The Hamptons Top Three

Sunset in Southampton

Ever since I first visited the US, I have considered myself a California girl. Sure, NYC has its perks, Chicago’s a hoot, but if someone gave me the choice I’d always settle on the Napa Valley. Until I visited The Hamptons, that is.

The Hamptons is one of those destinations met with a bit of an “ooh-er” whenever mentioned, and to be totally honest, I had no idea what to expect when I headed there earlier this year. I’d heard it mentioned in copious US series’, but I’d never considered it a particularly desirable holiday destination, but – trust me – this one’s worth a trip.

Even if you’re just headed to NYC for a break, if you can, I urge you to book a stay in the Hamptons for a few days at the end of your trip. There’s so much to love – here are just a few of my favourite places from my recent trip: five very convincing reasons to visit The Hamptons.

Three Places to Brekkie This Month

Dickie Fitz in Fitzrovia

If you follow me on Instagram (or any social media, for that matter) you will know that I have three main obsessions: puppies, flowers and, last but not least, brunch.

Brunch is the most important made-up meal of the day, and it's big business in London. After all, what else is there to do on a Sunday morning?

I had every intention to post this at the beginning of February but life got in the way, so here you have it: three brunch spots to try this month (okay, two brunch, one brekkie), three weeks later than planned.

Better late than never, right?

The Best Food in Shoreditch: Oklava

Image from oklava.co.uk

Make no mistakes – I love Kate Moss. However, Kate once said something a bit silly: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Oh Kate... It seems my darling Mossy had not yet tried a Turkish pide by Selin Kiazim at her glorious new Shoreditch outpost, Oklava, which I can 100% confirm tastes miles better than it feels to be skinny.

Granted it's not the most detox-friendly plate for kicking off 2016 but who actually cares? Life is too short to subsist solely on buddha bowls and green goddess this-that-and-the-other. It's all about the 80/20 rule – and Oklava is one place to check out when you're in the mood for some mouthwatering good food.

Reasons to ❤️ Winter

PHOTO @SWfashion_

Guys, it's official: winter is here and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. While we could all sit here and bemoan the lack of sunshine and the inability to go bare-legged on a daily basis, resistance is futile. Winter is here, whether you like it or not, and guess what? Christmas is about six weeks away... Gross, isn't it?

So, bid adieu to daydreams of chilled rosé on the No. 32 terrace – now is the time to wrap up and wholeheartedly embrace winter 2015...

IF YOU LOVED: Terrace-hopping

YOU'LL LOVE: The new Below & Hidden clubroom at the B&H Buildings in Clerkenwell

Small but perfectly formed, Below & Hidden is an elegant, intimate alternative to the extravagance usually associated with London nightlife (no Champers'n'sparklers here, sweetie). The man behind the intriguing drinks list is Jim Wrigley, who has curated a menu of creative bottled cocktails inspired by monthly themes and seasonal ingredients. Complete with a DJ and dancefloor, the clubroom will be open until 2am every Friday and Saturday so you can shake off your winter blues with the best of them.

SW Eats: Queenswood Battersea

Photo @SWfashion_

Every now and again, a restaurant comes along that truly has it all. Scrumptious food, clever cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere – some dinner spots simply tick all the boxes and the latest addition to my list comes with the added bonus of being just around the corner. Five stars to Queenswood!

Set up by those behind Soho's popular Damson & Co, Queenswood is a neighbourhood restaurant so good, you may be tempted to move closer. Located in Battersea Square, it's a pocket of continental loveliness moments from Clapham Junction station; go on a warm summer's evening and you'll soon feel the charm, watching the sun set with a glass of rosé in hand, surrounded by really-really-ridiculously-good-looking locals.

Just My Type = Archetype

Image from Instagram @archetypenapa

Everybody knows I love a good brunch.* In fact, the only people in the world who could possibly like brunch more than me are Americans – they can't get enough of the stuff and, let's be honest here, nobody does it better.

I, like every other basic bitch in the land, have a few top brunch spots in the world: Brickwood Clapham is number one, primarily due to proximity but also because their avo toast tastes much better than skinny feels; Holybelly in Paris is a close second and the latest addition to the list is Archetype in Napa.

