Have I mentioned my love of culottes this year yet? I’m bordering on obsessed, such a versatile addition to both the work and play wardrobe the latest arrival in my wardrobe add a monochrome twist to Summer style.

Blue Vanilla isn’t a brand I am overly familiar with, or wasn’t until I saw it popping up all over my favourite blogs/bloggers. They have a website jam-packed with affordable on trend pieces and I just couldn’t resist the tropical palm print of these culottes despite them hardly being out of my monochrome comfort zone.

I thought this outfit would make a good alternative to my summer dress staple for work (I’m lucky enough to have a fairly relaxed dress code compared to some places) and they are easily smartened up with a slightly more fitted than I usually wear vest and my favourite work shoes from Clarks. They are one of the most comfortable things I own and I’m also looking forward to wearing them in a more casual way with a cropped tee and my Adidas Gazelle trainers.

Are you familiar with Blue Vanilla? How would you have styled these culottes?

Oh Summer, the season of sandals and bare legs right? We’re not quite there yet but in the spirit of things I braved the deceptively chilly winds to get the photos for this post- sporting a new pair of sandals with jeans and a jumper just isn’t quite the same is it?

Both the skirt and the top were bought when I went over to Cardiff for my birthday and I’ve been waiting for some warmer weather to wear them. Sadly that weather is yet to arrive but I couldn’t wait any longer. After picking up my staple denim a-line skirt I was a non-denim version too and this beauty in the UO sale was exactly what I had in mind. It was a bit of a random find in the end, when other shops on the high street let me down- I’ll call it fate that I didn’t find one elsewhere though as at £12 this was far less than I was willing to pay as well!
The vest was a bargain in H&M at £7.99 and I love the print and the style, they have since launched a couple of other prints which I might have to go back for, at that price it’s hard not to!

Speaking of bargains, I have once again teamed up with Shoe Zone who I have raved about on the blog many a time before. Their latest arrivals are perfect for any summer occasion and I was taken in by these cute sandals, perfect paired with neutral colours and for finishing off relaxed, bohemian style outfits.

At £14.99 these sandals really do represent excellent value and I have never had an issue with quality from Shoe Zone, there are regular new arrivals on the site (and in store) and it’s easy to see why fellow bloggers also love them!

I hope you’re all enjoying the second May bank holiday, I’m indulging in an utterly lazy day doing nothing much at all- how about you?