Sunshine accessories

While last week the brilliant sunshine had us packing away our coats and pulling on summer dresses and sandals for the hottest weather in 40 years, earlier in the month the universe threw our summer anticipation back in our faces. Rain storms, wind strong enough to pull down trees and delay our trains, and just the other day I seriously considered putting the heating back on… in June.

However, I like to think if you live in the UK, you expect these sorts of wild weather changes. So as we bask in the current hot spell—keeping our brollies on hand for the next mood swing—pay homage to the long-awaited sunshine with your dress sense.

If your wardrobe consists of a colour palette of black/grey/white and the idea of adding colour seems daunting, instead of going for large bright pieces, start off with just the accessories for an added splash of colour. Lemon yellow, dandelion, mustard, bright pineapple or pale banana, a warm canary yellow or vivid gold. There are so many shades of yellow, so start experimenting!

Kate Spade

Carry sunshine on your shoulder with the Hayes Street Isobel from Kate Spade. Available in two sizes, featuring an elbow hold and adjustable cross-body strap, pretty bow detail and a zipped interior pocket for your valuables, this pebble texture leather satchel ticks so many of my boxes for a summer office bag. Plus it is currently on SALE!

M.Hulot

Here is a bag that is seriously practical, and incredibly chic. The Malt Rucksack from M.Hulot is made from robust, waterproof bonded cotton (in case the summer rain returns) with an Italian leather trim. Perfect size for carrying a laptop, with internal pockets and a super secure outer fastening, ideal for traveling around on the tube. Also currently on sale.

Ted Baker

These incredibly feminine, peep-toe courts from Ted Baker with adorable bow details will be a great investment for the upcoming garden party season. For events such as Royal Ascot, Wimbledon—and I’m sure there are a few weddings in the diary—the Alifair heel could be restyled again and again. However, with such thin heels, maybe stay off the grass!

Anthropology

Festival season in Britain can mean a glorious weekend of scorching sun or have you trudging knee-deep in mud in short shorts and an anorak. Whatever the weather, that won’t stop us pulling on Aztec prints and floral headgear. Swap in the daisy chains for this cute floral motif headband from Anthropology.

River Island

If you’re not one for accessorising, jazz up your phone instead. River Island’s limited edition floral phone case will protect your phone while looking great in yellow floral print with gold tone plastic edging.

Fashion Focus