[dropcap]I[/dropcap]’ve talked about this before on the blog but when my children were small, I kind of lost myself a little bit. Waist deep in nappies and CBeebies for the best part of 10 years, I didn’t have much time for myself as my priorities were very much focused on my young family. Just for the record, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The first thing that disappeared was my fashion sense. I really didn’t know what the latest fashion trends were and looking back on photographs, I had no idea what suited me. Shopping was a luxury and if I ever did get to escape, I would gravitate towards the children’s clothes, feeling guilty if I spent money on myself.
How times have changed!
Call me shallow if you will but clothes shopping – online or in person, I’m not fussy – is one of my guilty pleasures. I love discovering what suits me and not being afraid to experiment a little with the latest trends. I might often be late to the fashion party but get there eventually, learning my limits along the way (denim shorts with the backside on show and ‘mum’ jeans really aren’t for me).
Writing this blog has encouraged me to explore my likes and dislikes which from the outset, was one of its primary purposes. I am enjoying the process, feel much more myself and have become increasingly passionate about encouraging women to find themselves after the furore of having young children. If I can inspire one woman who is feeling a bit ‘lost’ right now, then I’ll be happy.
The purpose of today’s post is to share a few of my summer essentials. I’ll admit to pretty much starting again with my wardrobe this summer but there are a few items that I have lived in year after year and others that have become a staple.
1. A Denim Jacket
If you don’t own a denim jacket, go out and buy one immediately! There are loads of sales on at the moment so you won’t have to spend the earth. My denim jacket goes everywhere with me (unless I’m wearing jeans, I’m not a fan of double denim) because it’s a fantastic throw on when the sun goes down and there’s a nip in the air.
I bought this denim jacket from Hush a couple of years ago and it really is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It’s quite lightweight so perfect for the summer. They don’t sell this exact one any more but the one they do sell is in the sale and gorgeous for £65.00.
Here are a few options available on the high street right now…
2. A Pair of Espadrilles
If you’re as old as me, you’ll remember when espadrilles were in the first time around. What I like about this current trend is that any heel height goes. Being somewhat vertically challenged, the completely flat ones aren’t really for me but this pair from Cara has barely been off my feet since I bought them!
What I like about them is the small wedge heel which gives me a bit of much-needed height, without making them uncomfortable to walk in. I’ve worn them with white jeans and dresses alike, they really are incredibly versatile. Here are a couple of current options available on the high street. Annoyingly, my Cara ones are actually in the sale, why does that always happen?!
3. A “Floaty” Blouse
Okay I hate the word ‘blouse’ but I can’t think of any other word to describe this useful item. It’s been so hot these last few weeks and I’ve been mighty thankful that I invested in a few of these because they go with absolutely everything. I’ve worn them to work with a pair of smart trousers, out to dinner with white jeans and they even look good with a denim skirt. Most of all, they are comfortable and cool. What’s not to love?
I bought this H&M blouse in pale pink and bright orange but I’m afraid to say that they have both sold out now. I’ve linked a few below that are very similar. I also have first-hand experience *cough* of the ecru frilled blouse from Zara. Annoyingly it’s now also in the sale at a bargainous (that’s not a word but it should be) £12.99!
4. A Denim Skirt
Keep trying shorts but they just aren’t for you? Get yourself a denim skirt! I’ve ditched my faithful a-line knee-length denim skirt of old, in favour of a couple of shorter ones this summer and I haven’t looked back.
I’ve got a purse-friendly black one from New Look, a washed denim one from H&M and this slightly more expensive (and it looks it) dark denim one from Joanie Clothing. The scalloped edge on the hem and button seam really make this skirt and it’s become a firm favourite. Reckon it will look great with tights and boots in the winter too ?.
Here are a few for you to check out…
5. Aviator Sunglasses
I have a narrow face so find it incredibly difficult to find sunglasses to suit me. The huge saucers that are all the rage right now make me look like something out of A Bug’s Life and I’m not feeling the hexagonal ones that the Love Island squad are sporting – what’s that all about?
