My perfect Boden holiday wardrobe

I know that I'm a little late to the "holiday booking" party, especially when said holiday is only six weeks away - but today, after months of procrastination and inactivity, I finally managed to book one.

And the thing is, I'm really excited. Since we've had children, which is now heading towards 19 years ago, we've done very few "hot" holidays. True, we've had some that were meant to be hot but that weren't (the rain is attracted to us like bees to honey) but other than that, we've been happily UK based. Partly we just weren't hard core enough to face travelling with the children (I'll admit, I like an easy life!) but also with our annual trip to Guernsey which we all love, and a few trips to Wales and Cornwall here and there, we were content with not going very far.

But this year we felt like a week in the sun. Flo will be off to University in October so who knows where she might be next year and after what seems like a never ending winter of rain and damp, a week in Crete is just what we could all do with. And don't talk to me about the skiing "holiday". That doesn't count. I don't think that I've ever sworn so much in a week.

So when Boden invited me to take part in their campaign to celebrate the launch of their "Holiday Hub" I felt that it would be the perfect way of pulling some of my holiday wardrobe essentials together.

For me it's the "bits around the edges" that make a summer holiday wardrobe. It's the holiday accessories - the pieces which shout "I'm on holiday and yes, I might even buy into one of the crazy local souvenirs which seems a good idea to wear when I'm here but which I might live to regret when I get home and re-visit the photos." It's the things that I don't necessarily wear on a daily basis when at home, that make all the difference.

So first off I would choose the Antibes Cup Size Bikini Top because obviously it fits my brief (no pun intended) of not being something that I would ordinarily wear when visiting my local supermarket. I love navy, its such a classic and the polka dot gives it that lovely 50's feel. Plus the cup sizing is a god send for someone like me who just doesn't fit the standard size 8/10/12 norm. Oh and the wiring - let's not forget that all important push both inwards, and upwards, that the wiring gives. And those children I've mentioned - well let's just say that they've all played a part in things not being what they could be (and of course I wouldn't have it any other way!)

And I think that I will go with plain bottoms. I just feel happier that way. Let's just draw the eye upwards and away from those cheeky bum cheeks shall we? Yup, good idea. Very good idea.

And for those days when a bikini just feels too much like hard work, then I'm a fan of a full on figure flattering swim suit. It still needs support and the clever styling of this Santorini Swimsuit ticks all of my swimwear boxes.

The words "body sculpting" and "lightly padded cups" are all music to my ears! I love the print on this swimwear - it's just like the gorgeous tiled floors that all the instagrammers take photos against in their summer sandals. Speaking of which...

I would be taking these Pom Pom Sandals  in snap dragon, which sounds so much more engaging than red, with me.

And for nights out - which largely exist in my head, I would be taking these Caterina Sandals. Not only because I love the idea of them with boyfriend white jeans and a bardot top but also because it wouldn't be so easy for my son to tap me on the head, look down at me,  and say "All right short arse?"

The reality of course is that really I could do with the Eva Espadrille because whilst I'm not the slightest bit concerned about everything going with everything, they will go with everything and they will be comfortable, particularly for travelling in.

And speaking of travelling, I love this Ariana jacket for travelling in. We land back in the UK late at night, when no doubt it will be a little chilly, so this would be perfect. In fact it might be the piece that I wear the most on holiday as the "battle of the air conditioning" commences inside the villa. Why my husband chooses to go somewhere hot and then make it as cold as back at home, I'm not sure. 

Then I need some eye catching sunglasses, such as these dahlia red Luz sunglasses which will just add a bit of colour to my outfits and make me look very cool and trendy (well, in my head at least.)

After that, how about a fringed towel which I can use as a sarong, around my shoulders - or indeed as a towel (although it's probably too nice for that and I'll just stick a few old Ben Ten/Tweenies ones from home in one of the kids' suitcases)

I always have a gorgeous scarf wherever I go on holiday, which I use as a blanket, around my neck (obviously), to tie on to a bag, to wrap a child in, as a pillow on an aeroplane, or to put around my head chic startlet style (OK old woman style) when we end up whizzing along somewhere and there's a breeze. This pom pom scarf would work perfectly for me. 

