I've really "worked" at my summer wardrobe this year, as silly as that sounds to say. I always find myself disappearing into high street stores in May and June, emerging with £50 worth of tops and tees that get worn once and are shoved into a bag in the spare room thrown away only months later. This time around I've picked out a few key pieces I know I'll wear to death, starting with this off the shoulder top from Madewell.

For those who don't already know of Madewell, it's J Crew's slightly hipper little sister. If you're a bit like me and don't like to stray too far from the norm - but want to try out the boho look - make this brand your new go-to. They make gorgeous quality boho pieces as well as having strong denim collections here and accessories here. They're yet to bring a store to the UK, but you can ship a very good edit of the collection at Net A Porter here.

Other favourites from their collections this year... where to start?!  This black paisley top is gorgeous, imagine it with a tan and some ripped up denim shorts and black sandals? I have this jumpsuit and think it's so, so flattering (and you can wear a bra with it, despite the peep hole), I'll get it up on the blog as soon as poss. These shorts are lush, paired with white tees and vests. Finally make this stripe shirt and this checked one your ultimate weekend basics... (disable your ad blocker to view the carousel below)

My accessories are great examples to show you don't need to buy loads to get the boho-look all summer. My shoes are from Tory Burch via The Outnet (a great way to shop on a budget, without worrying a lot of polyester/plastic cr*p will arrive), have a look at their full offering here. I'm a little bit obsessed with these, and have worn them constantly ever since getting hold of them - the blue really pops out, they're super comfortable and were half price.

The bag is from a brand called Star Mela that seems to be cropping up all over the place - they're really good for boho stuff that doesn't break, or break the bank. I bought it from Anthropologie last year, and have found similars on ASOS here and them again here.

The sunglasses are from Gucci, and it's actual love. I got them before the whole phenomenon kicked off and was a bit worried about wearing them as the brand wasn't exactly cool. Now, they're the things all my friends are trying to steal from me. You can get them in khaki-glass here, but the reds are pretty much sold out - or Shopbop have these for half price. The next closest thing I've found are these for £12 from ASOS, in case the green won't do.

off the shoulder top, Madewell / similar here 

sandals, Tory Burch via The Outnet / similar here (£29!!!) 

sunglasses, Gucci / similar here / SAME here for 50% off

bag, Star Mela / similar here / similar here

bracelets, astley clarke / rings, Crux London

Photos taken using an Olympus PEN EP-L7 from John Lewis here.

I appreciate the title is punchy, but I can't explain to you how much I loved wearing this jumpsuit. Zimmermann is a brand I always keep my eye on, ever since the Aussie sisters launched their first swimwear collection many moons ago. There is something Australian designers get that nobody else does; combining strong lines with that feminity most girls really quite like, even if you are a tom boy at heart. It took me all of two seconds to pick this out as a favourite for my Marrakech visit (find it here, and rejoice in your purchase).

outfit credits at the base of this post

First things first; to explain where I am. These photos were taken on my own rooftop of my own riad at the Royal Mansour. Privacy is of upmost importance at the hotel and therefore every guest has their own terrace, pool, shower and sun deck at the top of their riad. It was immense, the evening sun was perfect to take a few snaps.


As already mentioned, I was pretty happy to prance around and have my picture taken when wearing this. This is me in my true holiday style; hair thrown up (looking a lot better thanks to a recent trim and colour at Sassoon Salons), absolutely no make up, no shoes. My feet had just been treated to the best pedicure I'd ever had in my entire life (and being a blogger, I'm fortunate to have had a few) at the spa at the hotel - so good they don't put nail varnish on your toes! Three weeks on they are still shining!


The detailing of this jumpsuit really makes it for me. The crochet detail down the front and alongside the floral embroidery makes it feel so, so special. I totally understand not every one has this money to spend on clothing so have added some alternatives to the base of this post. It's more expensive than I'd usually consider spending too, and I'm sure my hoard of ASOS jumpsuits are getting nervous now that I've seen the quality/price jump. The same print comes in a bikini top here and bottoms here; they're in my basket on my account already...


Outfit details
Jumpsuit, Zimmermann / similar here (never in a million years thought I'd suggest this site, but this is awesome) / similar here (same again) / similar here

Shop Zimmermann at Net A Porter here, or previous collection for reduced prices at The OutNet here. Created in collaboration with Net A Porter, all words my own.

Photos taken using an Olympus PEN EP-L7 from John Lewis here.

So it's pay day and it's a bank holiday weekend - winner! Can't believe how quickly the year is going - or how many weddings we've got this year.  It's really easy to get carried away in the summer months, especially when you have outfits to plan for. I've got two friends' weddings in Italy and a spatter of ones in the UK between now and September.  I've been on the look out for outfits that are "special" enough but won't break the bank - or are worthy investments. I'm not a natural "dress up" girl so I find this kind of stuff really challenging. So here is my stab at it... This is going to be a long post so please pop the kettle on and settle in...


