Holiday Shop

Image source: babasu via Compfight cc

Spring is here and with summer looming around the corner, it's time to dust off your gladiator sandals, tan your white bits and hit the gym to rediscover your bikini body! 

As a season dedicated to bright colours, floral prints and lady-like skirts and dresses, here's a peak into the key pieces, on sale in the hottest places. All of which you will more than likely be lusting over for your summer '13 wardrobe. 

River Island is my favourite store for summer styles. I'm generally a HUGE fan anyway but something happens to me when summer arrives and I'm out on the town in a tropical print, body-con, midi dress from River Island. 

First of my lusted summer pieces is a chiffon, v-neck, double layered, crop-top. 

                                    

Chiffon is an all round, key material for summer. It's flirtatious, feminine, and flattering. The three key Fs! For an evening look, I would wear this with black skinny jeans and heels, as suggested by River Island. Or team it with light denim jeans or shorts and beaded sandals for a summery daytime style. This top is a bargain and will keep you looking on trend for the whole season. At only £20.00, why not stock up and buy it in lemon too? - a key summer shade. 

Secondly, an embroidered, tassel hemmed, kimono jacket.

I'm SO into Kimono. Especially when you can nab a jacket as versatile as this River Island beauty! Wear it alone with a bright bikini on the beach, team it with distressed denim shorts or jeans or even squeeze into a pair of disco pants and a crop top, for a modern twist on the traditional kimono style. 

Finally, my absolute MUST have bikini for this year... 

I absolutely adore this bikini. Though its not a traditional 'summer shade' and totally opposes the bright pinks, oranges and turquoises, that are colour-popping their way down catwalks everywhere, I love it. Paired with a golden tan and bronze or gold accessories - you''ll be beach ready in seconds. This stunning bikini is from Topshop and is on sale now.

Handbags: Styles for every occasion

Black mock leather, gold chain and tassel, slouch shoulder bag - NewLook

I am so obsessed with handbags, they are most definitely my weakness. Clutch bags, shoppers, slouches, satchels, purses, bowlers, totes, buckets... You name it, I have it in abundance. Sadly, coming to university meant I was only able to pack my favourites, so here they are, the finalists! Roll on the handbags... 

Black mock leather, gold chain and tassel, slouch shoulder bag - NewLook

This my newest bag, which joined the collection just after Christmas. It was a bargain buy in the sales, costing £12. This bag is a perfect all-rounder, big enough to carry all the days essentials but small enough to still look great! I especially love the gold chaining detail - I'm a big fan of gold and am hardly ever caught wearing silver jewellery or any item with silver embellishment. I also think this bag has a bit of a designer feel about it, I'm always keen to achieve a great look at as minimal cost possible. The slouch style definitely reminds me of Mulberry's Daria Medium Hobo bag, and the gold detailing almost feels like a modern take on the classic Chanel style.

Strawberry, mock ostrich skin, doctor bag £49.99 - River Island

This is my all time favourite bag! Not just because of the gorgeous, bright colour and chic-vintage style, but because of the memories it comes with. My friends all clubbed together on my 16th birthday to be able to buy this for me. Despite being having the surprise coming my way hinted several times by friends, I was more than chuffed! Despite the bold colour, I feel I could wear this bag with almost anything. It effortlessly adds sophistication and style to any outfit. I believe a doctor style bag is something every girl needs in her collection. (The scarf with this bag is vintage).

Orange mock snakeskin, gold clasp and chain clutch bag - NewLook & Pink and gold embellished  purse - River Island

Sorry, its another bright one! This clutch/chain strap bag is gorgeous and makes a perfect statement, in addition to a plain LBD like this. I love contrasting pink and orange and this purse is the best accompaniment. I wouldn't usually take my whole purse out to a club but when they look this good together its hard to resist. This bag is perfect for any occasion, as a bit of an optical illusion it can actually hold quite a bit! I could definitely fit my night out essentials in here and look great carrying them. 

Statement necklaces

Black & Gold Statement Necklaces

These statement necklaces can offer a bit of sparkle to a less than bland ensemble... 

Teamed with complimenting counterparts these necklaces can be stunning, here they are worn with bare necks, but can be teamed over a t-shirt, jumper or blouse. I used to feel statement necklaces were accessories more suited to evening wear, but after this seasons fever for statement jewellery, I can't get enough. See how the celebs have been making their statements here. Possibly my favourite thing about neck wear is that it just draws attention to the shoulders and collar bone (taking attention away from problem chins) and creates an uber feminine, flattering and sophisticated look in a flash. The top Grecian style necklace pictured above was £4 from Primark  (similar here) and the Egyptian gold and black crystal piece was £6 from New Look (similar here).

Peter Pan Cutesy Collars 

These Peter Pan collar necklaces are the perfect accessory and affordable enough to buy one in every colour. You can ensure your neck is never bare again! 

The two I've chosen here are particularly adaptable, both from New Look - left the navy blue beaded collar was £4 in the Christmas sales, I do love a bargain... Similar here. And the cream lace number, with pearl embellishments was £7 - similar style from ASOS here. I have worn them both with a black, velvet peplum top to add a bit more sparkle but could truly go with almost anything. I like the idea of wearing the lace one with soft pinks, pastels and chiffon materials to give a vintage luxe feel. And the navy with darker colours and maybe with gold accessories (earrings and rings), to create an edgier look.