Then I will need a gorgeous bag trips to the pool or the beach...

Some jewellery... such as the Diona Bracelet

And the Lena necklace which, being simple in its styling, will again go with anything and everything.

And then I'm good to go. Except, as you may have noticed, I don't really have any clothes. But then again for a week in the sun I don't need many clothes - as I said before it's all about the "bits around the edges". Having said that...

A beach kaftan would be a perfect addition to my holiday wardrobe, as much for everyone else's benefit as for mine when I'm walking around between beach and bar (OK, pool and fridge.) The Luz sunglasses will work like a dream with it too. 

But for sure I would need some shorts, so I would take the Lottie Linen Shorts because they will be cool and shorts crease whatever they're made of, so that fact that they're linen is immaterial...

....and a pair of plain shorts could be a good idea, in which case the Pippa shorts, with their broderie texture, fit the bill perfectly. 

For tops, I'm not really a fan of lots of piles of plain vests or t-shirts, instead preferring to cover up with some cooler, looser, boho or bardot tops. So let's go with something lightweight but with sleeves, such as this gauzy boho top which I can pop over my swimwear or wear with the Pippa shorts.

...or the Henrietta linen top which will go with both of my pairs of shorts and also underneath my Ariana jacket. 

Ooooh and the Allegra top has my name on it too. This would look great with the Pippa shorts and pom pom sandals. 

Skirts, for some reason, I'm not too concerned about. All of my tops will be quite long so their proportions will work better with shorts or trousers but a couple of dresses? Now we're talking. I love a summer dress - so easy!

The Terese dress is 100% cotton, so it will be cool and lightweight plus it will work really well with the Luz sunglasses and pom pom sandals. 

I adore a black dress in the summer. I find them chic and a fantastic back drop for jewellery, such as the gold Lena necklace, which I've featured above, so this jersey maxi dress would be perfect.  In the evening I would wear it with the necklace and Caterina sandals and in the day, with the pom pom scarf and pom pom sandals. 

For a week in the sun, I think that I'm done. Oh, apart from nightwear - I definitely need nightwear. The Suzie shorts and the Featherweight T would work like a dream (I know, terrible pun. Again.)

So, the things is, I'm too tight to pay for the bags to be booked into the hold, which means we're all travelling on hand luggage. Consequently, someone might need to let me have a little room in their suitcase. Husband, you can manage for a week in a couple of pairs of budgie smugglers and a pair of crocs right? Yes? Excellent.

Just so that everyone is in the picture, Boden may send a small gift to me for writing this post - but I have no idea what that may be. All the items that I've chosen I've done so myself and all wording is my own (as if anyone else would write what I write!!!) And I'm so pleased that I was asked to write it as the timing was perfect (although not perhaps for the bank balance!) Have a lovely weekend. Beth x

Espadrilles - the shoe style of the summer

I'm only just starting to get my head around espadrilles as "the shoe style" of the summer season. You see for me they've been around since the year dot - which I know means I'm totally showing my age. Only last year I binned two pairs - one because the sole had come away from the heel (have you not heard of glue. Idiot) and one because the buckle came off (again, Timpsons. Doh.) But I'm sure that someone had commented somewhere that they were a bit outdated and frumpy. I tell you though, put those Carvela snake print babies on my feet this summer and I would have been the height of cool.

What I really want to know is this. Why, given all of the many, many clothes and shoes that I could have got rid of, did I have to part with the only two pairs of shoes that I wish I hadn't parted with? That is, I guess, what you call the law of sod.

Now there are lots of styles of espadrilles, from slides to block heels (I love these) to wedges, which is what I'm going to concentrate on.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you will know that I have now become the proud owner of a pair of gold shimmie espadrilles from Air & Grace (£99)

Now, before you balk at the price, just hear me out on this one. As most of you will know, I am very much a High Street girl. I'm not one for paying a lot for clothes or shoes just because they have a fancy label - it's just not something I've ever subscribed to. If my clothes are slightly more high end (by this I mean Jigsaw, Whistles etc) then I wait for the sales or for a gift card to come my way from the hubby. I could no more pay £200 for a pair of jeans that I could go to McDonalds to eat (said slightly tongue in cheek - don't judge me. It just never crosses my mind to go there.)

