The forecast for this summer? Soaking up heatwaves and holidays if you’re anything like us. Shedding those winter coats (finally) calls for a major wardrobe shift to high summer season, aka our favourite.
We’re all for those gingham smock dresses, gargantuan straw hats and jungle print bikinis –and they all feature in this month’s pretty major Suitcase Hotlist.
Our fashion and beauty editor, Lisa Haynes, rounds up May’s must-haves. Buy now; wear on vacation. Or wait around for that heatwave…
THE IT ARM CANDY
Almeda Turquesa Oahu pearl bag, £271.85
Meet the arm candy taking over the Insta world. Toted on the arms of the most stylish fashion bloggers (see @blaireadiebee), Alameda Turquesa is all about pom-pom and pearl uber-details. All the pieces are handmade in Portugal by the founders, a mother and daughter duo. If you want bold colour, make a play for the Oahu with clashing pink, red and orange. Or, for a neutral, try the Hana – same shape, same jumbo pearls, but in a versatile creamy colourway.
THE GINGHAM FROCK
Kitri Alma gingham smocked dress, £145
It’s picnic-inspired prints for the win this summer. Top of our wish list (and everyone else’s) is Kitri Studio’s Alma gingham smocked frock. Orange is the It colour of summer ’19 and this dress works it to the max with smock body, tiered skirt and oh-so-now puff sleeves. In 100% cotton, this has long, heady heatwave days written all over it.
THE GIANT SUNHAT
Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza oversized straw hat, £178
Let us count the ways we love/want/need this Sensi Studio Giant (with a capital G) sunhat. The fact it’s handwoven in Ecuador – the birthplace of the Panama – from toquilla straw makes us want it on our head even more. From the rustic frayed edges to the gargantuan proportions, this hat will make you stand out on the most packed-out Ibizan sunset beach. Just don’t dare try and overshadow it with any other accessories.
this hat will make you stand out on the most packed-out Ibizan sunset beach.
THE TROPICAL BIKINI
Reina Olga Brigitte jungle print bikini top, £80, bikini briefs, £80
If you’re wild for leopard and jungle leaf prints, look no further than Reina Olga – two of the brand’s signature swimwear patterns. Named after founders Guia and Isotta Cleps’ grandmothers, each piece is produced in Italy from locally sourced materials. We’re besotted with the jungle leaf print, which comes in every bikini style possible from balconette underwired tops to ring bandeaus. Just mix and match your favourite. We’ll take them all please.
THE BANK HOLIDAY BAG
Away The Weekender, £245
Right on time for those bank holiday long weekenders, Away has unleashed its latest pack-and-go bag, aptly named The Weekender. The canvas bag comes in three chic colourways, natural white, olive and black canvas making them unisex for his-and-hers sharing. Expect the usual Away packing-friendly features inside – hidden padded laptop pocket, shoe pocket and front pockets for your can’t-lose bits and bobs (so you don’t have to rummage around for them). Book that weekender break and show it off.
this has long, heady heatwave days written all over it.
THE BOILER SUIT
MC Overalls twill overalls, £150
Are you in the sky blue or baby pink camp? Utilitarian overalls get a fashion makeover with these summer-fresh shades. This MC Overalls twill boilersuit features button-fastening patch pocket at front, another two popper-fastening pockets at front, and patch pocket at the back (phew) – so if you’re a pocket person, you’re sorted. Who needs handbags when you’ve got a boiler suit?
THE CHARM TRINKET
Monica Vinader Alta Capture charm bracelet set – The Gemstone Hunter, £620
Charm bracelets are cool but what if you can’t be bothered to stack up the trinkets? Monica Vinader has done all the gem curation for you with their Alta Capture bracelet. It features five gemstones that each have their own significance, from kyanite which represents loyalty, to pink quartz which denotes resilience. Each dangle from a chunky 18ct rose gold bracelet.
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