July 2017 – Jessica Rhoades

Interiors Inspiration – Six Instagram Accounts You Really Need To Follow

Our Victorian Terrace was a complete do-er upper! Three years, one wedding, one baby and a whole lotta Instagram Inspiration later we’re pretty much done. Or are we? You see, Instagram just doesn’t stop and the ideas just keep coming! Whats a girl to do with a head full of ideas and no canvas to work on? We have a new bar opening in the next couple of weeks which has given me a bit of an outlet but come September…watch out Mr.R… a house move could be on the cards! Here I thought I would share with you some of my go to Instagram accounts for when I’m in need of a bit of home decor eye candy or interiors inspiration.

Kelly Hoppen

Where it all began…there really isn’t anywhere else I could have begun than with Kelly Hoppen. I can probably trace my love affair with interiors back to one of Kelly’s early books ‘In Touch’, (other than a rather scary flirtation with oxblood red & zebra print when I was 13 – Changing Rooms & Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen have a lot to answer for). Back in the days before QVC and Dragons Den made her a household name my mum introduced me to her signature ‘East Meets West’ style. Her slick, contemporary aesthetic is laced with a heavy dollop of glamour (but only in the best possible taste – nothing gaudy or in any way tacky from Ms. Hoppen). The quality shines through in her designs – she always advocates buying the very best that you can afford which I think is a great way to approach designing your home. I love how she builds the design of a room through layering texture and will forever be a ‘taupette’ at heart (much to Mr. Rs amusement and dismay – he actually refers to our home as the ’50 shades of grey house’).

@kellyhoppen | @kellyhoppenhome | www.kellyhoppen.com

Cowboy Kate

A very recent discovery but one I’ve rapidly become all kinds of obsessed with. Dark and moody, like Kelly (and this is where the similarity ends), her use of texture in design just pulls you into this decadent dream world where anything seems possible. Pink sheepskin? Check! Exposed plaster? Fabulous! Hot Pink Pineapple Lamp? Well, come on, who wants a room without a hot pink pineapple lamp? Don’t be fooled into thinking that this maximalist vibe can be simply thrown together with any old mismatched items – her home is so well curated and so brilliantly considered – it’s simply a visual feast for the eyes!

@cowboykate | www.cowboykate.co.uk

Swoon Worthy

I’m absolutely in love with Kimberly from Swoon Worthy’s self-titled ‘eclectic, boho, glam style’ As a fellow lover of all things gold and shiny, she puts together the most glamourous and, well, ‘swoon worthy’ designs using vibrant prints, bold colours, and lashings of gold. I’m a bit of a sucker for animal print and Kimberly is a master at incorporating bold prints in a really accessible and non-scary way. Her home is alive with greenery and glitz and if you do nothing else then please check out her epic bar cart!!! Now that is gin o’clock goals right there!

@swoonworthyblog | www.swoonworthy.com

Kate La Vie

Kate is a fashion and beauty blogger who has become Insta-famous for her beautifully curated Glasgow flat and her use of the ubiquitous ‘Millenial Pink’. Unashamedly girly, Kate’s feed has brought it home that there are definitely two sides to my own design style. (Does anyone remember Tommy Lee Jone’s portrayal of Harvey Two-Face in Batman Forever? Yep, that’s me – “heavy metal meets House & Garden”). If Swoonworthy & Cowboy Kate represent the dark and decadent me then Kate La Vie is a perfect representation of my girly glamourous (yet still chic) side. Scrolling through her feed, I am aware of two things. Firstly, I must make that pink West Elm chair mine and secondly if in doubt eucalyptus is always the answer!

@kate.lavie | www.katelavie.com

The Curious Department

I discovered The Curious Department relatively recently through ~~stalking~~ reading Swoon Worthy. They have the most delicious array of homeware, gifts and (whisper it, I can barely contain my excitement) stationary (coming soon)! The designs are all based around nature – think beetles and bugs, butterflies and bees, laced with gold and give a good dose of drama without becoming creepy or gaudy! So far I have added the cushions and coasters to my collection and have purchased the beetle print and Ulysses Butterfly as gifts (both of which FYI were utterly stunning and gave me real trouble when it came to parting with them)! Next on my wish list is the truly beautiful ‘Insect Mandala China Collection’ (always looking to up my ‘breakfast game’ – check out My Morning Routine HERE)…who knew creepy crawlies could be that chic?

