Beach Chic
I’m embracing full swimsuit style—no bikinis or skimpy thongs here! While I’d love to wear a beautifully designed two-piece, comfort in the heat is key.
Vibrant pink is both unfussy and timeless. All pastels look good with sand & blue skies. The Lycra fabric allows for swimming & sport. Each morning, I enjoyed a short stroll wearing either a shirt or a wrap. I captioned my Instagram post: "No Wi-Fi, no problem." And it truly wasn’t.
I picked up these shorts from a thrift store on Portobello Road for £5. They were a sample with French graffiti, just the perfect silky feel I wanted. Lightweight fabric, easier to pack & doubling up for pyjama bottoms as well !!
When I arrived in Brighton in May without a swimsuit, I made the decision to go into Primark and buy a flowery all-in-one. I didn’t bother trying it on beforehand, which explains why it was half price. The neckline is cut too low, and the bikini line is cut too high, making it completely impractical for swimming. While I can wear it with shorts, it’s not ideal. Honestly, I really dislike it.
Zara Zest lemon pocket shorts are the perfect addition to my holiday wardrobe, beautifully complementing my tan and pairing seamlessly with my soft lilac costume. While I don’t often wear shorts in London, they’re a must for summer. The cotton costume has a fully lined body and a straight neckline, making it practical and stylish. For the evening, I enhance my look with lovely beads, a flowing maxi skirt, and comfortable flip-flops. Summer styling is effortless with such a vibrant colour palette!
Colorful stripes elevate the contents of my suitcase. I packed large tote bags complemented by smaller pouches for my creams and oils. I was caught off guard by the need to carry cash since I rarely do, but daily bus rides required Euros to connect with the locals. My usual routine of tapping my card was replaced by counting out coins. I live a cashless existence in London, even the market has a cash machine, it took some getting used to.
I cut about four inches off my hair before my trip, but the pool and sun made it a whiter blonde. I swam every day and left the beach around 2 PM. To protect my hair, I wrapped it in scarves and used hair protection cream, covering it with a towel when I got back to the hotel. I hope this will help my hair.
When I wear a swimsuit with a print, I always choose a chic animal print. This swimsuit may be a bit large, but it looks and feels amazing. It pairs perfectly with white pants or black shorts, proving to be incredibly versatile, even beyond the beach. The high leg design features a criss-cross detail that definitely adds a stylish touch.
Black all-in-one costume. I like the draping and pleating detail. Never underestimate a supportive bust line. The above style is underwired with plastic highlighting the waist & a more structured silhouette. The black cotton swimsuit below is scoop-shaped with a deep lower back. I wear this on every holiday; it’s timeless and stylish.
My favourite costume was a one-shoulder piece by Michael Kors. I didn't unpack it until the second week, when my tan was deep enough to make it look decent. It might have been a bit too flashy, but I loved it anyway.
It's crucial to stay protected as Europe faces scorching temperatures of 40 degrees. I may often voice my frustrations about the relentless London rain, but these repeated heat waves are serious business, particularly for women in their later years. The buses are suffocating, and the sand is far too hot to bear. I dealt with sweat behind my knees (not exactly the look I was going for), and my sunglasses kept slipping down my nose. But I pushed through and survived it.
After enduring a weather-affected flight, I found myself fully recharged and standing on London Bridge at 2:24 AM, wearing nothing but shorts and a lightweight vest. The atmosphere was utterly captivating; the glowing lights of London illuminated the skyline, casting a warm, inviting glow across the river. The moon hung majestically in the night sky, its silver reflection shimmering on the surface of the Thames. I hailed a London cab. The driver, perhaps looking for a connection during the late-night shift, launched into a lengthy tirade about the unpredictable London weather, recounting tales of rain and gloom for the next 30 minutes. Despite his complaints, it was undeniably good to be back home in London.