Summer Loving @ Motel

Sunny weather and knowing I’ll be booking a holiday soon have led to much swimwear and general holiday clothes browsing today,
one of the first places I hit was MotelRocks.com and their drop of new arrivals, including the much anticipated swimwear did not let me down!

I’m really enjoying their Ice Cream , especially this bralette…not something I would usually wear, but on holiday anything goes.

Fruit Pastel is such an apt name of this gorgeous one piece…I love a bikini, but my body prefers something more modest and this WILL be mine before I jet off.

Check Blur is a print I’ve not seen before, and I hope Motel use it on more as I adore it! I’m not sure my bladder would cope with a playsuit (hello peanut sized organ) but I do love the idea.

If one is going to splash out on a bikini, it may as well be as pretty as possible. The Twister Bandeau is gorgeous, and actually a lot cheaper than many I have seen on the highstreet.

Where is your one stop shop for holiday essentials? What’s caught your eye?

Oh, and WHERE oh where can I find some shorts that are neither high waisted or hot pants? Bear in mind I’m 5’9 with long legs!

I hope everyone is enjoying the weather

xxx

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The Ultimate Swimwear from Rigby & Peller

I’m getting really excited over swimwear this season; for the first time in years I have plans for a sunshine holiday, and even though I am yet to book it I have already bought a bikini and a swimsuit!

When the press release introducing Rigby and Peller’s swimwear arrived I found myself wishing I had an unlimited budget and somewhere truly fabulous to wear these pieces! From top to bottom, here we have… Gottex (£163), Maryan coverup (£94.95) and Maryan swimsuit (£179)

As you’d expect, all of Rigby and Peller’s swimwear is made with the perfect fit in mind and their expert fitters will help you find the perfect suit without the need for a last minute panic fuelled crash diet (utterly pointless!)
You can book a complimentary swimwear fitting at any one of Rigby and Peller’s six stores, complete with expert advice.

Rigby & Peller’s stores are located in and around London in some of the most prestigious shopping locations, including Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Chelsea, Westfield, Cambridge and Bluewater, or view the collection online at www.rigbyandpeller.com.

What do you think? And where are you off to this year?

xxx

God Save the Queen of Fashion

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee gives everyone, whatever their monarchical persuasion, two very fine things indeed. The first is not just one bank holiday, but two (June 4th and 5th) and the second is the perfect excuse to dress for a formal luncheon at Buckingham Palace (or a soggy street party at the local cul-de-sac, whichever).

This summer, fashion has been seized by a decidedly royal authority. Designers have taken majestic inspiration from HRM’s 60 year reign, with Union Jacks, Corgi prints and crown jewels decorating the high street. Queen Elizabeth II has, throughout the years, displayed some particular fashion prowess and now, with diamonds the hot stone of the season, it’s time to start thinking about what will be gracing your wardrobe ahead of next month’s street parties and celebrations.

First things first, as tempting as it is to display your red-white-and-blue pedicure in those killer peep-toe sky-
scrapers, it’s a good idea to dress your feet down. Always think about the functional necessities of shoes for summer garden party. If it were my choice and I controlled the
solidity of the earth, I would announce the summer as stiletto season and be done with it. However, this is Britain ladies and with the way things are going, it’s bound to be a grey and goose-pimpled affair. This means stilettos are a no-no. Don’t be the silly fashionista that gets stuck in the mud as her five-inch Louboutins sink deep into the abyss. This makes even the classiest of gals look a little ditsy and, after all, the Queen would never allow such a faux pas.

However, that mustn’t hinder our royal engagements. Opt for sandals or, if all else fails and the weekend is a wash-out, Hunter have designed some wonderful wellies to arm you against puddles in the best possible style.

