I've Got Those Happy Feet

The sunshine and warm weather brings a rethink of our footwear. Gone are the rain ready ankle boots and cosy fleecy boots in favour of open toes, pretty straps and holiday ready styles! With summer fun on the brain, here are a few of my favourite styles which are perfect for staycations, beachy walks or simply for dancing the night away in.

First up we have these stunning Ghillie Lace Up Sandals from F&F (£15). Available up to a UK size 8 in both tan or black, the ghillie lace up design are perfect for a feeling of laid back cool. The sandals feature a mix of faux leather and a snake print effect, with a trend led gold tone trim around the sole.

My next choice are these beautiful yet classic Jenna Heeled Peep Toe Sandals from Jones Bootmaker (£69). Available up to UK size 8, this modern take on a 70s style is the very definition of a killer heel! Available in a choice of black and grey, the crossover front offers a touch of sophistication and makes this an adaptable choice for most styles and occasions,

My final pick is the festival ready Sole Diva Fringe Sandal from Simply Be (£35). Designed to be as comfy as they are cool, they are a fantastic alternative to the usual open-toe shoe. With two gold side buckles and the layered fringing detail to the front, whether paired with denim or dresses, they'll keep you looking cool when you're feeling hot.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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Make Me Up Before You Go Go - Make Up Bag Favourite from Lord & Berry

I've been a huge fan of cosmetics brand Lord & Berry ever since I first discovered their amazing matte lip crayons in a Glossybox delivery. Packed full of pigment, the high colour pay off stayed putt all day and became a firm favourite in my make-up bag.

I almost hugged the postman when he delivered a series of samples for me to test out, and could barely wait to tear into the envelope! Inside was a selection of lipsticks, crayons, a liner and an eyeliner pen and after snapping them in my studio, it was time to attack them with my face, but not before swatching!

Living The Highlight - Maybelline Master Contour By Facestudio

Sometimes a product falls into your lap which completely floors you! Enter Maybelline Master Contour By Facestudio, a simple contour and highlight chubby stick which allows you to be defined and dewy with a few simple swipes.

It's a stick of two halves - one darker side to contour, and a lovely champaign coloured highlighter on the other to illuminate. The contour is sheer, buildable and blends with ease, with both sides feeling moisturising and perfect for a natural looking sculpt.

It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It’s Spring) - AW16 from Studio Eight

It always feels a little odd to be looking at sequin laden party dresses in sunshine fulled high temperatures, but AW16 from Studio Eight certainly managed to get me in the mood for festive fun.

Available up to a UK size 26, the sister brand of Phase Eight has made a name for themselves offering stylist options made from premium fabrics. With a selection of stunning ropework, laser cut outs, print and sparkle, the drop for the later part of the year will have you feeling great whether searching for casual wear, work wear or something to dance the night away in. As ever the range covers painted florals, contemporary patterns and hand stitched embellishments for the perfect finish, and it is those tiny touches which make the items feel like proper wardrobe investments.

It was so difficult to choose my favourite pieces, as so much of it was exquisite. I loved the 1920s feel of much of the collection with flapper ready fringing and art deco sequin patterns running throughout. The floor length silver dress also gets a mention as it was such a knock out number for the festive season, and I loved the versatility of their sequin blazer - perfect for throwing over a dress, or simply styled with a pair of skinny jeans.

Watch the video and let me know your favorite pieces in the comments!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Let The Sunshine In - Summer Accessories For Your Holiday Suitcase

With the first of two May bank holidays out of the way, the sunshine has arrived and dreams of summer holidays are starting to feel that little bit more real. But clothes aside, what are the other essentials to cram into your getaway suitcase?

Whether you're escaping for a city break or seaside stroll, shoes are a pretty important thing to think about as there is nothing quicker to spoil your fun than sore, swollen, blister covered feet! Online shoe brand Brantano have you covered, with a huge range of sandals and flats perfect for all sorts of holiday adventures.

Clarks Hayla Pier Flat Sandals (£47).

Caravelle Lofters Ballerina Shoes (£30).

A pair of pretty sandals will take you from day to night with the right outfit, with this timeless, classic style from Clarks designed very much with comfort in mind. They feature a moulded footbed and elevated outsole, and even have an adjustable riptape fastening for fuss free functionality. The ballerina pumps are great for slipping on and off when you want to feel the sand between your toes, with a laser cut pattern allowing your shoes to aerate. They're also perfect to throw in your bag if you want to take off your heels after a night of dancing, with the pretty diamante finish continuing to add to the glitz.

Contrast Trim Floppy Hat (£20) from JD Willians.

A floppy brimmed sun hat which channels the glamour of Audrey Hepburn is another holiday must, and I am absolutely in love with this monochrome beauty from JD Williams. I am a huge fan of straw hats, as my vintage inspired hair styles often make it difficult to sit a hat on top correctly, where straw is incredibly easy to pin in place by running a few hair grips stealthily between the woven layers. Even if it does fit properly, I find that pins are great at protecting your hat from being swept away by the wind too! Perfect for a bit of poolside glamour.

Tortoiseshell Effect Sunglasses from George (£4).

Sunglasses are the holiday item which get lost, broken and misplaced the most, but at just £4, you needn't worry with these pretty mock tortoiseshell sunglasses from George. Great for protection against sun glare and hangovers, these stylist frames evoke a little vintage vixen into whatever outfit you pair them with.

F&F Crochet Kaftan (£16).

If you're looking for a pretty poolside cover-up, then look no further than this beautiful crochet kaftan from F&F. It's a stunning item to throw over your swimwear when wanting to give your skin a break from the sun, but would also work as a long line tunic if you wanted to get more value out of your suitcase space.

2in1 Laser Cut Tote Bag from George (£16).

My last pick is this pretty laser cut bag from George which is great for throwing all of your holiday essentials in whilst you're off exploring. Even better, it comes complete with a second smaller make-up bag where you can stock your sun lotion and face essentials without them getting lost amongst everything else. I am a huge fan of large bags, and this one comes complete with inner pockets and a magnetic popper fastener.

What are your holiday essentials? Don't forget to tell me in the comments!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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