I don't know about you but I'm finding it harder and harder to dress for summer this year. I'm usually waiting all year for that warmer weather, the chance to get my pins out and to get some good natural vitamin D. However, this I'm struggling because after the harshest winter I have ever experienced, Montreal has done a complete 180 and is giving us a pretty damn hot and humid summer. The trouble is that I find summer dressing a bit less creative so I thought today, rather than trying my hardest to get out of this style rut, I would just share an outfit full of my summer essentials.
SHORTS: VINTAGE (SIMILAR VIA MISSGUIDED) | T-SHIRT: VINTAGE | SHOES: ZARA SALE (SIMILAR VIA CASTAÑER) | SUNGLASSES: RAY BAN
THE DENIM SHORTS
In my eyes, you simply cannot get through summer without a good pair of denim shorts. Surprisingly, I only had one pair (that fit me) until recently - some very very light blue Levi's shorts that are honestly a bit too tight but I kept wearing them because they're Levi's. I'm one of those people that likes to do things right so if I'm going to wear denim shorts, they have to be Levi's. However, I recently saw these adorable embroidered denim shorts in a vintage shop and thought I'd give them a try. I'm so glad I did because they fit like a dream around the waist but don't hug my thighs at all like the Levi's ones do in such an unflattering way. They are also slightly longer which makes them so much more comfortable, especially when sitting down in a park. They are my ultimate new summer essential so let that be a lesson to all of us - there’s more to the denim short game than Levi’s.
THE SLOGAN T-SHIRT
Although all I want to do in summer is free the armpits and only wear strappy tops, I often feel a bit self-conscious because I don't like the tops of my arms. Enter the slogan t-shirt, a total summer essential and something I am always on the look out for to add to my collection. I bought this cute 'Camp Mini' one from a friend in Paris and even though it is rather off-white now, I still love it. The great thing about a slogan t-shirt is that it is much more casual than wearing a camisole, which is certainly needed when stomping around the city in some rather statement shoes.
THE STATEMENT SANDAL
I am really not a sandals gal. I hate super flat, strappy sandals and I’m really not into flip-flops either. Instead, I have spent most summers in Converse, which are nice and practical but are not always very breathable…and I hate sweaty feet. Therefore, last year I thought I’d try something a bit more statement and purchased a pair of yellow flatform espadrilles from ASOS (which you can see in last week’s post about linen). They turned out to a total win so when I spied a similar pair in the Zara sale for just 18$, it was a no brainer. These ones are slightly different because they have that lovely ankle tie detail that is all the rage right now. So if, like me, you struggle to find sandals you like, I would definitely recommend trying a pair of flatform espadrilles. This summer essential is super on trend and surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk in. Plus they elongate the legs beautifully, which is always a win in my eyes.
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THE RAY BAN ROUND METAL
And finally, no summer essentials list would be complete without some sunglasses and the pair that I reach for time and time again is the Ray Ban round metal. They go with absolutely any outfit and add that touch of retro that I’m always seeking. They are also great for super hot days because they perch nicely on your nose without resting on your cheeks, which is what annoys me slightly about Ray Ban Wayfarers. I’m definitely looking to add some more round Ray Bans to my collection once the bank balance is looking a bit healthier – I’m lusting over the Ray Ban Ja-Jo with pink lenses, which are even more retro than these!
So there we have it – four of my summer essentials all rolled into one awesome outfit. I hope you’ve liked this post – I’d love to hear you summer essentials! Let’s chat! X
Am I officially an adult now because I’m a linen convert? I say this because my mum wears a lot of linen and she has done as long as I can remember. When I was back in the UK a few weeks ago I helped her do a wardrobe clear out and boy, does that woman have a lot of linen! Well, Bristol’s charity shops have some of it now but it still makes up most of her summer wardrobe. My mum has great style – sometimes it can be quite minimal but she wears a lot of stripes and has some interesting shaped pieces so I certainly trust her sartorial choices. Having seen linen on some of my favourite bloggers this season and as it’s my mum’s material of choice; I thought I would give linen a try.
