I actually got back in the early hours of Monday morning and, after a few days at home getting back into a routine, I’m now heading down to Bath for the weekend to visit my sister, Kerry. Although I’m originally from Somerset, I’m using this visit as an excuse to do a few touristy things as well as catching up with Kerry, so I’ll report back on what I wore, as well as a few Bath recommendations, in next week’s Sunday Seven.

But back to this week. I thought a general catch-up of some of the things I’ve been loving since we last chatted would be in order. So, let’s get to it…

1. Autumn Is Coming…

I know we’re all clinging on to the last days of summer, but I’ve officially drawn a line under my summer wardrobe and started taking a sneaky peek at the new autumn collections coming through from some of my favourite brands. Plus, if you sit on it too much, there is a good chance you miss out on some of the best of the new season!

Something that really piqued my interest last week, as I was lying in 32-degree heat on my sunbed, was the new Sézane offering. There’s something about looking at autumn clothes while you’re still in your bikini that feels slightly wrong, but I couldn’t resist! Sézane has always been a favourite brand of mine. Think effortless, romantic Parisian style mixed with a little sharp tailoring. I’m fortunate to have a small gifting allowance from them, but I always end up spending my own money when I take a look at each season’s new collection. I’ve always tended to lean towards the less fussy side of what they do. Their leather and suede jackets (I have the Will in two colours!) are some of the favourite pieces in my wardrobe, and they also do great basics, particularly tees and shirts (the Max is a great staple).

This season, though, there seems to have been a bit of a change in direction, and I am so here for it! The new collection feels like a more elevated take on the Sézane essentials, with familiar pieces reworked through bigger, more dramatic proportions. There’s lots more volume, from statement shoulders to oversized shapes, and one detail that immediately caught my eye was the dramatic funnel-neck collars. A high collar is my favourite and I adore a funnel neck! There’s also a real emphasis on texture, which is where I think the collection really comes into its own. The leather, the suede, the heavier fabrics and all those lovely autumnal textures are woven through both the ready-to-wear and accessories, giving everything a slightly more luxurious feel. It still has that recognisable Sézane aesthetic but this season’s offering is somehow more grown-up and fashion-forward, which I am loving. I’m particularly drawn to the pieces that take a classic wardrobe staple and give it a bit more personality through the shape or proportions. They will make even the simplest outfit look like you’ve made an effort, which, let’s be honest, is exactly what I want from my autumn wardrobe. I’m not quite ready to put the flip flops away, but after a little browse of the new collection, I’m definitely starting to get that new-season wardrobe itch. And, judging by the number of things I’ve already added to my wish list, my gifting allowance definitely isn’t going to cover it this season! You can see my favourites from the new collection here, but these are on my wishlist.

The Clyde coat in a chocolate leather! Be still my beating heart, I’m considering this if the Jule leather jacket (below) that I ordered doesn’t work out. This classic shape is always a winner and, in leather, it’s divine. I’d go for a 12.

How gorgeous is the funnel neck Jule leather jacket? I managed to grab it in the chocolate colour, but had to size up so I’m waiting to see if it will work! The olive is stunning too.

I love a little scarf addition, it completely changes the whole look of the Matthieus coat and gives you two options to wear it -a clean simple sillouette or with the scarf detail.

The Leonard jumper is one of those great autumn staples, but I particularly love it in this beautiful blue-grey colourway, which gives it a slightly different feel and makes it extra special.

Another great staple and one I couldn’t resist ordering was the Theo jumper. It comes in a gorgeous spice colour too, but you know me and chocolate brown!

I’m patiently waiting for the Jules terracotta bag to become available, although you can get the black and chocolate leather version already. I love this simple bag shape, perfect for wearing for evening or day.

Need something a little more spacious? The navy suede Basile bag would be my throw it all in bag, and in a navy suede it is so chic.

2. Dare to Bare…

Nails, that is!

When lovely subscriber Rebecca asked for a little insight into how I managed to give up my long-held habit of gel nails, I thought it was probably time to share the story. After all, I’d had gel nails for around 15 years, so giving them up was definitely more of a change than I initially expected.

Having my nails ‘done’ every couple of weeks had become such a part of my routine that, like many habits, I never really stopped to question whether I still wanted to do it. It started as a little treat to myself and, although it was considerably cheaper 15 years ago, I actually really enjoyed going to have them done. Unlike getting my hair coloured, it was something I genuinely looked forward to. I usually kept my nails fairly short, chose seasonal colours, and loved the way they made me feel a little more polished and put together, even when I wasn’t feeling that way at all!

And what was autumn without choosing a lovely dark red to go with my outfits, or summer without a bright coral or pretty pink?

The thing that really started me questioning the habit was the state of my nails. I’d begun going to a local walk-in salon, where they removed the old colour with an electric file, and I really didn’t like the process. I’d always preferred having my gels removed with wraps, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to make the time for appointments with my regular nail tech. You had to book weeks in advance to have any chance of getting a slot. Seriously, if you’re looking for a new career, train as a nail tech, because despite my small town having loads of them, getting an appointment with anyone is like finding gold dust!

After having my gels removed manually a few times, the condition of my nails had really deteriorated and I was told that I needed to give them a proper rest. In my head I was thinking maybe a month and they’d be fine, but my poor, paper-thin nails actually took a good six months to become strong and healthy again. Initially, the prospect of going gel-free filled me with horror. It felt like quite a big change after so many years, but slowly I got used to looking down and seeing my natural nails. Then, rather unexpectedly, I started to like them. A little like when I grew out my grey hair, I began to feel that actually, natural wasn’t so bad and it is so much easier to maintain! I started to enjoy spending a little time at home giving myself a manicure. It became another one of those little me-time rituals, rather than something I had to fit into my diary every couple of weeks and block out a good two hours.

So, how did I manage to turn around my paper-thin, splitting nails? When I told my nail tech what was happening as she removed the last of my gels, she suggested I make sure I was taking my collagen supplements. I made a mental note not to miss a day and made sure I packed my Feel jelly collagen sachets (I work with Feel and code MELISSA20 gives you 20% off) when I went on holiday. Other than that, I kept my nails short, massaged nail oil into them at bedtime and gave myself a weekly half-hour manicure where I did the full works with cuticle remover, nail strengthener, and buffing. I don’t think there’s a better hand cream than l’Occitane Shea hand cream which I use several times a day!

And, what now? Well, autumn is slowly starting to creep in and, whereas I loved my bare nails in summer, it will be interesting to see if I love them quite as much once all those gorgeous autumn colours start appearing. A quick slick of natural polish was easy and looked great, but I’m not so sure I could perfect the same look if I suddenly fancied a deep red or plum. At the moment, there’s no nail appointment in my diary and, if I did want to get one, I’d be looking at the end of September anyway. So, for now, I’m continuing with the natural look and seeing how it feels as we head into autumn.

I'd love to tell you about the other ways I'm getting autumn-ready, and for just less than 89p per week you can get the rest of this week's 5 Things, plus my back catalogue of 187 newsletters filled with fashion, lifestyle and travel recommendations. Plus, subscribers get the new fortnightly Sunday Seven each week. So, what's stopping you?

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I thought I’d do a little outfit diary today, along with a general catch-up of bits and bobs that have piqued my interest this week. August is a funny month fashion-wise and, this year in particular, with the long hot spells we’ve been having, it’s felt even weirder. This week alone we’ve gone from reaching for a jacket at the weekend to the hottest day of the year! I had an afternoon looking round the shops and was totally uninspired. I found the dregs of the summer sales sitting alongside all the new-season autumn stuff. And, as much as I love autumn and I’m a little bored of my summer wardrobe by this point, I cannot bring myself to look at a woolly jumper when it’s 30 degrees outside!

1. Saturday Shopping

For my shopping trip, I went for a linen wrap skirt and vest top from M&S, which I’ve worn a few times now and always seem to get a comment on. Last time someone stopped me to say what a lovely dress I was wearing. It isn’t a dress, but I’ll happily take the compliment. I added my gold MV cuff bracelet, beads and long H&M pendant (linked similar) with the M&S sandals (similar linked) and my Cuyana bag, giving my signature pop of red! I had a mooch around Space NK and came home with a couple of beauty purchases, as well as a top from Primark. I’m not usually a Primark buyer but I rate their pjs and you can find some good things if you look.

The top is 100% cotton with some really pretty detailing and I thought it would be a lovely addition for my summer holidays. Outfit linked here

I’ve been wanting to try a balm cleanser and, after really liking the Beauty of Joseon SPF50, I thought I'd give their cleanser a go. It reminds me very much of the Body Shop Camomile one, which everyone used to recommend as a cheaper alternative to the Elemis cleanser. It feels lovely and hydrating and is a good price too. I stocked up on my Medicube pore pads for my holidays - their like a deep clean for your skin after a sweaty day. I also picked up the K18 TripleBright Oxidation Defense Purple Shampoo after seeing BritishBeautyBlogger give it a glowing review. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing what I think.

