-check and an obliged Insta pic. Oh, to be a millennial these days.....

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.