You Saucy Scoundrels

London-dwellers will know there is no shortage of cocktail bars in the capital. For every budget, every occasion, there’s a watering hole to suit. From speakeasies, so many speakeasies, through to tequila taquerias and craft whisky pop-ups, us French 75-swigging sorts are spoiled for choice.

The only chink in the armor is the lack of fabulous central spots. In a sea of All Bar Ones and high-end, high-cost haunts, it’s tricky to find somewhere fun and fabulous for a little post-shop pitstop. Well it was, until Cahoots showed up and changed the game.

Nestled away in a disused underground station beneath Kingly Court, Cahoots is the latest venture from the Inception group. Taking its cues from post-war Britain, this swinging party spot is decked out like a 1940s tube carriage with mismatched furnishings and bunting a-plenty. Bustling with swing dancers, piano sing-songs and, of course, delectable cocktails, it’s truly one of a kind.

Bid Adieu to Dieting

Quinoa, edamame, mint and quinoa salad with activated cashews and sunflower seeds - simply dress it with a little lemon juice, rapeseed oil and tamari for a fresh, yummy lunch option - beats a boring BLT, if you ask me!

It's a common misconception that, in order to lose weight, you must deprive yourself of everything even remotely tasty. Though it makes sense in essence -"eat less, weigh less, duuh"-  if you take a dramatic approach to weight loss, you can actually do your body much more harm than good, and it is almost inevitable that any weight lost will reappear as soon as you revert to normal eating habits.

Every single day, particularly at the start of a new year, we have a million and one faddy diets forced down our throats, most of which do more harm than good. Your body is a hard working machine, and it needs the right fuel to function. If you starve yourself, your body will go into survival mode making you irritable, anxious, emotional and, above all, pretty ghastly to be around. Over a prolonged period of time it will slow your metabolism, break down muscle tissue and weaken your bones, particularly when combined with exercise. Plus, nobody likes a preachy foody bore; extreme dieting is a terribly lonely existence - just you and your quinoa, against the world.(Speaking from personal experience here...)

Post-party SOS

Happy New Year!

Technically yesterday was the first day of 2015, but following a rather indulgent NYE, yesterday was a total write-off. And if anyone saw a scarecrow-like creature sleeping/drooling on the train back from Brighton... No. That definitely was not me. 

I always like to think of a new year as a fresh start (original, right? At least I'm not posting an inspirational quote on Instagram), and this year I plan to get myself back on track in terms of health. Fit not thin, strong not skinny... You know the drill. It's my 21st birthday in a matter of days, and therefore I really ought to get myself together. I even bought new trainers - am I thin yet?

On The Agenda

Casa Negra

It's cold. It's raining. Everyone on the tube is moody. All you want to do is go back to cuddle up in bed with a hot chocolate (current obsession? Options Salted Caramel - ooh mama) and a croissant for a Modern Family marathon. As Russell Bateman (aka Mr SBC) puts it: the first five days after the weekend are always the hardest. Never has a truer word been Insta'd.

Nevertheless, the autumn onset need not be a totally sombre affair, and London has plenty to lift your post-summer spirits. Covering all bases from cinema to cachaça, here are a few dates for the diary that will surely make your working week fly by.

Morning Sunshine

Photo from Bumpkin

I have no shame in admitting that I am a serial bruncher. Sure, you can laugh at my 'basic'-ness, but I love nothing more than a weekend brunch date, and living in London I am spoilt for choice. While it takes a lot for me to stray from my one and only avocado on toast, I have found a new favourite breakfast dish on the menu at Bumpkin, and I just know you will love it too.

We all know that protein is essential at breakfast, and nutritional therapists often advise women to eat two whole eggs or three egg whites each day. Sure you can whip up an omelette, or pop a poached 'un on top of your avocado, but for something a little special, why not try a healthy spin on Eggs Florentine?

Devised by health guru Julie Montagu, this delicious brunch option is a popular choice on the menu at Bumpkin, and is packed full of healthy nutrients and minerals. It is a balanced option that will leave you feeling satisfied - without all the creamy buttery sauce that usually accompanies the classic French dish. Wash yours down with an iced  green juice if you're feeling virtuous, or a red hot Bloody Mary if you're feeling frisky.