2. Sunday Sorting

Not much to report here as the weather had cooled down a bit, so I took the opportunity to clean the house from top to bottom. I don’t know about you, but housework is not my favourite job, even less so when it’s summer. I spent most of the day in a vest and shorts, dusting, hoovering and putting away more stuff than I care to think about, but I did manage to persuade the husband that all our efforts deserved an easy dinner out. After a quick shower, I pulled out my COS barrel leg trousers (from a few years ago but still available), which I haven’t worn much this summer because they’re quite a thick cotton. I’ve either been living in my Uniqlo shorts, which (confession) this week’s heatwave persuaded me to repurchase in brown, or a pair of coloured cotton trousers. I'm also bored with linen trousers (I’ve had them a few years and worn them to death!) and have been craving a pair of white, straight leg trousers, similar to the Donni pants that everyone on Substack seems to be raving about.

The price, plus the customs charges, put me off ordering them, so instead I’ve ordered these from COS to see if they might be a good alternative.

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I’ve always enjoyed wearing makeup, but as I’ve got older I’ve definitely embraced the “less is more” approach. Rather than hiding under layers of foundation, I’m much more interested in creating fresh, healthy, glowing skin. I really think it’s worth reviewing your makeup bag regularly and getting some advice from the professionals. I’ve had a few beauty counter makeovers over the years, but this time, on the recommendation of a friend, I tried something a little different and, as you can see, I’m absolutely thrilled with the results.

If you’d like to see the products I bought, the expert tips I picked up and follow my whole makeover experience, I’d love you to consider becoming a paid subscriber. There’s currently 20% off an annual subscription, so it’s the perfect time to join my little community.

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Hello! I’m back with a little something extra for the weekend.

I’m still finding my feet here while I navigate my social media pause, but I’ve been so encouraged by your lovely response. So many of you have said you’ve enjoyed seeing the videos that would normally have appeared over on Instagram (boo, hiss!), and I’m still popping up there occasionally while Meta decides what on earth it’s doing!

I also heard loud and clear that you enjoyed the Sunday Seven and seeing my everyday outfits all in one place. I’m so pleased it was such a hit! I’m thinking of making it a regular feature for paid subscribers on alternate Sundays, so watch this space.

If you’ve joined me recently, firstly, welcome! It’s so lovely to have you here. And if you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a paid subscription, as a little thank you I’m currently offering 20% off an annual subscription. Just tap the button below to receive your discount.

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As a paid subscriber you’ll receive 5 Things Friday every week, packed with fashion, beauty, midlife chat, travel and all the little things I think you need to know. You’ll also get exclusive extras, including the fortnightly Sunday Seven with everything I’ve worn that week, travel blogs, styling videos and beauty content that I don’t share anywhere else.

At just 84p a week, I think it’s pretty good value!

I’ll be back tomorrow with all the details from my recent makeover, including the products I bought and everything I learnt.

Until then, here’s what I got up to this week...

Lots of you bought the Zara linen co-ord trousers and shirt so I thought I’d style it up in a few ways. I think it would be great for a weekend away, if you were looking for some capsule packing ideas. You can find all the links and sizing details here.

Got a staycation coming up or just looking for some outfit ideas. It’s cooled a little for now up north and of course these would be great going into late summer/early autumn so I’ve added some jackets! There’s a few sale items in there too, you can get all the sizing and links here.

Had a little try on in &Stories recently, 3 looks that would be perfect for holidays or even UK! All the sizing and details here.

I get asked where my every day jewellery is from and it’s mostly always Monica Vinader, you can find all my favourites here.

They have just launched the new Capri range which is perfect for delicate summer event dressing. I chose the stunning Capri pearl drop earrings.

And added to my bracelet stack with the Capri pearl station bracelet and mini stacking ring, which is so delicate and pretty! (ad/pr product)

That’s it for this week’s extras, I’ll be here again tomorrow (I know you can’t get rid of me at the moment!) with how I went from…

Have a super Saturday,

Melissa xx

As women, I think we’re made aware of ageing much earlier. There’s an entire industry built around convincing us that growing older is something to fear, and, from the moment we leave our teens, we’re encouraged to start the anti-ageing battle. Then our biological clocks begin ticking in our late twenties, and just when we’ve made peace with that, along comes menopause to remind us that our bodies are changing all over again.

Turning sixty felt like a real milestone for Richard, but in truth, I felt it too. I still have five years before I catch up with him, yet it somehow made me stop and think about where we are in life and how quickly the years seem to be passing.

Of course, the alternative to getting older is far worse, so rather than fighting it, I’ve been thinking about how I want to embrace this next chapter. I’m certainly not pretending to love every new wrinkle or ache, but I do think there are ways to make ageing feel more positive. So, here are five things that are helping me accept getting older with a little more grace... and perhaps just the occasional groan.

1. Skincare

I know, it’s a minefield, and one that you almost need a degree in to navigate. There are endless lotions and potions that promise to eradicate every sign of the natural ageing process and it can feel overwhelming trying to work out what, if anything, is worth using.

Of course, you can also go down the route of tweakments, and I have absolutely nothing against that. It’s a personal choice, but I do question that it’s becoming more and more ‘normalised’. I had a little Botox around my crow’s feet before our 30th wedding anniversary in December. I’m not saying I’ll never do it again, but I do worry that if you tread that path too often, it’s easy to become fixated on every new wrinkle or age spot. Somewhere along the way, I think there’s a risk of losing sight of the face that has smiled, laughed and lived all those years, and I’d rather try to appreciate that than spend my life chasing flawless skin.

As I get older, I want to accept that wrinkles are inevitable, but that glowing, healthy looking skin is still something I can aim for with a consistent skincare routine. For me, it’s less about trying to look younger and more about looking after the skin I’m in. My mum kept her routine simple and rarely wore makeup, yet at eighty seven she had a beautiful soft face that reflected a lifetime of happy memories. Looking back, I do wish I’d started taking care of my skin a little earlier, but since my early forties I’ve stuck to a daily routine, which I’ve tweaked over the years, but has remained largely the same. I really think consistency has made far more difference than trying every new miracle product.

The Morning Routine

No7 Peptide Cleanser | Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 | Anua Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ | Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+

I like to keep my mornings simple. Most days I don’t actually cleanse, but over the summer I’ve recently added the No7 Peptide Cleanser (as part of my paid collaboration with No7). On those mornings when I wake up feeling a little hot and sweaty, it’s been perfect for a gentle, refreshing cleanse without leaving my skin feeling stripped.

After that, I usually just apply a moisturiser with SPF50, whatever the season. If there’s one skincare lesson I wish we’d all learned years ago, it’s that sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin ageing. I’ve been using Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 for well over 15 years and still think it’s one of the best all in one moisturisers with SPF. More recently, I’ve also been enjoying Anua Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+, which is beautifully lightweight and hydrating, along with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+, another lovely lightweight formula that sits brilliantly under makeup. I’ve recently added a new moisturiser to my routine that I’m absolutely loving… but I’m afraid I can’t tell you about that one just yet!

The Evening Routine

Dermalogica PreCleanse / Gatineau Renewal Ultimate Multi-Acid Resurfacing Cleanser / Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Cleanser Gel / Gatineau Defi Lift Firming Facial Oil / Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP / Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir / Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche / Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair / Gatineau Collagene Expert Plumping Revival Mask / Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermofoliant / Gatineau Defi Lift Firming Eye Contour Serum / CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask / gua sha tool / ZIIP Facial Toning Device

Evening Routine

Now is the time I bring out the big guns! For the last couple of years I’ve tried to do my evening skincare routine as early as I can. If I’ve been out for the day, it’s usually the first thing I do when I get home. I like giving my skincare plenty of time to work its magic rather than applying it just before bed and leaving half of it on my pillowcase.

On my work from home days, especially over the summer, I’ve often gone makeup free, but I still make a point of double cleansing every evening. It might seem a little unnecessary, but I like knowing I’ve removed every trace of SPF, pollution and the day from my skin before applying the rest of my products.

I know my current line up (above) looks like a lot! I’ve included a few recent empties that I’ve loved, alongside products I use once or twice a week, but my core evening routine is actually quite simple. Every night, I double cleanse (for years I’ve loved Dermalogica PreCleanse, then I’ve been trying both the Gatineau and Medik8 ones), apply a serum (my absolute fave is Gatineau Defi Lift Firming Facial Oil which I alternate with Medik8 Peptides after my beautician told me Peptides are a must after 40!) then I follow with a treatment (I’ve used Renew+Me for the last 18months) and finish with a moisturiser (currently Tatcha is my fave but I also rate the whole Emma Lewisham range, which I’ve sadly finished). Then, on a weekly basis I’ll also reach for an eye cream and a face mask (I’ve been using the above two for years and if my skin is feeling dry, I sleep in it).

