SUMMER HAUL

We are planning our next trips over the coming weeks - separately this time so that means we have double the number of resort/city reviews we can blog about.  So what to wear?

Anne C will be heading for the Aegean Sea, to the beautiful island of Santorini, which basically means living in swimwear during the day and heading out to dinner and cocktails in the evening - but it's usually around the 40 degree mark, so rather warm.  Anne does like to put on the glitz in the evening, and has recently discovered an online retailer - michellechapmanclothing -selling some rather fancy tunic tops - so she bought two - one in neon orange and the other in pale blue (see bottom of the page).  The bodice is stretch and the chiffon over-dress has batwing sleeves. I also got a free gift for ordering two items - a heart shaped necklace (not shown)!

This voluminous tunic top can also be worn as a dress, but Anne has teamed with leggings from Matalan for these shots as her legs need some sun on them before they see the light of day! The beach shoes are from a previous season, while her necklace is by Mimco which is an Australian brand sold in House of Fraser, but strangely not available from them online. However, we have included a link to their main site as they sell gorgeous jewellery, accessories and handbags!

Anne H wears sleeveless chiffon blouse from H & M, that comes in a range of colours and patterns for only £7.99, straight leg flowing trousers from Zara and shoes are the Daisy Wedge Espadrilles from Raye purchased at Harvey Nichols but also available via Polyvore .  As Anne H is visiting Vancouver this summer she was looking for an outfit perfect for treading those city streets in a more temperate climate than Anne C will be finding in Santorini.  

To be really honest, I'm not so sure about this striped sweater which is Tu from Sainsbury's, teamed with navy brocade capri trousers from Primark bought last year, as I don't think it's very flattering. However, it is really soft and comfortable to wear so it is probably something I would wear at home or possibly for travelling.  The shoes are white wedge sandals from Moda in Pelle last year, and although I can't find any similar this season, there are hundreds of white wedges to be found (and of course while I've been searching online I've found plenty of shoes I like ...ooops).

Anne's ivory top is the Maya satin crepe tunic from Phase Eight and is now in the sale at £34.50, jeans are Acne Studios and the knots flat sandals are from Mango.and a bargain at just £19.99, also available in beige. Initially she was worried the top made her look a bit like a dental assistant but once I dressed her up with a snazzy necklace from M & S her mind was put at ease.  

This is the same tunic top as the neon orange at the top, but in pale blue and teamed with white leggings, this time from Julian McDonald at Debenhams.  The shoes are  perspex and leather which Anne has had for years but which seem to be making an appearance again (there's nothing new under the sun in the fashion world - everything seems to come back into fashion at some stage!) The necklace was bought in Santorini.

Anne H's top is from Zara, and she likes it so much she bought it in black as well.  A really lightweight knit, it's ideal for layering which is so great for city breaks and this one has a drop back which is always flattering.  The Rozie slim jeans purchased from House of Fraser, are 7 from All Mankind and really flatter a longer leg as they sit on the top of the foot - something that is so hard to achieve with trousers when you are over 5ft 8in tall.   The stack heel Jakob shoes, with an ideal heel height for walking city streets, are from Dune London and there are a few sizes left in the sale at half price.The pretty necklace was purchased in Vietnam and is made of marble in the softest pink tone.