I found this lovely yellow linen shirt in a vintage shop and knew it would be so easy to style up. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know I am having rather a moment with the colour yellow (remember that yellow coat? I can’t wait to wear that again) so this linen shirt was a no brainer.
LINEN SHIRT: VINTAGE (SIMILAR VIA VIVID LINEN) | DENIM SHORTS: VINTAGE (SIMILAR VIA MISSGUIDED) | SHOES: OLD ASOS (SIMILAR VIA CASTAÑER) | SUNGLASSES: VINTAGE | BANDANA: VINTAGE | EARRINGS: VINTAGE
I paired the linen shirt with a lot more yellow (I told you I’m obsessed!) and my new favourite denim shorts – which have yellow sunflower embroidery on! Too cute! I love how the linen shirt has rather big slits up the side, which means it’s easy to just tuck in one side of the front and the back still looks great. It was a rather warm day when we shot these photos so I rolled up my sleeves and donned a yellow bandana around my wrist. If you read My Current Inspiration post this week, you’ll already know that I’m loving outfits with neck scarves worn unusual ways and I think wearing a bandana like this adds a nice touch of interest. I finished off the look with last year’s favourite sandals, my yellow flatform espadrilles (I think this is when the yellow love began), which I find so flattering as they elongate the leg.
Finally I have to mention how pleasant it is to wear linen, even on a warm summer’s day! I felt great in this shirt even while walking around Montreal in the strong afternoon sun. It’s a really light, breathable material and I will definitely be on the look out for more pieces to add to my tiny linen collection. Have you given linen a try this summer and are you, like me, a linen convert? X
Hello and welcome to my first current inspiration post! I have recently really gotten into Pinterest so I thought I would share what has been inspiring me recently, because it’s not always possible to execute the same in my outfit posts and it’s nice to do a different type of fashion post every once in a while. I hope this gives you some inspiration too and please let me know what you think because I’d love to make this a regular post on Fashion Et Moi – enjoy! X
HAIM
Anyone who has spent any time with me recently will know that I am so obsessed with Haim. Their hotly anticipated second album, which finally dropped a couple of weeks ago, got me all excited again about how much I love this oh-so cool trio of sisters, not just for their music but for their style too. Their cool Cali-girl vibe mixed with clear vintage influences is right up my street and I would wear every single one of their outfits. I absolutely love these sunny promo shots from their new album – a-line mini skirts, matchy matchy suits and PVC - hello! When I saw them play Glastonbury this year, Alana and Danielle wore black PVC kick flares with a floral blouse while Este donned a PVC mini skirt with a sparkly top – queens, or what? I’m in love. Furthermore, these girls make a simple jeans, t-shirt and leather jacket outfit look so cool and effortless, which as an occasional lazy dresser, I always strive to. Their secret seems to be accessorising with retro inspired sunglasses, some trusty black boots and, of course, their long flowing locks (grow, hair, grow!).
STATEMENT EARRINGS
If you have been following me on Instagram or reading this blog for a while, you will have noticed that I have been wearing earrings, and more specifically big statement earrings, a lot more in the past six months or so. I first became obsessed with big earrings through discovering Maria Bernad on Instagram who has an earring collection to die for. I love how big and bold earrings can elevate an outfit - even a simple all black one like above looks so much more sassy with a bit of ear candy. My earring collection is coming along nicely and I have been regularly seeking out new additions in vintage and second hand stores, where you can often pick up a pair for 2$ or less! I particularly love interesting shaped gold earrings for a more classic look as well as the contrasting brightly coloured plastic variety, which are great for adding a pop of colour to any outfit.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO WEAR A NECK SCARF
Similarly to statement earrings, I have recently been very inspired by outfits with neck scarves, in particular when scarves are used in rather unusual ways. Perhaps the most accessible way to start getting into wearing scarves not round your neck is in your hair. Because of my fringe I have always struggled to tie a scarf around my head in a way that looks good so round the ponytail is much simpler. I have been wearing my hair up a lot more recently because of the heat. However, I always feel a bit less like “me” without a bit of hair around my face so a low side ponytail tied with a cute scarf is just perfect. Having previously worn bandanas round my wrist, I love the look of one tied round the ankle with a pair of mules and a raw denim hem. It adds such a cool, unusual detail and I will definitely be trying this one out on cooler days or evenings during summer. And finally, perhaps the least wearable but still so awesome is using a scarf as a top! I have tried this one at home and unfortunately my body shape and boob size just don’t allow for it but hopefully some of you will feel inspired to try this one out! It will look just amazing with a pair of high waisted trousers on holiday.