Over the last few years I’ve added a couple of at home beauty devices to my skincare routine that I genuinely feel have made a difference. They’re definitely an investment, but one I do think, with consistent use is worth it.

The CurrentBody LED Mask * uses red and near infrared light therapy to help stimulate collagen production, soften the appearance of fine lines, improve skin tone and leaves my complexion looking brighter and healthier.(my code MELISSACB gives you 10% discount) Alongside that, I use the ZIIP Halo, which combines microcurrent and nanocurrent technology to help lift and tone the facial muscles, reduce puffiness and encourage a more sculpted appearance. (discount code WARDROBE for 10% off)

Like any skincare routine, consistency is everything. I aim to use both devices at least five times a week and I think that’s when you really start to notice the benefits. They’re not miracle workers, but over time I do think they’ve helped my skin look healthier, firmer and more radiant.

Loopha Water Cream/No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Body Serum/No7 Future Renew Décolleté & Neck Serum

Don’t Forget Your Body

It’s easy to focus all our attention on our faces, but don’t forget the skin on the rest of your body. I think it’s something that’s often overlooked, even though it deserves just as much care.

I use a body brush once a week, which is great for boosting circulation and gently exfoliating dead skin. You already know how much I’ve been loving the No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Body Serum, and I also use the No7 Future Renew Décolleté & Neck Serum, both of which have become staples in my routine.

For everyday hydration, I also love the Loopha Water Cream. It has a gorgeous fresh scent and absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky. I often keep it close by and give my arms and hands a generous dollop during the day whenever they need a little extra moisture.

2. Embracing My Natural Hair (and Updating My Makeup)

A couple of years ago I reached a turning point with my hair. After agonising over it for months, I decided to stop colouring it and let my grey grow through.

I think going grey is a huge step for most women. It can feel like you’re making quite a statement, although what that statement is depends entirely on how you feel about it. The UK hair dye market is worth around £600 million a year, so there’s a lot invested in convincing us to keep reaching for the colour. For me, though, I realised I’d become trapped in a cycle that wasn’t making me feel better or making my hair look healthier, so I finally asked myself, why am I still doing this?

I wrote about my whole grey hair journey here, but looking back, I genuinely think my natural colour suits my skin tone better. It might not make me look younger, but it feels much more like me.

More than anything, I feel relieved to have stepped off the constant colouring treadmill that had started to feel more like a chore than a choice.

Unlike my skincare, where I think consistency is the key, I see makeup very differently. I think it’s worth reviewing your makeup bag every year or so to make sure the products and colours you’re using still work for your skin and the look you want to achieve. As our skin changes, our makeup often needs to change with it.

These days, I’m all about creating healthy, glowing skin rather than trying to cover everything up, which feels like quite a shift from the makeup our mums and grandmas wore. Last week I treated myself to a makeover at John Lewis and not only did I come away with some brilliant new tips and a few products to try, I also left feeling so much better after a particularly trying week.

I’ll be sharing everything I learnt, along with all the products I picked up, in this Sunday’s newsletter.

The Sunday newsletter and the full Five Things list of positive ageing advice are for paid subscribers. Please consider joining in! You’ll receive the 5 Things newsletter every Friday, packed with fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and travel news and views, plus access to an extensive archive of everything that has gone before.As a little thank you for your continuing support I’m giving 20% off an annual subscription! Just tap the discount button below to receive the discount.

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If you’re new here, a big hello and thank you for joining my little community over on Substack. There’s a good chance you’ve found your way here after watching my Instagram Stories. If not, I thought I’d explain why you’ll be seeing a little more from me on here over the next few weeks, or at least until Meta sorts out the problems that are currently unfolding.

The last few months have been incredibly stressful. Ever since Meta introduced its AI monitoring, my Instagram account has been repeatedly restricted. I’ve been flagged seven times for “potential fraudulent activity”, which has left me unable to share links or even comment at times. The frustrating part is that there seems to be no logical reason for it. I’m far from alone, it’s happening to countless other creators too, but Meta is largely ignoring the problem and nobody seems to have a proper solution. My biggest fear is that one day my account will simply disappear. That’s already happened to lots of creators with the businesses they’ve spent years building vanishing overnight, and little or no opportunity to appeal or recover them.

I’ve had my Instagram account for ten years and, as I said, there’s a good chance that’s where we first connected before you very kindly joined me here when I launched this newsletter nearly three years ago. For most of those ten years I’ve poured my heart and soul into turning what started as a hobby into a full time career, all while working part time as a primary school teacher and navigating midlife. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built, which is why the thought that it could all disappear without warning, and without even the chance to say goodbye, is so difficult.

For now, I’m pressing pause on doing as much on my instagram. I’m hoping Meta gets its act together, fixes whatever is causing these issues and I can return to posting as normal, although, if I’m honest, this whole experience has knocked my confidence a little.

So, while I wait, I’ve decided to bring some of that content here instead. You can also join my broadcast channel called ‘In The Know’. You’ll find it on my Insta homepage and all my outfit links and sizing are always on my LTK page here.

For the time being I’ll send an occasional extra newsletter featuring the videos that would normally appear on my Instagram. This will be in addition to my usual 5 Things Friday, so nothing you’re already subscribed to will change.

I really hope those of you who look forward to 5 Things Friday won’t mind this little addition. If it’s not for you then please do just scroll along. Hopefully it won’t be for long, but who knows, it might even turn out to be something we all enjoy. Either way, I’m really grateful you’re here, because having this little corner of the internet suddenly feels more important than ever.

This week I had already intended an extra newsletter for my paid subscribers with everything I’ve worn this week. After a few weeks of feeling pretty bored with my shorts and tee outfits, I’ve decided to take a little accountability and start a daily photo diary of my outfits. You’ll find this week’s behind the paywall and, if you fancy upgrading for the full 5 Things Friday experience, a little reminder that it costs less than 89p a week to access over 184 archive newsletters packed with fashion, styling, beauty reviews and travel recommendations. So, that’s us all caught up. Here are a few things from my Instagram drafts.

My Zara try on.You’ll find all the links and my sizing recommendations here.

I love the Zara blouse so much. I Immediately wore it with the shorts, which have been the base of my wardrobe all summer! Everything is linked here with sizing recs.

The weather cooled in Yorkshire, which meant I finally got to wear a jacket and was back in jeans. Everything linked here with sizing recs.

The Albaray co-ord, (it’s in the sale!). Super comfortable, perfect for travelling or WFH. Sizing and linked here.

I’ve made a collection of all my posts with items that are currently in the Albaray sale. It’s linked here.

Want to know what I wore this week? What follows is a roundup of my every day outfits, exclusively for paid subscribers, designed to give you a little inspiration for the week ahead. Every look includes individual shopping links, so this content isn't available anywhere else, it's just one of the little extras that comes with being a paid subscriber.

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A Few of My Summer Favourites

I feel like a round-up of everything I’ve been loving this summer is long overdue. Over the last few weeks I’ve talked about feeling a little below par, but there’s also been so much good stuff to enjoy and plenty to share. So, let’s accentuate the positives.

1. Days Out and Getaways

There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors when the weather is on your side, and this summer we’ve had so many days where we’ve headed out without even thinking about whether we’d need a jacket or brolly. Here are a few of my favourite places we’ve visited.

Harlow Carr Gardens

One of my highlights has to be Harlow Carr Gardens, the stunning RHS garden just outside Harrogate. With over 58 acres to explore, you could easily spend an entire day wandering through the beautifully designed gardens. My favourite area was the impressive kitchen garden, packed with inspiration.

During August, there are free summer music concerts every Sunday, and with Bettys Tea Room right next door (which rarely has the long queues of the town centre one), it makes for a lovely day out. If you walk from Harrogate town centre to the gardens, you even receive reduced admission, making it the perfect Sunday outing.

Wild Swimming & Lakeside Saunas

The amazing weather has made wild swimming even more enjoyable this year. I even braved a dip in the sea at Scarborough!

I also love combining a swim with a sauna, and this summer we have visited Pool Bridge Farm, just outside York, and Woodland Lakes near Thirsk. Both offer lake swimming, wood-fired lakeside saunas and paddleboarding

Pool Bridge provides a more organised experience and tends to be busier, while Woodland Lakes is quieter, more rustic and wonderfully peaceful. I loved them both for different reasons.