Wine a Bit

I must admit that I am hardly a wine expert, but I do have a heartfelt appreciation for the stuff, particularly that fancy one with the bubbles. My parents have always been very interested in wine, and they have instilled this in me from a young age. I am far from a wine snob, but I have vino running through my veins (not from excessive consumption, I might add).

Naturally, my first taste of red wine went something like this. Ten years down the line I am texting my dad to tell him that I actually like red. His response? "Great. How much is that going to cost me?".

In my view, wine is about relaxing and unwinding, and there is something joyous about a glass of crisp white in the summer sunshine. On that note, London Wine Week kicks off tomorrow, the capital's first celebration of wines from the world over.

At the heart of LWW is the pop-up Riedel Hub on the first floor of Kingly Court which will be home to all manner of tasting flights and events during the course of the week. It will also be serving as a rather charming city centre wine bar with an extensive selection of wine by the Riedel glass. The hub is also one of the collection points for the LWW wristband, which offers discounted wines at partnering venues across the city, detailed here.

So whether you are a budding sommelier, or simply like a glass now and again, there is certain to be something to your tastes. Here are my picks for the week:

Riedel Hub, 1st floor Kingly Court; Monday-Saturday 12PM – 9PM; Sunday 12PM – 5PM.
Buy your London Wine Week band here.
A full list of London Wine Week events can be found here.

Fit for Feb

Happy February all.

I don't know about you, but it actually makes me feel a little bit ill that we are already a month into 2014* but let's push onwards and rejoice that it's basically Spring!

Okay so I may be jumping the gun a little bit there, but I feel like Winter may have overstayed it's welcome again- will it never learn? Let's just say I am looking forward to tucking away my woolies as SS14 takes the candy coloured reigns.

On that note, I am sure you are all astute enough to have noticed the first drop of Spring delights in stores now (did somebody say & Other Stories humbug striped short suit?), and though I could bore you in writing up my extensive list of pre-Spring hits that I need in my wardrobe right now (starting with crop tops and moving swiftly on to tennis skirts and chiffon culottes) I will resist. It is also just under two weeks until Valentines day, so I will probably post lots of lingerie. In the mean time, chaps, just look to the (proper fit) Rosie Huntington Whiteley collection at M&S for a failsafe gift for your lady friend. Add some Champagne truffles and you're on to a winner.

Gifts with Wit by [v&bp]

Over Summer I have become obsessed with Pinterest. I could easily spend endless hours perusing various boards wondering why my dressing table never looks quite so elegant or my statement jewellery quite so twinkly. 

Nevertheless, I do tend to find a lot of inspiration on Pinterest, particularly when it comes to interiors. While my dreams are unlikely to leap from the pages of Vogue to Homes & Gardens any time soon, I have grown to appreciate slick interior design and kooky finishing touches. 

Later this month a couple of friends and I are due to move in to our new place in Battersea (yes, SW Fashion is moving SW). We are all hugely excited to get ourselves settled, and I have been hunting high and low for some stylish pieces to make our new flat look contemporary and chic. In my quest I have found a number of smaller brands which I just had to share with you, starting with Vinegar & Brown Paper.

Vinegar & Brown Paper is a charming boutique brand specialising in individually etched pieces ranging from lab glass through to sweetie jars and milk bottles. You can buy online, but [v&bp] is also stocked in a number of boutiques across England, all of which you will find listed here.

The witty pieces are unique and stylish, and really are the perfect gifts for he or she who appears to have EVERYTHING. Well, I bet they don't have a flask and beaker set engraved with GnT?

Vinegar & Brown Paper have something to suit everyone, be it an ink bottle engraved with Use Your Ink Well for budding wordsmiths or a personally engraved milk bottle for a newlywed couple.

If you are lacking gift inspiration, then you needn't look any further!

The stylish and modern brand produces pieces that are unique and picture-perfect: the sort of gift that you long to show off, the sort of gift that you are likely to remember.