The only exception to this is if something is going to do an amazing job for me, such as keeping me exceptionally warm, or dry, or keeping me comfortable when running or walking a long way. Then I'm happy to pay a bit more.  And that's what appealed to me about the Air & Grace espadrilles, which are made with patent pending Tender Loving Air technology, which has three layers of memory foam cushioning hidden away in the sole.

Leopard Print Shimmie (£119)

I often look on amazed at women who wear high shoes - particularly those walking through town in their 60s, in heels. Amanda Holden was at QVC when I was there earlier in the week and she was positively whizzing round the Green Room in her very high nude stilettoes. Meanwhile I sat nerdily in the corner in my trainers. In fact the longest that I ever wear heels for is when I'm on TV or at a Style Event otherwise, silver Adidas Superstars it is. It's not just that my foot is at an angle, or that the soles are rigid but also the pressure of stiff leather on the top of my feet can make them hurt. I also hate my pace and stride length being compromised to the point that I get irritated by "normal" shoes.

H&M espadrilles (£34.99) for those who don't have the same shoe issues as me!

So anyway, that's what finally prompted me to order the shoes and my words when I put them on, literally, were "Oh Lordy me!" They are so comfortable - soft and cushioned and maybe, at long last, I've found an alternative to trainers or flip flops. If you're minded to try them, I suggest that you do. There's free delivery on orders over £100 and free returns too.

The other option for espadrilles is Castaner a Spanish, family run company, who have been making espadrilles since 1927. They first found notoriety in the 1960s, having created an espadrille wedge for YSL and now that Pippa Middleton has been spotted in them, well, say no more! Off the scale they go (but in which direction?!)

Castaner in Tropical from Rubber Sole (£81.99)

Castaner Carina from Matches £80

Then again, I know that not everyone likes the idea of ties around their legs, although I have to say that unlike some shoes I have with ties, these don't come undone. However, for those who would prefer a buckle, look no further than these...

...the Jigsaw Florrie heeled espadrille (£98).

So there you go - you can rock your inner Kate/Pippa Middleton in espadrilles or style them like the true fashionistas that you all are!

The "new"* basket shape for an instant accessory update

You know how something can creep into your sub-conscious, weaving its way into your brain until suddenly one day you wake up and, having not been in the least bit fussed about an item, it has now become your "must have" piece and it's right at the top of your "wanted" list, bumping everything else that was previously above it into oblivion?

Well that's exactly what has happened with these circular baskets. I blame Instagram for it. In fact I blame Instagram for a lot of things. What I do love though is how they convey that idea of a warm, balmy, summer's day (which is clearly unlike any other basket that I own) - plus they are just a little bit of a departure from the shopping bag shaped baskets that we've seen over the past few summers. A basket update if you will.

Circular woven basket Edit 58 (£40)

So this basket I spotted on Erica Davies of The Edited. Now for sure if you've come across me, you will almost certainly already know Erica but if not, you can find her on Instagram here. Erica has great style, a fab house and the best basket! Sadly when I went to hunt down her basket which was from Edit 58, it had sold out.

French Baskets $40

Nevermind. I knew that I had seen Chloe (at Chloe Loves to Shop) with one that was similar and when I scrolled through her Instagram I found that she had bought hers from French Baskets (above). Sadly Chloe's didn't appear to be on their website (I have linked to similar, above) which left me back at square one.

Aloha basket Etsy (£40)

So that left me with only one option, which was to head to Etsy - "an online market place for individual sellers of handmade or vintage items".  It really is the place to go for all things crafty/basket like/pom pom or tassel related.

It took me a while but, after using a few different search terms, I came up with this beauty. Now the bad news is that I snapped up the last one with "Aloha" written on it. The good news is that it's possible to order one AND it can be personalised in one of six different coloured wools. So really the world is your oyster, whether it's a French slogan (very now), your initials, your children's names (should you forget - something I find increasingly to be a problem) or some random word that you like (for me, that would be "Twilight" which could easily be mistaken for "Twiglet" which would be very unfortunate.)