English Garden Party Reception

One of our friends is having an English garden party on the river before their wedding abroad, so I thought I'd buy something for that and the two weddings (two different groups of friends, I hold the camera, no one will ever know) I have in the UK. I wanted something I'd feel really good in, would work not matter the weather and was pastel coloured without looking cheap (which I find is a genuine problem with pale coloured clothes). Mango needs a serious mention as their efforts are outstanding; this nude mini is great, as is this midi floral print and you could consider getting married in this!

dresses: long sleeved lace, the outnet / blue and white dress, topshop / taupe lace mini dress, alice and olivia / multicolour dress, L.K.Bennett / nude mini lace dress, mango
accessories: clutch bag, Reiss / light pink heels, L.K.Bennett / pink clutch, Sophie Hulme

Having searched high and low I've gone for this L.K.Bennett dress. It's very bright (the pinks and light blues come out a little more than the pictures show) but the fit is super flattering for me - and will hide a lot of wedding-cake-binging sessions. It's more than I would usually spend on a dress, but the detailing is beautiful and I know I'll get several wears from it. Shoe wise, I'll no doubt wear my ever-faithful Jimmy Choo Agnes' or LK Bennett Florets as they are the only heels I can wear all day...

Needle and Thread

I wanted to highlight one particular brand because if you don't know about it you really, really should. Meet Needle and Thread. When I get married, whatever decade in the future that may be in, I'm demanding that every single girl who attends wears one of these, I'm completely obsessed. They're really well known in the fash-pack down here in London but still quite new on the scene across the country - so be one of the first and get one. I have a navy midi dress from them (very similar to this) and I wear it every time I get a chance...


Stocked on Net A Porter here, their maxi dresses are perfect for everything wedding from bridal to minion in the back row. This one is £350 and to be honest I'd believe someone if they told me it had another zero on the end (compare it to this £1000 Valentino and you get my drift). My favourites are above, and I really think you'll spot me in one of them for one of the Italian evening events.  Ooh and this skirt is on the wish list, with exclamation marks and underlining... Seriously, it wouldn't surprise me if they jack up their prices soon so get one whilst they're still reasonable!

Italian Wedding Outfits

I have visions of us all walking up to the church looking like a Dolce and Gabbana advert, for both weddings (craving this dress, for that exact purpose). To me, Italian weddings mean deeper, richer colours and a little more "oomph." I'm thinking deep colours; reds, navys etc - and really enjoyed having a look.

dresses: red lace dress, Warehouse / navy maxi dress, Reiss / black and red lace, the outnet / navy lace maxi, Topshop / blue dress, Reiss
accessories: red lace ups, L.K.Bennett / earrings, Astley Clarke / cross body, J Crew 

Self Portrait dresses are all the rage, but having bought one and sent it back due to the quality I'm not prepared to try them again. I found this red dress from Warehouse which is very similar, and not far off is this blue lace one dress from Reiss. The OutNet is a really good place to look; this dress is exactly what I need. I really love the vibrant blue of this dress too. Phew, am exhausted! Hope this post was useful for you too - it's helped me whittle it down to a couple but if you have any finds let me know!

I don't need to tell you anymore about my Morocco trip, at risk of being unfollowed and/or blocked on the internets (but it was so awesome, just so awesome). However, one of the reasons for the trip hasn't been fully explained. When we were asked by Net A Porter to show our readers our favourite summer wardrobe pieces we thought we'd tie it all in together and shoot it whilst away... Our first job (isn't it ridiculous that this is a work task) was to pick out a pair of shoes that we thought could carry us through the season...

I picked out these Chloe heels, I'd been after them for ages and when this opportunity came up I doubt the girls at Net had ever been emailed back in a quicker time! For me, they really do with everything. They're the reverse-neutral; they have so many colours in them you can wear them with anything. I can also report that they really are incredibly comfortable. I completely understand that they're a high price point but it's good to treat yourself once in a while, no? If you really can't stretch that far, fear not, Topshop have made some dead ringer heels here and flats here.

What was really important to me in this post was to show readers that Net A Porter isn't all £5000 dresses (although it is fun to have a look at these, do so here). They do have some really good price-conscious options too. I get a lot of my basics from them, by that I mean pieces I pay a little more than high street for but for good reason as I'm going to live in them for seasons to come. This MiH Jeans skirt is the perfect example. As long as my aging knees will let me, I'll be wearing this with everything from flowing printed shirts to little vests and tees.. 

The vest is gorgeously soft and from Rag and Bone. Very much thought of as the epitome of urban New York, its often forgotten that the force behind this brand are British expats. I count them as one of the best for buying my staple "must haves." This vest's chunky knit is such a cool finishing touch, and I love it. I've worn it constantly since getting my mitts on it. Find it here. 

I wore my failsafe jewellery pieces; my Astley Clarke bracelets never come off! I have a couple of new additions though; my turquoise moon charm bracelet might just be my new favourite thing ever. Other bangles include a simple string with a charm my parents bought me in Spain, and my Halcyon Days gold cuff... Definitely helps me get the whole "boho" vibe going... My pinky finger has a new friend too, and it's very special. My boyfriend and I made it! We went to The Workbench London a few months ago and spent an evening creating our design. It was his Christmas present to me, and a very good one at that... 