I personally have fallen head-over-heels (as if often the case when gin is involved) with the GnT flask and beaker. They have that clinical aesthetic to a tee (oh hey there Aesop and Le Labo) and are sure to make Gin O'Clock a chic affair.

Girls with class don't need a glass... They need a litre flask.

The Creative Juices apothecary bottle also makes for a fabulous present for all those artistic types, who are notoriously tricky to buy for. You'll know it's a hit when it makes it to their Instagram feed complete with #bestpresent and #friendoftheyear.

So if you're thinking of buying me a flat-warming gift (!!), any of the above shall do the trick.

You can shop the full collection here.

Hidden Treasures and Simple Pleasures: Albertine

When I left high school a couple of years ago, I remember toying with the idea of going travelling. So many fellow leavers had it atop their agenda, and I always wandered whether I was being foolish in missing out. Nevertheless when London came knocking, a city with such promise for an aspiring fashion journalist, I decided to put to bed any distant dreams of exotic travels in favour of cosmopolitan career pursuits. Though I do not regret my decision one bit, as I approach my third year in London I have begun to wonder what will come next.

I suppose one should never say never to exploring pastures new and I certainly hope that there is opportunity for me to travel while I am still young. I would hate to live my life between two cities, rarely exploring anything outside my comfort zone.

Just a few years back I did not appreciate or even understand how anybody could fall so madly in love with travelling, but I have come to realise that it all boils down to the inevitable discovery of hidden treasures and simple pleasures. 

This week, the boutique travel company Tuscany Now contacted SW Fashion regarding a new competition based around such hidden treasures. Although the competition requires just one spot, I felt that this could make for a nice continual feature. On my travels to date- however limited- I have found some fantastic places that I long to visit again, and there is no one I would rather share these with than you.

In keeping with this month's Holiday Wardrobe posts, I felt it apt for me to share a little boutique gem from my brief time in New York city. 

For Manhattan locals, I am sure that the darling boutiques around the West Village and Nolita are daily haunts rather than hidden treasures. However, for visitors to the grand city it is all too easy to get overwhelmed by the shopping options and end up missing out on the best of the city.

In one of the charming streets just off Greenwich Avenue sits Albertine, an inconspicuous treasure trove of all things girly. Blink and you'll miss it, the clear glass facade is every bit as discreet as the inviting pieces in the window display. 

Albertine was born from the vision of Kyung Lee back in 2003. Lee sought to create an elegant womenswear boutique offering smaller brands exposure, and allowing the sartorially savvy shoppers of the West Village to discover new local and international designers. 

A Swingin' Summer Soiree

A red hot Vogue shoot featuring Karlie Kloss, sourced via Pinterest

There are a million and one reasons why I am not a sporty sort (no, one of these is not a fear of "breaking a nail") and although I have always been preoccupied with conventionally "girly" pursuits, my lack of sporting prowess has nothing to do with this. 

On the contrary, I simply have no hand-eye coordination and no interest. Why play or watch sports when you can tune in to Style.com or SHOWSTUDIO? Priorities, darling, priorities. 

However, this past week I have ventured into pastures new and I have actually been watching (and enjoying) Wimbledon... And not just for the comedic value of the player's grunts. 

I simply love the spirit of Wimbledon and all the merry traditions. Strawberries and cream, pitchers of Pimm's and the good-old game itself- Wimbledon is a bit of a winner for me. 

I really would love to go along, but this year I do not have the time or patience, so instead I shall be rooting for Murray from my own home. Thankfully, this season there are a whole host of tennis treats around to help you host a swingin' Summer soiree with a nod to England's chic-est sporting event- from the stylish to the sweet.

If you are a sweet tooth, then best take a trip to The Primrose Bakery for these wonderful Wimbledon inspired cupcakes. Complete with sugary sport-themed adornments, these tasty cupcakes are every bit as delightful as they look.

I am no cupcake expert, despite a wealth of research in this field, but those at the Primrose Bakery are some of the very best in London. Light sponge, delicately flavoured, with just the right amount of smooth buttercream icing- these cupcakes are a surefire hit. The Wimbledon collection is available now in either chocolate or vanilla to tantalise the taste buds. For a complimentary flavour hit, try the delicious Strawberry & White Chocolate cupcake or the Summer Cup Cocktail cupcake with a sweet, sticky cucumber and mint sponge and fruity icing. 