£125

Another word of warning: it might seem like a good idea at first, but sewing a Union Jack tea- towel to a black mini dress and stuffing your feet back into those platform shoes will not make you look like Geri Halliwell in her hey-day. As tempting as it is, that outfit didn’t look good then and it certainly does not look good now. Instead, opt for a more regal aesthetic and go 1950’s. We’re talking full A-line skirts, petticoats, sinched in waists, fascinators and formal hats. Channel a fresh- faced Queen Liz at the beginning of her reign with some modern quirks thrown in. Hobbs have got a delightful, but pricey, fascinator that will set off any Jubilee outfit whilst Topshop provides a wonderfully unusual accessory, perfect for a celebratory British tea party. It doubles-up as a functional item, too, because it can be used to measure rainfall!

However you choose to celebrate the second longest reigning female monarch in the history of the world (Queen Victoria is still winning with her 63 years and 7 months) do so in style. If you’re after fancy hosiery from Marks and Spencers or new arm candy from Zalando, the British high street is sure to cater for all of your Jubilee needs, and then some.

*Guest post provided from Zalanda. No payments exchanged*

*Guest Post* Festival Fashion

Summer is approaching along with all the fun music festivals. By now questions like “What to
bring?”, “What to wear?” will start popping into your head. You want to look the most fabulous, and there are several tips you can follow to achieve that. Here are some tips for all of you trendy and chic festival participants:

Bags
Remember to bring a bag with a zipper on it. A bag with a zipper helps to reduce the chance of losing your stuff as well as reducing the chance of someone stealing from you. Ideally the bag will have a long strap so you can wear it across your shoulders with it hanging down to your hips. This is both practical and stylish, and means that your fabulous evening clutch bags from House of Fraser can be saved for a glamorous night out with the girls back home.

Sunglasses
To get the proper festival look you need a pair of hot sunglasses. Classics like the Ray Ban’s and the
Pilot sunglasses are secure winners and will make you look both chic and cool.

Boots
Be prepared for rain. In this case a pair of wellies are a life saviour. It keeps your feet dry and your shoes will not get covered in mud after several days in the camping and concert area.

Do not go to a festival in one of your favourite branded high heels. That is NOT festival fashion and they are NOT made for walking on grass. Save them for a night out on the town. However, bring some slippers and you will be prepared for all sorts of weather.

Hats and headpieces
Hats and head bands are the cherry on the cake. It is one of those things that can make you stand out from everyone else. It is an attention seeker and can also work as a conversation starter if you manage to separate yourself from everyone else. Imagination is the only thing standing in your way of attention. A flower head band or a cowboy hat are some good and more neutral suggestions.

Clothing
Style keywords here are shorts, dresses and raincoats. Get the style and go for a vintage look. For inspiration see how Rhianna and Lady Gaga are combining these items to create an eye-catching look.

Toiletries
Festivals are known for being a bit “dirty” because it is not as easy to just have a shower like when you’re at home. The queues are long and you have to either get up insanely early or have a shower in the middle of the night to escape the endless queue. Remember dry shampoo, eye make-up remover, sun cream, perfume, cleaning and intimate wipes and regular toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Also, don’t forget a towel or your toothbrush! In order to feel well and look fabulous you need to keep up your hygiene and also rinse your skin for dirt. And most importantly, drink lots of water! Your body tends to get dehydrated at festivals which will reflect in your skin.

Face paint
Be a bit different and stick out from the crowd! It is well known that people at festivals like to dress up so this is the ultimate time to do so!

Guess post; no compensation changed hands.

away

It is with a heavy heart I announce a blogging hiatus. This morning we lost the most amazing woman; my Nan (and yes, a blog post should probably be the last thing I should be doing) and I shall be taking a break until it feels right to be back blogging properly again, and to spend time with my family.

Actually, I know exactly why I am blogging right now, and that is because my Nan was always fascinated by the concept of blogging and the community, and thus it feels a fitting tribute.

I would like to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to wish her and my family well over the last, difficult few weeks. This was sudden and un-expected and we are drawing peace from the fact it was peaceful and dignified.

Thank you.

R.I.P. Nanny.