If you can't fight...

Get a big hat.

Ever heard that phrase? I have. As a young lady of part-ginger heritage, the preservation of my porcelain complexion is a time-consuming and integral part of my daily routine.  So, dear readers, I thought I'd write to you today about my long-standing hatred against that big yellow fellow in the sky.

I’m always the one stuck with the bags, hiding under an umbrella and a thick layer of SPF 50 while my friends frolic in the sunshine and develop deep golden tans; however I like to tell myself that it will save on the extensive costs of cosmetic surgery in later life.

The best ally I’ve found in my war against the sun is a hat. Personally, I like a large hat – generally, the bigger the better – as it provides good shoulder cover and I’m convinced it makes me look slimmer.I bought a panama hat in Venice last summer and it’s become my new hat of choice for effortless cool.

See, everybody looks cool in a hat.

 Designer brands often sell their versions with a signature scarf – for example the Paul Smith stripe trilby would be the elegant option, and the Jack Wills stripe trilby would be the awkward one – and it’s easy to recreate this with a charity-shop scarf and a hat you bought from the market for a fiver.
I really like this option, as it makes me feel like a thrifty rebel in the face of fashion capitalism, however if you’re really useless (or can’t bear charity shops) then get a pre-patterned style.

This one's my favourite, It's from quirky British designer Paul Smith.

Aside from being a quick-fix update to your shabby accessories, scarves are really handy for those times when you’ve dared to bear but find yourself turning rapidly pink. During summer months I like to keep a scarf tied around my handbag, round my waist or round my hat just in case I need to whip it off and protect myself. Heck, if you’re SUPER-crafty you could always copy D&G and Prada and make your own scarf bag.

All in all, with the equipment shown here plus a few more key essentials (factor 50, a watermelon martini, a good book and a great poolside spot under a parasol) you’re perfectly prepared to survive a trip to the sunnier parts of the world.

While I hope I’ve converted you all into queens of skin-preservation, I’ll leave you stubborn sun-worshippers with a bit of advice my mother often gives me:

"Why buy yourself a designer handbag Frances, when you can hit the sunbeds twice a week and make yourself into one?"

The best place for a scarf, IMO

taken from York Vision's Fashion Blog: The Wardrobe Update

I really need..

A Jubilee Bayswater.

To celebrate the Queen's Jubilee coming up later this year, Mulberry are releasing three unique designs to commemorate the event. Three iconic bags - the Bayswater (pictured), Pouch and Lily - will be adorned with a Union Jack Plaque in place of the traditional Postman's Lock.

The interior lining will be equally British themed, using the ‘Mulberry Loves Britain’ print consisting of the traditional Mulberry tree, a heart and a cute little Union Jack stamp.


I can't believe how beautiful this bag is going to be - I haven't seen the interior, but I can imagine it's pretty special. I'd love to get my hands on one; I already have a Lily, so maybe the Bayswater... I'm not sure which 'Pouch' they're referring to, maybe the little Bayswater style for make-up and coins.

I'm considering getting one as a clutch...