Holiday hit list

It is finally that time of year when we spend our days sat at our desks staring at the turquoise sea saved as our background or online window-shopping for bikinis we wouldn’t dare actually wear.  With our online countdowns, synced across all electronic devices, reminding us our nirvana is around the corner it may be time to start thinking about your holiday must-haves.

Not sure what to pack? Don’t worry, we have it sorted. Whether you are off to dip your toes in the sea or to explore the hidden gems of a new city we have your bases covered.

The bag

For those of you headed to the beach, a beach-bag is an obvious must. The perfect bag will not only fit your daytime essentials but will also protect your towels from being infested with sand and acting as one big exfoliating pad. This beautiful, bright ombre bag from Accessorize fits the criteria whilst the vibrant orange will stand out, making it that much harder to lose!

However, if you’re headed to a city the criterion for your bag is slightly different. You will most likely need both hands free, one for map holding and the other for your water (because staying hydrated is a must!) So the obvious go-to for you would be a stylish and perfectly-sized backpack. If you have time to wait for this one to arrive then this PU leather bag is our absolute must-have! If you’re more like us and have left things a little too last minute then ensure a next-day delivery on this ASOS beauty. 

Bikini vs. one-piece

The time-honoured debate between bikini and swimsuit still continues to trouble us females today. However, we are making life easier for you by allowing you to choose both whilst still looking trendy, sexy and beach-ready. For the beach babes mixing it up in their bright-coloured bikinis, check out these bandeau styles that will not only look great with your sunkissed skin but will also save you from any awkward tan lines.

Whether you go bold in Victoria Secret’s printed bandeau bikini or opt for a cuter, flirtier look in Boohoo’s fringe bikini, you are bound to look and feel fabulous!

However, for those of you not quite ready to bare all and let the midriff loose, one-pieces are making their comeback this summer and there are some very sassy options. For a simple but effective look check out this strappy number by Forever 21.

Kimono

Now you have your swimwear sorted you need a little number to cover up when being almost naked is not necessarily appropriate or for the slightly chillier evenings. A kimono is the perfect piece as it is both light enough to wear in the heat and also hits the style nail bang on the head. Go for something light and neutral in New Look’s tile print boarder kimono or a little more show stopping in Missguided’s tribal print, floor length option.

The hat

Want to pull off that effortlessly cool look whilst genuinely not having to put in much effort? We have the answer. Channel our favourite “it” girl, Alexa Chung and place a wide-brimmed fedora hat upon that head of yours and, in the words of Dean Martin, wham-bam thank you ma’am you are officially the coolest person in the room. Yes, it really is that simple. Check out Topshop’s varied range of fedoras for a style that suits your own.

The gladiators

You simply can’t face the summer months and especially a summer holiday without a pair of gladiator sandals. These shoes have become an absolute necessity amongst European females and no wonder; they transform an outfit from unassuming to head turning with the tying of a string. Keep it simple with Just Fab’s faux leather Aronia sandals or Office’s brown version of the same style. Or you could go a little more drastic with a knee-high, lace up front like this pair from online shoe store, Chockers.

The maxi

Whether dress or skirt, every summer holiday calls for a maxi. You can dress it down in the daytime with your new gladiator sandals and transition smoothly into the evening for a romantic dinner date with a quick change into some strappy heels. A floor-length maxi is the perfect option for a blend of simplicity and elegance whilst ensuring comfort all night long. Make a statement in red with this ASOS maxi dress or channel your inner ethereal princess in this number from the beautiful, bohemian line Free People.

The camera

With all these stylish pieces now in your suitcase and joining you on your adventures in the sun, you quite simply MUST take a camera in order to capture how gorgeous you look all tanned and perfectly styled. Oh and to take nice scenic shots too… of course! The Panasonic Lumix TZ40 is the perfect, does-it-all compact picture-snapping device that also has built in Wi-Fi for sharing images via smartphones and backing up your photos on the move. Happy snapping!

            Hannah Douglas