My basket will be on its way shortly and I have to say that I can't wait. I know that many of you won't believe it but it's been a while since I've bought anything new (well, apart from 2 new pineapple T-shirts from the gorgeous Gift Pop Boutique) so I didn't think that a new basket was pushing things too much.

Let me know what you think - can you be persuaded?!

* I used the word "new" in the title in its loosest sense.  I think that they have been using this shaped basket in Morocco for centuries!

The Baukjen Brook Relaxed Pants - an alternative to jeans

There's something about wearing skinny jeans in the summer which can make me feel just a bit "eugggh". They can be a bit hot and sweaty which is never a good feel. The trouble is, come the winter, everything feels a bit snug - so from time to time, it's good to get the skinnies back on. And let's face it with our unpredictable weather, there's usually the odd arctic day, even in the summer.

So when Baukjen asked me to choose a few pieces to style, I immediately headed for the Brook relaxed pants (£95). With a composition of 97% cotton and 3% elastane they are a winning combination because they are lovely and cool plus they also have that bit of stretch for comfort.  

I'm also wearing the Eleanor blouse from Baukjen (£79), which I absolutely love. With a composition of 95% viscose 5% elastane, it's a lovely feeling fabric - soft and silky and the neck ties just add that little bit of something cheeky. It's really good for work or casual and the v-neck is fabulous for women with curvier busts.

The fab thing about both of these pieces is that being neutral they will work with so many other pieces in your wardrobe colour wise. And being simple shapes you can do the whole dress up, dress down thing. The trousers could be worn with heels, wedges, slides, trainers, espadrilles - you name it, they work with them. And as for tops, Bardot style, peasant style, nautical, de-constructed - they'are all for the taking. Plus, the top can be hugely dressed up for the evening or dressed down with busted jeans or cut-offs.

So, I hope that gives you something to ponder over the weekend. Good wardrobe basics are so essential in creating the building blocks for everything else and these truly are lovely items to have in your wardrobe.  Have a super weekend! Beth x

A one stop shop for tops - Oasis

Where to go to for a good selection of tops is one of the questions that I get asked most often. If your wardrobe is short of tops, you really do know about it. That's because rather than wearing dresses, jumpsuits, or playsuits most of the time - which clearly don't require a top - we tend to live in jeans and trousers, or occasionally skirts, which clearly do. And when the weather suddenly starts to get warm, whilst it might be a quick and easy transition from jeans to chinos, we often feel the need for a "new top" to spruce things up. Those old T-shirts that have sat languishing at the back of the wardrobe just don't cut the mustard do they?

So here's my selection from Oasis - a veritable one stop shop for tops. Plus they have now started stocking clothes from a 6 to an 18, so if previously it wasn't a shop that worked for you, now might be the time to take a look through a fresh pair of eyes.  

Starting off with the most simple of tops, the cami. Great either on its own or for layering under other tops to "fill the gap" - usually the modesty one that is. This top comes in 6 colours, so there's something for everyone.

v-neck cami (£22)

Next, those ubiquitous stripes which appear season after season. But these aren't any old stripes - these are stripes with flamingos and sequins. I like this because it's a little more than a T-shirt but it's not fancy enough to call itself a "top".  And there is a difference!

stripe kissing flamingo T (£30)

Next up, pineapples. There are lots of us having a love affair with all things pineapple related right now and Oasis have tapped into that with this fabulous yellow T-shirt with sequinned pineapples. A glitzy T which hits the right spot for those after something a little more embellished than a plain T but not something too over the top. Personally I love a statement skirt and a glitzy T.

pineapple T (£28)

For a bit of subtle daytime shimmer, whilst still in a T-shirt shape, there's this T in the colour of the season - khaki. It's perfect for those who have had enough of grey and who find black too harsh, plus a little bit of shimmer is a nice touch. I like the idea of this under a camo shacket and with ripped jeans. OK, so not very summery but it would fab with cut-offs too. Khaki is so great with white too, or coral, or navy, or red, or pink.....

khaki shimmer T (£24)

Now we're talking! Full on sequins - and let's not just keep them for the evening. You all know what a daytime sequin fan I am. There's just something lovely about a sequin T-shirt, whether it's with jeans, under dungarees, with shorts, chinos, a pleated skirt, or a pencil skirt and heels.

sequin front T (£35)

And of course a fashionistas wardrobe wouldn't be complete without a blue and white striped bardot top. Which is why I haven't got one. I'm not so good with off the shoulder - I still haven't worked out how to empty the dishwasher or hang the washing up without moving my shoulders. BUT I love them on other people and I often look at them longingly, wondering how others manage where I fail. Perhaps I'll have to stop someone and ask them.