@thecuriousdepartment | www.thecuriousdepartment.com

Abigail Ahern

Dark, gothic and disgustingly decadent. Abigail unleashed the beast that Cowboy Kate has lassoed and ran away with! Her motto ‘once you convert to the dark side there’s no going back’ has proven eerily accurate and, given the fact that my house is pretty much complete, Mr. R is not overly amused at my recent proposal that we ‘start again’ using, what I like to call ‘the Abigail Aesthetic’ as our new interiors inspiration!

@abigailahern | www.abigailahern.com

Putting together this list of my ultimate interiors inspiration, it occurred to me that what they all seem to have in common is the ability to create a relaxed environment cocooned in warmth and glamour which is absolutely the vision I have for my own home. I think what makes us happy in our surroundings is ever evolving and as these awesome Instagrammers show, your environment doesn’t have to remain ‘static’ once the inevitable big projects are ticked off the list. Whether it’s rejigging a layout or simply adding a beautiful vessel with fresh foliage, there’s always something you can do to keep those creative juices flowing…at least until the next project comes along.

I hope you have found this useful. Do you have any go to Instagram accounts for Interiors Inspiration? Do let me know in the comments below if there are any that I simply must check out!

My Morning Routine – Top Tips For Staying Productive With A Baby In Tow

So, in the interests of getting to know one another a little better, I thought it might be fun to take you through what an average morning looks like in Casa Rhoades! I have learned over the years that starting my day hungry and in a rush does not make for a productive (or happy) day. In fact, I know if I leap out of bed, into the shower and out of the door (or straight onto the laptop as is more often the case), I’m pretty much setting myself up for failure. So here’s a little insight into how I try to get the most from my mornings with a baby in tow.

Let’s Eat

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it’s drummed into us on what feels like a daily basis. So, it always astounds me the number of people who don’t eat before they start their day. Excuses range from ‘im just not hungry in the mornings’ to, ‘I don’t have time in the mornings’ or even, ‘I feel sick in the mornings’! Well, personally I’m pretty darn starving in the mornings! I’m not talking a little bit peckish here, I’m talking full on, stomach growling in protest hunger! So, (after Luna has her water and her nappy changed) food is my number one priority. I can quite honestly say that breakfast is my favourite meal of the day so I really go to town with a big bowl of warming porridge topped with lashings of fresh fruit, nuts and a generous drizzle of honey. Also tea…a big, unsophisticated, mug of tea!

Keeping Up With Them Fitness Goals

If you’ve read my posts regarding postpartum fitness, (check them out HERE) you’ll know that I have a bit of a love hate (actually it’s more of a hate hate) relationship with exercise. I am never going to be that girl who loves getting down and dirty in the gym – I’ve waited 30+ years, tried every regime going – it ain’t gonna happen! That being said, being on the wrong side of 30 and having (fairly) recently had a baby, I am in no way prepared to rest on my laurels! So, it’s at this point in the morning that I’m usually to be found having a stern word with myself as the devil on my shoulder systematically delivers today’s excuse as to why I can’t work out. I’m not going to lie – sometimes the devil wins out but more often than not, I suck it up and endure each and every painful minute. Personally, I find that it actually helps to have some level of accountability where fitness is concerned and the fact that I’m paying actual money to do it gives me one less reason to quit.

Making Plans

As a self-respecting Virgo, I love a good to do list and find it quite therapeutic to at least plan for productivity. The sleep situation is pretty dire in our house so I already feel a bit like I’m starting the day on the back foot so to speak. If I can make a rough itinerary of work to be done, housework that needs to be addressed and meals I intend to eat, then I feel as though I’m giving myself a bit of a leg up for the day to come (though inevitably, with a baby, things do veer off course more often than not).

Baby Comes First

Everything revolves around Luna – as it should. I can organise and make lists until my heart’s content but if she has other plans then those are the ones we’ll be going with. As she’s not a big sleeper I try to leave the jobs that require the most brain capacity for the half hour she deigns to have a nap (although there are plenty of occasions where the lure of a peaceful shower is too tempting to ignore). If things are going to plan then by mid morning Luna should be ready for a nap and I should be ready to make a start on my to do list.