Seaham Hall Spa

Who doesn’t love a spa day? This summer I have been lucky enough to enjoy two - so far!

The first was at the newly transformed Spa Zen Garden at Seaham Hall *. We were blessed with glorious sunshine, making it the perfect place to switch off.

I spent the day lounging on the sun deck, taking the occasional dip in the outdoor hot tubs and simply relaxing.

You can stay overnight to make a proper break of it or, if you’re local, a spa day is just as special.

Middleton Lodge

My husband decided not to book the day off work for his 60th birthday, so making the day feel special was a little challenging! I booked us an evening spa and dinner experience at one of my favourite places, Middleton Lodge.

The spa here feels a little different from most. It’s beautifully designed, with a calm, luxurious atmosphere, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. It never feels overcrowded, which makes it incredibly relaxing.

After your spa session, you can wander through the stunning grounds to The Coach House for dinner, which rounds off the experience perfectly. Of all the spas I’ve visited, I genuinely think Middleton Lodge offers some of the best value for a spa-and-dine experience. It’s one of those places I’d happily return to again and again.

I had an amazing weekend away with two of my girlfriends this month at the newly opened luxury site The Nook Lodges.*

The lodges are situated in the Cheshire countryside and offer a real switch off experience. We stayed in the stunning Oak Lodge, which has three bedrooms, all en suite, and a big communal kitchen / dining area. The highlight for us was the wood fired hot tub where we spent many an hour putting the world to rights, followed by relaxing on the wood deck by the firepit. There is plenty to do nearby but honestly we found it difficult to tear ourselves away from relaxing on the porch.

2. Summer Reading Recs

I have a holiday coming up and, as always, I’m totally hoping to actually get some reading done! I’ve asked my family and friends for some summer reading inspiration and these came up in several DMs.

The Wedding People - Alison Espach Funny and surprisingly insightful, with characters who felt messy, authentic, and easy to care about. It follows the story of an English professor who travels to a luxury hotel to kill herself, but encounters a wedding party she joins instead. (Richard)

The Names - Florence Knapp Great holiday read which gripped me from the first chapter. Similar to Sliding Doors but much more gritty! (Steph)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Story of a famous lady and each husband is part of her story. There’s a great twist! (Liz)

All The Colours of The Dark - Chris Whitaker A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a love story spanning 26 years. It’s a little dark but I found it impossible to put down. (Debby)

Our Perfect Storm - Carley Fortune A fab holiday romantic read that was a real page turner for me. (Katy)

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As an extra I thought I would drop into your inbox with another instalment of Invest.Style.Repeat which I started last year. I was asked if I could share a few ways to style this item as separates so this time it’s a video edit with me spending a little time picking out some pieces from my wardrobe and my thought process when I’m styling up different looks. We all know that sometimes it is worth paying a little more for those classic wardrobe pieces, but only if you can wear them in lots of different ways. I’ve picked a high street piece, the Hush skirt co-ord which I know has been a popular buy for some of you. The result was I ended up with some looks that would work as a weekend away capsule packing edit!

I’ll link a few of the items I used but hopefully this will give you some ideas for pieces you already own in your own wardrobe.

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I had various titles in mind for this week’s newsletter, but in the end I settled on something that felt a little more positive than what was actually going through my head.

Some of my original ideas were: I Hate All My Clothes, I’ve Ruined My Wardrobe, and I Want to Throw It All Away and Start Again!

I know, I know... it sounds dramatic, but ever since I came back from holiday, I’ve felt a little out of sync. If I’m honest, it’s not just down to what I’m wearing, there’s been a lot going on, but I genuinely believe that my clothes reflect how I’m feeling, and how I feel is often determined by my outfit. I mean, I rarely have a bad day when I’m loving what I’m wearing! Flip that around, and it pretty much sums up how I’ve been feeling this summer.

Don’t get me wrong, there have been some lovely moments and lots to be grateful for, but, as always, life has thrown in a few bumps over the last six weeks, and honestly, I just haven’t felt 100%. I’m a little annoyed with myself for feeling that way, too. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out exactly what it is because, if you know me, you’ll know I’m a pretty positive person. If something is affecting that, I’m usually straight into solution mode. Is it the post-holiday blues? Well, no. We had a brilliant holiday, but we moved around a lot, and by the end I was actually happy to come home. I really missed Teddy, and I was looking forward to getting back into a routine. Then I hurt my leg, which flared up my knee and an old foot injury. Plus, those few pounds I put on during the holiday that I confidently thought would disappear as soon as I got back to the gym? Well... there hasn’t been much gym, and the pounds have decided to stay!

Then there’s the weather. Sorry, but I’m someone who absolutely loves it hot, so you’ll never hear me complaining about that. The downside, though, is that I’ve had very little motivation to wear anything other than shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops. Which is absolutely fine for a while, but I’m starting to feel a bit slobby. The knock-on effect has been endless scrolling, buying the odd thing here and there, only to realise I don’t really love any of it. And that has left me feeling a little deflated with my wardrobe choices.

Here’s the thing, I do feel a certain pressure to get it right when it comes to my wardrobe. It’s what I do, after all. But just like everyone else, I make mistakes. I buy things that aren’t quite right, I make impulse purchases and, sometimes, I simply lose my way a little. I don’t love admitting that, but I also don’t think I’ll ever reach the perfect wardrobe. I do like to hope that I’m close or at least a lot better than I was.

So, with the summer sales shouting, “Buy me!”, and my wardrobe leaving me feeling uninspired, I decided this week that enough was enough. It was time to take some action.

Here’s what I did...

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An unexpected holiday in a few weeks has come my way -and who am I to turn that down? It can only mean one thing... it’s time to get the suitcase out again. I love a little packing edit and I’m working on a newsletter sharing what I’m packing for my week away, how I decide what to take and, more importantly, what to leave behind! I know lots of you have holidays coming up and this week alone I’ve had requests for edits for European city breaks and beach holidays.

Many of you have also told me that you don’t want to buy a whole new holiday wardrobe. Instead, you want fresh ideas for styling the pieces you already own and making them work harder.

So, I thought I’d share the holiday outfit formulas that always work for me. They’re the combinations I come back to every time I travel, whether I’m heading for a beach holiday, a city break or somewhere in between. Hopefully they will inspire you to look at your own wardrobe in a different way. You can recreate the formulas with pieces you already have, and perhaps add just one or two new items if there’s a genuine gap.

1. Travel Day Formula

Comfort + layers + practical accessories

Hush beach trousers/Albaray cap sleeve tee/Uniqlo sweater/Lulu lemon Tote/ H&M knot sandals

For this formula, think relaxed trousers, a simple T-shirt, a lightweight knit or sweater, comfortable shoes and a roomy tote bag. You’ll stay comfortable on the journey, wherever you’re heading, and be prepared for any changes in temperature.

My recent travel outfit for our 14 hour flight to Borneo scored a solid 10 out of 10 for comfort. I wore my Leset Yoko Pocket Pant trousers (size L), which are definitely an investment, but are the closest thing to travelling in your pyjamas without getting some odd looks! I teamed them with my favourite Uniqlo tee and a lightweight H&M sweater. I packed a pair of socks for the flight but, for once, I didn’t need them!

The Look

If you’re looking to recreate the formula, the Hush seersucker trousers are getting rave reviews for being incredibly comfortable and lightweight, plus they’d work just as well for beach days. I have the Albaray T-shirt (size 14) and can recommend it. The cap sleeves make it a really flattering fit. And the Uniqlo sweater (size L) is one of those wardrobe heroes I reach for again and again. It’s somewhere between a sweatshirt and a jumper, made from 100% cotton and machine washable. Ideal for travelling.

2. Beach Formula

Swimsuit + oversized shirt + sandals + woven bag

M&S Swimsuit/Arket linen oversized shirt/Aspiga beaded sandals/&OtherStories beaded tote and sunglasses

This is the outfit you’ll probably wear the most. An oversized linen shirt works as a cover up or can be tied over shorts or trousers, making it one of the hardest working pieces in your suitcase. You’ll also be able to wear it once your back home. As much as I love a beach dress, they only ever get worn on holiday! I picked up my H&M pink linen shirt last year. I wore it over my bikini and with my white linen skirt for an evening out.

The Look

M&S has been my go to this season for affordable, stylish swimwear, and I love this orange shade. It’s one of those colours that looks even better with a tan. The Arket linen shirt has matching shorts, so you can wear the shirt as a beach cover up, pair it with the shorts for lunch, or style the pieces separately throughout your holiday. I’ve finished the look with some pretty beaded flip flops and a beaded tote bag for an effortless beach outfit that can easily take you from sun lounger to lunch.

