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.

Bright and Beautiful

The simple little white dress can work wonders and this new pleated number from L'Agence, exclusively available at Atelier-To-Go, is just made for showing off a wonderful tan and even more wonderful accessories.

While it would look amazing with simple metallics or even bold monochrome accents, I would wear with a whole lot of neon for a really fresh take on the little white dress. 

1. Senso is an affordable Australian footwear brand that has been on my radar for a few months now. These dazzling yellow strappies are sure to attract many admiring glances over the summer months. These XIXI II shoes retail for $229 (AUD) and you can find UK stockists of Senso here.

2. My go-to girl when on the hunt for new fashion labels, Atelier-To-Go's retail director tipped me off about KlearKlutch a while back, just before this simple little number made it's way into all the top glossies. If you've been reading the blog recently you'll know that i'm experiencing a certain fondness for perspex clutch bags and this one is the pièce du résistance. It's big enough to fit all manner of odds and ends in, but make sure they do the rest of your outfit justice. You can pre-order this in-demand clutch here for £59.99.

3. Aah another day, another Chanel nail polish that I need in my life. My lovely mother received the limited edition Fracas shade for Mothers Day from my younger sister and was sweet enough to let me pinch it. A juicy shade of pink that flatters all skin tones with a touch of coral and shimmer, Fracas is a truly delicious shade for summer and has already got a fair few fans. Yes, I have a million and one nail polishes, but this one simply must join the collection. You can buy it online from Selfridges for £18.

4. Ooh la L'Agence ! Say hello to the star piece from Atelier-To-Go's latest curated collection from L'Agence. The minute I laid eyes on this luxurious ivory dress I fell a little bit in love. It is demure but still sexy with an exposed back and suggestive split at the front. With flattering pleating down the front and a floaty skirt falling just on the knee, this is a great investment piece.

Someone help me resist the urge to buy: i'm weak.

5. I adore Shourouk for showstopping neon jewellery, and these bright orange earrings are a new favourite. The bodice detailing on this L'Agence dress means there is simply no need for a necklace, but earrings? That's a different story!

6. A little finishing touch to keep all things bright and beautiful- these ASOS bracelets are such a great find. I won't tell anyone they are not Dannijo if you dont! They are £18 here. 

 

Oh Hi, Summer!

This week I have been insanely busy, sorry that I have hardly posted, but my university deadline is just around the corner so I can promise i'll be blogging more over the next few weeks!

Following the ever so slightly hectic fashion week season, all the summer press days are now upon us and, I must say, we are in for a treat!

This week I headed along to Marks and Spencer's Marble Arch store for their high summer press day where I was greeted with all things bright and beautiful!

Aaah summer, how I have missed you. 

M&S have come a long way in the past few years and this season they have really outdone themselves, particularly in their Limited Collection range and the lingerie department, of course. 

The treats on show at the press day were pretty eclectic. From metallic blue leather pencil skirts as featured in glossy magazines through to boxy clutches reminiscent of those by Alexander McQueen, there is not a trend that has been untouched and there are some real hit pieces that are sure to enliven an ailing winter wardrobe.   

I personally loved the neon pieces and the rails of crisp white pieces in tempting textures. Though shoe-wise I was not taken aback, the handbags at M&S are one of the high street's best kept secrets and this season this is more true than ever before with glossy clutches and roomy beach bags. 

The press day itself had an adorable British summer vibe. After all, what brand is more synonymous with Britain than M&S? 

The food was predictably indulgent and delicious. I ignored the burgeoning bikini-based doom and feasted on scones with clotted cream and rhubarb jam, salted caramel profiteroles and crisp dainty macaroons. I then munched on the tangy rhubarb M&S rock on the way home.

The bikinis themselves were, of course, pretty lovely. I actually fell for a number of one-pieces, one in a graphic monochrome print with fluoro beading was a favourite. You can shop the swimwear here, just to get in the summer mood as we brace ourselves for another flurry of snow (WHY?!)

The lingerie was splendid, as ever. The silken Limited Collection balconette sets in sweet shades of mint, pistachio and lemon were particular favourites and I really can't wait to get my hands on them. I'm a little obsessed, actually!

If you're a lingerie lover like myself, then have a browse here... I can't promise you'll be able to resist a purchase though. Ah well, we've earned it.