Top Tips For A Productive Morning

Buy a playpen. This has pretty much changed my life. No exaggeration. As soon as Luna started to move things became ten times more difficult as I couldn’t simply pop her down on the floor with her toys while I nipped to the loo/put the washing on. It may look a little draconian – putting your baby in what is essentially a cage – but the peace of mind it gives you when you need to leave the room for a moment is beyond priceless!
Lists. I touched on this earlier but I find it so helpful to get everything that’s swirling around my head down on paper. That way I can organise my jobs and commitments in order of precedence and I know I’m giving myself the best possible shot at actually getting them done.
Make a routine. Obviously, not every day will be the same but I think it can be really helpful particularly with a young baby to have a routine to fall back on so you both essentially know what you’re supposed to be doing and when. It certainly helps to keep my mind clear and allows me to move from one activity to the next without getting into that mind fog of ‘what comes next’.
Create a happy space. In terms of getting work done I find if I’m wearing something comfortable have a nice hot drink and perhaps a lovely scented candle on the go then I feel so much more productive and inclined to knuckle down and get things done – for me, if I’m feeling uncomfortable or if I’m in a messy space then I really struggle to get my mind focused on the job at hand.
Sleep. I know, I know, no-one is getting enough sleep and there is absolutely zero most of us can do about it! If getting more sleep just isn’t an option then I have a few ideas to keep you moving forward when you feel like your wading against the tide.

Drink a large glass of water. It’s amazing the effect knocking back a pint of water (or liquid life as I like to call it) can have when you’re just about ready to drop.
Get some air. I find getting some fresh air – even if it’s just stepping into the garden for five minutes can really give me a much-needed boost.
Exercise. It’s usually the last thing you want to do after a sleepless night but getting straight into a workout, gets the blood circulating and actually helps shake that limp, boneless feeling that becomes all too familiar when you have a baby in tow.
Product. A friend bought me the ‘Energy Boosting Kit’ from NEOM when Luna was born and it’s amazing how a little luxury and a zingy scent can really give you a lift.

Can We Talk About Tea?

If all else fails there is always tea. (Tetley, Skimmed Milk, No Sugar FYI). Tea is singlehandedly responsible for my sanity remaining largely in tact. I’m usually at least three cups down by lunch time. Tea is life!

I hope you have found some of these tips helpful. I’m acutely aware that there is definite room for improvement in my own levels of productivity and I would be delighted to hear any tips or tricks you use to stay focused and positive. Leave me a comment – I’d welcome any thoughts or ideas.

What’s In My Changing Bag – The Jem + Bea Jemima

I was really quite excited to purchase my changing bag but was disappointed to be met with an array of spotted, striped and floral designs which, while clearly practical, weren’t really what I had in mind. Losing my sense of self after having a baby was, to a degree, inevitable, but I would be damned if I was going into the experience without suitable arm candy! For some reason, a lot of my hopes and fears seemed bound up in the outward appearance of my changing bag. As if it would be a measure of what kind of mother I was or how well I was coping. I wanted to convey an unruffled, glossy visage of an impeccably groomed woman who clearly had her shit together (and just happened to have a baby). So in my hormone addled pregnancy fog, that meant that by hook or by crook I would have me a killer bag – but where to find it?

The Bag

I discovered the ‘Jemima’ by Jem + Bea about half way through my pregnancy. Everything that I had seen up until that point was the stereotypical changing bag outlined above – a bit too wipeable to be chic. Though considerably more expensive than the majority on offer, I reasoned that this was going to be something I carried with me pretty much 100% of the time and would be in need of for at least the foreseeable future. Even before Luna was born I was hyper aware of the psychological impact having a baby could have. I had no idea how I was going to look, what clothes I would be able to wear or how I would feel in my own skin. Having an amazing bag seemed a no brainer.

It should come as no surprise that the girls behind Jem + Bea have some serious fashion credentials. With backgrounds in law and designing for the likes of Mulberry and Anya Hindmarch respectively, these new breed of baby bags were never going to be anything short of impeccable!

The Jemima is a large tote made from super luxurious textured leather and has a pocket for everything! The ‘Jem + Bea’ logo is subtly embossed in gold (another tick – you know I love my gold) and for an extra £21 you can have a personalised leather tag (if I’m honest that kind of sold it – love me a monogram!) I also snapped up the stroller straps which have made carrying the bag on the pram a breeze.