Bon appetit!

Give tennis whites a lift with a splash of deep blue and neon yellow highlights. A match made in heaven! 

1. Every year Links of London release a special collection of Wimbledon inspired jewellery. My favourite piece this year is this acid yellow friendship bracelet interwoven with little silver tennis balls. What a darling souvenir. Links of London, £150 here.

2. The current apple of my eye is this Proenza Schouler PS1 tote in vibrant marine. It is an understated but luxurious handbag that will certainly stand the test of time. What's more, it is the perfect way to smarten up classic white pieces. From Browns Fashion £1120 here. 

3. If anyone can do a stylish shirt dress, it's going to be Equipment, and this lacy lovely is a case in point. Reduced in their sale, this sleeveless broderie anglais shirt dress is a crisp piece for all manner of Summer soirees. Equipment Kennedy dress $328 here. 

4. A classic white jacket is a worthwhile investment, and this Alice + Olivia option is a sophisticated style. Nipping in at the waist with 3/4 sleeves and a frayed hem, this tweedy delight is the very definition of courtside cool. The best part? It's on sale at Atelier-To-Go for £305 here!

5. I have featured these acid yellow sandals numerous times, and I am still smitten. Perhaps you should just bite the bullet and buy me them? Thanks guys- appreciate it. The Lance sandals by Jimmy Choo are £495 here. 

There is nothing more refreshing than a gloriously fruity pitcher of syrupy sweet Pimm's. Naughty but nice, I shall always look forward to Pimm's o'clock. 

If you are also a fan of the classic Pimm's No 1, then why not throw caution to the wind and mix things up with this sharper, darker version flavoured with fragrant Blackberry and Elderflower. Check out some cocktail inspiration here. 

Though these sweets have been the subject of a great deal of controversy, I must admit that the Sugarpova sweets from Russian tennis star Maria Sherapova look rather adorable. 

Fill bowls with these tennis ball SPORTY sweeties at your Wimbledon party for a fun and vibrant table topper. They are available from the Sugarpova website here or you can buy the lemon-lime gumballs at Selfridges for £3.99 here or the multi-flavour mix here.

Keep it casual and cool with these sporty but sophisticated staples, in store now.

1. I bought this dress on a bit of a whim, but I am so glad I did so as it is the most glorious shade of buttercup yellow. A flattering and feminine shift with elegant pleating and a softly floaty skirt, this dress is ideal for garden parties- particularly when paired with crisp white plimsolls.  Topshop £42 here. 

2. A tennis dress is surprisingly flattering and elegant, and nobody does it better than Fred Perry (makes me feel sad for the rest). This racer back bright white style with the elegant drop waist and flirty pleated skirt is just divine. A reasonable £60, this is great for channeling your inner tennis ace. Buy it here. 

3. Converse? So last season. This year is all about Superga sneakers. This classic white style looks great with everyone from relaxed distressed denim through to pretty pleated minis. Perfect for the garden party- old chum! £45 here.

4. A super sweet Superga style, this petal pink plimsoll looks perfect with white for sipping Champagne on Murray Mound. £45 here. 

5. Pack up your troubles in this classic navy backpack by Lacoste. A simple style that shall never date- who'd have thought that the humble rucksack would become a style staple? Available from House of Fraser for £48 here. 

I began writing this post on the train home last night, and found myself with an unbearable craving for fresh strawberries and whipped vanilla scented cream.

A Wimbledon staple, if you too are tempted by strawbs and cream but are looking to maintain that bikini body, then check out this lighter take on the Great British classic. 

Of course cream is delightful, but it is also sinfully naughty, so for a lighter option serve up your sweet strawberries with a lower calorie dip. Mix half quantities of zero fat Greek yogurt with half fat sour cream until you have a rich, thick consistency. Fold in 2 tbsp or a generous drizzle of honey or agave syrup and finish with half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. 

How very virtuous!

Game set and match, my lovelies!

