The White Coat Series: Dressing Smart

So here is the final instalment of this ways to wear series! I've showed you how the white summer coat can be styled for day-time, casual looks for the season but wanted to end on something a little smarter without stepping into the occasion-wear bracket that jackets like this are usually nailed to.

Granted, it was a particularly gloomy London day when I shot this look, but I'd 100% wear this outfit to a number of summer evening soirees. Pairing the coat here with some smart jeans or skinny trousers, a minimal off-shoulder blouse and some Chanel-inspired pumps, instantly make it Friday night drinks appropriate – just make sure to stay clear of the merlot or espresso martinis (guilty). A slicked back 'do is also a great accessory here and pulls the smart look together nicely.

I'd love to hear which of these looks was your favourite and if you enjoyed this three ways to wear series in the comments below. 

Me + Em coat | Dorothy Perkins jeans & clutch | Zara blouse (similar)
Topshop shoes | Missoma gold fang neckalce

The White Coat Series: Ice Cream Hues

 Next in my ways to wear the white summer coat series is this ice-cream-hued get up! Pairing whites and pastels is always a yes, but as I mentioned in my last post, it doesn't have to be super formal or wedding-ish. You guys know I'm not the girliest girl, so I dressed down this super-feminine pussy-bow blouse with some kicks and distressed skinnies, bringing the whole look together with the white coat.

The coat and blouse combo is a great summer alternative to a blazer and shirt, again this is a great example of how versatile this summer outer-piece is and how easily it can elevate a casual look. The blouse I'm wearing is actually by Me + Em too so the quality is amazing and again sits with their concept of intelligent style which I talked about in my previous post. I'm thinking it'll look beautiful with a white broidery skirt too for summer.

Thanks for reading girls, hope you enjoyed the second look in this series and be sure to stay tuned for the final look coming this Wednesday. Shop the look below!

ME + EM coat & blouse | Dorothy Perkins jeans

Stan Smith trainers

Ways To Wear The White Summer Coat: Baby Blue

A coat? In the summer you say? Indeed, the idea of frolicking around in the sand in nothing but a bikini would ideally be my perfect nail summer dressing, living in the UK means hot, sunshine-filled days can often be few and far in between. That shouldn't however, stop you from wearing your favourite summer dress or pretty blouse. Instead, I bring you the perfect summer linen-weave white coat, courtesy of one of my new favourite brands, ME + EM.

This white coat has become a real summer-wardorbe essential for me – it's light weight but warm enough to sheild you from the breeze (or crazy 100mph winds we've been having in London), breathable and super versatile. Traditionally, these types of summer jackets are reserved for weddings or other formal summer soirees. And whilst I loved wearing it over a sundress to a wedding recently, it's also been the perfect, classic piece to layer over almost any summer outfit.

So for this ways to wear series, I wanted to share with you guys ways to wear your summer formal jackets with some casual looks for some elegant seasonal outfits. In today's look, I styled it with one of my favourite Zara crops, distressed denim and go-to Stan Smiths and love the way the classic outer-piece just pulls everything together, the fringed detailing on the pockets and cuffs adds the perfect bit of texture too.

I've grown to really love the Me + Em brand thanks to classic pieces like these and their concept of intelligent style. It's a love for fashion and trends, curated into a wearable wardrobe edit for a busy and varied lifestyle. ME+EM is considered fashion, not fast-fashion, and work hard to find the perfect balance between the latest trends, timeless designs, and flattering fits. You can find my coat here but I really recommend checking out the whole collection too!

Me + Em white coat | Zara blouse | Levis jeans
Adidas trainers | Aigner bag (similar) | Asos belt

Scrub Lovin'

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Scrub Love

www.scrublove.com

We're half way through June already – how the hell did that happen? I feel like the summer season has well and truly crept up on me this year so it's all systems go when it comes to summer beauty rituals. I've booked an appointment for a fresh set of highlights and given myself a pedi-pamper, but of course the most important part of my summer-ready regimes is maintaining a sun kissed glow and ensuring my skin is looking it's best.

Whether I'm fake tanning or soaking up the sun on my next trip abroad, exfoliation is key to keeping a flawless tan all over. Having a good old scrub will banish dead skin cells, unclogs pores and prevents uneven skin tone, leaving your skin it it's prime condition to tan. I've always been big on exfoliating, from salt scrubs to exfoliating gloves there's always been a scrubbing product or two on my bathroom shelf. Until recently, however, I hadn't tried a coffee scrub, despite hearing only good things about the benefits.

I've now been using Scrub Love's coffee scrub for a couple of weeks and my skin is feeling pretty amazing. The ground coffee strips away dead skin cells without damaging any new skin underneath and the high caffeine content stimulates circulation too. The product also targets problems such as cellulite and stretch marks – both of which are issues for me so I've been so impressed with how much smoother my skin looks and feels already.