The Contents

Nappies – I’ve tried a number of brands and always come back to Aldi! Soft, substantial and super cheap
Wipes – Water Wipes always. An amazing and very ‘wet’ wipe with no hidden nasties! (I always have a packet stashed on my dressing table for any makeup mishaps)!
Spare Babygro and Vest. There is nothing more gorgeous than a baby in a simple white babygro. I’ve tried M&S, John Lewis, and Mothercare but these ones from Mamas & Papas are far and away my favourite! They are ridiculously soft and don’t seem to suffer any shrinkage in the wash!
Sippy Cup. I’m very conscious that Luna doesn’t become dehydrated and I’m forever thankful that she LOVES water, so we always have a sippy cup to fill up on the go.
Muslin. Brilliant for everything from protecting yourself from projectile vomiting cleaning up said projectile vomit, a makeshift bib, a sun shade or as something to lie on for emergency nappy changes. Aden & Anais make the most gorgeous muslins and I always have one of their ‘Jungle Jam’ styles stashed in my changing bag.
Snacks – I usually have some wafer biscuits for Luna and a granola bar for me for munchie emergencies
Purse. The Jemima bag comes complete with a small pouch – great for phone, change, keys, lipstick – anything you want to be able to grab in a hurry. (I’ve found this so handy that I’m eyeing up the gorgeous blush ‘Mama’ pouch as a bit of an ‘extra’).

The Overspill (I.e the cast of In The Night Garden)

Shhhh. Ok, so one changing bag really isn’t enough – particularly as your baby gets older and needs to be entertained pretty much constantly! Though it’s nowhere near as glamorous as my ‘Jemima’ I love my Fjallraven ‘Kånken’ backpack! I would call it ‘utility chic’ and it really is brilliant for housing the never ending pile of books, soft toys and plastic bleepy rubbish you end up carting about with you! It might seem excessive to lug two bags and a baby around but trust me – there is nothing more likely to spoil your day than forgetting your pre-packed entertainment!

Jem + Bea – My Top Picks

Whats In My Bag - The Mum Edition | jessicarhoades.co.uk

The Jemima (which now comes in grey…Be still my beating heart)!
The Amber – It was a toss up between the Amber and the Jemima – the Jemima won on sheer size but oh dear lord the Amber is just to die for!
The Jamie Backpack – so cool. I think if this had been available this time last year it would have been a serious contender for my back up bag!

I have no doubt that my love affair with Jem + Bea will continue for some time and if we are lucky enough to have a second baby, there is every chance I could be tempted to another. Did anyone else get caught up in the world of the changing bag? What do you keep in yours? Can you have too many baby bags? As always I would love to hear your thoughts.

Browse The Jem + Bea Website HERE

*this post contains affiliate links*

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What’s In My Bag? The Mum Edition

The Bag

The Contents

Nappies – I’ve tried a number of brands and always come back to Aldi! Soft, substantial and super cheap
Wipes – Water Wipes always. An amazing and very ‘wet’ wipe with no hidden nasties! (I always have a packet stashed on my dressing table for any makeup mishaps)!
Spare Babygro and Vest. There is nothing more gorgeous than a baby in a simple white babygro. I’ve tried M&S, John Lewis, and Mothercare but these ones from Mamas & Papas are far and away my favourite! They are ridiculously soft and don’t seem to suffer any shrinkage in the wash!
Sippy Cup. I’m very conscious that Luna doesn’t become dehydrated and I’m forever thankful that she LOVES water, so we always have a sippy cup to fill up on the go.
Muslin. Brilliant for everything from protecting yourself from projectile vomiting cleaning up said projectile vomit, a makeshift bib, a sun shade or as something to lie on for emergency nappy changes. Aden & Anais make the most gorgeous muslins and I always have one of their ‘Jungle Jam’ styles stashed in my bag.
Snacks – I usually have some wafer biscuits for Luna and a granola bar for me for munchie emergencies
Purse. The Jemima bag comes complete with a small pouch – great for phone, change, keys, lipstick – anything you want to be able to grab in a hurry. (I’ve found this so handy that I’m eyeing up the gorgeous blush ‘Mama’ pouch as a bit of an ‘extra’).