SUITS & CO-ORDS
And finally, one big obsession of mine that does not seem to be going away soon is matchy matchy dressing. Whether it be a jacket and shorts ensemble, a skirt and top co-ord or a colourful power suit, I want it all. I think there are a few reasons why I am so into matchy outfits. Firstly, it’s effortless and I am all about lazy dressing that looks good. The suit pretty much does the talking so you just need to add a simple t-shirt and you’re good to go. Secondly, I feel important and powerful. If I’m having an off day or need a boost, donning a suit is definitely going to make me feel like I can “boss” the day because looking like you’ve got you’re shit together means you’re going to get your shit together. Lastly, you can wear them separately! If buying two matching pieces can translate into three outfit combinations then that is a win in my eyes!
Sources: HAIM | MARIA BERNAD | PANDORA SYKES | BLOGLOVIN | REFINERY 29 | VOGUE PARIS | BONSERGENT STUDIO | CHRONICLES OF HER | MEGAN ELLABY | STYLE MEMOS
All other sources via PINTEREST
Swimwear has never been my sartorial strong point. I don’t think I have ever felt particularly happy with how I look by the pool or on the beach on holiday, not always because I have not been body confident at the time but because I have never really found the right style of swimwear for my body shape. I used to think that I had to wear the skimpiest of bikinis at every opportunity in order for maximum tanning and to avoid unsightly white marks. However, as I have grown older (sob), I have come to realise that returning from holiday with a great tan is not the benchmark of a fantastic holiday and in turn my attitude to swimwear has changed.
I have not bought new swimwear (except for a Speedo swimming costume for actually swimming) for years and years. Bikinis on the high street are so expensive when you consider that the cost per wear is very low – unless you live by a beach or go on A LOT of holidays! So I have been very reluctant to invest. Plus, I struggle to find swimwear (especially bikinis) that suits me, despite having what I consider a pretty standard body type – slightly above average height with big hips, a small waist and average size boobs. So why is it so hard?!
SWIMSUIT: VINTAGE | SUNGLASSES: RAY BAN | EARRINGS: VINTAGE
With that in mind and no longer feeling the need to spend hours upon hours roasting my skin in the hot sun for a tan, I have finally started opting for swimsuits. This vintage swimsuit* cost a mere $5 but if I hadn't been so lucky with this incredible find, I would definitely have been more likely to invest in a nice swimsuit than a bikini. They’re more versatile and can double up as a cute body too!
*A side note: second hand swimwear – gross or totally fine? As long as you check for any unwanted stains and if the swimsuit or bikini is in good condition, personally I am completely ok with wearing vintage swimwear. Totally your prerogative though!
Although I’m still not sure if it is super flattering on me, that doesn’t matter because I feel great in it and that is the key to feeling body confident in swimwear. The shape is completely what I look for, in what I call a “fashion swimsuit” (as a keen swimmer, I cannot refer to it otherwise because I would never swim seriously in this!). The low back adds a touch of sexiness to the look and is a great way of showing a bit of skin if, like me, you’re not too keen on having too much boob or stomach on show. The cross over effect at the front allows the perfect amount of cleavage and, most importantly, draws emphasis to my small waist.
