5 Things Friday - The Mini Heatwave Edit
What a scorcher! This week it’s all about getting summer ready, fresh pedis, the best alfresco meal and subscriber questions answered.
Hello friends, what a gorgeous week it has been. This week, I’ve been getting summer ready - the sandals are out, I've had a fresh pedicure and the summer outfits are on. I was having a brainstorm at the weekend, planning what I’d like to share with you over the next few months (lots of exciting stuff coming), and I asked paid subscribers whether they were in need of any help with their wardrobes, had any burning questions or anything they would like to see on here. You guys came up trumps, with lots of great stuff, some of which I need to cover in a whole newsletter, so watch this space (event outfits next week), and some that I’m getting done today. So, no time to waste, let’s crack on.
1. What Footwear Are We Wearing Now It’s Sunny?
I’m so happy that I have spent the whole week in my summer sandals! I’m pretty bored of trainers now, and once I’ve committed, there is no going back. I started the week by digging out my Prada Nomad sandals that I bought a few years ago. It's maybe 6 years? I’m impressed when people recall exactly when something came into their wardrobe, TBH I’m pleased if I can remember what I had for last night’s dinner! They have reminded me how great a flatform heel is for that early summer, ‘not quite there yet’ outfit. They’re also so comfortable. Planning for the rest of the summer, I took out all my core sandals and summer shoes to see what I had…
So, this is how my summer footwear is looking. Time to have a good think about my needs for summer sandals, and if there are any gaps, before I buy anything on a whim!
1. H&M woven shoe- great for adding interest to an outfit with texture and colour.
2. Prada Nomad- comfortable, useful when it’s not that summery.
3. Air&Grace Cleo Sandals - my walking sandals, perfect for holidays and home. They’ve just bought out some in silver, which look amazing!
4. M&S suede slides - An understated sandal to wear with linen trousers, mostly for evenings.
5. Eva Birkenstocks - My wear in the house, garden, on beach holidays, and walks sandals. Waterproof and light, I usually take a pair on holiday. I just replaced my old black pair with some from Coggles (Use discount code MEL20)
6. Mint Velvet embellished sandals - Bought for holiday and nights out. Similar here.
7. H&M strappy sandals - My most worn high summer sandal last year! Love a chunky heel and ankle strap. Similar here
8. St Agni Sandals - bought for holidays; simple strappy flat sandals. Similar here.
So, let's face it, I’ve got all needs covered in my summer footwear wardrobe. I do have a few on my wishlist, though. I loved my H&M ones so much last year, I’m looking for a similar style to invest in. A Emery have a similar look in leather and Whistles is also worth checking out. Or I may see what I can find on my next city break; I’m off to Lisbon next week and they do have great sandals. I’ve had a browse online and here are a few of my favourites.
Flatform chunky sandals.
L-R Whistles Pewter Ria Sporty / Celine Maud / Air&Grace Cleo / M&S Leoprint
And some strappy sandal inspiration.
L-R A Emery Rita Suede / Ancient Greek Kansiz / Air&Grace Athena / John Lewis Lama
2. Summer-Ready Feet
Of course, the downside of suddenly having this gorgeous weather is that your feet may not be ready for sandal season! It's time for a little maintenance. I love a professional pedicure, but between salon visits, I keep on top of my toes with some home help. I use a PediEgg for hard skin removal, Neal’s Yard do a great foot scrub which smells divine, and I’ve never found anything better than Scholl cracked heel cream. Has anyone tried these Foot Peel Masks? I’m tempted to give them a go.
What’s new for nails this summer? I love a dark nail colour on my toes for summer, especially once I’ve got a tan. A favourite is Black Cherry Chutney or Lincoln Park -both OPI. If I want a bright I tend to go for Big Apple Red or Cajun Shrimp, which is a lovely red/orange. As summer rolls on and I’m a little more tanned, a pale white looks gorgeous, especially on toes. But for on-trend advice, I asked
from The Beauty Edit what’s hot this season.“Milky shades of lavender, blue and white are a big trend this season. The effect is soft yet makes a statement, and a great choice for pedis as, like a new neutral, they’ll work with whatever you’re wearing. Milky pastels are the perfect way to ease into the season if you’re not quite ready for holiday brights—and they’re more forgiving to apply yourself, too!”