Scrub love have an Original Lovin' and Mint Fresh coffee scrubs as well, but I'm totally obsessed with the Coconut Affair scrub right now. With a;l-natural ingredients including baobab and coconut oil, it smells quite literally good enough to eat (though I wouldn't advise it). Of course, this makes the whole experience extra-lovely, and exfoliating has become less of a chore and more of a total pamper session. It can get a tad messy so be sure to use yours in the shower or bath, the scrubs come in a resealable waterproof sachets so you can just leave them in there to be on hand whenever you need.

Thanks for reading this beauty update! I'd love to hear your thoughts on coffee scrubs below.

City Break Style: A Weekend in Paris

This post was created in collaboration with Wallis

Not long after returning home from Mykonos, it was time to pack again for a romantic mini-break to my beloved Paris for the May bank holiday weekend. You guys know this place is my absolute favourite but during the the four years I’ve been with Dave and eight visits I’ve made to Paris over the last couple of years, we’ve never actually been there together. In fact, the last few visits have been completely fashion-week orientated – of course, I love the madness of it, but it leaves little time for exploring. So I was incredibly excited to be here just to relax, explore and eat a load of escargot all with my number one.

For this city break, Wallis were on hand to ensure I was properly kitted out for the trip. They're killing it on the occasion-wear and holiday front this season, but also have some great smart-casual pieces in right now too that I simply had to pick up for Paris. From gorgeous day dresses, to Bardot style blouses and comfy denim, there's plenty summer city break essentials at such affordable price points.

For day one I opted for this gorgeous polka-dot fit and flare dress. My flatmate pointed out how similar it is to the one Julia Roberts wears to the polo match in Pretty Woman, which of course only made me love it more. What's funny is I seem to subconsciously be making a habit of emulating old Vivian, you might recall me accidentally flinging a snail across the restaurant during Paris Fashion Week back in March, oops. 

Die-hard Pretty Woman fan or no, I'm sure you'll admit this dress is a bit of a gem. I love the flattering tone of the pinky-taupe and it effortlessly nails this seasons polka-dot print trend, seen on the catwalks of Aquazzura to Saint Laurent and all over the street style folk at the A/W16 shows. I've also fallen in love with the strappier, ruffled, babydoll-style version which is so adorable. Contrary to the forecast, we had a day of glorious heat and sunshine so this dress was perfect for our first day exploring. From shopping in Le Marais, visiting the Notre Dame and having a slow wander and beer in the Tuileries, I couldn't help but twirl around Paris in this! To make it evening appropriate, I simply switched up my trainers for some heels.

For the first night we stayed in a quaint apartment in Saint-Germain, a district of Paris I've never stayed in before, and I have no idea why not! During our 24 hours there it quickly became one of my favourite neighbourhoods in the city, a plethora of the prettiest local shops, restaurants and markets that were as Parisian as it can possibly get. So of course, I had to don my new french-inspired striped Bardot top for day two. 

Our apartment was quite literally a stones throw from the Luxembourg Jardins, so after a croissant and cappuccino stop we spent the morning strolling the beautiful grounds. I'd a thousand percent recommend a visit here, especially as the Tuileries can get so crowded this time of year. The gardens are immaculate, filled more with locals rather then tourists and ever so peaceful, you'll even spot some Thai Chi going on in some quiet corners.

Following our morning in the Jardins, it was time to head over the Champs Elysees to Mon Hotel where we spent the rest of the stay. It's a short walk from the Arc du Triomphe, so before heading to afternoon tea we couldn't resist a climb to the top. Of course, as soon as we reached the terrace a thunderstorm broke out, but I think the moody skies only made the view more picturesque! It's so cool to see lightening strike from up high too.

I did swap the wedges for my Stan Smiths before heading to l'Arc, but I was so thankful to be wearing these comfy roll-up jeans during the climb up. They're the softest, comfiest pair of denim I own and have such a gorgeous fit too – absolutely perfect for exploring Paris, I even travelled there and back in them they're so easy to wear. Comfort aside the 'sky blue' wash is still classic and the roll-up hem is neat however, so I still felt smart enough for afternoon tea at The Peninsula, especially wearing these gorgeous camel wedges too which are now only £28.

We sent the final evening taking a stroll up through the many steps of Montmartre to the Sacré Couer Jardins, where we sat and enjoyed a few beers and listened to the live musicians that set up there during the summer months. Another must if you're visiting this summer, I was lucky enough to experience this with Lizzy a couple of years ago and it's such a special experience, everyone joins in singing whilst you get to enjoy some spectacular, panoramic views over Paris as the sun sets.

Before heading back to London we decided we might as well make a quick visit to the Eiffel Tower which actually was the perfect end to the trip. I wore these new favourite jeans again with one of Dave's shirts, a relaxed look for the last day. As always, thanks for reading – I hope you've enjoyed this city-break outfit inspiration and snapshots from Paris, I'd love to hear your city-break essentials below.