It may be drizzling right now, but Summer is on it’s way (if I keep saying it, I’m hoping it’ll manifest sooner rather than later!). So, with the manifestation of warmer days firmly fixed in our minds, this morning we’re bringing you warmth: the smooth lyricism of Loyle Carner, the ultimate instagram-worthy shade of pink for your interiors, sustainable handmade linen garments, and a lovely little habit to keep you entertained in the sun!
Get your summer clothes out of storage, treat yourself to a new set of sunnies, and start ordering your coffee on ice, babes. Summer is coming.
One: Now Listening
Kicking things off with the only artist I’ve been listening to for the past few weeks, and I’m pretty certain it’s the only album I’ll listen to for most of the summer. Super soulful, Loyle Carner‘s work is the definition of musical poetry, and with a wonderfully unpolished, raw feel to it his new album ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’ is perfectly imperfect.
Collab’s with fellow Mercury nominee, Jorja Smith, and winner, Sampha, sound like old friends catching up. This album is cruise-y, perfect for road tripping or a warm summer’s evening in the garden.
Two: Sustainable Seller
As someone who probably spends a solid 50% of their week scouring the internet in search of independent, original and moreover, sustainable brands and ideas, every now and then I get so pumped on a find that, irregardless of how public my location, an audible yelp pops out.
This find did just that; meet Etsy seller, Love and Confuse.
If, like us, you’re a fan of gorgeous Aussie-born brands and their chill-fit linen garments, then this Lithuanian brand is gonna be a huge hit with you, making pieces to order and to your measurements (!), with sustainability in mind, the price point is just awesome and as for the designs, well, see for yourself…
We just don’t know what to order first?!
Three: Treat Yo’ Feet
Summer = Sandals
Well, being honest, for me: Spring = Sandals, Summer = Bare Feet!
Either way though, your feet are about to break free from their cosy sock hibernation and meet the world again, so best make sure they’re ready!
For a super easy solution, we’ve been loving Superdrug’s little foot mask socks! Available in cleansing Tea Tree and Peppermint, or nourishing Honey and Almond, they’re the perfect evening foot fix. Just slip the socks on while your put your feet up and, like a tissue mask, your feet just soak up all the goodness while you chill!
If you’re looking for something a little more in depth, and dry heels are your ailment, then look no further than Lush’s volcano foot mask to help you shed that winter skin!
Four: Interior Palette
Anyone who knows me personally would know that I am unapologetically a white-walls-neutral-accessories kinda gal… I just love that clean palette: the look it delivers and the calming affect it has on my mind.
However, (can’t believe I’m writing this!), there’s this shade of pink that might be about to change everything: Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster.
The perfect warm shade, it’s not sugary, but soft-edged and accessible, pairing beautifully with the earthy tones the industry has been besotted with this season.
Now, I don’t know if it’s the impending warmth of summer, or the ever-tempting desire for a hint of colour (it’s like the fringe – no fringe debate all over again!), but the more I see this gorgeous shade, the more I think Summer might just find me freshening up a few spots in my home with a lick of this…
Not sold? Check out the gorgeous @thisismyhomestyle and you will be *insert too many heart eye emojis*
Five: Minty Fresh
If you’re in the market for a new facial cleanser, let me stop you right there and say I’ve found the one for you: Lani’s new Blue Mint Cleanser*
The essentials: it’s vegan, cruelty-free, UK made by the loveliest company and with absolutely no chemical nasties!
The non-essential but super lush details: it smells like a mint Aero, it’s a fine powder consistency (so handy for your summer holidays) that magically foams up with the addition with just a little water! The base is coconut milk and oat, making it deliciously moisturising and calming, paired with detoxing clay and antioxidant-rich super food, Spirulina, to keep your skin clean and clear.
We’ve been huge Lani fans for years now, but they’ve truly outdone themselves with this stunning product. It leaves skin feeling fresh and cooled, while so gently cleaned and nourished. It’s an absolute treat to use morning and night (and maybe a few times in between, cause it’s just that good!) turning a beautiful blue colour… We’re just utterly besotted!
