SUMMER HOLIDAY PACKING

The worst thing about going on holiday for me is the sorting out which clothes to take and then packing them!

Short city breaks are relatively easy because I have a system - in that all my separates should mix and match, so usually I have a colour scheme - often black, white and pink, or black, coffee and cream - and then I know that everything in the suitcase will match or co-ordinate with everything else.

Summer holidays however, are something else!  Since I love colour, my summer wardrobe is like a rainbow - with every colour under the sun - and I want to take them all with me!

Being an inveterate planner, this year I have decided to do some pre-sorting and planning, and have come up with a new idea for my two weeks in the sun!

Instead of taking all my favourite holiday clothes - which in the past has meant that I have overfilled my suitcase and paid the "fine" for that privilege, I have taken a long, hard look at what I'm taking away.

My holiday wardrobe consists of quite a lot of chiffon-style cover-ups which will be great worn over swimsuits, but will also double up as an evening kaftan - and the beauty is that they are incredibly light and easy to pack - with the added bonus of not creasing quite as badly as some of the heavier fabrics - particularly linen which I also have a penchant for.

And while they might be a tad see-through, a matching or co-ordinating cami underneath will keep me decent!

The trick will be to wear them for the evening first and then on the beach or around the pool, since they will then have a tendency to get a little grubby with sun-tan lotion, perspiration, or spilled drinks (hopefully cocktails!)

The first one of my dual-purpose kaftans is this bright orange one bought last year in Matalan, but I also have the same one in shocking pink. I bought another one this year which doubles as a dress, which could be worn with a plain slip underneath. There are also plenty of lace cover-ups around too, which would work just as well. Since they often have lovely shiny sequins on it also means I can keep jewellery to a minimum, since I hate anything tight around my wrists and neck when it is too hot.

The pink paisley cover-up was a gift from the other Anne, and this one has a heavily beaded neckline, and elasticated shaping at the front.

I have styled both of these outfits for evening wear - you won't catch me showing too much wearing a swimming costume because it's not a pretty sight!

The white skinny jeans are from M&S, white wedges from Nine West, watch by Reclaimed vintage from Asos and drop earrings from Simply Devine - all of which I have frequently worn previously.

The green kaftan (below) is one I bought in Santorini a couple of years ago, and has been back and forwards with me on holiday since then. The beauty of them also is that you can rinse them out if you spill something on them and they will easily dry overnight and don't particularly need ironing.

Finally - here I am getting ready to start packing (and looking a bit miserable!) - decisions decisions!  Happy holidays!

HELP ME CHOOSE MY NEXT SPECS

Being someone who wears glasses all the time making a choice as to which ones to buy is a really big decision and also quite hard to do when you can't see them properly on your face in the shop.  I am short sighted and have worn glasses since my teens, with a brief foray into contact lenses in my 20s. 

I have now reached the unenviable stage of needing varifocals as well so the frame decision is not the biggest part of the cost equation.  The lenses often cost three times the price of the frames, but at least I adjusted to wearing varifocals really quickly, which I know is something lots of people struggle with.

So, after this preamble, lets start with  journey through my frame history and then finish with a couple of new frames where I am looking to decide which ones to have glazed to prescription.

CURRENT FRAMES 

These Miu Miu frames are the ones I have been wearing for the last 18 months or so and I still really love them.  Although a heavy frame the open edge at the bottom really lightens them on the face. They are a great depth for varifocals and I am always being complimented on them.

They are the VMU04N style and are still available to buy here, also in different colours so that is something I could think about.  Same frame, different colour - not very brave but will look quite different I think.

FRAMES I HAVE WORN AND LOVED

Next up are some Versace frames that are much lighter on the face as a supra and rimless on three sides -not so much of a statement piece but very easy to wear as the cream detailing make them match any outfit.

The model is the white/gold 1188 frame which is now very hard to find other than on some American optical sites such as this one as it is a discontinued line.

I was obviously having a very strong leaning towards Versace as this next pair, which takes us back at least four years, is also from the brand.  A stronger frame as solid plastic frame with a bold tortoiseshell pattern.  Slightly shallower than the ones I have been wearing recently but still a square/rectangular shape as opposed to round or oval, which I think suits me most.

These are the 3154 model and are available on Smart Buy Glasses in the black.  They are a very classic design so maybe it is no surprise that they can still be purchased and in the black quite a unisex design.

NEW FRAMES

And now for decision time as I have two new frames that I am looking at to have glazed to prescription with varifocal lenses.

First up are these striking Kaleo frames which I purchased from Matches fashion.  They are the Lennox frame and come in full rim tortoiseshell acetate with accent gold metal work.

Their cat eye shaping is quite different for me with their slight point and raised top rim but I am very tempted to go for a stand out piece for a change.  If I don't glaze for optical wear I can go for sunglasses and a single vision distance lens, so all is not lost on the purchase.  It still feels like a brave decision so one that I am not 100% on.

The other much safer bet are these Michael Kors frames that I bought while in Brussels earlier in the year.  They are a grey acetate full rim frame with a softer grey sweeping to the base of the frame to relieve the heaviness.  Definitely go with the hair!

They are the MK8021 frame,  sadly a discontinued line that I purchased in the sale and I can only see on American sites.

I would love to know what you all think and which frames you prefer.  Even if I should just stick with the current frames and have them re-glazed.  The ultimate cop out I know.

STYLING A TURQUOISE TOP DAY TO NIGHT

You will already have seen the other Anne wearing her beautiful kaftan which we have been gifted by one of our lovely Insta followers, Mandy's Heaven Boutique, so this is our second week of styling our gorgeous new outfits for day and evening.