The Poolside Poser's Handbook #2

Image edited from THIS one found through Pinterest

Okay so i've been absolutely awful at updating my blog of late, but I cannot even fathom how busy i've been these past few weeks. I have almost been too busy to sunbathe while sipping Rekorderlig in the park... Well, okay, I made time for that, but drinking requires a little bit less effort than blogging. Just a bit, of course.

I promise, though, that i've got loads and loads of posts lined up... I just need to keep my eyes open long enough to write them!

First on the agenda, though, is the second instalment of The Poolside Poser's Handbook (read the first here, if you fancy) which is all about cheery Summer music for 2013.

Nothing beats a glorious day spent by the pool, basking in the sun with your recently-updated iPod/iPhone/iPad/iWhatever on shuffle. A memorable holiday playlist is every bit as important as a glorious collection of bikinis and a flawless golden tan, and is a great way to stave off sunbathing boredom.

Get Personal: Noble MacMillan

1. Personalised Tiffany blue leather iPad case from £75 here
2. Patriotic Passenger leather travelcard holder from £17 here
3. Personalised leather Kindle holder from £49 here
4. The World is Your Oyster leather travelcard holder from £17 here

Things are getting rather personal at the moment, with a charming trend for personalisation sweeping the market, cropping up everywhere from Whistles (see my feature here) through to luxury London labels like Anya Hindmarch and high street brands including Oasis (a feature is to follow!)

And while it is undoubtedly rather special to carry around all your essentials in a decadent leather handbag emblazoned with your initials, sometimes it feels rather more savvy to spend on little leather tech cases and notepads, which are the latest lot to get the personalisation treatment.

While Smythson also offer this service, this comes at a luxury price, so for something every bit as special yet rather more accessible, check out Noble Macmillan's classic leather stationary which is now available at my beloved www.notonthehighstreet.com.

Handcrafted in the UK from the finest leather, Noble Macmillan products offer a little everyday luxury with an assortment of essential accessories with elegant silver and gold leaf lettering.

For a little treat, feast your eyes on these unique leather pieces offering everything from Tiffany blue iPad cases- my personal pick- through to sweet Oyster card holders which will make sure you never misplace that pesky travelcard ever again (fingers crossed!)

Whether you opt for a little uplifting quote or simply plump for your initials, these ultra soft leather pieces will add oodles of polish to your work attire.

I have spent far too long hunting for an ideal iPad case, and i've finally met my match. It's simple, clean and it says SW on it... What more could a girl want!

I cannot neglect to mention that Noble Macmillan products make for the most lovely little gifts for those who are particularly difficult to buy for. I don't think you can go far wrong with the truly beautiful notebook,  while the gorgeous photo albums are ideal for special occasions or wedding gifts.

Hoppy Easter Monday!

I think i'm addicted to Pinterest- and this image is another of Pinterest's very finest. Wickle bunny foo foo. You can find the original image here if you feel like spending your Monday oooh-ing and aaah-ing  

Happy Easter Monday you gorgeous lot. 

I hope that, like me, you shall spend this morning nursing a chocolate hangover while watching trashy TV... That's what Bank Holiday's are for, you know.

I just thought i'd share with you some lovely Easter treats to keep that chirpy Spring smile on your face! 

First up, I found this adorable (and easy) recipe on Pinterest for Bunny Tails! All you need to do to make PIZZAZZERIE's sweet treats (original recipe here) is whip up a tub of softened Philly, add a teaspoon of Almond Extract- or coconut for a tropical touch- and then add 4-5 "cups" of icing sugar- one by one- to create a thick dough. Once you've got the perfect consistency- think truffles!- roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll in desiccated coconut.

Yummy scrummy, as Mary Berry would say. 

If the very thought of more food is making you a little queasy, go for these sweet scented candles from the lovely Yankee. 

Chocolate Bunnies smells, as the name subtly suggests, like creamy milk chocolate bunnies- the very essence of Easter (£19.99 here).

If you've overdone the chocolate this weekend- i'll put my hands up to that one- then opt for the pretty in pink Bunny Cake candle which is a divine marriage of coconut, citrus and vanilla- gimme, gimme, gimme! It's currently out of stock, but keep checking back here to buy it for £19.99. 

