Getting Holiday Ready – My Summer Fashion Essentials
We go on our holidays in just 5 weeks time, and all of a sudden I have that overwhelming need to get ‘holiday ready’. By holiday ready I don’t mean a sudden diet or trying to squeeze myself into a bikini, but some actual practical holiday preparation, ensuring that I have everything I need ready to go for when the big day arrives. I find holiday prep more than a little stressful, so the more prepared I am, the far more smoothly our packing will be, meaning I can focus on the important part – enjoying the actual holiday!!!
Here are the essentials on my holiday ready checklist:
- On the months approaching our holiday, I take some time to look after my skin – my skin doesn’t see much daylight in the winter, and as a result, it can be looking at little worse for wear by the time the summer months arrive. Preparing myself for the Summer holidays involves a lots of moisturiser, a spot of fake tan (I love the Isle of Paradise drops I tried here) and plenty of attention to my feet – I normally book in for a pedicure before the sandals come out, as despite hating my feet with a passion, they do make a big difference to the way I feel when they have to make an appearance!
- Summer holidays are a great opportunity to get the legs out, and as I have got older, I have become more comfortable wearing summer dresses, in particular tea dresses or wrap dresses which seem to be the most flattering for my post baby body shape. I always take more outfits than I need, as I tend to dress by my mood. My partner HATES me for this, but I like to have a selection so that I can decide on the day. Fashion World have some gorgeous tea dresses at the moment, and some fab brands too.
- Hair product – On holiday I rarely have time to style my hair, and it is normally too hot to get the hairdryers and straightners out. For that reason, I tend to invest in a few hair products such as leave in conditioner, anti frizz shampoo and some dry shampoo which help me achieve that tousled look and let my hair dry naturally in the sunshine. When it gets really warm I tend to rock the mum bun, so always buy more hair bobbles than I actually need (those things disappear like magic when the girls are around!)
- Sunhats – I never used to be a big fan of sunhats, but since my melenoma in situ last year, I have to be extra cautious in the sunshine. Not only do I invest in an strong SPF high factor once a day suntan lotion, but I have bought myself a variety of different wide rimmed sunhats, to really block the sun and ensure I do not burn. You can never be too careful.
- Sunglasses – I always lose sunglasses. ALWAYS. So when it gets to July time I normally end up having to buy another pair when all I can find is an empty case! I look out for deals where there is buy one get one half price or special discounted events, and then I treat myself to a quality brand (only to lose them again a few months later!)
- Swimwear – Gone are my bikini days, as I simply don’t have the confidence to wear them anymore. I also have a large scar on my back now which makes me feel slightly exposed. For that reason, I tend to opt for a tankini or control tummy swimming costume. In my opinion you can’t really go wrong with a classic black costume, particularly if it has some interesting focal areas or accessories to make it a little more special.
- Sandals – you can NEVER have too many, I love ones with a small wedge so they aren’t completely flat. I find these far more comfortable than flip flops and tend to buy them in every colour!
What are your summer fashion essentials?
