Our Top Picks: Beachwear

For any lucky ladies who have holidays booked this year, here's our top picks of beachwear available now: Urban Outfitters- Tropical high waisted bikini

Like many curvy ladies I buy all my bikinis from Bravissimo, or I'm doomed to the old lady section of BHS. I've tried buying separates before but mixing a size 18 top ith 12 bottoms just seems wrong- and even then it can only be string or the clasp backs are enormous on me. If I could wear any bikini from any shop it would be this one as it ticks all the boxes: large tropical print and classic shape.

Swedish Hasbeens- Papillon Antique Silver Shoes

These shoes will take you from day trip to night life without any fuss. They are effortless and super comfy, and are much more streamlined that some of Swedish Hasbeens other shoes.



John Lewis- Anorak Seagulls Towel

Don't forget about an adorable beach towel- perfect for draping over your sun lounger, towelling off by the pool or wrapping around you in the midday sun while you sip a cocktail.

Finally, sunglasses have featured heavily on our wish lists recently. You can find our favourites here and here.

What Kimberley Wore: To The Beach

dress | H&M
shoes | Clarks
necklace | Jolly Good
bracelet | Tiffany & Co
ring | Jolly Good
sunglasses | Hilfiger

This week Helen came to visit and we spent the day at a beach in East Lothian. I normally take my dog Fern to this beach on her walks but she was visiting her (dog) mother this week. I did feel like I was betraying her.
We also toured the perimeter of the old power plant, which I've honestly always avoided but Helen was intrigued by it. I felt my insides melting as soon as I was in earshot of its ominous humming. I'm kind of dorky like that, like those people who wear tin foil hat for fear of phone radiation.
Anyway, I'm still enjoying wearing summer clothes I bought two years ago that never saw day light but I bought this H&M dress only last week. It's very simple and chic, and cool of course. In the literal sense. It's a synthetic fabric so I bought it a size too big for extra comfort (read "try not to sweat"). This also means it has a very full skirt which adds shape and interest. I love the way this matching necklace and ring contrast with it.


I love Helen's jewellery anyway- we both have great taste!- but I've been eyeing this set for a while. The pink element reminds me of rubber pieces from the end of a pencil and it's so tactile. You can buy them here,

We had a cute little picnic by the seaside. Helen took lots of stylish photos of her food but as usual I was too busy stuffing my face!

What Helen Wore: To The Beach

Top | H by Henry Holland
Skirt | H&M (stolen borrowed from Kimberley)
Shoes | Topshop
Necklace | Topshop
Pencil Ring | Me & Zena

Summer seems to be sticking around in Scotland. We've had well over a week filled with sunshine and warmth. Being cooped up at work for most of the time I was very much looking forward to spending some time outside. On Saturday Kimberley and I decided to head to the beach for a mini picnic. Granted it may not be the most picturesque of beaches, what with the disused power station looming over it, but I just think it just makes it more interesting.

It was another hot day so the aim of the game was to be as cool and comfortable as possible. I borrowed this easy to wear jersey skirt from Kim (see it on her here) and teamed it with this fun top covered in beach appropriate swimmers. The cute little pencil ring is a new purchase from Me & Zena which I can't stop wearing.




 

Styled by Kimberley: Ladylike

Blouse | H&M
Skirt | H&M
Shoes | Zara
Necklace | New Look
Ring | Accessorize
Bangles | Topshop

I am always lady like in any outfits (or granny-like at least). My usual ladylike go- to is a tea dress so I have deliberately stayed away from them. I really like this pleated skirt as the length is flattering on me- I have good legs from knee down.

Also, it's been a scorcher in Scotland this week! Since we are close to the sea, the morning harr (sea fog) can trick you into thinking you won't get sun burnt but always burns off by midday. I and every other Scottish person is currently lobster coloured in oddly shaped patches.
I normally wear this skirt with a white t shirt but wanted something more prim. I think this blouse is a little too loose for tucking in though so will go back to a slimmer silhouette on top. I've balanced out the library chic with vibrant tribal jewellery.

These blue velvet Zara shoes with ankle straps are my current faves. I love Zara's low front shoe shapes- their pointed toe heels are *amazing* but they're too high for me since I damaged my left ankle (also known as my 'fankle') two years ago. I bought these ones at New Year but have been too scared to wear them in the Scottish weather in case they are ruined. So they are getting a rare outing this week, at least until the rain starts again.

Hope you are all enjoying the heat this week :)

Styled by Helen: Ladylike

Blazer | Primark
Blouse | Red Herring
Jeans | New Look
Shoes | Clarks
Necklace | Red Brick
Brooch | Kate Rowland

This is my attempt at creating an alternative ladylike outfit. I have plenty of pretty dresses I could have worn but I decided I wanted to challenge myself and go for a more casual take on prim and proper. A floral print and pink blazer help to give a feminine touch, along with my most ladylike pair of heels. They're from Clarks, so sensible and pretty all in one. For a bit of comedy I added some actual ladies in the form of this amazing Red Brick necklace. It's definitely one of my favourite pieces of jewellery. I'm not quite sure why I added the Motel brooch, I guess I'm not so ladylike after all.

Styled by Helen: Festival

Dress | River Island
Sunglasses | H&M
Necklace | Tatty Devine
Bag | cardboardcities
Socks | Topshop
Sandals | Topshop
Bracelet | H&M

So, this is my festival outfit. I think it clearly shows just how long it's been since I've attended a festival. The sunglasses, bright colours and handy tote bag are all festival essentials but the socks and sandals wouldn't survive a minute if the rain were to start (which of course it would). Luckily I have no festival plans this year apart from sitting comfortably at home watching the highlights on tv. What can I say, my camping and portaloo days are over.

One thing that no festival goer (or a fake festival goer, like me) should be without is some bright jewellery. Kim featured her Tatty Devine necklace in her festival outfit and I couldn't resist adding my TD Lobster Necklace to complete mine. What can I say, they just win at creating fun festival ready pieces. I also added this fruity bracelet which I picked up in the H&M sale for £1! I never usually wear bangles or bracelets but at that price I couldn't resist.

Do you have any festival plans this year?

Styled by Kimberley: Festival

Top | borrowed from my sister
Trousers | Topshop
Shoes | Topshop
Name Necklace | Tatty Devine

I think this should really be re-named "festival style without the festival". That way I can wear summery fun items without the mud and hygiene issues. If you are looking for realistic festival clothing, I really recommend this post on Gingerbreadbutton's blog. It's hilarious!

I'm not going to any music festivals this year but still want to feel part of it. Here in Scotland, T in the Park is the big one. I have been to it about 7 times...?.. kind of losing count in my old age. Long enough that I can scoff at people's complaints about the arena loos, because I remember when the campsite ones really were disgusting. Ahem.
Anyway, my point is that this look is festival-esque but still wearable. I wanted some loud trousers to get into the spirit of it. These trousers are from my birthday post. They aren't that flattering on my hips but they are super comfy. Like wearing pyjamas. I'm aaaall about elasticated waists right now.

I would definitely recommend adding some fun sunglasses to the mix. I forgot mine- oversized bug eye Hilfigers- but I also like all the flower and pearl embellished ones that are floating around at the moment, like these ones from ASOS.

I am in love love love with my acrylic name necklace Helen bought me from Tatty Devine. You get to choose not only the message and colour but also the font and charm. i want multiples- the sparkly and mirrored ones are fabulous too.  It's like a modern take on Carrie Bradshaw's one. Also it may encourage people to use my full name. Although I like being called Kim, I feel strange if people don't alternate it with Kimberley.




What a goofball.