With summer fast approaching, I thought I would take this opportunity to do a post about MY summer essentials.
Like the shopaholic and avid reader that I am, I am always on the lookout for the latest trends, and items dominating this summer season. I have stumbled across a few summer 'must-haves' and thought I would share it with you all.
If you're searching for the perfect pair of bikinis, then look no further than this Australian based company. You can thank me later!
I have no clue where the triangl swimwear craze for summer came from, but I am so glad that it did. There is a wide variety of swimwear options available here, and the pieces take what is a classic triangle shape to the next level.
I have never been one to purchase triangle bathers, and I have always opted for the strapless version as I find that it suits my body shape better. But in turning over a new leaf, I am glad that I chose the Penny Wanderlust bikini (shown below). The bikini's came yesterday and describing them as amazing is doing them an injustice.
What's better than amazing? Amaze-balls? [I'll just go shoot myself now for using that word, heck its not even a word. As you can see I am a stickler for the perversion of the english language!]
And for those who still cringe at the thought of triangle bathers, never fear the good people at Triangl Swimwear only recently brought out a bandeau style bathers (pictured above). These are cute, and have a quirky and funky addition of an exposed zip at the front. Judging by my instant affection towards these bathers, it is only a matter of time before I purchase myself another pair.
As I always say, you can never have too much of a good thing.
I know there are so many self-tanner's on the market, but since discovering St Tropez I have never looked back. The products are quite pricey in comparison to others, but quality is everything when you're trying to self-tan. And St Tropez prides itself on being a "luxury brand" providing its users with a tan worthy of any European summer. So don't flake out and get something cheap and risk looking like an oompa loompa or an incorrect shade of orange, try St Tropez out and you will not be disappointed.
When I tell people I use tan optimizer, they always laugh. Laugh all you want I say, because it has helped me protect and prolong my sun-kissed, tanned skin. And I lurrveeee a good tan for 365 days of the year.
The 'Tan Optimiser' is described as a 'body butter' and is normally used after applying a self-tan. I however have never been one to use fake tan, so I merely use this product as a moisturizer after a long time exposed to the sun. It is a great rich moisturiser, made up of a combination of body butter and natural oils that leaves your skin feeling as smooth as a 'baby's bottom', ensuring that you keep that skin glow for longer.
The 'Gradual Tan' is the only self-tan like product I have ever used on my skin. Again it is sold as an 'everyday body moisturiser' and I opted for the medium/dark tone as it best suits my skin complexion. This product is the perfect balance of moisturiser mixed with a "touch of bronze." It is infused with aloe vera so will leave your skin feeling smoother while building up a gradual tan. On the plus side, it has an amazing smell that will force you to smell yourself time and time again.
[A tip I could give you would be to make sure that you wash your hands after using the gradual tan. I made the mistake of not wiping/washing my hands after applying it and found that over time, my palms were going a brown/orange tinge.]
For the full St Tropez collection, as well as more information about their products click here.
Do not forget to make sure that you apply sunscreen to your body as well, when exposing it to the sun. Slip, slop, slap they say! These products cannot be substituted for sunscreen, so do future self and your skin a favour and put on that sunscreen.
These shoes have historical beginnings as nothing more than peasant shoes, and are usually made from a canvas material. Peasant shoes no more though, espradilles are one of the it-shoes at the moment and have been taken from its humble canvas beginnings to its more mature and sophisticated leather cousin. And this blogger is in love. We've all seen those Chanel Espradilles. They're beautiful, yet ridiculously priced. Never fear, Seed Heritage have produced a worthy replica of those highly-sought after shoes.
Like the shopaholic and avid reader that I am, I am always on the lookout for the latest trends, and items dominating this summer season. I have stumbled across a few summer 'must-haves' and thought I would share it with you all.
Triangl Swimwear
If you're searching for the perfect pair of bikinis, then look no further than this Australian based company. You can thank me later!
I have no clue where the triangl swimwear craze for summer came from, but I am so glad that it did. There is a wide variety of swimwear options available here, and the pieces take what is a classic triangle shape to the next level.
I have never been one to purchase triangle bathers, and I have always opted for the strapless version as I find that it suits my body shape better. But in turning over a new leaf, I am glad that I chose the Penny Wanderlust bikini (shown below). The bikini's came yesterday and describing them as amazing is doing them an injustice.
What's better than amazing? Amaze-balls? [I'll just go shoot myself now for using that word, heck its not even a word. As you can see I am a stickler for the perversion of the english language!]