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I’ve definitely been a little more sociable recently. I think the warm weather and longer summer evenings make us all eager to venture out. It’s meant I’ve found myself sending the same message to my girlfriends’ WhatsApp group quite a few times recently:

“So... what are we wearing tonight?”

I genuinely just like to know the vibe, although I’ll admit I’d much rather be over- than under-dressed. Are we all in trousers? Is someone wearing a dress? Is it more flats than heels? I love any excuse to dress up, but it can definitely bring on a sartorial dilemma, and knowing what everyone else is thinking somehow makes getting ready that little bit easier. This summer it’s all about adding one or two items that can elevate my existing wardrobe. I’m enjoying dressing for myself and going for comfortable, and what I like to call ‘elevated casual’, but definitely feeling like I’ve made an effort.

The reality is that most of my week is spent walking Teddy, working from home or filming, so my day-to-day wardrobe is pretty simple. This means that when something a bit different pops up in the diary, I enjoy having an excuse to have fun with my wardrobe.

The last few weeks have been busier than normal, with weekends away, a couple of trips up to London, dinners with friends, and even a Take That concert (which, by the way, was brilliant!). Nothing particularly fancy, but enough to start me looking for inspiration for changing things up and wanting a little newness in my wardrobe that will cater for these social summer occasions.

So, here are five things I've been loving lately for my summer evenings out.

1. Balloon Trousers

If it’s a casual catch-up or I need a quick outfit change, I’ve been reaching for balloon-shaped trousers. They’re brilliant when the temperature rises, especially if you go for a fuller silhouette, as they feel cool, comfortable and just a little more interesting than a pair of jeans.

I wore a Zara pair on a really warm day in London recently and they were perfect for a sweaty train journey. They hung beautifully, didn’t crease and made a simple vest-and-jacket combination feel like I’d made a bit more of an effort. They immediately went into the sale and, rather annoyingly, sold out before I could recommend them!

Since they came back onto the scene last year, I’ve gradually added a few pairs to my wardrobe, from linen styles that work just as well during the day as they do in the evening, to satin pairs that instantly feel a little more elevated. I’ve worn them on holiday, at home and for evenings out, and they’ve become one of those pieces I always feel comfortable in while still looking put together. A big plus for me is that they look better with a simple slide or flat sandal. Due to a foot injury recently I’ve really had to keep to flat sandals. Win, win!

The Albaray balloon pants have a dropped crotch and a relaxed billowy silhouette that I’ve found really comfortable for home and holidays. I’ve worn them with the accompanying vest top and, for cooler evenings, with a plain cotton or satin tee. They’re generous, so I sized down to a 10.

I styled up the Marks and Spencer black linen balloon trousers for an AD a few months ago, and then bought the white pair myself. They’re linen, so work for day and night, and also offer a more tailored look. I love that you can adjust the bottom cuffs if you want to wear them looser or even as a wide leg. I wear these in a 12 regular.

If you’re looking for a quick addition to the wardrobe, I also bought the TU clothing satin balloon trousers. They’re a simple elastic waist and cuff style and perfect for a night out. I wear them in a 12.

A few other styles I’m loving… The Mango modal mix ones look great for a casual look but could easily be dressed up, and can be worn as wide legs too. M&S has two pairs that have caught my eye; I love the putty colour of the elastic waist ones and the cupro rich cuffed ones with the button detailed cuff. Finally, I love the exaggerated silhouette of these linen Massimo Dutti ones.

And, if you already have some satin trousers, you could try the scrunchie hack to make them balloon shaped!

2. The LBT - Little Black Top!

Other colours are available, but I have to admit I do love a summer black top. There’s just something about the LBT that makes getting dressed for a summer evening so easy. Pop one on with a favourite pair of trousers, add a bit of jewellery and a nice sandal or heel, and you instantly feel like you’ve made an effort without actually trying too hard.

If you remember, last year I did a little end-of-summer wardrobe evaluation, and it was such a useful exercise. One thing that really stood out was just how much I’d worn my Dish linen black top (sadly oos but similar here). It was on constant rotation and definitely earned its cost per wear, whereas the five or six white tops I’d bought with the best intentions were hardly worn at all.

I always think I’ll reach for white in the summer, but last year when it came to evenings out, the black top won every time. I also loved this &OtherStories one when I wanted something with more structure and shape. It’s a great price (there are a few left).

So, this year I’ve been much more intentional with what I’ve been adding to my wardrobe. Tops that create a lovely shape, have a beautiful drape, or accentuate and ultimately make an outfit feel a little more polished are on the list.

I’ve just bought this one from Abercrombie,(size medium ). It’s 100% linen and very flattering. Although it looks very fitted, the back has an elastic band so it’s comfortable. M&S do a similar look too.

I also got the satin top to go with the TU balloon trousers and, although it’s polyester, it does have a lovely shape. I’m looking for something similar that will have a longer life.

I wore this to the Take That concert. I love a sheer top but wanted to try a high street one before buying anything more spendy. I noticed it’s back in stock periodically at Zara and now half price, and this is similar.

I’ve just ordered this in a 12 from M&S. I love the cap sleeve and tie drape.

L-R Mint Velvet top/&OtherStories wrap shirt/&OtherStories sale bargain/Arket shirt

I know lots of you prefer a little more arm coverage, especially for evenings out, so I have included a few options that I think work really well without feeling too covered up for summer. The Mint Velvet top has the prettiest little gold button detail which gives it something extra, while I love the wrap style of the &Other Stories one. It is such a flattering shape and would work just as well with jeans during the day as it would dressed up with trousers in the evening. If you are looking for something similar to my much-loved Dish linen top, I spotted this &OtherStories version in the sale, which has the same effortless feel. Finally, I had to include the Arket cotton shirt because the shape is just beautiful.

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Last week’s heatwave meant I wore shorts most days. Every summer, I have that little voice in my head telling me my shorts-wearing days are over. And then, when the choice is either full-length trousers in 30-degree heat or yet another summer dress, I have a quiet word with myself, pull the shorts on, and get over it.

We all have our little insecurities, don’t we? Mine has always been my knees. They’re not exactly their former selves - slightly squidgy with a sprinkling of cellulite - but one thing I do know is this: my seventy-five-year-old self will look back at fifty-five-year-old me and think, she looked absolutely fine in shorts. Much the same way I look back at forty-year-old me and wonder why I ever worried about having a generous bottom... especially when women now pay good money for one!

This summer, I’ve bought just two pairs of shorts, and between them they’ve covered pretty much every occasion.

My black linen-blend pair from Uniqlo (I take a size Large)are probably the hardest-working item in my wardrobe right now. They’re incredibly comfortable and work just as well with a linen shirt (which, incidentally, is exactly what I’m wearing as I type this) as they do with a simple T-shirt.

Then there’s my brown linen Bermuda shorts (size 12) from Whistles, which I bought as part of a co-ord. I’ve worn them with loafers and a long-sleeved tee when it’s been a little cooler, and dressed them up with a lace cami for dinner out. They’re proving far more versatile than I expected

Before committing to shorts, though, I do think a little bit of leg prep helps me feel more confident.

L-R Espa body brush/Legology Cellu-lite oil/Vita Body Blur/Gatineau Golden Glow/ No7 Future Renew Body Serum

I’m a big fan of dry body brushing. It gets the circulation going, gives your skin a lovely glow and just makes everything feel a bit smoother. I’ve recently been sent the Legology range, which claims to be clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s still early days, so I’ll report back if I notice a difference.

I’ve also heard brilliant things about Vita Liberata Body Blur (25% off here); apparently it evens out the skin and disguises the little imperfections we’d rather keep to ourselves. If you’re still waiting for your tan to arrive, Gatineau’s Golden Glow gives an instant wash of colour, which I really like. And, finally, I’ve recently worked with No7 on a campaign, and I genuinely cannot recommend their Future Renew Body Serum enough. It hydrates beautifully, helps improve the look of sun-damaged areas, and leaves your skin feeling amazing.

I also know I feel far more confident, and much more like myself, in a longer Bermuda style pair of shorts. Tiny shorts just aren’t for me. I think they look fabulous on other women, but I’ve realised that feeling stylish has more to do with feeling comfortable than following every trend.

I like my shorts to finish just on, or slightly above, the knee, and I don’t want anything too fitted. Loose linen is always my first choice and, if I’m buying denim, I almost always size up so they skim rather than cling (my white H&M pair from last summer are a good example).

When it comes to shorts, I’m definitely aiming for chic rather than trendy. I’ve tried the oversized baggy denim styles and, while they look fantastic on plenty of people, they’re just not me. At fifty-five, I’ve become much happier dressing for the woman I am, rather than the trend I want to follow.