Anyhow, I went into H&M a few months ago with my daughter and tried on pretty much every style in there. At £6.99 I absolutely love these aviator sunnies, something I would never have picked up in the past – it definitely pays to experiment.
I was unsure if they would last because I’ve not got the best track record with sunglasses but surprisingly, they have even survived knocking about in the bottom of my handbag for days on end.
Here are a few options worth considering…
And that my friends, just about wraps it up. I mean I could go on and on – coloured jeans, denim dresses (did I tell you how much I love denim?), straw bags – but I want to hear what you’ve been loving this summer. What’s your ‘go to’ in the wardrobe right now?
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17 COMMENTS
Sarah Christie
7 years agoWe have similar taste Suzanne these are all my key summer items too along with dresses which I am loving the chance to wear. And loving having a denim jacket for the first time in years x
Suzanne
7 years agoYes I’ve tried a few dresses this year too. In the hot weather, they are definitely the best choice! xx
Sarah MumofThree World
7 years agoI love your recommendations, but still can’t see myself in any of them. Apart from the aviators, I’ve always loved aviators! I had my first pair on honeymoon and I had a pair last year, but they hurt my eyes a bit unfortunately. I don’t have a denim jacket and think they look great on other people, but as I generally wear jeans 365 days a year, I have no wish to be a Double Denim Disaster.
(Apart from I think it’s been nearly a month since I last wore jeans! This summer I have embraced shorter shorts and they’ve been a revelation. Who knew?)
Suzanne
7 years agoI’ve started wearing shorts too. I do have a thing about my legs being so white and looking a little ‘old’ these days but so what?! You only get one life, hey?
Gail
7 years agoLove your ideas, Suzanne (that skirt looks fab on you) and I agree – a denim jacket is a must! I’ve had the same one for more years than I care to remember. They never date – it’s the same style that’s still for sale in the shops right now xx
Suzanne
7 years agoI often wonder if I need to invest in another as this one is quite a few years old now but I just love it so much! xx
Jenny
7 years agoFab collection for summer here hunny. You look gorgeous in all of it. I love these and glad I tick all the boxes for must haves this year too. #wrc
Suzanne
7 years agoIt doesn’t surprise me Jenny! You always look gorgeous 🙂 xx
Kerri-Ann
7 years agoA denim jacket is a must. Espadrilles have never been a style I’ve liked on me but always like them on others. X
Suzanne
7 years agoI’m really surprised about the espadrilles KA but then again, there are loads of trends I love on other people that just don’t suit me either – the long floaty skirts that you wear, being one of them. xx
Heledd - Running in Lavender
7 years agoI have to agree with you a denim jacket is (usually) essential for our cool British Summer and would definitely be on my list too. Along with embroidered tops, Minorca sandals, tassel earnings and sunglasses.
Suzanne
7 years agoI love the tassel earring trend but because I’m quite small, I just can’t seem to carry them off. I also hanker after embroidered tops whenever I see them on other people 🙂
Morgana
7 years agoI need a denim jacket so bad! I meant to get one in my last ASOS order! Oh well.. there’s an excuse for another browse..! x
Suzanne
7 years agoI can’t believe you don’t own one Morgana! Such a useful addition to any wardrobe 🙂
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker
7 years agoI can’t find a denim jacket I like anywhere! They all feel too stiff and heavy for me – I think I want a really soft lightweight one. Short denim skirts – yes! Love them, especially with slightly looser tops like the blouses you mentioned in the gorgeous heat we’ve been having.
Suzanne
7 years agoThe one I have is really soft and lightweight but sadly Hush don’t do it any more 🙁 They do something similar though which might be worth checking out? xx
Jeffery Curtis
6 years agoHey, These are all Fab collection for summer here . You look gorgeous in all of it. I need a denim jacket so bad! Can you tell me where i can found this denim jacket? Thanks in advance for your information.