How to Dress for Summer 2020

- Fashion

Spring 2020 might have been shot down a little by the coronavirus pandemic but summer is officially upon us, and what better way to shake off those lockdown blues than indulging in a brand new summer wardrobe? But what hot summer trends are lighting up the aisles up and down the country this year and could the bright colors and soft fabrics help improve your mood post-lockdown?

Shoulder bags – Summer 2020 is going to be all about day trips. Because, with COVID-19 still very much a problem, very few of us are going to be holidaying abroad or even in another State. Luxury shoulder bags are the perfect accessory for a day in the park or a trip to your local restaurant.

Open-toe shoes – While going open-toe means you’ll probably want to spend some time making sure your nails are looking as good on your feet as they are on your fingers,  it’s a perfect way to give your feet a little more access to the summer breeze. Because nothing is quite as uncomfortable as hot feet!

Color co-ordination – Summer is all about bright, bold colors, contrasted with light shades and tones. Bright colors will not only brighten up your outfit but could also brighten up your mood and detract from the paranoia and negativity that seems to have gripped the country lately. Experiment with deeper bright colors like mint green or scarlet red to accentuate the vibrancy and flavor of the season.

Overshirt – Whether you’re looking for something to throw over your swimsuit on your way to the beach or something bold and colorful to accentuate (or hide) your lockdown curves, an oversized overskirt is the perfect flexible summer outfit finisher. It can even be tied into a crop top at the waistline if the mood takes you.

Light layers – Just because it’s hot that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with layers. Experiment with sheer fabrics such as silk and use them as a final layer on top of an outfit that might otherwise be seen as a little too ‘revealing’. Light layers (or ‘sheer tops’) can be used to hide or to accentuate and are light, affordable and have a definite 60s ‘hippy’ appeal to them.

Cotton dress – A classic summer garment that will never go out of style, the white cotton dress is always going to feel and look incredible on a warm July evening. They are also incredibly cheap and can be found at most thrift stores and supermarkets for a fraction of the price you’d pay at big-name boutiques. This is one top summer trend that will probably still be around next year too!

Iconic Pieces You Need in Your Wardrobe

- Fashion

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

There are a few things every girl needs in her wardrobe. Whether you use these key pieces on a regular basis or not, knowing they are there and being able to reach for them when you really need it gives you piece of mind and saves you from any frantic shopping trips. It is essential to get some investment pieces that are worth spending a bit more on to ensure they last for years to come, especially for these iconic pieces that won’t go out of style.

Here are some of the iconic pieces you need in your wardrobe:

A Leather Handbag

A leather handbag that suits your style and the rest of your wardrobe is a piece you will constantly reach for. A good quality one will be able to withstand consistent use, last you longer, and probably even be in good enough shape for you to be able to pass down. When considering which handbag to invest in, focus on quality and on a timeless style and color. Online there are many websites where you can find gorgeous and high-quality pieces, like for example the Italian purses by Mirta, all crafted by local artisans. 

A White T-Shirt

A white t-shirt can be dressed up or down, and when you have a quality tee it fits you perfectly and retain its shape between washes. Rather than having to replace your white t-shirts over and over, find a couple different cuts in a higher quality fabric or make so they last you longer and for a better fit. 

A Well-Fitting Pair of Jeans

There is nothing like a pair of jeans that fits you perfectly. It gives you a confidence boost when you put on a good pair of jeans and you’ll find yourself reaching for them over pairs that don’t fit quite so right. Opt for a standard wash and fit rather than a trendy pair that may go out of style in a season or two for that investment pair of jeans. 

Stilettos

A good pair of stilettos is an iconic piece to have in your wardrobe, even if you don’t wear heels on a consistent basis. You want to find a pair that fits your foot well, is comfortable, that you can walk in, and that will hold up over time. This means that when you do have an event you want a pair of stilettos for, you know which pair you can reach for and feel confident and comfortable in. 

A Pair of Hoops or Diamond Earrings

Accessories can really pull an outfit together. A timeless piece such as a pair of hoops or diamond earrings can elevate any outfit and be one you reach for special occasions or even on a consistent basis. A quality and iconic pair of earrings will last you years to come and is another piece that you can pass on with it still being in great condition. 

These pieces will never go out of style and you’ll have them for years and years to come.

Beauty Procedures to Do in Lockdown vs Those that Need to Wait

- Beauty

Going to the salon for a full-body pampering is one of life’s little luxuries that many of us are missing during lockdown.

Photo by Sarah Gualtieri on Unsplash

We’re starting to show our true colors as our hair grows out, we are a little hairier than we’d like to be, and our nails have definitely seen batter days. Thanks to many popular chain salons releasing their products for sale in drug stores, and the onslaught of tutorials on the internet, it’s easier than ever to achieve the same salon results at home. However, there are some things that should be left to the pros.

Here we will outline the things that could be done at home–and those that should probably not.

Hair: 

The crowning glory. A quick style change can really switch up a person’s image. Shorter, longer, straighter, curlier, lighter, darker- all things are possible when it comes to creating a whole new vibe. 

DO: Hair masks- you can buy decent hair masks at a reasonable cost even when you’re picking up bananas at the supermarket. Whilst you’re there, you could also grab the ingredients to make your own! Half a mashed banana, a tablespoon of oats a tablespoon of honey and melted coconut oil will naturally nourish your hair giving you sleek and shiny results. 

DO NOT: Be tempted to use damaging box dyes and bleaches on your roots. Home dye kits may be comparably cheaper than going to the salon, but they do not give the same results as letting a pro loose on your locks. Going solo on this task can result in patchy, orange hues and fried ends- spend the money: save on the embarrassment. 

Hair Removal: 

While we like to nurture the hair on our heads, many people choose to remove certain areas of body hair. If this is something you opt into:

DO: Shave using lotion or hair conditioner at home. This will give the blades a good amount of lubrication and also leave your skin feeling silky smooth afterward. 

DO NOT: Attempt your own laser hair removal procedures. There are products on sale to the general public that are not only poor quality, they are also sometimes very dangerous to use. Going to a licensed professional will also tell you what you need to do prior to your laser session to keep the procedure as safe as possible. 

Skin Care: 

DO: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise. A daily ritual that has many benefits to the skin. Do this properly, make sure to remove your makeup daily, and use a facial scrub a couple of times a week to keep your skin in tip-top shape. 

DO NOT: Microdermabrasion. In spite of the availability of technologies that enable the average human to attempt at home, misuse of these items can result in permanent damage to the skin. Salon workers have extensive training to become specialized in this area- leave this one to them. 

Looking and feeling like the goddess you are doesn’t have to cost the earth-but sometimes its best to treat yourself!