The Overspill (I.e the cast of In The Night Garden)

Shhhh. Ok, so one bag really isn’t enough – particularly as your baby gets older and needs to be entertained pretty much constantly! Though it’s nowhere near as glamorous as my ‘Jemima’ I love my Fjallraven ‘Kånken’ backpack! I would call it ‘utility chic’ and it really is brilliant for housing the never ending pile of books, soft toys and plastic bleepy rubbish you end up carting about with you! It might seem excessive to lug two bags and a baby around but trust me – there is nothing more likely to spoil your day than forgetting your pre-packed entertainment!

Jem + Bea – My Top Picks

The Jemima (which now comes in grey…Be still my beating heart)!
The Amber – It was a toss up between the Amber and the Jemima – the Jemima won on sheer size but oh dear lord the Amber is just to die for!
The Jamie Backpack – so cool. I think if this had been available this time last year it would have been a serious contender for my back up bag!

I have no doubt that my love affair with Jem + Bea will continue for some time and if we are lucky enough to have a second baby, there is every chance I could be tempted to another. Did anyone else get caught up in the world of changing bags? What do you keep in yours? Can you have too many baby bags? As always I would love to hear your thoughts.

Browse The Jem + Bea Website HERE

Pearly Queen…One Jacket, Three Ways

I have a bit of a thing for pearls – I chose them to adorn wedding dress (quite the endorsement) and there’s just something so bloomin chic and regal about those little luminous orbs. Polished and modern yet a true classic. I’m also a jacket lover – sharp blazers, leather bombers, cropped tweed – a good jacket has the unrivaled power to up your jeans and t-shirt game in an instant. So, when I came across this pearl embellished stunner from Spanish brand Uterqüe, I was in heaven (if St Peter is truly guarding those pearly gates then I’m pretty sure he’s rocking this jacket)! I managed to sneak this little beauty through as an anniversary gift (Mr. R & I have just celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary – read about my anniversary conundrum HERE) by proudly pointing out the 100% Cotton label (that was maybe a bit of a stretch but hey, sometimes you have to get a bit ‘creative’ with your reasoning – ha)!

The jacket itself is quite a statement piece and statement pieces (often the pricey ones you really want to get your wear out of) are frequently the items in your wardrobe that see the least action. I’m always guilty of not getting enough wear out of my keys pieces as they are, by nature, so noticeable – nobody wants people to think ‘oh have they got that on again’! So, I’ve styled it up in a couple of different ways – dressed up and down to demonstrate how to get longevity out of your star buys!

The Jacket – Uterqüe

Look One

Denim jackets are a casual wardrobe staple but I think we can all agree that the heavy embellishment easily elevates this style to the next level. Here I’ve teamed it with a wide leg cropped trouser jumpsuit, heels, and my YSL Bag. Finish with a red lip and statement earrings and I think you have a suitably cool evening look with a real rock chick vibe. I can imagine wearing this out for cocktails with Mr. R!

Pearly Queen - One Jacket Three Ways | jessicarhoades.co.uk

Look Two

From Rock Chick to Princess Chic. By wearing the jacket draped over the shoulders, it takes the edge off the sweet feminine vibe of this flirty Me + Em number. I’ve styled it with my red Gianvito Rossi pumps and red lips for a more modern look and tied the pinks and blues together with this vintage clutch by McQueen. This look could easily take you out to dinner or maybe even a relaxed summer wedding!

Look Three

Such a simple look and one that takes my everyday ‘mum’ uniform to the next level. Here I’ve paired inky blue high waisted jeans with a long line tank, tan belt and white trainers for a sporty yet glam daytime look. Amping up your accessories (an armful of bangles and a cool pair of earrings go a long way) and throwing on a statement piece like this jacket can really transform your daytime style without much effort!

So there you go, three ways to wear a statement jacket. I hope you like the looks and have inspired you to try styling some of your key pieces in different ways. How do you make sure you get longevity from your star buys? I’d love to hear your tips for getting the most out of your wardrobe.

My Top 5 Holiday Must-Haves

We have just returned from our first family holiday so I thought it might be a good idea to put together a list of my summer essentials. Now, I started writing this before we actually left and now I’m back I’m of the opinion that the ultimate holiday must-have (when traveling with a 10-month-old) is as many spare pairs of hands as you can possibly get…summer hols with a baby in tow is a whole different ballgame! So, here are my top 5 holiday must-haves (for those moments where you are not sat under an umbrella with Makka Pakka and Iggle Piggle)…

The Skin Prep

When I was a child I would turn purple in the sun. My mum and dad both tanned easily and my brother to this day has the olive complexion of dreams! I, on the other hand, would burn (in patches – I couldn’t even turn lobster pink evenly). Things slowly improved as I got older but the Tan Accelerator by Elemis was the game changer! This product works by stimulating your skin’s natural melanin production and, (shouldn’t matter but does) smells like heaven! I use this without fail before every holiday to ensure that a. I don’t burn and b. I tan safely and evenly!

