From The Office To The Beach: 5 Must Have Bags For Summer

Ah, bags. I'm known to have a thing or two for bags and whenever I purchase a new one my dad always questions me whether I actually need it, the answer of course is yes, I do! With today being the first day of summer (what a washout, eh?!) and the recent weather improvement-ish, I find myself taking out my more colourful bags and wearing a different one every day of the week. Despite being a bag hoarder and proud of it, I know there are only a few essential styles that can easily get us through summer in style and on trend, and these are the ones I wanna be talking about today.

BEACH BAG

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S/S 2016 Trends: Nautical Stripes

Sun, sand, sea and repeat. That is exactly how I want to be spending my summer holiday but until then, summer in the city it is. And what's hotter than nautical fashion for an urban summer? It makes me feel like I'm under the sun (despite actually being under the grey clouds) and definitely is one of my favourite feel-good summer trends. I've talked endlessly about stripes here on the blog these past few weeks, so when MandM Direct got in touch wanting me to join their "Blogger's Pick" project I was of course more than happy to participate. The trend I picked, out of the many this season has to offer, I hear you ask is: STRIPES (again I know but #sorrynotsorry)!

Summer 2016 Beauty Trends: Summer Never Looked So Bright

With bikini, summer dresses and short shorts season upon us, it's time to match our sun-kissed complexion with the latest trends in the make-up world. Summer beauty 2016 is all about being bold with rich colours; go big or go home am I right? I feel like the trends this season have been massively influenced by past eras; the 80's and 90's, and things we may have been afraid of wearing a year ago are now totally acceptable. Think metallic eyes and bright lips. This sunny season don't be afraid to play with colour and step out of your comfort zone. It's easy and fun! 

The Beach Is Calling: Summer Holiday Wishlist

Despite the recent rise of temperatures, beach going is much too far from the London reality. To keep sane my advice is: take at LEAST one sunny holiday per year (preferably in Spain or anywhere hotter), because if you depend on the British summer...well you ain't getting one. With this is mind and amid holiday plans I have found myself adding more and more items to my ever growing summer wishlist on Pinterest. There are too many cute trends for this season and must have pieces that I am dying to get my hands on.

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S/S 2016 Trends: How To Wear Maxis This Summer

The maxi dress is a summer staple and is undoubtedly the season's most effortless piece. Which is why when JD Williams asked me to share my summer style tips, I instantly knew I wanted to do something around maxis because the maxi style is coming back with a bang this summer. This season, the trend has been given a few updates, making it an even more versatile seasonal piece. Try the oversized style, the luxurious textures clashes and minimal 90s styles, or even a more boho and feminine approach. There is something for everyone whatever the occasion may be. And, if you find yourself wondering whether you actually can pull one off, take a look at my mum and tell me she doesn't look smashing!

Bellápierre Cosmetics Mineral Super Gloss Lip Glosses

I remember getting these on my birthday back in January but it wasn't until a few weeks back I actually gave them a try for the first time! Whilst shopping my stash I came across them and as with any lip glosses, I honestly did not have high expectations. If you've been around here long enough, you will know I have a love/hate relationship with glosses and apart from very few brands like Clinique and Chanel, I find it extremely hard to find a lip gloss that sits well, is non-sticky and lasts more than a few mere minutes on my lips. A few weeks back one of my beauty prayers was answered with non-drying matte lippies, and I now feel like another one has too. Behold, non-sticky and long-lasting Lip Glosses from Bellápierre Cosmetics.

S/S 2016 Trends: Bomber Jacket & Adidas Superstars

 I always tell myself not to get overly excited about summer, because summer in London is pretty non-existent isn't it?! Spring has been a wash out and I can count on one hand the days I've been able to leave the house without a second layer of clothing. When it is chilly out I find myself constantly reaching for my trusty bomber as I am loving how trendy they are.

S/S 2016 Trends: Stripes T-Shirt Dress & All-White Sneakers

I am back with STRIPES and I know what you're thinking, yes I've been wearing them non-stop ever since spring showed up! I've talked about this trend here, here and here so I won't go much into detail but all I will say is that stripes pretty much go with anything in my wardrobe at the moment; they're easy, versatile and timeless! Stripes look seriously stylish in a casual midi dress and that's the look I chose for today. 

Pretty In Pink: 5 Pink Lipsticks for Spring

Spring sure took its time but it's officially skirt weather in the UK! Speaking of spring, when seasons change I'm all up for a make-up bag update and rotating products that work better for the warmer months ahead. This S/S16 is all about the fresh-faced complexion, natural-looking and radiant make-up look, who doesn't love that? Apart from the obvious liquid highlighter for that spring glow, I wanted a few lip shades that screamed "ready for spring" and I found 5 pink lipsticks that needed to make their way to my make-up bag! Nothing says "spring-ready" more perfectly than a gorgeous pinky shade on the lips; pink is perfectly girly and fun, they brighten up your look as well as your mood so to match the beautiful blossoms out there why not go with a gorgeous pink shade?

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season (Part 2)

Who's going shopping this Bank Holiday? I am! I've decided to ignore the fact that spring is sucking so badly at the moment and focus instead on building a capsule wardrobe by adding a few summer staples as well as trendy pieces. Speaking of spring/summer trends, Part 1 of S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season was so popular I've decided to come back and do Part 2 because I only covered a few of the many trends already marking presence this season and I really wanted to show you a few more! Plus, it's payday today (best day of the month ever, am I right?!) and I'm kinda wanting one of each- goodbye healthy bank balance, hello "poor for the rest of the month" status. Let's go!

OXFORDS

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season

If there is anything I love more than make-up, that thing is buying a new pair of shoes (and bags, and accessories, and clothes...)! I can have one pair of jeans but with multiple pairs of shoes I can totally make the same outfit work in various different ways, and that my friends is the power of a good pair of shoes. This season, we have already been seeing lots of trends come up; it's undeniable that lace-ups are hotter than ever, as are cute sneakers (both of which I have styled recently here and here). But there are also a few other latest shoe trends making their way down catwalks all over and I thought I'd share my current favourite pairs from each trend (aka my never ending wishlist). From bold prints to block heels, move over boots and make space for cute, spring perfect shoes!

PRINTS

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5 Tips For Transitioning Your Wardrobe Into Spring

If you're anything like me, you are dying to ditch your well-worn winter coat and move on to lighter clothing options. I know I talk about the weather a lot, but what can I say, I am a hands down summer lover and if the sun is out I am instantly happy. But as I've learned, in Europe sun doesn't necessarily mean warmth and spring is much colder than I would expect. It's officially spring in the UK and I gotta say, so far so good (let's hope 2016 is a lot warmer than last year)! With spring knocking on our doors, it's time we leave the dark hues behind and bring out more colour in our outfits. Swapping my usual all-black getup for a brighter and lighter spring-appropriate palette is what I love the most about spring. But if you are not looking to splurge on a whole new wardrobe I've got a few tips for you to get ready for the seasonal change without the need of a closet overhaul, using pieces you already have and layering them up. That's right,the key is: layers, layers, layers!

LAYER-UP