*kindly gifted to us by Lani
Six: Now Reading
Breathe, beautiful one. Consciously, calmly and with connection. Gift yourself mindful breath everyday.
While the coming of summer can be a beautiful thought for a lot of people, we’re well aware that summer can also be triggering for some. Maybe there’s an anniversary you remember in the summertime, maybe the warmer weather and smaller clothes prove triggering for body image challenges you face, or maybe you’re just not a warm weather person.
For anyone who needs it, this has been our gorgeous go-to read this month: Rebecca Dennis’ book, ‘And Breathe’. An extensive guide to accessing and utilising natural breath patterns, experienced breath coach, Dennis, helps us explore how our breath can aid our health and our happiness, harmonising our experience of life.
This book is a beautiful hug: leaving you calm while energised, focused while relaxed, encouraged and empowered to harness the power of your breath.
Seven: Busy Fingers, Clear Mind
Religious readers of our ’10 Ways’ post may already know that the nostalgic habit of bracelet making is one I whole-heartedly advocate, but I’m not sure I’ve ever really disclosed how to get started?!
If you’re not a big reader, or knitter, and you’re not that kinda person who can just bliss out in the summer sun, then this is the perfect mindful habit to keep your fingers busy, but your mind wonderfully clear this summer.
Aside from the basic braid most of us learn as children, friendship bracelets (even some of the most intricate designs you see) are essential made up of combinations of just two knots: a forward and a backward knot. Always knotting twice on a string, these two knots can be combined as a double forward, double back, or a forward back (one of each not on the same string), or a back forward. Check this video out for exactly how to do all four knot combos.
Once you’ve got those 4 combinations nailed, and you’ve learnt how to read patterns, you can apply those knot formations to any pattern and the world is your oyster!
Warning though: it’s highly addictive and you’ll soon have a waitlist of friends wanting them!
Eight: White on White on Wicker
Summer uniform is a-go-go, and we’re finding it hard to diversify from the simple equation of white + white + wicker!
Head to toe in crisp white cotton + linen, with the addition of sun-kissed, freckled skin (of all tones, of course!), and an earthy wicker bag, or hat is just everything we love for this season.
Top of our to-buy list:
- This white linen blazer by & Other Stories
- This broderie anglaise blouse by Zara
- This cute woven shell bag by Topshop
Nine: Macrame Maker
…And following on from the white + wicker scenario, if you’re a DIY lover then why not combine the love for woven and white fashion with this gorgeous Macrame Shopper tutorial by A Pair and A Spare?
Macrame shoppers like this are right on trend for another year, and the most stylish reusable you’ll take to the supermarket… Plus, if you’ve learnt the basic knots we mentioned earlier for bracelet making, then this tutorial is a breeze!
Happy making!
Ten: Now Watching
Just for a little bit of irony: Summer may be coming, but Winter is here! And if you’re not watching the final season of Game of Thrones, I’m not sure we can be friends! (JK, kinda…)
Delivering full (dragon) scale drama to your Monday nights, we are deeply into it! And as for the twitter commentary… Frankly it’s enough to keep you entertained for the long 7 days between each episode!
The best part of the new episode of Game of Thrones is when Jon and Daenerys discuss Tory policy pic.twitter.com/005VteQnQy
— Carl Anka | Talking GOT & Endgame (@Ankaman616) 16 April 2019
My dog when someone else has my attention #GameOfThrones #GOT8 #GOT pic.twitter.com/flGO0E5XFc
— Mandie Moore (@outlawbbyy) 15 April 2019
Have a gorgeous Friday, my loves, and enjoy soaking up the sunshine that’s due to arrive over the weekend! We’ll see you on the flip side.
Laura XO
Image sources: Angelick Picture, Round House, Loyle Carner, Love and Confuse, @lushcosmetics, Superdrug, Sargent Liza, @thisismyhomestyle, Farrow & Ball, Honest Indian for Lani, @mrsjodiclark, Nishe, @kerciakane, alexxharman, Bracelet Book, Yeslip, unknown, Brandy Melville, Wow Treks, unknown, Prettypicsdelightfultips, A Pair and a Spare, Style Caster
