here comes the summer!!

Hello my lovelies! It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blogging duties! But if you read my last post then you'll understand a lot of stuff has been going in my life right now, and to be honest it wasn't really that great. However, lets not dwell on the bad and instead focus on the good! You can't keep a good woman down. Plus, I'm lucky enough to live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, and have the greatest family and friends. Some of which I'm blessed are still here.

 So, on with the blog post. I was inspired for this post after my recent trip to The Southbank. At the moment it's all decked out (no pun intended) with a seaside theme; think sand, deckchairs and copious characterful beach huts. As you sit on the sandy 'beach' and listen to the 'waves' (yes it's just the Thames) you'd be excused for believing you really were at the beach. Except you might not want to go for a paddle. God knows what you could catch from doing that, it's worrying to think what lurks in those murky waters.

 Anyway, I'm rambling. The point is that it got me to thinking about beachwear and holidaywear. I personally love mixing vintage up with a modern or edgy twist, but I also love true vintage outfits. So in this post I'm going to share with you some of my most loved looks, with the key pieces I'll be wearing to the beach (in the summer as many of my days off as possible are going to be spent getting a cheap train to the coast!) and for my holiday (fingers crossed, Paris. If I can afford it!)

 First off, these bad boys! I'm beginning to build up quite a collection - as you can see - mainly because they're just so wearable.

 Pair with some simple simple cut off or turn up denim shorts buy here for an alternative to a bikini at the beach, or wear with this seasons trend, the midi/maxi skirt for a relaxed yet a little bit rock n' roll kind of look. They keep you cool when it's hot, and notice the low cut sides (I love a flirty flashing of a bit of bra. Slaaag). Mine are all from the Rokit Recycled range and you can get yours too by clicking here, or even better still if you live in the big smoke, pop in past Rokit Brick Lane and I'll be more than happy to show you our brilliant selection.

 For me, nothing screams out spring/summer like a bit of floral and lace. I love how it's so incredibly feminine, and these items never go out of fashion. Don't always believe those fashion magazines. They're always telling you it's a 'NEW' trend, but I guarantee that if you checked their S/S trends for the past few years these trends will have been in there. Besides, it's more fun to start your own trends.

 A varied wardrobe (much like a varied diet) is necessary to get the balance right. That's why I think it's a good idea to have dresses/skirts in various lengths. Have at least one mini, one midi, and one maxi. That way you can mix up your styles a bit more, and explore differnt eras. For my mini, I love my 60's orange one I bought in Torquay from a place called Camden Market funnily enough!

 My midi's; the blue one is an original 50's number, perfect in the sunshine, and the pink floral one I bought recently from my friend. It screams out picnics in the park!

 And finally my maxis. My lace one is from Beyond Retro, and the other is a 70's maxi from a really quiant shop in a place called Totnes.

 I'm also loving the fruity trend at the moment. I have these earrings which are just a small touch,

 but check out these beauties from H&M (click here too)They also have a tshirt with bananas which I saw instore. This a great trend to rock on your holiday, so summery!!

 Accessories are the key to making your look work, whatever your look may be. Yes, so it's hot and sticky, and you probably don't want even the thinnest of scarves round your neck. But you can still use that scarf in your getup, why not try tying it in your hair? This way it keeps you cool with your hair out of your face and off your neck, and gives your outfit instant vintage kudos. Whether it's a big 80's bow (very Madonna, see Desperately Seeking Susan!)...

 ...To a more 40's/50's pinup look, this does the job! It's also great for those of us who dye our hair, as it hides your roots when they're coming through. And lets face it, what with all those barbeques, holidays, festivals etc going on through the summer, you don't always have time to dye your hair!

 Here's a few other bits and pieces. Scarves, blouses, dresses, beads and birdcages, flowers and my gran's 50's handbag.

 And that my friends, is my little guide to my favourites for the season! Do comment, and make sure you click to follow the blog aswell, I'd love to hear about the trends you'll be rocking this holiday season!
Kez xxx