The bathers are made from a neoprene material, which is great as neoprene is so in this season. The top is described as a 'bra-kini', so it makes a transition to the triangle shape quite easy for someone like me. The top is made in optic, with a white mesh overlay with black stitching and contrast binding. A direct contrast, providing that needed pop of colour, the hipster bikini bottom is also made of neoprene with zig-zag stitching. Absolute perfection.
And for those who still cringe at the thought of triangle bathers, never fear the good people at Triangl Swimwear only recently brought out a bandeau style bathers (pictured above). These are cute, and have a quirky and funky addition of an exposed zip at the front. Judging by my instant affection towards these bathers, it is only a matter of time before I purchase myself another pair.
As I always say, you can never have too much of a good thing.
St Tropez: Gradual Tan Moisturiser & Tan Optimizer
I know there are so many self-tanner's on the market, but since discovering St Tropez I have never looked back. The products are quite pricey in comparison to others, but quality is everything when you're trying to self-tan. And St Tropez prides itself on being a "luxury brand" providing its users with a tan worthy of any European summer. So don't flake out and get something cheap and risk looking like an oompa loompa or an incorrect shade of orange, try St Tropez out and you will not be disappointed.
When I tell people I use tan optimizer, they always laugh. Laugh all you want I say, because it has helped me protect and prolong my sun-kissed, tanned skin. And I lurrveeee a good tan for 365 days of the year.
The 'Tan Optimiser' is described as a 'body butter' and is normally used after applying a self-tan. I however have never been one to use fake tan, so I merely use this product as a moisturizer after a long time exposed to the sun. It is a great rich moisturiser, made up of a combination of body butter and natural oils that leaves your skin feeling as smooth as a 'baby's bottom', ensuring that you keep that skin glow for longer.
The 'Gradual Tan' is the only self-tan like product I have ever used on my skin. Again it is sold as an 'everyday body moisturiser' and I opted for the medium/dark tone as it best suits my skin complexion. This product is the perfect balance of moisturiser mixed with a "touch of bronze." It is infused with aloe vera so will leave your skin feeling smoother while building up a gradual tan. On the plus side, it has an amazing smell that will force you to smell yourself time and time again.
[A tip I could give you would be to make sure that you wash your hands after using the gradual tan. I made the mistake of not wiping/washing my hands after applying it and found that over time, my palms were going a brown/orange tinge.]
For the full St Tropez collection, as well as more information about their products click here.
Do not forget to make sure that you apply sunscreen to your body as well, when exposing it to the sun. Slip, slop, slap they say! These products cannot be substituted for sunscreen, so do future self and your skin a favour and put on that sunscreen.
Espradilles
These shoes have historical beginnings as nothing more than peasant shoes, and are usually made from a canvas material. Peasant shoes no more though, espradilles are one of the it-shoes at the moment and have been taken from its humble canvas beginnings to its more mature and sophisticated leather cousin. And this blogger is in love. We've all seen those Chanel Espradilles. They're beautiful, yet ridiculously priced. Never fear, Seed Heritage have produced a worthy replica of those highly-sought after shoes.
These espradilles shown above, are made of leather with exposed stitching on the sides. It is described as: "leather upper/leather lined with jute rubber sole." They're no Chanel, but they will do!
These shoes, or the like are perfect for summer. It can be worn with a cute pair or shorts, pants or even a summer dress. And they are so comfortable you will want to wear them 24/7; rain, hail or shine!
For those wanting to snap up these espradilles from Seed, look here. They're called the Ava Leather Espradilles, and have recently been re-stocked. So be quick before they're all gone (again!).
Mimco Pouch
These are not exclusive to summer, but a signature Mimco Pouch is a necessary accessory to have all year round. The wonderful people at Mimco have me hooked. Just look at my collection of pouches- I have them all, from big, to small, from black, to red, to green, and from matte leather, to shiny leather.
To say that I have an obsession is putting it lightly.
These pouches act as a perfect coin purse, or even a small clutch when needed.
Mimco have recently brought out larger versions of their signature pouches, and I have already capitalised on this and brought myself one to play as a makeshift clutch for my nights out.
The quality of the leather is also noteworthy. I have had my smaller pouches for several years now, and with the correct protection and care, it still looks the same as the day I first brought it.
Visit the Mimco website here and browse the entire collection. They can be pricey but again quality is everything.
