A couple of weeks ago I made a trip back home to the Midlands to celebrate my mums birthday. We had a lovely afternoon tea at Hampton Manor, a nineteenth century country retreat set in 45 acres of grounds and gardens. It wasn't quite a 'traditional' afternoon tea, and although they had homemade scones it was more like a mini tasting menu with an interesting selection of tea blends as the accompanying 'flight'.

I packed light for the weekend so took my new Pyrus Anais Animal print shirt in coral, £125, and layered a cream Modern Rarity cami underneath, Lee white jeans, which I've raw hemmed myself using a non threaded overlocker, and Aquazzura sandals. which I bought from TK Maxx! Yes, they really do have coveted designer brands at bargain prices, so whilst they were still expensive at £199.99, RRP from £649, they are totally worth it for their projected cost per wear. See me in them a lot over the summer!

My TK Maxx purchase!

My Pyrus shirt was another investment purchase. I was searching for a plain silk shirt, as my Massimo Dutti  ivory one is definitely past it's best! I saw this and thought how pretty it was, but not very me, so decided to try it on and the floaty fit and coral print won me over!! This style is now sold out but see similar at Pyrus London or John Lewis and Partners. They also have great occasion dresses but I missed out on my favourite Frankie Animal print dress, below, which would have been perfect for upcoming summer events.

My bag is old from Coccinelle but I'd have preferred a new summer style in a pretty pastel, like those I've shown below. The Zaniah Mini is also now in the sale...I'm trying to resist! Click on the links to shop, some may be affiliate links, and thanks for stopping by.

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
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