The Rosie for Autograph collection is looking rather tip-top as well. With the classic rose bra interpreted in rich raspberry satin and softer shades of peach and cream, there is something for everyone: from sexy to subtle.

My favourite fact of the day? Rosie's lunch of choice at M&S meetings is an egg sandwich with a packet of crisps- no mad raw-food cleanses here, ladies!

I have a list as long as my arm of all the things I fancied adding to my summer wardrobe... And it mostly consists of lingerie!

Thank you to the lovely team at M&S for having me along- here's to summer!

Beach Me, Baby

An image from the ZIMMERMANN Swim SS13 campaign- see more envy-inducing shots here

Aah, if I were a rich girl.

There are so many things I want to do with my life. At the moment, my big dream is to travel to Australia to work with Vogue Australia... I did say it was a BIG dream, but you have to aim high. If I am truly honest, though, any Australian fashion company would do the trick. Australia is the one place in the world I truly long to visit but I just can't seem to find the time to go or, rather, I simply lack the organisation/motivation to just book this trip of a lifetime. 

I'm working on it, I promise. 

It just so happens, to add salt to the wound, that Australia has joined the ranks of Sweden and Denmark and become one of the most exciting countries in the fashion industry. This is particularly true of the affordable luxury market with a number of boutique labels emerging straight from the heart of Oz, specialising in decadent resortwear and the most incredible swimwear. 

Back in London, and back down to earth, today I witnessed what is perhaps the first sunshine of 2013, and I immediately started daydreaming of swimming pools, summer and icy cool champagne. 

Incidentally, also found myself navigating the ZIMMERMANN website simply lusting after their RTW and, of course, their divine swimwear. 

ZIMMERMANN is one of the hottest labels in Australia, and they are making waves over here with stockists including Austique. Their trademark look is feminine but sexy, swimwear and dresses that are designed to look amazing on, without sacrificing any sensual style or modernity.

Check out their website here, as they are now shipping worldwide, but I warn you: it's a little tricky to resist...  

While the price point does reach rather far beyond my fashion student budget, I can but dream, for these little bikinis are certainly dreamy. 

1. First up, this little coral bikini is a surefire summer hit. With frill detail on the cups, this bikini is feminine in the most glamourous way possible, and the colour is sure to sparkle with a softly sunkissed skin. The Brightside Bikini retails at $245, available here.

2. Nothing makes poolside posing quite like perfectly manicured nails, and the Leighton Denny Spring 2013 'Riviera' collection offers the most delectable shades for spring ranging from this sugary Promenade Pink through to yummy pistachio green. They are available from March 1st and shall retail at £11.

3. It's not all about bikinis, as the self-conscious among us will know all too well! I personally have had far too many occasions where I have splurged on bikinis, only to revert to my faithful black and white swimming cossie. One pieces, however, need not be stuffy, and this ruched halter number is just lovely. In a watercolour floral print, this flirty number is perfect for summertime frolicking.  The Locket one piece retails at $260 available here.

4 + 5. Alongside sexy little sets, Zimmermann also offer a selection of swim separates. My favourite is undoubtedly this zingy marigold pair. I love the frill detailing on the bra and that plunge neckline is just delightful. The top retails for $115 here and the matching bottoms are $60 here. While the colour is rather bright, doesn't it just put a smile on your face?

6. Another sweet shade from the Leighton Denny 'Riviera' collection , this peachy number is just gorgeous with softly blooming prints.

7. Speaking of softly blooming prints, how perfect is this flirty bikini? In the same print as the aforementioned Locket one piece, this fabulous frill bikini with a plunge neck and underwiring is a fabulous way to flaunt your flat tummy this coming summer. I'll take one bikini, and one flat tummy, please. The Locket frill bikini is available here at $210.

8. Not only do Zimmermann make the most lovely swimwear, they also offer effortlessly chic RTW and beach cover-ups. This lacy playsuit is my favourite piece for the new season. How elegant is this for a poolside cover-up? Ethereal and beautifully crafted, this long-sleeved playsuit would look particularly scrumptious worn over the periwinkle blue bikini. The Zoe Chiffon playsuit retails for $375 here.

9. Complete with glamourous gold detailing, this Locket bikini in periwinkle is another favourite of mine. I just can't comprehend how delightful this would look with a rich tan. In a flattering cupped style, this icy colour is seriously on trend this season. It retails for $230 here.