It hasn't quite been shorts weather today but it was when we visited Singapore last week! I bought these linen blend shorts from H&M for the summer as I'd seen a similar pair in Massimo Dutti, which were great but more expensive. I loved the way they'd styled them with a black linen shirt and black leather belt and sandals, which looks sophisticated and a great work wear look for when the temperature soars.

Anyway as our trip was at short notice I was glad I had them. I actually wore them pool side with a khaki bikini, old from Biba House of Fraser, see similar here, and a white linen shirt as a cover up; they complimented the surroundings perfectly with all the lush landscaping and planting!

Our hotel Parkroyal on Pickering, a 'hotel in a garden', is renowned for it's eco-friendly and sustainability efforts and has won several 'green' awards. Staying there won't set off our carbon emissions but it was nice to stay in a hotel that follows the ethos and vision, of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, for Singapore becoming 'A city in a garden'.

So today I've picked my four favourite palm print items currently available and the outfit builder is based around the H&M Palm print short, to recreate my poolside look. Click on the links to shop, note some affiliate links are used, and thanks for stopping by.

I happened to be in Brighton over the Bank holiday weekend and so had a quick look in Zara for some summer basics. Although I had a list of things to get, as is often the case when in Zara, I didn't stick so rigidly to it! I bought three tops, some joggers and a Jute belt, but had I seen the leather bag, I've shown in todays outfit builder, I would have bought that too!

Here's how I'll wear the khaki linen shirt; a few buttons undone over a charcoal linen tank top, french tucked into the joggers and a woven, flat mule. Cat eye style sunglasses are still the predominant shape this season, which I've also shown, and I love their large linen stripe scarf for interest and coverage when needed. The joggers have a drawstring waist so a belt isn't necessary but I love this woven jute style which would look great with white jeans and the embroidered polka dot shirt.

All the items shown are currently in Zara and whilst you can't beat them for affordable, statement and on trend fashion looks you shouldn't overlook their great basic offer either; I certainly didn't! Click on the links to shop and thanks for stopping by.

Zara Linen shirt with pockets £25.99
Zara lyocell jogging trousers £29.99
Zara linen tank top £9.99
Zara Striped linen scarf £19.99
Zara braided Leather mini tote bag £69.99
Zara flat plaited mules £39.99
Zara Metal frame sunglasses £15.99
Zara Jute belt with square buckle £17.99
Zara Ultimatte UM01 Lipstick £9.99
​

So here's a layered outfit for the mixed weather; I'm wearing my Gap bomber jacket, Lee grey jeans, All Saints linen striped t-shirt, leopard print scarf, Coccinelle bag, all old and a M&S active cropped sweatshirt that I bought in the sale recently as well as my Veja sneakers that I got at the beginning of this season.

I've noticed a lot of coloured denim, both primary and pastel shades this S/S, so as my look is made up of  items I've had for a while I thought I'd use the Mango Pink denim jacket as the keystone of todays outfit builder. If you wear plain, block neutrals a patterned scarf will always add interest, which is why I've chosen this gorgeous POM Amsterdam print scarf with a bright green trim. This label is currently in the 'Loved & Found' collection of curated brands only at selected flagship stores of John Lewis and online.

As interest in 'Vegan' fashion gathers momentum, with both Topshop and M&S launching collections of Vegan footwear, I've shown the Veja Vegan sneaker; hopefully this means the movement will become more mainstream within the fashion as it is in the food industry. The pink detailing matches back to the  jacket and I've chosen a pop of colour with a coral pink nail shade from Chanel.

I still use a cross body bag, it's so practical and stops you from over stuffing a larger style, and if I was going to buy another Coccinelle it would be the Zaniah mini, the only problem would be choosing which shade from the eight on offer to choose from! Here I've gone for the white bag instead of my usual classic tan which can be worn back against anything.

Hope you have a good bank holiday weekend, click on the links to shop, note some affiliate links may be used, and thanks for stopping by.