Shoes: Chloe Knotted Sandal / similar Topshop Heels / similar Topshop flats

Vest: Rag and Bone vest / similar ASOS vest (£8!) / similar Moon River / ASOS vest

Skirt: MiH Jeans skirt / similar Mango one / similar Topshop Unique one

Jewellery: beaded bracelets, Astley Clarke / cuffs, Halcyon Days

Nails: white heat, Ciate London

How we've already come to May's beauty edit I don't know - it feels like I only just finished April's one! This is the month that I really start notching up my skincare regime and investing in some decent products. The minute the sun comes out my skin seems to age without some serious help. It quickly goes dry, yet also really gets oily with the muggy weather. All in all, time to do a proper sort out and make sure I have the right bits...

This month's post is a little bit different as John Lewis asked me to take a look at their own summer beauty edit (Super Nature), here. They've focussed on products that use natural ingredients, which is a must for me. Whenever I see a website's round up of bits I always expect that half of them will be what I'd go for, but their selection was completely spot on (pun not intended). They have all my hero brands for a thorough detox on my skin (REN skincare, Charlotte Tilbury and Origins) as well as new things I was dying to try... I decided to only use things I'd never used before, and was sat like a kid by the fireplace at Christmas waiting for them to all arrive.

I'll try and do this in a sensible order; brand by brand. Starting with Clarins. I'd stumbled upon their trio of "boosters" and was really keen to give one a go. They're created to give you some help when you need it. I selected Repair as it's good for sunburnt or damaged skin, and added it to my usual moisturiser on Wednesday as directed.  It's now Sunday evening and I can already feel a difference on my (ridiculously) sunburnt nose. It also reduced the redness instantaneously... Next from them was their Instant Beauty Shot which is perfect to have in your handbag for those days when you have to wake up and go to work but your face doesn't want to. It really does "tighten and brighten" as suggested... (especially when matched with the Clinique All About Eyes which took my puffy, dark lids and reformed them into their former teenage-selves in one hit....

On that subject; Clinique. I appreciate this may be a little bit nuts to some of you given how long I've been blogging about beauty but I've never tried any of their stuff before. I know. The first one was an excellent benchmark as the idea of spending money on a soap baffled me. However, as someone who really hates the horrid tightness you get after washing your face with standard bar, I was a bit stunned by the difference. Goodbye supermarket-branded cr*p - I'm using this forever and ever, I don't know what's in it but it left my face feeling actually clean. I'd apply the same level of "wow" to the Dramatically Different Moisturiser. My skin turns tight and dusty very quickly, and coming back from my sunny weekend left it tired the fine lines appeared with a vengeance. This stuff sent them packing almost straight away... And lastly I'm yet to try the Overnight Mask but will do this evening so check out my Instagram to see how it goes...

Estee Lauder products make me really happy, nostalgia alone. It's what both my grandmothers used and the smell of them reminds me of sitting patiently on their beds waiting for story time. I'd never tried them myself though, as I'd always thought they were more "generalist" than for specific problems. As heads up for anyone younger; when you turn 30 sh*t gets real, and it all shows on your face. I woke up on my 30th birthday to presents, cards... and load of fine lines. I really have to work at things, and did not think Lauder was the brand to do it with. You can't see, but as you read this I'm eating my hat. The first thing I tested was the Advanced Night Repair, I tried it after a few glasses of wine (which always shows the next day). I woke up and looked like I'd been on a health retreat. Everything was tight and firm, unheard of. BUY IT HERE. The same impact happened with the Firm And Fill Eye Duo; my eyes looked 10 years old. I'm trying out the Resilience Lift this week so will let you know how I get on, but given everything else I'm expecting big things...

Last but not least, REN. I snuck in one of my all time favourites, the 1 Minute Facial cream. I keep mine in my handbag and use it whenever I'm away as a bit of a treat. If I know I have something coming up when I can't risk a break out, this is my failsafe. Just buy it, here. A new product for me was the Evercalm Moisturiser. I was fairly stacked with things to try so I gave this to the boy to test and I can tell you wholeheartedly his skin looked better after a few days use. He commutes on the underground so often gets congestion in his pores (he'll read this and not have a clue what I'm on about) and they looked significantly tighter and cleaner whilst using this morning and night...

I hope this list helps you, this time of year is so tough on skin. For full details on all of the products in the John Lewis edit, click here. 

Full review list:

Clarins: Instant Beauty Shot / Repair Serum
Clinique: All About Eyes / Soap / Dramatically Different Moisturiser / Overnight Mask
Estee Lauder: Advanced Night Repair / Firm And Fill Eye Duo / Resilience Lift
REN: Evercalm Moisturiser / 1 Minute Facial

This post was sponsored by John Lewis, all words my own.