A month full of promise awaits – with sunshine surely on the horizon, I am diving into summer.
Everything I’m shopping, eating, watching, reading and wearing from the light and healthy dinner recipe I made for my latest dinner party to the love story that had me in tears and everything I packed for a short holiday in Morocco (including the comfiest sandals in the land) and the high street bag that looks designer…
SHOP
Perhaps the reason I am feeling particularly optimistic about my holiday wardrobe is that I’m just back from a very indulgent three night break with friends to Morocco. I opted for, as usual, to forego the luggage fees and packed a very efficient hand luggage only beach bag. Everything had to work hard and well together – these pulled their weight.
The shorts – high waisted, tan colour and short length (this might be controversial but I personally love a short short – the visual gives the appearance of a longer leg), wide hem (slimming on the thigh) – honestly these can do no wrong in my eyes. Major bonus points when they arrived and I realised the belt detail is just that, a detail, and they are, in fact, elasticated – what a treat to be able to simply pull them on and off. Well worth the investment.
The beach balloon pants – honestly, hurrah for a trouser that is both at once wide legged and doesn’t trail on the ground. For Morocco I wanted something super lightweight, in a natural material for breathability and with a reasonable price point. I travelled in these, wore them to the beach, out for dinner – they ticked all the boxes (and come in many colours).
The broderie top – so very pretty – basically Zimmermann for a fraction of the price.
The linen dress – this one keeps selling out (keep an eye out for restocks at 8.30am Wed and Sun – that’s how I finally got hold of one) and I can see why. Such an easy shape to wear, sensible straps, beautiful details and universally flattering. The black colourway is equally stunning.
The hard working nightdress – I will be the first to admit I was a sucker for the If Only If advertising – show me a brand that sells that kind of lifestyle and I am ALL in. Honestly though, delighted as I am to have joined the club, this nightie really is incredible; for a start she is actually comfy to sleep in but, throw in her ability to effortlessly double as a beach cover up (add a belt if you like) and we have a bonafide winner on our hands. I already have the gingham on my wishlist.
The accessories had to work equally hard and, along with my trusty beach bag (which handily fits the Ryanair handbag dimensions), my LK Bennett flats (RIP) and my old sun hat, here are a few new bits I am extremely chuffed with…
The comfy sandals – Fitflop truly never let me down. Wore these straight out the box to the airport and then for a hike up a valley the next morning – not a blister in sight. The price is great and I think the black leopard is so chic but they also come in pure black or beige (and half sizes).
The summer necklace set – this set appeals to the 70’s magpie in me and I just have a feeling it’s going to be my signature 2026 summer vibe.
The chic belt – slightly western, reassuringly weighty (silver) hardware, on sale… I wore it with the beach cover up/nightie and to cinch an unbuttoned cardi but she’s going to be perfect with jeans too.
The high street bag that looks designer – I am honestly such a sucker for a raffia bag in summer months and something about the novelty fish tail of this little beauty, combined with the silver metal detailing just makes it look more Anya Hindmarch than H&M. He swallowed up my phone, passport, SPF lip balm, cash and card with ease.
EAT
Still trying to love beans and, I promise, these Bold Beans are winning me over.
The queen butter beans are huge and creamy and the bean stock (aka the water in the jar) offers the perfect base for a sauce. I caramelised leeks in olive oil and butter, added the beans in the stock, half a chicken stock cube, lemon zest and juice, wholegrain mustard and a generous shaving of parmesan and served them with a chicken supreme (skin crisped in the pan and finished in the oven). I don’t have exact quantities as this came together after a lovely day of sunshine and gin with friends but, I assure you, it was pretty near perfect.
WATCH
Confession time – my watch from The March 5 is still keeping us busy but Dutton Ranch is next on my list. Has anyone seen it yet? Is it as good as Yellowstone?
FYI the full list of binge worthy tv can he found right here.
READ
Oh. My. Goodness. Can we please talk about this book?
I will admit, I did zero research so, when I started reading and realised this story was about astronauts, I was pretty disappointed. How wrong I was. Truly the most tense, edge of your seat, narrative sitting perfectly alongside a beautiful, unexpected, love story. I cried. On the plane. (I never cry at books).
WEAR
I clocked this dress on the cover of the Boden catalogue and could not get her out of my mind. Fast forward to her arriving on Saturday afternoon a mere ten minutes before we left for a friend’s garden party, the husband very obligingly steaming it from the inner layers out as I wore it. A perfect fit, beautiful details, I am smitten.
Just need my Wimbledon invite now…
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