WearsMyMoney

I’ve mashed up three topics for today’s post – all things that you have asked me to source. Your wish is my command, but only if I’m also interested and it’s not too niche. Apologies to the lady who got in touch and asked me to come up with a full packing list and itinerary for her four-day trip to London that includes a hen night, a club night and a brunch, but time did not allow for that level of personal service.

I did write a piece a few years ago about what to do in London, though. It needs to be updated soon but it’s still reasonably useful if you’re coming here this summer. Just don’t ask me where you can go clubbing, as I haven’t set foot in a nightclub since about 2011 and that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Today we are looking at nice blouses (and shirts, as I’m still not sure of the difference between the two), basket bags and summer blazers, so here we go.

CLASSIC LACE BLOUSE AND JEANS

I’ve mentioned this look many a time before because it’s such an easy option for any sort of not-too-dressy occasion, as well as days out in the early summer before it gets too hot to wear jeans. Does it ever really get too hot to wear jeans in the UK? Maybe three or four days of the year, I suppose. A good linen blazer instead of a casual jacket will elevate this look a little bit. There’s currently 25% off everything at Boden, so that’s a good place to start looking if you’re in need of said good linen blazer.

1. Zara Collection Lace Blouse 
2. Boden Stamford Linen Blazer
3. Mint Velvet Tan Suede Woven Belt
4. ME + EM Relaxed Engineered-Leg Jeans
5. Anya Hindmarch Raffia Eyes Small Tote
6. ME + EM Gold Fisherman Footbed Sandals

THIS SUMMERS WHITE SKIRT & BLAZER

If you’re thinking of a wardrobe update for the summer, a white midi skirt is something to look into. I like it worn with a simple T‑shirt and an oversized blazer. Someone commented the other week that ‘if it’s warm enough for sandals, then it’s too warm for a jacket’. I beg to differ, especially at this time of year when we can have four seasons in one day. A jacket is needed in the morning and the evening but my feet still want to have an airing, thanks. 

1. Oliver Bonas Hexagon Sunglasses
2. Benetton Pure Linen Blazer 
3. Sezane Soleil T‑Shirt 
4. Arket Pintuck Cotton Skirt
5. Wild Daisy French Market Basket Bag 
6. Zara Embroidered Bandana Scarf 
7. New Look Faux Leather Toe Post Sandals 

WITH ADDED SUEDE

Because suede isn’t going anywhere this year. It looks great paired with a softer-style shirt, a basket bag and a really good pair of jeans. Check out Vinted for vintage and pre-loved styles, too. I’m excited to see that my most comfortable sandals from Air & Grace now come in a tan suede update for the summer. I have ordered a pair as they’ll go with so much in my wardrobe right now. 

1. Paisie Striped Shirt With Waist Pleats
2. Luv Lou Oval Sunglasses
3. Zara Suede Blazer 
4. Mother Half-Pipe Wide-Leg Jeans
5. Isabel Marant Cadix Raffia Shoulder Bag 
6. Liberty Iphis Maddox Pouch Bag
7. Air & Grace Gala Tan Suede Sandals

A FLORAL DRESS & BLAZER

I went to the Chelsea Flower Show this week and it was, as usual, awash with ladies of a certain age in floral dresses, trainers and denim jackets. It’s an easy option, I grant you. I am myself that lady of a certain age, and I did in fact wear a floral dress because it’s a flower show and I like a theme. But if you want to mix it up a bit, swap out the denim jacket for a blazer and go for some ballet pumps or comfy sandals instead of the white trainers. 

1. Monica Vinader Deia Bold Large Hoop Earrings
2. H&M Black Frame Sunglasses 
3. Daisy London Sunflower Necklace 
4. Dôen Bijou shirred floral-print midi dress
5. Pangaia Oversized Cotton Blazer 
6. Staud Moon large leather-trimmed raffia tote
7. Zara Elastic Strap Leather Ballerinas 

70’s STYLE

I’m thinking of Jane Birkin in her youth wearing a ditsy blouse and flared jeans, toting her beloved basket bag around the South of France (this is pre-Hermes, of course). Why not take a little bit of that look as inspiration this summer? And if you want to go for the full 70s look, add some cork or wooden platform shoes. 

1. Wardrobe 44 Minna Cotton Printed Blouse
2. Dôen Frances ruffled pleated floral-print blouse
3. & Other Stories Press-Crease Flared Jeans
4. Rae Feather Raffia Stripe Personalised Bag 
5. Etsy Handwoven Rattan Shoulder Bag
6. Mango High-rise wide leg jeans
7. Esska Carlotta Mid Heel Suede Sandals 
8. Dune Kirby Flatform Cork Sandals

A SUMMER EVENT

If you’re looking for more dresses, I pulled together a load of them for this post. But this is a perfect look for a smarter summer event and, no, you don’t need to wear heels to look the part. How cute is this little shell wicker bag? You’ll be happy with the price of it too, as it looks more designer than high street.

1. Cos D Frame Sunglasses 
2. Daisy London Double Shell Earrings
3. ME + EM Cream Wear With Everything Blazer
4. Never Fully Dressed Red Stripe Nara Dress
5. New Look Shell Wicker Bag 
6. Mac Powder Kiss Moisturising Matte Lipstick
7. The White Company Leather Metallic Braided Sandals

FOR ANY OCCASION

Another look that will take you anywhere: nice blouse, neutral trousers and muted-tone blazer. Add the basket bag and sandals for an early summer update. 

1. River Island Short Sleeve Stripe Pleated Blouse
2. Kirstie Le Marque Gold Diamond Apple Necklace 
3. Jigsaw Knox Crosshatch Blazer
4. Reiss Skinny Leather Oxblood Belt 
5. Boden Westbourne Linen Trousers
6. Sezane Justine Basket Bag
7. Toast Ribbon Print Cotton Bandana
8. A. Emery Leather Jalen Slim Sandals

I will do another summer holiday packing blog soon for those who have asked nicely, but I’m waiting for the sales to start so you can get the best summer bargains before you go.

K x