Summer Survival Kit!

Summer has finally arrived (although with all the threatening grey clouds and random showers you'd be forgiven for guessing Summer hadn't quite reached us!)

The most important thing about Summer is SUNSHINE! That vitamin-D giving, ray omitting, big ball of fire is what it's all about.

As you can see in the opposite picture, I've complied a collection of must-haves in order to avoid those last-minute pre-holiday sprees.....

The Lifeline List:

1) Suncream

2) Facial Suncream

3) Sunglasses

4) Sandals

5) Panama Hat

6) Brightly-coloured bracelets

So, first off, suncream. An absolute essential, which I cannot stress enough. As a fair-skinned redhead (who the sun just loves!) skin protection is my number one priority once a ray of sunshine snakes through those clouds. Factor 20+ is the only appropriate number, anything else and I may aswell be oiling myself up for a good roasting!

Second on the list is a good facial suncream. I find that applying regular cream to my face doesn't always end well! So a suncream that's specifically designed for your face, will be less harsh but provide all the cover you need.

And so we come to sunglasses...... Shape, colour, designer, price are all factors. Although heart-shaped, aqua-blue stunners may seem like a good idea the reality is that they may match about two outfits. (both being plain Jane style!) Classic, plain styles are the way forward and even if they break the bank, they won't go out of style next season. *when the trend may indeed be circular, tinted, hot pink. My personal favourite are my black Ray-Ban Wayfarers. They go with anything and I feel like an absolute rockstar when I wear them. Win!

Sandals, like sunglasses, in my opinion are best kept plain and simple. A good quality nude/tan/ black pair with some embellishment are safe options but are dressier than a pair of flip-flops any day. That said, if there is a pair of spangled, glittered, tasseled sandals for a fiver from Primark, I say get one in each colour!

A hat, linking in with suncream, a hat is up there for both style and protection. No one wants to lie inside suffering fro heat stroke while their friends party like its '99....... Panama hats are in vogue at the minute and if you can't afford Melissa Odabash *swimwear designer to the stars*, there are plenty of pocket-friendly styles on the high street.

Brightly-coloured bracelets liven up any plain bikini/ kaftan combo. They can usually be bought for a song from beach-side huts while on holidays too.... a nice reminder, while back at home in the pouring rain. (The good news, is that any bracelet will liven up a plain black work suit too!! )

So, with your essentials sorted, happy holidays... don't forget to send a postcard!