So, if you’re having the same internal debate about whether you’re “too old” for shorts, I hope this gives you a little nudge. Chances are, in twenty years’ time you’ll wish you’d worn them.

Here are five outfits that prove shorts can feel every bit as polished as your favourite summer dress:

1. Coastal Chic

L-R Rise&Fall Superfine Merino knit £76/H&M drawstring denim shorts £17.99/Arket canvas striped tote £45/Archies black flip-flops £35 /&OtherStories linen bucket hat £37

Looking stylish at the beach isn’t always easy, but keeping things neutral with a touch of nautical always works. I love this look for its effortless, understated feel. The Arket canvas bag adds that classic seaside touch, while the Rise & Fall superfine knit (currently 20% off) in buttermilk looks so sophisticated thrown over white denim shorts from H&M.

I’ve finished the outfit with a bucket hat, which is my go-to for sun protection, and my trusty Archies flip-flops, which are as comfortable as they are practical. The whole outfit has a relaxed Cape Cod feel about it but would look just as at home on the beaches of Cornwall.

2. City Smart

L-R Mango Lycello-blend chocolate shorts £39.99/Jigsaw sand linen blazer £132/Jigsaw supima cotton tee £35/WAT the brand woven leather belt £42 /Massimo Dutti braided ballet pumps £129/Tortoiseshell A.Kjærbede Zan sunglasses £27

I honestly don’t know how anyone who works in an office coped during last week’s heatwave. Trying to look polished while slowly melting must have been quite the challenge! If I was dressing for the office, I’d definitely be reaching for a smart pleated pair of shorts like these chocolate ones from Mango.

I love that they have belt loops because they give you the opportunity to add a little extra interest with a woven leather belt. The ones from WAT The Brand are such lovely quality. I already own two pairs, and this pair, which is currently in the sale, is proving very tempting.

To keep the look polished, I’ve paired them with these beautiful woven leather flats from Massimo Dutti. To finish everything off, I’d throw on this linen blazer from Jigsaw, which is currently half price. It also comes with matching shorts or trousers if you’re partial to a co-ord, making it a really versatile summer investment.

Need more short inspiration? Tap the link below to become a paid subscriber. You’ll receive the full 5 Things Friday newsletter each week - just 89p per week (bargain!), plus paid subscriber only posts and of course my huge gratitude at supporting my small business! It’s female-founded and just me!

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This post is sponsored by Uniqlo. I know, a real pinch me moment! I was absolutely over the moon to be asked, as I genuinely love the brand. Every week I wear a selection of Uniqlo pieces, so here are my top five reasons I love Uniqlo! I could easily give more.

1. Where would I be without my AIRism T-shirt?

This is probably the most-worn item in my wardrobe and one that I reach for all year round.

Finding the perfect T-shirt isn’t easy. I’ve worked my way through countless versions over the years, but nothing quite ticked all the boxes until I discovered Uniqlo’s AIRism T-shirt.

So, what makes it so good? For starters, the shape is spot on. It works just as well worn on its own as it does layered under knitwear or jackets. The collar is substantial enough to hold its shape and sits neatly under a jumper, while the sleeves are slightly loose and the boxy fit skims the body perfectly. As someone who would much rather not tuck in a T-shirt, I find the length and silhouette incredibly flattering and easy to style.

Then there’s the fabric. The quick-drying DRY technology is a real bonus, particularly for those of us navigating menopause, and it keeps the T-shirt feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the day.

Add in a choice of nine colours and a price tag of just £14.90, and it’s pretty close to perfect in my eyes. For reference, I wear a Large for a generous fit.

If you prefer something a little more fitted, Uniqlo also does an excellent crew-neck version in 100% cotton that’s ideal for summer dressing. I wear them in a medium. For me, the AIRism T-shirt is the wardrobe basic that all others are measured against.

2. My Wear-on-Repeat Jeans

Jean shopping can be a bit of a nightmare, but over the last few years Uniqlo has become my go-to for denim. I’ve built up quite a collection, from wide-leg styles to classic straight cuts, but my most-worn pairs this season have been the Baggy Curve Jeans and the JW Anderson Straight Leg Jeans.

The Baggy Curve Jeans have a curved silhouette with a high waist and subtle volume through the leg, creating a relaxed shape that feels modern without being overly trend-driven. They’re made from a cotton and lyocell blend, which means they’re incredibly soft and comfortable, exactly how I like my jeans. They also wash beautifully and hold their shape well.

I size up to a 30-inch waist and 31-inch length to achieve a more slouchy fit, which feels very current right now. They’re versatile enough to wear with sandals throughout summer and transition seamlessly into autumn with trainers or boots.

For a more structured look, I love the JW Anderson Straight Leg Jeans. They have a slightly preppy feel that works perfectly with everything from loafers to ankle boots. Made from 100% cotton with a mid-rise fit, they have that classic denim look and feel that only gets better with wear. They’re the pair I reach for when I want something polished but still effortless. I wear a 29-inch waist/31-inch length.

Together, these two styles cover almost every outfit scenario for me; one relaxed and easy, the other timeless and refined.

3. The Summer Vest That Solved My Bra Dilemma

I love a vest top in summer, whether I’m wearing it on its own or layering it under an oversized shirt. A few years ago, I discovered Uniqlo’s built in bra tops and was immediately hooked. My only criticism was that they felt a little too cropped for my liking.

Thankfully, after listening to customer feedback, Uniqlo introduced a longer length version this season, and I have to say they’re pretty much perfect. Let’s be honest: the bra situation with vest tops can be frustrating. Finding the right level of support, dealing with visible straps, and trying to achieve a smooth silhouette, can make what should be a simple summer staple surprisingly complicated. That’s exactly why I love these tops. They take all that hassle away.

With 360 degree support built in, they provide a secure and flattering fit that makes me feel completely confident wearing them. They’re made from 96% cotton, feel incredibly comfortable against the skin, and create smooth, clean lines under clothing. The vests come in a variety of styles, but the racer-back design is the one I reach for most often. The slim straps and moderately open back beautifully frame the shoulders, making it feel just a little more elevated than a standard vest.

If you prefer a higher neckline, the ribbed bra top is another excellent option.

For reference, I’m a 34C and wear a size medium.

4. The Linen Pieces I Live In All Summer

A good portion of my wardrobe is Uniqlo linen, and I rely on these items as staples all summer long.

I’ve been singing the praises of the wide leg linen blend trousers for years now. I own them in four colours (although there are nine available), and they’re my go to whenever I want something comfortable and effortless, whether I’m working from home, travelling, or simply running errands.

What makes them so good is the fabric. The linen and rayon blend makes them incredibly soft and comfortable while also helping to minimise creasing. Add in an elasticated waistband and, of course, pockets, and I genuinely don’t think you’ll find a more comfortable or affordable summer trouser at just £19.90.

I’ve also found the linen blend sleeveless tops great for this warm weather. I’m wearing one here with the cotton volume easy trousers (size medium). I love that you can match some of the colours with the linen trousers for a co-ord look. Can I also give a big shout out to those cotton trousers while I’m here! They’re super light and airy, with an elastic waist and are easy to turn up for a cropped look.

The linen blend short sleeve shirts are another favourite. Again, they’re very affordable at under £30 and the length is spot on for those of us who prefer not to tuck in our tops.

I wear a large in these and find the fit relaxed without being oversized.

I’ve also found my perfect summer shorts (see pic below). As someone who has never felt particularly confident in shorts, I love the length of these. They’re a little longer, sitting just above my knee (I’m 5ft 5), and they’re lightweight enough to be comfortable even during a heatwave. I wear them in a large.

And it doesn’t stop with the linen blends. Uniqlo’s pure linen range is excellent too. The long sleeve shirts are probably my favourites, although I would recommend sizing up if you prefer a more relaxed fit. I wear an XLarge. I also love the skipper style linen blouse, now available in striped linen only.

The slightly shorter sleeves and easy silhouette of the skipper blouse make it perfect for relaxed summer dressing.

When it comes to affordable, hardworking summer staples, Uniqlo linen is hard to beat.

5. Practical Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

If you don’t own a Uniqlo crossbody bag, where have you been? Mary Portas described it as a symbol of a “quiet cultural reckoning”, reflecting a shift away from status driven purchases towards products that simply work. She argued that we’re entering a “no brow era” that isn’t anti luxury, it’s anti nonsense.

I couldn’t agree more! It’s the ultimate no nonsense bag and one that I reach for constantly, whether I’m walking the dog, heading into town, or setting off on a day trip. Lightweight, water repellent and surprisingly roomy, it manages to hold far more than its compact appearance suggests. It’s one of those rare accessories that combines practicality and style so effortlessly that you find yourself wondering how you managed without it.