I absolutely love the cobalt blue colour; its crinkled texture is so interesting and the white trim and solo button are key details that add so much to this amazing swimsuit. Its seriously retro vibe made me want to create a whole look to wear by the pool, which is something I have never really considered when wearing swimwear. Adding my trusty Ray Ban round metal sunglasses and these awesome sixties white earrings - the latest addition to my statement earring collection - meant I felt more like myself, which in turn helped me feel body confident in swimwear.
So there are my tips to help you feel body confident in swimwear this summer - wear as much or as little as you feel comfortable (sometimes less is more when it comes to baring skin); pick a piece of swimwear that makes you feel really good; add accessories such as statement earrings, sunglasses or a hat to make you feel more like you.
I hope you have enjoyed this post! I would love to hear your tips to feel body confident in swimwear and also what you'll be wearing by the pool this summer. Check out my favourite swimsuit picks from the high street below. X
Hello from my hometown of Bristol. Apologies for the lack of blog and Instagram posts last week but the last ten days have been some of the worst of my whole life. I received some devastating news about someone very close to me, which meant taking a last minute plane back to the UK from Canada. I don’t think I am quite ready to speak about this in depth but I am sure I will one day so please bear with me. But, when tragedy strikes, as it does in someone’s personal life every day, sometimes all we can do is try to bring a sense of normality to our life and for me that is creating outfits and writing about them.
I call this look “British Summer In The City”. Although it has been absolutely glorious for most of the last week or so here in the UK, with temperatures reaching well above 25 degrees (pass me the fan!), most of the time British summer weather is rather up and down. One minute the sun is shining and the next minute a cloud covers it and it can feel rather chilly once again. So getting dressed can be quite a challenge, never knowing what Mr Weatherman might throw at us that day or how much skin we should bare.
Enter the shorts and long sleeve shirt combination – the perfect British summer outfit for a sunny afternoon in the city of Bristol, showing just enough skin to keep me cool but not feeling overexposed in this lovely loose fitting shirt. To be honest, I have no qualms with wearing short shorts and a cami on a hot British summer day spent in the city – when it’s hot, it’s hot and I think we need to wear whatever we want to feel comfortable. But for those days of unpredictable weather or for those of you who prefer to keep the skin bearing for holidays only, this look is a great compromise.
If you read my last outfit post on WHITE JEANS, you will not be surprised to see the first outfit styled from my “home wardrobe” features this amazing pair of white denim cut off shorts. I am so happy to be reunited with them, as they are a great alternative from the usual blue ones, and are definitely coming back to Montreal with me. I bought this white shirt off a friend in Paris but have never gotten round to styling it properly, until now. To create an interesting silhouette, I tucked it into the shorts on one side – and this ensures people know I was wearing shorts as this shirt is at that awkward length that could leave people guessing!
I really like this simple white look. Recently I have been enjoying putting together relatively basic outfits, leaving the cut, styling and, most importantly, the accessories, to do the talking. This vintage tan leather cat bag is another item with which I have been reunited in England and I bloody love it. I bought it years ago in Paris for €5 just because I love cats but have never really worn it. It adds a touch of fun to the outfit and its colour is a nice contrast to the all white ensemble and compliments my beloved red Nike Cortez perfectly. I finished off the look with a red lip, my round beige sunglasses and these oval gold hoops. I'm getting more and more into earrings as it's such a simple way of updating an outfit and these are one of the most recent additions to my growing statement earring collection.
Wow that felt good to get back in the blogging game and write some nonsense about fashion! My next post will probably be next week because I am going to a spa in Devon today and then…I’M GOING THE GLASTONBURY! That’s right, I somehow managed to secure myself a last minute Glastonbury ticket so I’ll be heading down to Worthy Farm for the eighth time on Friday and I cannot wait! Make sure to follow my adventures over on INSTAGRAM @izziehardy – business is back up and running – and thank you for reading ☺
