Creating The Perfect Summer Wardrobe

Even though I've recently moved to a tropical country I still get excited at the mention of summer. It makes me think of days at the beach, garden parties (Pimms!) and of course summer style. For me, in an ideal fashion-world, summer style should be easy, breezy and fun but also classic and chic. Of course, the stores are often filled with loud, bright prints and I'll admit in past years I've made the mistake of buying those kind of on-trend pieces, only to be left wondering one year later, "what was I thinking??". So, this year I'm looking to add some versatile staple pieces (and just a couple of little nods to the current trends) so that next year, and hopefully for years after that, I'll still be able to incorporate them into outfits.

1 / This pair of Miss KG sandals will work with so many outfits. The cream is a light but neutral colour, easy to pair with just about anything. The metallic gold embellishment adds just a touch of glamour and will look great against a tan.

2 / Okay, so this isn't technically fashion, but what you wear on your face in summer is just as important, if not more! The new foundation primer from Laura Mercier has SPF 30 so that it protects your skin whilst giving you a radiant summer glow. I will be trying it out asap.

3 / Just about everyone will agree, a breton stripe is one of the simplest but most chic and timeless patterns that ever was. Given that fact, a Breton striped t-shirt should be in everyone's summer wardrobe. I have two breton striped tops which I have worn to death in previous summers, so this year I'm looking to add at least one new option.

4 / I am yet to find a great pair of denim cut-offs, but find a pair I will. Since these are sure to be a feature in my wardrobe for several years I am on the search for a great quality pair, with an AH-mazing cut, hopefully similar to these Citizen of Humanity ones!

5 / One item that I have always splurged on when it comes to summer is a great bikini. Like underwear, high quality bikini's flatter the figure so much more than cheap alternatives. Seafolly is my favourite brand, they offer a wide range of styles and since they solely make swimwear, right out of Sydney (home to more than twenty incredible beaches), they know what they're doing! Not to mention how well they last; I bought my first Seafolly bikini in 2007 and it's still one of my favourites! This floral print bikini in a bright colour will always be summer appropriate.

6 / It's not really summer without a great pair of shades. These Kate Spade sunnies are on my wishlist, I think the white makes a nice change from the usual black or brown frames without being too much of a 'trend' piece.

7 / A straw tote can be used as a beach bag or worn with a gorgeous maxi dress for a coffee date with friends. The colour goes with anything and it's a timeless piece that can be used summer after summer. Must have. I'm not sure how I don't have!

8 / A high quality summer cardigan comes in handy on cooler summer days or to pop on over a dress when it gets chilly at evening barbecue parties. This particular dusty pink cardigan from REPEAT is exactly what I'd like to add to my wardrobe. The feather-light weave of the cashmere will provide just enough warmth for summer evenings but still with all the luxurious softness of cashmere.

9 / I always think the easiest way to add a bit of fashion forwardness to any outfit is with your nails. Nail polish can complete a look and it's an easy way to wear particular trends without having to splash out on clothing you won't wear next season. Essie's summer collection has several bright neon colours but I will be buying this cornflower blue 'Chills & Thrills' ASAP - it's gorgeous and one of the few shades I don't already have. Yes, I've got a problem!

10 / I saw this skirt on Stacey's blog Five Minute Style and literally fell in love. Okay, so a midi skirt is a bit of a trend piece....but in a neutral shade like this, there's at least a chance it'll be wearable in years to come. Even if it isn't, it's from H&M, making it quite affordable and a worthy purchase.... At least, that's the fashion logic I'll be applying when I find it in store.

What do you think the key pieces in a summer wardrobe are? What's top of your summer shopping list this year?

Girl On A Mission: Summer Shopping

Today I'm a girl on a mission. I'm in the market for some holiday items for my trip to Hong Kong next week. My man doesn't know it yet, but he's in for a fun day of shopping with me! Cue evil villain laugh.

At the centre point of any summertime city break wardrobe there's one key thing, perhaps the most important of all, a great pair of flat sandals.

You need a pair you can rely on. A pair that will get you through a long day trekking the city streets, whilst still looking stylish of course! They also need to be trendy and smart enough to transition to the evening if there's no time for going back to your hotel. In my case, these sandals are also going to have to get me up 'The Peak', one of Hong Kong's most famous tourist attractions and also deal with an afternoon on the beach. So all in all I'm looking for one very versatile pair of sandals. Okay, maybe two...