My outfit is a lovely turquiose silk floaty top with a built-in vest underneath, so if the top blows up, it will keep you decent!

I love the brilliant turquiose shade, which is one of my favourite colours and is also from my colour palette.  I love bright colours and fortunately they do tend to suit me. This top is also available in a variety of other gorgeous colours (grey and pink, white, pink, lemon, navy, deep grey or blush) if you prefer a different shade.

For our shoot (in my back garden - not as beautiful as the other Anne's, but I hate gardening!) I have teamed the top with white M&S jeggings, available in a multitude of sizes. I tend to wear lighter coloured trousers during the day, and less chunky jewellery - particularly if the weather is hot, and then glam it up for the evening.

The wedge peep-toe shoes are from Nine West a few years ago, and the lovely turquiose jewellery was bought from Iris Gold in Thassos, Greece, while on holiday there last summer.

I will be definitely be taking this top with me when we go back to the same resort later this year!

The beauty of this gorgeous top is that it looks just as good in the evening as it does during the day, moving effortlessly to night-time as the sun goes down.

The lovely Mandy also send us each a beautiful piece of jewellery, and mine is three-string grey long necklace with silver beads.  I have added some bling accessories for a more glamorous effect.

The silver tone earrings and black and diamante clutch bag are are from Simply Devine (another one of my favourite shops run by my good friend Liz Devine-Wright).  The diamante watch is one I have had for years, but a similar one is available from Sekonda here.

The black slim trousers are also by M&S here and I am wearing with these gorgeous slip-on mules from Dune, which are a previous season's, so no longer available.  Higher heels would also add to the glamour of the outfit.

The beauty of this top is that you can wear with a number of colours to make the outfit completely different.  The flowers are grey, so it would look just as good with either jeans or trousers - though because the top is quite full I would wear skinny or straight legs.  I also have a pair of turquiose ankle grazer trousers which are almost a perfect match.

This is one top which will definitely be going on holiday with me over the summer months.  And for anyone else who would like to purchase from Mandy's Boutique Heaven - she has a fabulous selection of tops, dresses, sandals and handbags available to our followers with a discount of 15% by quoting ANNE15.  I think I will definitely be using on something else. Happy shopping!

FLOATY PASTEL TOP DAY TO EVENING

We have been so lucky to be approached by Mandy's Heaven Fashion to feature some of their tops and accessories on our blog.  I choose this lovely turquoise and pink tie dye silk top which I am so pleased with.  They also do in other colours including this one in Khaki, blue and pink  - just so pretty.

This is such a versatile item for a holiday, great as a cover up or to wear for a daytime of sightseeing teamed with simple white trousers as I have here and some comfortable flats.  It is in 30% silk and 70% viscose so has a lovely floaty feel to it and an under layer is attached so you can protect your modesty!

I have teamed with some white jeans from 7 for All Mankind that I have had for ages and some new sandals purchased from John Lewis which are in gold,  a real departure for me.  They are the Krista Sling back espadrille and come in white as well for those of you who are put off by the sparkle.  Really comfortable with a low wedge heel and  elasticated sides to hold the foot in place.

The sunglasses are from Cocoa Mint and are found via opticians as they are glazed to prescription.

Such a versatile top is great for teaming with some black trousers and statement jewellery like this black and silver necklace  also from Mandy's Heaven and just £25.  A really stand out piece and perfect for dressing up an outfit.

The shoes are from TopShop and are the Nicky Tubular Mules that also come in a fabulous yellow.  I must say I have had some trouble keeping them on my feet which are quite narrow, but will not be deterred and they will be coming on holiday with me and worn in the evenings come what may.

We are really pleased to be able to offer our readers a 15% discount with Mandy's Heaven Fashion, just add the promo code ANNE15 at checkout.  There are some amazing holiday pieces and accessories so enjoy shopping!

CHOOSING OPTICAL FRAMES

Unlike the other Anne, I don't wear glasses all of the time - just for reading and working on the laptop, so I don't have a big choice of frames.

In fact my eyes have changed very little since I started wearing glasses for close-up work, so I still wear every pair I have ever owned - and can read perfectly well with all of them. 

These Chanel frames are not my newest, but are probably my favourites, so I still wear these quite a lot - even though they are probably around eight years old.  They are the Chanel 3211 1266 in red and I haven't been able to see any new ones online, though I did find some brown used frames on ebay here.

The gold frames with white leopard print sides are a bit of fun, and also a pair I have had for quite a while.  These are from Julian Beaumont of Dunelm Eyewear, and I tend to wear these only in summer.

In fact I do tend to wear glasses as a bit of a fashion accessory, so would wear these with light coloured clothing. I even have some ready-readers in different colours to match with my outfits (in purple, blue, zebra print and pink !)

These frames (above and below) are no longer available, and I am unable to find anything similar online, though there are plenty of heavier animal print frames.

I have noticed from these photos that I don't vary my style very much - unlike the other Anne who likes to ring the changes and is very adventurous with her choices - mine are all quite similar in style.

These brown tortoiseshell frames are also by Chanel, though I don't wear these too often because they hurt the tops of my ears! Perhaps they are a little more rounded that the other pairs I have and again ones which I have had for years.

My very first pair of prescription glasses are the Retro design also by Dunelm Eyewear, probably from 10 years ago - but still wearing well! These are in dark red and feature and black and white detail on the front sides  - and they live at the side of my bed for when I'm reading either late night or early morning!

Finally my latest pair are by Jimmy Choo, and although not current season, they are available online here. Unfortunately you cannot see the detail on the picture because my fringe hides the sides, but if you click on the link, you will see they are in two colours, brown tortoisehall with black with gold sides.

My favourites are still the red Chanel - but please let me know what you think - should I be more adventurous next time????