Ticking stripe Bardot Top (£32)

A lace top is a real winner for the summer and the fabulous thing about this top is that it is short enough to sit on the waistband of a skirt. So many skirts are ruined by the lines of a top that is too long - a top which covers your narrowest part and spoils the look turning it from elegant and nipped in at the waist to dumpy (I speak from experience on this!)

lace top (£40)

This top is a real gem for a curvier figure. (Cue best Trinny and Susannah voice) - true, it might have the higher neckline but it's only a thin band. The V-neck has a fastening which prevents gaping, the fabric skims without clinging and then it nips back in at the waist with this wide band which stops all that wafting that you can get with voluminous tops and which aren't always flattering. The diagonal line across the torso is a good styling trick too as it draws the eye down and across, plus the print keeps the eye on the move. So if you're a lady with a curvy bust who struggles with tops, this could be worth a try.

Royal Worcester Wrap Top (£42)

And then for anyone who wanted a "going out" top, this one offers a combination of different fabrics, a bit of shimmer and it's a good length, meaning that it's great over skinnies, or cigarette style trousers with heels.

Crinkle foil tee (£35)

There are over 226 tops on the Oasis site and what I really like is the variety available. They're not all super trendy but there's definitely something for everyone whether it's a cool T, an everyday top or a going out top. And if all you have time for is a quick whizz into town, that's where I'd suggest you head. Have fun!

The Whistles Lace Dress - it ticks a lot of boxes!

Sometimes you just come across a dress that ticks a lot of boxes and for me, this is it.

This is the Rosie lace panel dress from Whistles (down from £249 to £199.20) which I borrowed from John Lewis for the Ladies' Lunch and Style Event at the Botanical Gardens earlier in the week. I hadn't had a chance to try it on beforehand but luckily the fit was great (this is a size 10 - I often go up a size in Whistles) and I have to admit to being reluctant to hand it back.

What I really like about the length of this dress is that the deep "hem" panel below the frill allows for a bit of leg to show through but without it being a "short" dress. And for one who has knees which are as wide as her thighs (you've heard of cankles, well let me introduce you to knighs or thees) that is a really good thing.

The nipping in at the waist bit is also good and although this is clearly meant to be a "dressy dress" there's enough volume in the skirt to make it slightly less dressy than a pencil/body con type number - without it being so voluminous that it requires the highest of heels to balance out the proportions. This dress is one that I would happily wear on a daily basis with flats (OK, let's be honest, trainers. There, I've said it. AGAIN.)  And should I ever be lucky enough to own one, I would wear pretty much day in day out so that it paid its way.

In addition to it coming in blue, it also comes in red as shown here...

And I could have sworn that I saw one in pale grey in John Lewis the other day. However on closer inspection, what they have is a similar version in the  Rosie Lace Dress (note the absence of the "panel" part of the description) which is a John Lewis exclusive. Now the problem with this dress is, because it's an exclusive to John Lewis, it may not be possible to ask them to apply their "never knowingly undersold" policy (which you can scrutinise in full here), meaning that it might be only available at the price of £249. Then again if it's the dress of your dreams then maybe that's one that can be squared off with a little financial/mental gymnastics.

And this is a side view of the dress, just in case anyone wondered what it looked like from a different angle. 

The shoes that I am wearing are Karen Millen past season but for a (sort of) similar look, take a look at these from Steve Madden at John Lewis (£80). I like the juxtaposition of the lace with something a little edgier rather than a girlie shoe but you know, just mix it up and have fun!

Coming to your rescue....

We all know that the High Street is great at catering for the masses but woe betide you if you are taller, or shorter, or have a larger bust or curvier hips than those masses. Suddenly life becomes a whole lot trickier.