The same can be said for Uniqlo’s outerwear.

Finding practical jackets that are also stylish can be surprisingly difficult, but Uniqlo consistently gets the balance right. I’ve been a fan of their outerwear for years and the fact that my daughters regularly raid my wardrobe for my jackets is proof that they are pretty cool too!

This season, I’ve particularly loved the cotton-blend parka. Designed with both style and functionality in mind, it features a drawstring waist and a button fastening that provides coverage right up to the neck when needed. It’s water repellent, packed with useful pockets and can be adjusted at the hem depending on whether you prefer a looser or more fitted silhouette.

It’s been my go-to jacket during the sudden downpours we’ve experienced this season and I know it will transition seamlessly into autumn. For reference, I wear a size large.

So, that’s why I’m a big fan. Uniqlo has become one of those rare brands that consistently gets the balance right. The pieces are simple, considered and easy to wear, but they never feel boring or trend-led. Whether it’s denim, linen, a reliable T-shirt or a practical jacket, everything feels designed for real life.

I hope that you’ve found this helpful, whether you’re already a fan or are new to the brand. I’d love you to comment or tap that heart if you’ve enjoyed this post.

I’ll be back next Friday and with the hot weather looking like it’s staying, I’m considering a post on styling shorts. How things have changed!

Have a super weekend

Melissa xx

You know I love an accessory, especially if there’s a bit of matchy matchy involved, so when Burga asked if I’d be interested in giving them a mention and sharing a discount code, my answer was a very quick “yes please”. Burga is my favourite phone case brand, I’ve certainly tried a few over the years. My daughter first recommended them to me and since then I’ve both bought cases myself and received some as gifts. As someone who is practically never without her phone in her hand, I fully consider it a fashion accessory but it’s got to be robust enough to protect what’s a very expensive piece of tech! Luckily Burga does both and if I can coordinate it with a water bottle or notebook, then even better.

Their phone covers offer Premium protection, with raised edges for screen and camera protection as well as being up to 90% shock-absorbing, handy for someone who drops her phone on a regular basis! One of the things I love most about Burga is the huge range of designs. Whether you like something bold and colourful or prefer a more classic look, there’s genuinely something for everyone. They also make cases for both iPhone and Android phones, as well as iPads and laptops, so nobody needs to miss out.

Can I also give a shout out to the magnetic phone rings, which I could not live without! As someone who is fairly low tech but has somehow made a career out of taking photos of herself, it makes snapping selfies and generally holding my phone so much easier. I also use it to prop up my phone when I’m on a video call or talking to camera. See, I told you I was high tech! If you’ve been looking to give your phone a little style update, this is one of those brands I genuinely use and love and am very happy to share my discount code. MELISSAX15 gives you 15% off all products and it stacks with the Buy 2, Get 2 Free deal.” Enjoy!

*Sponsored inclusion

2. If you’re not watching the football…

Then I have a few good TV suggestions for you. Especially seeing as I’ve not been sitting in the garden in the evening as I’d hoped over the last few weeks. If you’re loving the football, feel free to scroll on, but personally I can only muster some interest if we get into the semi finals - and then only if there are actually some goals being scored. However, I have to say there is some good stuff on the box to keep me entertained. First up, Legends on Netflix is the best thing I’ve seen for ages. Mr A and I binged this in two nights which is not like us so it must be good.

Starring Steve Coogan and Tom Burke, it’s a gripping crime thriller inspired by a true story following ordinary customs officers who go undercover to infiltrate dangerous drug gangs in 1990s Britain.The cast all give strong performances and the action is tense. Ten out of ten from me.

Season two of The Four Seasons (Netflix) just dropped and is every bit as warm, funny and quietly emotional as the first.

I love that it focuses on friendship and all the messy complications that come with getting older, while still delivering plenty of laugh out loud moments. The cast are brilliant, the locations are gorgeous and it’s the kind of show that has moments that we can all identify with. I’m also totally on board with these thirty minute episodes. I cannot get to the end of anything if I need to commit much longer than that, and 8 episodes of anything is enough for me thank you!

If you like a spot of true crime (who doesn’t?) then Crash (Netflix) and Mother of all Cons (iPlayer) have sent me down a Google hole this month. I had so many questions after watching Mother of all Cons (I still can’t get over the Transatlantic flight!) that I then sought out the podcast Believe in Magic, which went a little further with some explanations.

Slightly random, but my daughter and I are really enjoying Widow’s Bay on AppleTV. It’s billed as a comedy/horror, about a small New England island that is home to a centuries-old supernatural curse, and it does indeed have us laughing one minute and hiding behind a cushion the next!

I love a little jump scare but usually find anything remotely scary these days ends up just getting ridiculous, while Widow’s Bay is in fact brilliant and gets better with each episode.

I’ve also just dipped into Two Weeks in August. It started out as promising but I’m up to episode 4 and wondering if it’s just getting a little silly now. If you’ve got any further, let me know if I should stick with it.

Behind the paywall, you'll find a new feature, Tried and Tested, where I'm sharing video reviews of some recent beauty finds, including testing under-eye concealers (one of which genuinely surprised me), my current favourite style of trousers (and how I'm wearing them), and my answer to a style dilemma from a paid subscriber.

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The British weather is serving up a real sartorial challenge on a daily, if not hourly, basis. There’s absolutely no predicting it. As I’m writing this on Tuesday, the forecast is showing rain and 19 degrees for the weekend, yet on Monday it was promising 26 degrees and sunshine. Make it make sense!

This warmish, windy, wet weather is proving tricky. But, here’s the thing, I have a feeling this might actually be our summer, and I’m not quite ready to resign myself to waterproofs and knits just yet. I want to give my summer wardrobe its annual airing.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve really thought about the pieces that help me navigate these unpredictable days while still feeling like summer. The reliable staples I come back to year after year, that work whether the sun decides to show up or the heavens suddenly open.

So, I'm diving into the summer pieces I’m wearing right now, and here are my favourite five…

1. All Buttoned Up

I absolutely love a button-up shirt, but I’ll hold my hands up and admit that I find them really tricky to wear in autumn and winter. I’ve tried to break away from my white tee and crew neck jumper uniform into shirts, but I just always find them too bulky to layer under anything, which is pretty essential once the temperature drops. Come summer, though, they’re perfect and provide a very welcome escape from my trusty T-shirt habit.

I’ve been wearing my oversized shirts with cotton trousers or shorts on the warmer days and, when it’s feeling a little cooler, I’ll layer a vest top underneath.

I love that they’re loose and comfortable, which is very much my summer style mantra, but they also feel a little more elevated and interesting than a plain T-shirt.

If you’re worried about feeling swamped by all the fabric, roll the sleeves up to show the slimmest part of your arms and leave a few buttons undone to create a bit more shape in your silhouette. I’m usually not a print person, but come summer I do love a subtle stripe or a little gingham.

There’s something about a striped shirt that always feels a bit cooler and more effortless, while a gingham one adds a little fun to a look.

2. The Summer Stack

One of my favourite things about summer dressing is adding those finishing touches with jewellery. In winter, I’m much more pared back, usually sticking to my everyday uniform of Monica Vinader Altra gold chain, (currently 20% off) a few gold and silver bangles (I do love mixing metals) and my gold hoops (40% off). But come summer, my magpie tendencies are set free.

This is when I start reaching for colourful beads, stacked bangles, chunky gemstone rings and long pendants, which instantly bring that relaxed summer feel to an outfit and can completely transform even the simplest look. The best thing is that you don’t have to spend a fortune. The high street has lots of great pieces and charity shops and vinted are alway worth a look for beads and necklaces. You will know that I love Monica Vinader jewellery, sadly they stopped the discount codes, but their summer sale is currently on and lots of my favourite pieces are up to 50% off.

Whether it’s a plain tee and jeans, a denim jacket thrown over the top, or a linen dress, jewellery is often the thing that makes an outfit feel more considered and summery, so don’t hold back on layering necklaces or, if it feels more you, wear a single statement pendant.

Don’t save these pieces just for holidays. They’re an easy way to bring a little sunshine to your everyday outfits, whatever the weather is doing. Here’s a little round up of a few of my summer favourites and pieces on my radar.

I have the chunky MV ring in 3 colours (50% off) and the MV gold cuff (50% off) is one I reach for to add a statement to a plain outfit. I’m always asked about my red beads, which are sadly OOS but I love these, and the Sezane Claude heart necklace (£75) is a stunning statement. M&S doing a very good MV dupe. The Zara shell cord pendant (£18) is gorgeous. I love a gem boho earring. This Mango shell statement bead necklace (£22.99) is just divine.