1. The glorious Sitting Bunny pendant is available here for £120
2. The Sitting Bunny earrings are an adorable update on the simple gold stud. Buy here for £108
3. My favourite is this Sitting Bunny ring in gold which you can buy here for £180

For something rather more indulgent, put a Spring in your step with these divine little bunny pieces by Alex Monroe.

I've long been a fan of Alex Monroe's dainty fine jewellery and I only wish I could afford to treat myself to these gorgeous golden trinkets!

The bunny pendants, earrings and rings are the perfect Easter Monday treat, if you ask me. How very adorable is the twig ring with diamond detail?

1. Speckle me pink with SCARCE (here £14.50)
2. Speckle me blue with FRAGILE (here £14.50)
3. Speckle me purple with SPECKLE (here £14.50)

Last but not least- a little Easter sweetness for your fingertips from ILLAMASQUA.

Cadbury's sweet pastel Mini Eggs are an Easter tradition and I could (and would) happily eat bag after bag of these tasty morsels!

If you're equally enthusiastic about good old Mini Eggs, you'll be pleased to see these Speckled polishes. They look amazing on (i've had a look at a number of beauty blogs) and i'm particularly fond of the duck-egg blue shade.

The Poolside Posers Handbook #1

Image edited from THIS one found through Pinterest

I make absolutely no apology for how much of a poser I am. I have always been a poser, and always shall be, from pouting in my Barbie sunglasses as a toddler through to stupidly smiling in my Instagram "selfies" (tis a constant stream over at @SWfashion_ ).

It's not vanity or arrogance- trust me!- but I really do see no problem in being a poser and I hope many of you feel exactly the same way, particularly when Summer comes a-knockin'.

After all, what could make for a better photo op than a sun-drenched scene?!

Most of us are poolside posers, deep down, so let's just embrace it.

If we weren't posers then we wouldn't be so very bothered about getting ourselves bikini-ready, whether thats in tanning, toning or simply shopping.

Yes, I am writing this while sipping white wine and eating a hot crossed bun but I promise I will soon be kicking myself into tip-top bikini shape. This Summer I am thrilled to be travelling to California and NYC (any suggestions for where to eat/drink/shop are more than welcome!) but I really do need to get my act together before I even think about any poolside posing. These abs ain't gonna tone themselves.

Even though it is still positively freezing, Summer is not too far away, so I thought i'd kick things off with a series of posts all about getting ready for a season of poolside posing. I do hope you like them!

First up, I felt i'd ease you in. I am aware many of you are going for the 30 DAY SHRED (which sounds vicious, I must say) and trying all manner of cleanses, detoxes and diets, but I feel it's too early for all that stuff. I'm just going to go shopping.

There are a million and one fabulous swimwear brands around at the moment but I thought i'd bring you my latest discovery for super-flattering beachwear with a sexy, feminine touch: Huit.

My style of choice, the TREASURE ISLAND set is a summer must. You can find it on ASOS here.

The sister brand of Freya, this lovely lingerie label offers a broad selection of swimwear styles to choose from- with everything from boosting bra tops through to plunging swimsuits.

For Spring/Summer 2013, there are some glorious bikinis and one-pieces available from Huit in an assortment of poppy prints and candy sweet colours.

 Another rather fabulous little number, the CLEOPATRA swimsuit by Huit is available on ASOS here 

I was lucky enough to be sent the Magic Air bikini set in the divine Treasure Island print, along with the twist bandeau top to mix-and-match, and the fit is incredibly flattering. Let's just say I don't exactly possess an ample bosom, but the Magic Air style offers a lift that is usually devoid in swimwear and really does make quite a difference. The tropical print marries shades of cyan, yellow, fuschia and lime for a fresh and vibrant poolside statement. A tan is certainly essential, but I can't wait to wear this little number while sunning myself in the Napa Valley.

Anyway, enough wittering from me, here are some of the standout styles from Huit. You can shop online at ASOS and Figleaves.

I adore this hot pink style from Huit (to find stockists you can call (+44)1536765261) which reminds me of the iconic style worn by Ursula Andress in Dr No (in this shot) with the buckle detail bottoms.