I’ve mentioned before that I am now super careful when it comes to exposing my skin to the sun and am a real stickler for SPF (check out my review of the TILI Beauty Box HERE). Nothing ages your skin quite like the sun (quite aside from the obvious health implications) and I have found Decleor’s Suncare range to be really quite excellent in prepping and soothing my skin both before and after sun exposure. The ‘Aromessence Solaire Tan Activator Face Serum’ is a beautiful face oil which preps the skin in a similar fashion to the Elemis Tan Accelerator, while the balm just melts into your fingertips on application and feels sublime after a long hard day on the beach! Call it aftersun for the dedicated skincare junkie!

You can find the Decleor Aroma Sun Expert Collection HERE

The Shades

We all know that the shades maketh the woman. A well-chosen pair not only adds instant glamour to pretty much any outfit but also, truth be told, hides a multitude of sins. Hangover? Insomniac baby? Headache? If eyes are windows to the soul then all of the above have the power to mist things up pretty quickly! If no eye cream on earth will save those peepers then a killer pair of shades are your best friend! My sunglass collection is actually on a list of things to share with you…there are some real corkers including a very retro heart shaped pair by Chloe! My current favourites are my trusty Rayban aviators (an absolute classic-every girl should have a pair) and a perfect pair of ‘fuck off I don’t want to talk to anyone’ tortoiseshell Prada’s!

The Sun Hat

I adore Panama hats but we have a somewhat troubled relationship. I managed to lose one over the side of a cruise ship and my husband and I fell out spectacularly on arrival at our honeymoon in Mauritius when my hat emerged, let’s just say, a little worse for wear! (I blamed him obviously). That said there a few things that can take an outfit to the next level better than a well-chosen piece of millinery! This season there has been a plethora of designs to choose from. From the classic to the outrageous – I’m in love with the sequin emblazoned floppy sun hats from Lily and Bean and the pom-pom embellished straw fedoras by Yosuzi are just sensational! As I type they have 50% off at Netaporter – I’m hovering perilously close to the buy now button!

The Swag

Make no mistake, the year of the tassel has arrived. You’d have to have been living under a rock not to notice that any fashionista worth her salt is currently to be found wandering the streets of Santorini/Marbella/Sicily (delete as appropriate) bedecked in layers of drippy beads and bangles. Tribe & Fabel make the most gorgeous pendants and the overseas market stalls are awash with brightly coloured pom-poms, tassels and shells I think the secret here is to mix it up and curate your own summer vibe. If you aren’t already then check out ‘Anna Skoog’s’ Instagram (@annamavridis) and prepare to lust after her perfect Summer Styling!

The Sandles

What says ‘summer’ more than a set of prettily pedicured tootsies in a killer pair of strappy sandals? My nail polish of choice veers between hot pink and a juicy coral and the tan is obligatory! I have never enjoyed a pair of flat sandals as much as I enjoy my Jimmy Choo ‘Wyatt’s’! Black with the glitziest of gold hardware, these babies can take a look from boho to glamazon and are perfect when it’s just too hot for heels (and when you are attending a wedding at 7 months pregnant)!

I’m beginning to be of the opinion that if you are going to spend a lot of money on an item then it has to be both wearable and comfortable! As Coco Chanel said “Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it isn’t luxury”! There are so many gorgeous summer flats out there this season! I’m loving the Pom Pom styles by MABU By Maria BK and you just cannot go wrong with a classic espadrille (though as I said, I do like to see a flash of that summer pedi)! Slides are having something of a moment too. The eponymous Givenchy Slides are a no brainer (pretty sure they would be one of those life purchases) but Topshop have a great selection starting at just £19!

What tops your list of summer essentials? Maybe swimwear is your thing? A prettily embellished kaftan, a straw beach bag or perhaps a fully loaded Kindle and Gin’O’Clock is your idea of heaven! As always, leave me a comment – I’d love to hear from you!