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I came back from holiday to what is now being called a heatwave. In my day, a heatwave went on for weeks and weeks. We had to share bathwater and, at one point, queue in the street to collect fresh water. My mother was furious about that last one, although it does seem strangely nostalgic now. My abiding memory of the 1976 heatwave is the sheer number of ladybirds everywhere. We were lucky enough to live in a town with an outdoor pool and I can still remember the lifeguard regularly swooping down with a huge net to scoop up what seemed like thousands of them.

Anyway, I digress. This particular heatwave lasted about five days, which is pretty impressive considering that before I went on holiday I was still wearing a jumper on a regular basis. Now we’re back to warmish temperatures, cloudy skies and the odd shower, which pretty much sums up the British summer and is probably as good as it’s going to get. So now feels like the perfect time to get your summer outfits sorted before we’re all reaching for our woolly jumpers again.

With that in mind, I’ve put together five summer outfits and given myself a budget of £150 for each look. Like most of us, I love a bargain, regularly shop on the high street and firmly believe you don’t need to spend a fortune to look stylish. I’ve made a real effort to seek out natural fabrics where possible and added great accessories, which is my favourite way to elevate an outfit. I genuinely don’t think you need designer labels for your accessories to create a chic look.

So, here are five of my favourite summer outfits, all for under £150.

1. Natural Neutrals

L-R River Island halter neck dress/New Look raffia bag/H&M beaded necklace/Anthropologie bangle/H&M sandals

A simple neutral dress is one of the best additions to a summer wardrobe because it can be styled in so many different ways. I love this beige 100% cotton dress from River Island as it works just as well with a pair of heels for an evening out as it does with flat sandals on holiday, and you can easily add a lightweight jacket for a smart work look. The tie at the back allows you to pull it in for a more defined shape or you can wear it loose and relaxed on warmer days. To complement the dress, I’ve added plenty of texture through the accessories, including a fabulous raffia bag, a pretty beaded necklace, matching bangle and chocolate flats to complete the outfit. The total comes in at £123.99.

2. Pretty in Pink

L-R H&M Linen shirt/M&S striped linen trousers/White Stuff shell necklace/Piglet in Bed cotton tote/M&S flip-flops.

This linen blend shirt arrived this week after I spotted the 15% members’ discount offer. Even at full price, it’s a bargain. I have several of these shirts and they are perfect worn as beach cover ups as well as paired with trousers. I bought a size large, which is definitely generous, but I prefer them a little oversized and longer for throwing on over swimwear. The pink is a gorgeous dusty rose shade and pairs beautifully with the M&S linen trousers and this lovely shell necklace, which is currently 20% off at White Stuff. I think you’ll find me living in flip flops for most of the summer, and I’ve finished the look with the sweetest gingham tote from Piglet. The total comes in at £105.20.

If you’d like to see the full edit, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. You’ll get access to my entire archive (and there’s a lot in there!), all my fashion and beauty inspiration delivered straight to your inbox every Friday, plus the extra posts I create exclusively for my paid community. Most importantly, you’ll have my heartfelt thanks and undying appreciation for supporting my work!

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It’s only been a few short days since we returned from our trip of a lifetime to Malaysia, but it’s given me enough time to reflect on what an amazing experience we had.

I’ve said a few times that now our girls are older I want to start ticking off a few dream destinations, and Malaysia had been on my mind for quite a while. I love a holiday — in fact, I love the whole process, from planning the itinerary, to packing the bags, to having everything organised before we travel. But this trip felt very different: a long-haul flight, five locations, and a very ambitious wish list.

My travel posts are always reserved for my paid subscribers. You’ll get all the full details - where we stayed, our complete itinerary, restaurant recommendations, excursions, and all my top tips. As a paid subscriber, you also get full access to my archive, which now includes guides and travel posts from more than 15 different holiday destinations.

So, while fashion will always be a huge part of what I share here, it’s definitely not all!

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I finally got my dream wardrobe, which Richard worked tirelessly on over the last bank holiday. I mean, if you’re not assembling flat-pack furniture, is it even a bank holiday?

When I say “dream”, there’s nothing remotely fancy about it, but I’ve somehow reached fifty-five without ever having had a wardrobe to myself — I’ve always had to share with a sibling, roommate, or husband — so I was really excited!

I’d hoped to spend a few days having a big wardrobe sort-out, but in the run-up to going away I had a huge to-do list. In the end, I didn’t want to rush it, so I’ve left it as something to look forward to when we get home.

Before we left, I had my eye on a few new spring additions for my wardrobe, discovered a few new favourites, and ticked off some spring jobs that needed doing before we departed. So, here’s what I’ve been wearing, loving, and wanting recently.

1. Aviator Sunglasses

You may have noticed there’s a new style of sunglasses everywhere at the moment and, having recently added a pair to my collection, I can confirm I’m fully on board. The aviator style is set to be a huge trend for summer ’26, with everything from classic ’70s inspired metal frames to modern oversized shapes making an appearance. I chose the Elma JF from Jimmy Fairly,* which have a tortoiseshell frame and such a cool, effortless vibe. I’ll admit, I was slightly hesitant at first - was I cool enough to pull them off? But, after spotting a few women whose style I love wearing similar pairs, I decided to go for it. They add an instant edge to even the simplest outfit and I genuinely haven’t stopped wearing them since they arrived. Here are a few high street pairs I’m loving at the moment.

2. Arket Cargo Trousers

I can’t remember the last time I wore my jeans, which is quite something coming from me! There’s a new trouser on my radar and, since I got them, I’ve worn them on repeat!

If you missed it I did a spring trouser newsletter back in March and was inspired to style up the Arket Cargo Trousers.

I tried the Zara cargos before committing to the Arket ones and, in the end, I actually preferred the fit of these. They felt a little more flattering on me and much easier to style for everyday wear. I’m pairing them with jumpers or sweatshirts and trainers on cooler days, then switching to a simple tee and slides whenever the sun makes an appearance. I sized up to get a looser fit and like wearing them sitting slightly lower on the waist with the hems pooling around my feet for a more relaxed feel. They’ve turned out to be one of those items that somehow work with everything and make even the simplest outfits feel effortlessly cool.

I love the deep blue colour which has added some interest to my spring wardrobe and works well with my staple navy or red. I’m tempted to get them in the sand colour for summer.

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When it comes to capsule packing, I think I’ve pretty much got it nailed. You can probably tell by now how much I love a holiday, and over the years I’ve written a fair few newsletters about how I’ve fine tuned my holiday packing. I also love a little organisation! If I need to work to a tight agenda (a three- or four-night city break, a fortnight by the beach) I can pull together a well-thought-out edit without too much stress.

But what about 16 nights away with five flights and five different locations? Add in the various clothing requirements - city sightseeing, rainforest trekking, and relaxing by the beach - and it becomes a whole different challenge. By the time you read this, I’ll be halfway through our holiday in Kuala Lumpur and Borneo. I’ve been wanting to get a few long haul holidays ticked off now that are girls are older - as are we! It’s been a long time (over 20 years) since our last long haul holiday and, finally, after a small panic and changing routes, we are off for 16 nights travelling to Malaysia. I won’t lie, the itinerary for this trip really tested my packing skills. But, with some planning and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way, I’m confident it has all gone to plan.

My last travel edit focused on a four-night break in Budapest, which you all loved. I had a few requests for a summer edition, and I think this newsletter delivers a little something for everyone. So, whether you’re just looking to become a more efficient packer or you’ve got a summer holiday on the horizon, here’s my method for making light work of a long haul trip.

1. Deep Dive into Your Itinerary

My starting point for every trip is to work out what I’m doing and what I’m going to need. I’ve said this lots of times, but for me it really makes or breaks your packing. Over the years, fine tuning my approach to align with the itinerary, whether it’s a short city break or a two-week summer holiday, has meant I’ve stopped over packing. I don’t waste time putting together outfits while I’m away, and I genuinely love what I’m wearing. There's no last minute scramble to pull something together from what’s in your case - the hard work has been done already.

The itinerary for this holiday was pretty complicated and involved.

• One long-haul flight and four internal flights

• Four-night city stay in Kuala Lumpur

• Three stops over five nights taking in the rainforests in Borneo

• Six nights at a beach resort

I always write my itinerary out in a day-by-day plan so I can work out exactly what I’m doing and what I need, making sure I don’t forget anything! It might seem a little over kill but, when I don’t write it down, I end up forgetting something no matter how short the trip. Recently, I was packing for a one night spa trip with my daughter, and didn’t bother with the list! Despite reminding Poppy several times not to forget her swimming costume, guess who had to do a U-turn halfway up the motorway to go back and get hers?

A list I can check, add to, and tick off is essential nowadays. It really helps turn the chaos into calm and ensures I don’t forget anything!

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