I've been browsing the net for some inspiration and I've put together some of the best sandals for summer 2012!

1. Zara - $36   2. Nordstrom - $160  3. Tory Burch - $290  4. Topshop - $48  5. Marc by Marc Jacobs - $112
6. Forever21 - $15  7. Zara - $80  8. Steve Madden - $70  9. Oasis - $45

I think 1, 3 and 7 are the most suited to my needs. I also wouldn't mind getting a great white sun-dress and some new accessories - you can never have too many accessories can you!

I'm sure you all know how hard it is to find something when you actually know what you want and even more so, when you actually need it for a change, so wish me luck please! You might want to wish my man some luck too because chances are he's going to need it even more than me, poor guy!

xxx

Hello Sunshine!

After weeks of waiting for it to warm up here Spring finally came and in the blink of an eye, summer has too. The seasons in Korea always seem to change very suddenly, no more than two weeks ago I was wrapping up with jackets and scarves, now I'm peeling off layers and exposing some seriously pasty legs to the world. 

Apart from feeling like I'm almost glowing white, I couldn't be happier about the arrival of summer!

I'm excited about dressing for the warmer weather. Winter is layers, dark colours, wrapping up against the weather and feeling constricted. I'm ready for summer now, the florals, the bright color combinations and easy feminine styles. Summer dressing is somehow more effortless and relaxed. I can't wait to delve into my wardrobe and start wearing my floaty blouses, long and flowing maxi dresses, cute camis and wedges with frilly skirts. 

I welcomed in the first of the hazy summer days by going for a picnic in the park wearing the easiest, most timeless summer classic, the blue denim skirt. 

No, it's not cutting edge fashion. No, it's not a 'wow' piece. Actually, it's nothing special but that's where the beauty of it is, in it's simplicity!

It's relaxed, dependable, comfortable and versatile. You can wear a denim skirt almost any way you want. Since we were only heading to the park I paired mine with a white embroidered blouse, some bright accessories and picked up the handbag that happened to currently have all my junk in it. 

Casual and easy.

Bring on the warm summer evening strolls, fun weekends spent at the beach, dining al fresco, lazing around in the park with a picnic and a bottle of wine... Oh, and a tan....please!

Spring Haul: Wardrobe Re-style

Cherry blossoms below my apartment. 

Spring has finally sprung here and I've been turning my wardrobe upside down trying to put together outfits suitable for the suddenly warm weather. Of course, even though I have more than enough clothing, somehow I feel like I have nothing to wear, it's all old! I'm sure you've all stood and looked at your wardrobe and thought that at least once or twice right?!

If you saw the room that has become my walk-in closet you'd know I really don't need to go out and start buying a whole new spring wardrobe though. I decided to go out and pick up just a couple of new items to try and shake the idea of doing just that. The aim being to re-invigorate what I already have instead. Sometimes I find that just by getting a few new things I suddenly have so many more options incorporating older clothes.

Since Zara always has a habit of sucking my bank balance dry and is 20-30% more expensive here in Korea (talk about adding insult to injury!), I made a pact with myself not to go near it. Instead I headed to H&M and Forever 21, both much more wallet friendly. Turns out there's a fair amount of stuff I liked in there too...surprise, surprise!! I managed to exercise a little restraint though, a pretty amazing feat for me!

Here's the items I decided could re-invigorate my wardrobe for spring:

Cream Dipped High Low Hem Dress - F21. This is my favourite buy, I'm sure it'll become my 'go to' summer dress.
It'll work for evening or dressed down with sandals and tan accessories for a summer day.

Black Short Flared Skirt - H&M. A basic staple that'll work with so many tops and jackets, again day or night.
Big floppy hat - Forever 21. These babies add glamour and style to just about any outfit.

Purple and Blue Floral Skirt - H&M. Bright, summery and a very cute option for day with sandals or dressed up with some wedges for a summer evening out.

Accessories can absolutely make or break any outfit so of course I had to pick up a few new options.
Turquoise Headband, spiked bracelet and gold bangles - F21. Long tassled necklace - H&M.

These few additions have really helped to refresh my wardrobe and the way I'm looking at it. I feel like I can combine the new items with older pieces to make lots of brand new outfits now!