If This Were Our Beach

"If this were our beach

I would build you a castle,

The sort of thing

that our dreams are made of.

But we don't need beaches,

or seashells, or castles,

All that we need

we will build with our love"

~ Unknown  

The lovely one went to Bahamas to visit family, and while he was there he discovered a wonderful designer he knew I would absolutely adore. He treated me to two of her most beautiful pieces; a delicate, dreamy, white tunic dress, embroidered with deep blue wool (he said the blue matched the colour of my eyes), and a big, bright, beautiful, embroidered beach tote with tassels.

Already a must-have in Miami, Debbie Katz collections are simply stunning. Inspired by her young daughter, the sky, and the colour of the sea, Debbie's designs are made from a high quality cotton gauze she calls her 'signature fabric'. Every single piece in her collections, which are now selling worldwide, is hand dyed and hand embroidered. Her garments are loved by Mums and models, young and old, hippies and hipsters alike; "I would not enjoy creating clothes that only look right on perfect bodies," Debbie has said. "My collection is for everyone to feel and look great”.

Just when we thought our Summer was over in dear ol' Blighty, we were surprised with an extra week of hot balmy weather. So I was able to enjoy my Bahamian treasures on a sublime day of sunshine, sandy toes, and salty hair at my favourite beach. This is my dream Summer outfit, it is boho chic at its beautiful best.

Get The Look:

Dress: Debbie Katz 'Soraya' Tunic (similar)

Bag: Debbie Katz Beach Boho Bag in royal

Photographs: John Uwins ©

All The Jewellery

"My heart is necklaces tangled in a forgotten jewellery box.

No one has the time or patience to untangle these chains.

But then you came along to undo this

havoc, taking each link, pulling it apart one by one.

And finally these chains can shine like they once did.

Thanks to you."

~ Unknown

Natalie B Coleman's old-school grey sweatshirt is casual coolness at its very best. A boxy style, it is boldly emblazoned with hand drawn and water coloured jewels, with a cheeky message about 'all the jewellery I never got' to the front. It is a versatile, contemporary piece that I know I will be wearing for a very long time.

This season, Natalie has teamed up with Plan International's global movement for change for girls. For every purchase of this great sweater, €5.00 goes directly to the Because I Am A Girl fund. A wonderfully stylish piece, and a very worthy cause, what's not to love?

I styled my cool sweater with my favourite old denim shorts, and a comfy pair of ankle boots, for an effortless transeasonal look.  

Get The Look:

Jumper: Natalie B Coleman 'All The Jewellery I Never Got' Jumper in grey

Shorts: Zara Denim Shorts (similar)

Boots: Topshop 'Ambush' Side-zip Ankle Boots in black (similar)

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©

It's A Wrap

"A cocoon of silk wraps the final breath of day

When feelings stir fantastically

Touching my dreams in mighty ways

Then softly clothing me"

~ Neva Flores Varga

I return to high street favourite Topshop time after time, season after season, and I always seem to find something special, without ever breaking the bank.

This adorable ditsy floral print dress is a case in point. It ticks so many boxes for me; vintage inspired, a figure flattering wrap-over style, flirty, feminine, frilly short sleeves. It's girlie summer dressing at its very best. The darker florals also make it a great transeasonal piece that will see me through Autumn and Winter; I will simply add some dark tights, cute ankle boots or brogues, and a cool leather jacket when the chillier days and nights arrive. Let's not wish the last of the Summer away though! For now, heels and a great bag is all I need. 

I styled my dress with a pair of 70s inspired shoes from Reiss. I bought them many seasons ago and they immediately became a staple in my wardrobe. They really compliment the vintage vibe of this lovely dress. I finished my look off with the lush 'Richmond' tote by handbag Queen Nadia Minkoff. It has become my go-to bag for everyday use. The perfect size for all my essentials, and a great colour that goes with absolutely everything; this arm candy is, quite simply, cool as heck!

Get The Look:

Dress: Topshop Ditsy Floral Wrap Dress

Bag: Nadia Minkoff 'The Richmond' Bag in cognac

Shoes: Reiss 'Cedar' Wood Platforms in cognac (similar)

Photos: John Uwins ©

Be Still My Bleeding Heart

"Heaven-taught, the maiden loves, the poet sings.

Dear bleeding heart, poor broken wings!

So has it ever been through all the years,

For song the sorrow, for love the tears."

~ John Vance Cheney

Natalie B Coleman's SS15 collection, entitled 'Be Still My Bleeding Heart' is one of my favourites of all her wonderful collections. Inspired by the sad loss of her Mother, the Sacred Heart, dreamy Summer days and romance, the collection is feminine, poignant, and playful, with "a bit of Guns n' Roses attitude in there".

I've already blogged about a very beautiful white dress from this collection (see here) and I am delighted to add this very cool slogan tshirt to my little blog. The tee has a relaxed fit and features the name of the collection across the front. Each letter is made of clusters of red rose petals; this beautiful rose screen print can be seen on a number pieces in Natalie's beautiful collection.

I styled my cool tee with a great, green skirt from Chloe's diffusion line, See by Chloe; described as being girly, delicate & feminine, their designs are aimed at the girl who likes to be seen as ladylike, and a little bit naughty. I like that. I like that a lot.

Get The Look:

Tshirt: Natalie B Coleman 'Be Still My Bleeding Heart' Tee (similar)

Skirt: See by Chloe Mini Skirt in green (similar)

Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs Multi-strap Shoes (similar) 

Truly Pink & Really Sweet

"Truly pink and really sweet

Is this gorgeous flower.

Nothing can glow as much as this sweet pink flower,

So nice, so true, and so pink

Eternal it is in presence.

Sweet and pink is the glorious nature of this flower.

The end is never to be, since this shining organism will never perish.

There are gentle words for this special beauty"

~ Rohit Sapra

The 'Mila' leather tee is one of my favourite pieces by Emma Manley. I have it in a number of different colours (blogged here and here), and I am sure I will get even more of them, as they have definitely become a staple in my wardrobe.

Manley's leather t-shirts are probably the most comfortable, easy to wear tops I have ever owned; I can throw one on with a pair of denim shorts in the summer months, layer with a chunky knit in Winter, or team with a pretty skirt or skinny jeans and heels for a glamorous night out. 

The bottom panels of the leather t-shirt are cut from soft perforated leather that moves like fabric. The top panels have not been perforated so sit slightly more firmly. Gathering at the top of the sleeve adds a soft feminine touch, and a scalloped hemline and visible zip running all the way down the back bring a cool, edgy vibe.

I paired my tee with one of Manley's gorgeous leather collars. The handmade collar takes the top to a whole different level of glam. The styling potential is just endless for a gem like this!  I finished my look off with classic skinny jeans, and towering heels. The neutral Louboutins and cognac coloured Nadia Minkoff bag really compliment the delicate, baby pink shade of the top.

Get The Look:

Top: Manley 'Mila' Leather Tee in pink (similar)

Necklace/Collar: Manley 'Piper' Necklace (similar)

Jeans: J Brand 'Song Bird' Skinny Jeans (similar)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Pigalle' Shoes in nude

Bag: Nadia Minkoff 'The Richmond' Bag in cognac
Photos: Mike Lawrence ©