A few of my recent summer outfits ... what I've been wearing when the weather has been so changable!

​Hello!  I've been making the most of a slower work schedule recently and catching up on life and blog admin.  Life admin has involved more cupboard decluttering, a bit of selling on Vinted, organising our itinerary for 11 nights in Tuscany in September and ​generally trying to deal with the backlog on my to do list.  Blog admin meant that I was able to add new photos to my website, make sure all my discount codes are up to date and working and even record some new video to share on Instagram in the coming weeks.  Go me, I don't think I've felt this organised in months (years)!  The menopause overwhelm has been full on and I'm still not completely happy with my HRT dosage but more on that when it all finally gets sorted!  I'm a good example that one size doesn't fit all and that HRT needs to be continually tweaked to get it right.

​This post is all about my favourite outfits so far this summer.  I use the term summer carefully, I mean it's not exactly been summery has it!?  So much of my wardrobe hasn't been touched, I'm hoping some of my pretty sundresses might get worn when we go to Italy.  It is my husbands 60th birthday in a couple of weeks so I thought a special holiday was required, he's also been working very hard recently and in need of a break.  We went to Venice for his 50th and for his 60th, we are spending three nights in Florence, four nights near Lucca and then the final four nights in the Chianti region.

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A summer's day! Wearing a slip dress from Hush.

Slip dresses

This satin slip dress is a fit and flare shape (as opposed to bias cut) which makes it very flattering on the tummy, it is also a deep red animal print meaning it will take you through to autumn (layered with a leather biker jacket).  But for now, it is perfect for a summer event.

And  it'snow half price!  Leanne Slip Maxi Dress from Hush - I am wearing a 10 and I had the straps and length adjusted to suit my petite height.

My favourite leather biker jackets are from All Saints, they are buttery soft and the best quality, look out for regular promotions to get a discount, but they are worth the investment,  I have the Dalby Leather Biker in Cream and Black.

I know not everyone wants to get their arms out but this slip dress is so versatile, it looks great with a jacket over.

Cotton summer dresses

I love cotton for summer, as opposed to linen (it creases way too much) although I am liking the new linen/cotton mix fabrics, some good options at Marks & Spencer.  But for cotton dresses, Nobody's Child have the best selection.  and this has been my absolute favourite purchase this year.  The Starlight design comes in lots of colours and style variations, I am wearing the Fearne Cotton Cream Stripe Sleeveless Starlight Midi Dress but the Starlight also comes with short sleeves, long sleeves, mini, midi and in a wide range of colours, patterns and fabrics.  The V-neck, the buttons, the detail on the waist, the full skirt, the pockets ... it is perfect!

Worn here with gold and pearl necklace and tan sliders both from Marks & Spencer.

My go-to dress this summer, from Nobody's Child, it's an absolute winner.

A versatile sundress

Aspiga is another go-to store for holiday styles, they have an impressive range of dresses, separates, accessories and swimwear which they stock all year round (useful to know if you heading off for some winter sun).  I am wearing the Tabitha Maxi Dress in the petite length.  It is cotton with a lightweight lining, pockets and adjustable tie straps.  Wear tied on the shoulder (with a normal bra) or tuck in the back straps and tie the front straps in a. halterneck style (with a strapless bra).  Aspiga are a sustainable brand with B-corp certification.

Styled here with my gold Air & Grace strappy sandals, I can't find them online so I am guessing they have sold out but they have lots of similar styles and wow they are so comfortable, with their cushioned soles, like wearing slippers!

I love Aspiga dresses and this one does not disappoint!

The Aspiga sundress is going into my suitcase for Italy!

Dress up or dress down dress

I treated myself to three dresses from Reiss this year!  I'd never been into Reiss until my stylist friend Sarah van Dort took me shopping earlier in the summer.  On my first visit to Reiss in Reading, we chose the Lena cotton ruched waist midi dress (it comes in regular and petite length), has a cap sleeve, a very flattering waist, a subtle side split and pockets!  It's one to size down in, I am wearing the 8.  I wore it dressed down for an informal birthday lunch at Cliveden last week, looks great with my gold metallic sandals from Air & Grace but also goes great with tan accessories.  I dressed it up with cream boots and the Dalby biker jacket in ivory white for my photoshoot and this look is perfect for autumn.

I am wearing the Cara Fedora hat from Creative DeZigns, it has UPF50+, is packable and crushable and you can get 10% off using my code FIFTYFAB.

A green Reiss dress for lunch at Cliveden to celebrate my dad's 87th birthday!

Styled with my favourite fedora hat from Creative DeZigns.

And ready for autumn with my cream leather biker and boots.

Summer skirt and waistcoat

I love the softer knitted waistcoats this season, I found last years trend of the tailored waistcoat style a bit too restrictive, I love tailoring but prefer something more relaxed for everyday style.  This is the Bailey Button Through Tank in Oatmeal from Whistles (also comes in black) and I am wearing it with a midi skirt (from Marks & Spencer but no longer available online) and the Slim Jersey Jacket also from Whistles (both styles also available to order through John Lewis).  The jersey jacket has been such a versatile purchase, again less formal than a tailored blazer, easier to wear and less restrictive as it is a stretch jersey fabric.  Comes in lots of colours!

My cross body bag is Berwick leather cross body bag from Hobbs (low stock), also comes in black, I love the more casual fabric strap, which is removable -  you can see me wearing it with my green Reiss dress and a gold chain strap.
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And another comfortable shoe recommendation!  Check out Cocorose London for foldable ballet flats and trainers.  Love them!  The ballet flats have a luxurious double cushioned footbed that give superior comfort and padded achilles heel that don't pinch!

A knitted waistcoat is much easier to wear than the more formal tailored styles.

White jeans and a nice top

This year I bought off-white (cream) the wide leg jeans from Marks & Spencer, they are a full length style but I had them shortened to a cropped length.  And I love this pure cotton blouse also from Marks & Spencer (but very low stock now). 

But I've also just purchased a pure white pair of straight leg jeans from Reiss because they came in petite length and I still wanted pure white (still to appear in a photo)!

Jeans and a nice top, white or cream jeans are a wardrobe staple every year!

Have you managed to wear much of your summer wardrobe this year?  It's been an odd one hasn't it, and our holiday is later this year, I'm certainly excited about being able to finally wear my summer sundresses.  Although current plan is to hire a convertible Fiat 500 which has a very very small boot and my husband says I can only take a small suitcase!

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Love from
Michelle xx


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