Holiday Beach Basics

Styling beach chic can be tricky, and sometimes a bit of a disaster. Too many patterns, too many harsh colours, don't worry i've been there! I'd like to think I have now mastered the art of simplistic beach style, with the occasional hiccup every now and again - who doesn't! So I've done a quick round-up of all of the holiday beach basics that I think everyone needs in their wardrobe. Enjoy! 

1. The Towel

Comon, of course you need a chic towel to hit the beach with and this New Look Tropical Print does just the job!

2. The Throw-On Dress

Any light and loose fitting dress, the simpler the better, always looks great at the pool or on the beach, trust me. This Zara Poplin Dress is perfect.

3. The Bikini

I am painfully fussy when it comes to swimwear! It will take me week s to finally find a bikini that I don't only like, but also suits my body. This Seafolly Mesh About Triangle Bikini is in my ultimate favourite colour, and is perfect if your body is slightly more on the athletic side, like myself.

4. The Hat 

If, like me, you are on the paler side, then a hat is a definite must-have. But not only are they great for keeping yourself cool and sheltered, they can make or break an outfit as the perfect beach accessory. I've fallen in love with this ASOS Fedora, and will definitely be making this purchase for my own holiday! 

5. Lace-Up Sandals

These are one of SS16's must-have items, they took over the catwalks and now the high street, aren't they gorgeous? These KG by Kurt Geiger's are slightly more expensive than what I'd usually buy, but for an item like this, you want quality material so they don't deteriorate in the heat! 

5. The Cap

You can never have too many hats! A classic cap is perfect for any holiday, whether your gallivanting through a city, or sitting on the beach, and this Airtex Cap from Topshop would give any outfit that Athleisure vibe.

6. The Woven Beach Bag

It's not exactly groundbreaking to suggest a straw bag for the beach, but this South Beach Woven Cross Body Bag gives a new twist on an old classic that will have everyone staring.  

7. The Bardot Dress

Named after the beautiful Brigette Bardot, this SS16 off-the-shoulder number is simple, elegant, and chic. Wear this Topshop Poplin Bardot Dress in the day or evening to show off those sassy shoulders.

8. The Simple Tee

Need I say more.

Zara

9. The Boho Maxi

Whether it's for the day or the evening, a loose fitting maxi can be dressed up or down and won't leave you sweltering in the heat. Try this Tiered Maxi from Asos.

10. The Swimsuit 

A stylish yet simple swimsuit. Surely I'm not the only one that can't pull off these low-cut swimming costumes that are in style, but this Roxy one-piece with an orange zip adds a bit of character to an all-time classic. 

11. The Shades

I love that Ray-Ban has taken on this cool addition and fixed a metal brow bar! A frame that suits any face shape.

12. The Gingham

SS16 saw the rise of Gingham, and you should definitely have at least one piece in your holiday wardrobe! Why not this Gingham Open Back Dress from Topshop?

13. The Coin Purse 

Everybody needs a coin purse, a handy slot to separate your essentials within your beach bag. This New Look Daydreams and Ice Creams one is too cute!

Summer Fitspiration

Yes ladies it's that time again... the beach body scare. If you started your Summer-body gym routine in January then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, but if you, alike myself, lost track of the dates and have now realised your holiday is only a few weeks away, don't fear! Here's a few tips to help yourself feel more comfortable slipping into that bikini... 

1. The Motivation

If you've got the motivation to get into your gym gear and start some exercise, you are already half way there. I can't count the amount of times i've cancelled a gym session due to sheer laziness. I find that sometimes just by buying myself a new item of fitness wear I am more keen to get myself to the gym, this has been as little as a new sports bra from Gap fit.

2. Goals

We need to be realistic with our goals, but this doesn't mean you can make excuses for not having enough time! Up your workout sessions by one or two extra a week, and if this isn't possible you could still do a 30 min workout in your living room. There are plenty of ab, leg and chest workout tips and tricks on Pinterest that you can do in the comfort of your own home. 

3. Fitness partner

This is also a form of motivation. I go to the gym with either one of my girl pals or my boyfriend, although I have been made aware many people wouldn't set foot in a gym along with their other half. I find that having two people I can train with helps enormously. This is because you are not merely letting yourself down if you don't go, but also the other person. When training with a friend you can do routine exercises that involve two people and if you miss one of these sessions then that other person has been left to train on their own. 

4. Fad Diets

I personally am very against numerous fad diets such as teatoxing, juicing and all these so called 'cleansing' courses. These are not a healthy way to loose weight and can cause serious harm to your body. Juicing is a great way to get multiple vitamins in one go, but should be done in addition to a healthy diet, not on it's own. instead of teatoxing try drinking more water, attempt to drink around two litres a day, this will make sure you keep hydrated and that you aren't feeling hungry due to dehydration. If you want to try any fad diets I recommend doing A LOT of research beforehand. 

5. Enjoy it!

Try and find a form of exercise you enjoy. Research shows that if you enjoy your exercise you are far more likely to benefit from it as you put more effort into the routine. Whilst at the gym I enjoy doing circuits but when these start to feel repetitive or boring I like to go to Body-Combat classes, Yoga or go for a run. I believe variety is key for an enjoyable fitness routine.  


K.