Summer Style

This year, we might just get the hot, dry summer we’ve been longing for, and I’ve been on a mission to find the best accessories for summer, whether you’re heading for the beach or chilling in the garden.

When it comes to summer, style doesn’t just mean the latest shades or the skimpiest bikini, and whether you’re sipping cocktails on Brighton beach or chilling in the garden, Heals rainbow coloured parasol (£125.00) is guaranteed to brighten up your day.

Soaking up the rays is all well and good but bagging that perfect spot by the pool is easier said than done, and this fab “Reserved” towel (£6.99) means you can nip off to the bar for that second marguerita without losing your space.

If a sunlounger shortage isn’t your problem but a lack of sunshine is, take the sunshine to the beach with Mark and Spencer’s sunshine print towel (£9.50).

For those of you who think that B&Q are only good for u-bends and composters, their stylish range of garden furniture will definitely come as a pleasant surprise. If you’re looking for some privacy, their Tropica Canopied Rattan bed (£465.48) is unbelievably comfortable and wouldn’t look out of place next to an LA rooftop pool. Large enough for two, the retractable canopy provides additional privacy and shade.

The wrong type of sun lotion can do more harm than good and L’Oreal’s Solar Expertise Sensitive range is perfect for sensitive skin. Mineral sun filters in this fragrance-free formula protect skin from harmful rays, brown spots and premature aging. For a long-lasting glow, their Tan Prolonging After-Sun Care contains a hint of bronzer to give your tan a helping hand in the longevity stakes while leaving skin nourished and soft. Check out the full range at Boots.com where they are currently buy one get one free!

With eyes and lips, it’s best to pile on the protection, and Lancaster’s Sun Beauty Stick for Eyes and Lips (£13.70) is the perfect tool for the job. With anti-oxidants to protect against the elements as well as SPF 20, this handy little stick also blocks the free radicals that cause premature ageing.

When it comes to warding off wrinkles as well as protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care (£15.17) is hard to beat. With SPF 30, this lightweight cream is easily absorbed, smells great and even helps lighten dark patches.

Wind and sun can be especially drying on the lips, but Mac have come up with a great lip conditioner that’s perfect for everyday use. Their Lip Conditioner stick (£9.30) smells amazing and is small enough to fit in the tiniest of handbags. Almond Oil and Shea Butter leaves lips super-soft while SPF 15 and a delicious vanilla scent means this is one product no sun lover should be without.

Protecting the skin is one thing but looking good on the beach is just as important, and with all that salt, sweat and seawater a good mascara is essential. I recently spent the day cycling 30 miles across with South Downs as the only girl in a group of eight men, so not only did I need to look reasonable, I also wanted a mascara with staying power. Clinique’s Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula (£13.21) is tear, sweat and waterproof but still washes off with minimal effort with a splash of warm water. After seven hours of cycling and a whole world of sweat, rain and wind, my eyelashes still looked great without a smudge in sight. I can’t say I cried that day – I came close, admittedly – but I’d bet my bottom dollar the saltiest of tears wouldn’t be a problem for this fab mascara.

Every year, fragrance houses release the obligatory summer versions of our favorite fragrances, but this year, two fragrances stand out, and both take their inspiration from all things citrusy. With notes of orange blossom, lemon and vanilla, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique Summer Eau de Toilette (£34.50) is perfect for the beach. His trademark silhouette bottle has also been given a seasonal makeover, with the additional of pink swirls and an elegant parrot design.

Lacoste have also given their best selling fragrance, Touch of Pink (from £14.11), a summer twist with the creation of Love of Pink. Notes of blood orange and pink magnolia add a sensuous touch to the original, while a hint of lemon makes this the perfect fragrance for summer.

Looking good is one thing but carting all those bottles around can leave you looking more bag lady than beach babe. Folli Follie bags are large enough to carry all the essentials without cramping your style. Made of waterproof neoprene and with a funky leather trim and interior pockets, their Lace Logomania bags are perfect for the beach and perfect for the bar. Check out the range online or head down to their Regent Street boutique for some retail therapy!

Us Brits are notorious for moaning about the rain only to complain it’s too hot once summer kicks in, so a good supply of liquid refreshment is essential. West Eleven premixed cocktails taste amazing, come in five fab flavours and pack quite a punch in the alcohol stakes. Their Elderflower Collins cocktail tastes divine and at only £4.49 for a 500ml bottle, you can afford to get the drinks in. Grab yours online and serve with a slice of lime in these gorgeous his and hers pastel coloured plastic beakers (£2.45) from Laura Ashley. Alfie Premium Mixed Cocktails also taste amazing. My favourite was the gin and tonic, and best of all there’s even a diet option for the health-conscious!

Let’s face it, if you’re spending the day on the beach some summer grooves are essential. Tune in and chill out with this fab pink DAB radio (£58.64) from Pure. With up to twenty hours of portable listening this lightweight radio is perfect for the beach and can also be used as a speaker for your mp3 player.

So that’s it from me. Now all you need is the pool, hunky lifeguard and swaying palm trees...