The same is true for those ladies who have wider feet; for those ladies for whom shoe shopping is just a miserable experience because none of the shoes that they like will go on.  Well that's where the Dune Lucki double strap sandal from John Lewis (£65) comes into its own.

I happen to love this style of shoe, wider feet or not. Metallic - rose gold or silver (tick), sparkle - on the heel (tick), flatform - for height (tick), slightly cool and Scandi (tick), comfortable (tick) and for those with wider feet, two buckles that actually function so as to accommodate a wider foot, which equals ticks all the way to the till. And I haven't checked but it's possible that they could be tightened significantly too, so they may accommodate a narrower foot - as well as an "average" foot. Excellent news all round!  

Let me know what you think. I hope that these could be just the gem you may be looking for this summer.

Beth x

A triple bill - something to wear, something to eat and something to do!

By way of a change, I thought that I would bring you three different items in this post - something to wear, something to eat and a little exercise thought or two.

You all know how much I love anything pink - particularly a pink top or jumper (or front door) and so when I was shopping for some outfits for an upcoming event, this Sun, Sea, Sand Hush top (£40) might just have found its way into my basket. I haven't tried it on yet but it made me instantly cheery - and there would be something slightly ironic about wearing it when we're so far from the sea.

One of the main observations in the "comments" section about this top on the Hush site, is that it is much brighter in real life than shown on the site - which is a fair comment when you compare the two photos above. Anyway, if you're on the look out for a pink pick me up for your wardrobe, this could be it.

And if you're looking for a snack time pick me up, these could be them! True, I know that they don't look the most appetising ever but I love them and the recipe makes loads, so you can pop a few in the freezer and always have a healthy snack at the ready. They are the raw vegan flapjack from Jamie's "Everyday Superfoods" but without the oil or the maple syrup. I find that if I soak the dates and dried fruit in warm water for a few minutes, they get nice and soft and absorb enough liquid so that the oil isn't necessary.

I make these in the nutri-bullet in two separate batches or else it can't cope with all of the ingredients. Essentially I chuck in 200g oats, 100g hazelnuts, 50/100g other mixed nuts, 20g sunflower seeds, 100g dried fruit and 180g dates, whizz it up, roll it into humungous sized rabbit droppings and there we have about 22 power balls. They can be flavoured with cacao powder, or ginger, or other bits and bobs but I prefer them just as they come. And they're great to take out running with you...which leads me to my next part of this post.

Running. In all its sweaty, heart-pumping, achingly painful (at times) but totally mind clearing and wonderful glory. For some crazy reason, I've entered the ballot for the London Marathon again. Now it's just a waiting game until the beginning of October to see whether I have a place. And in the meantime, I shall be training for the Birmingham Marathon, which is towards the end of October. It's the first time that we've had a Marathon in Birmingham and whilst I didn't think that I had another one in me, I did a few 20 odd milers with a friend in preparation for the Boston Marathon and it was OK - so what the hec?

But at the same time as marathon training, I'm doing the "Couch to 5k" app with my husband. A more unlikely runner you couldn't find - only through lack of interest I should hasten to add. It's taken me 20 years to get him to come out with me! But he's done three runs now, he hasn't complained once and I reckon that he will be pretty nippy once he gets into the swing of it. It was his new resolution on reaching 50. So for anyone tempted, the app could be perfect - the worst thing is heading out, blasting around the streets for 400m and then collapsing in a heap never to go out again. This is a gentle, structured introduction that includes lots of walking as well.  

Oh, and the "Mind over Marathon" TV programme was brilliant. I loved seeing how running transformed the lives of those involved in such a moving and positive way. I would imagine that if you weren't sure whether you could get out there and do it (and I know that it's not for everyone) this might just be the thing to get someone to put on their trainers and give it a go.

And of course non of us ever likes how we look in skin tight lycra but again, a splash of pink or coral - or some flowers and a few layers always helps. I'm still loving the way that my Prism Leggings and Seafolly Festival Hoodie (both available at Cocobay) feel when I'm running in them. These are my running staples but I also have a good splash of pieces from GAP, H&M and Primark for running in too - so it's really not necessary to spend a lot to get going.

I hope that you all have something fab planned for the weekend, or if not, that you can just sit back and relax for a while. x