Happy Friday! This week was blissfully slow. I had a few fun events – the highlight of which was a magic-themed afternoon of beauty school with Charlotte Tilbury herself (which was so much fun) – but after a few non-stop weeks of travel and work, it felt so good to just get back into a routine and caught up on work. This weekend my cousin is coming to stay and we’re going to the annual Fellow’s summer ball at King’s College. It’s always the most decadent Gatsby-worthy party that involves a five-course feast in the Great Hall (which is basically the real-life Hogwarts), lawn games (last year I played mini golf with a Nobel laureate), a jazz band in the garden, a dance party in the library, and fireworks at midnight. It’s one of the few nights of the year I’ll party until the small hours (because apparently I am now old + can only handle precisely one glass of champagne) and I look forward to it all season. Cannot wait!
Here’s what else I’m loving this week:
1. Have a mini adventure // This summer is racing by. Make the most of these long, balmy nights by soaking the sunshine and ticking off one of your favourite summer activities. We’re planning a bike ride to the countryside and lunch outside by the river.
2. Protect your skin // I’m an SPF evangelist and swear by setting sprays to keep my makeup perfectly in place all day, but I honestly had no idea the two could be combined until I tried this mist. I still use an SPF underneath, but love knowing I have an extra layer of protection and haven’t left the house without a spritz of this first (+ it really does the job as a setting spray too).
3. Update your summer bag // Love basket bags as much as me? This is the perfect one to pair with all your summer dresses, but it will also work perfectly for evening + take you into autumn. The best part: it’s only £20!
4. Embrace JOMO // I’ve been trying to break my addiction to being busy (which is probably a whole other blog post), and have been intentionally trying to take a step back, slow down, and say ‘no’ to things that don’t bring me joy this season. So I loved this article on the joy of missing out. #FOMO is so last year…
5. Put on your pearls // I love a big statement pearl – they look just as chic teamed with jeans + a t-shirt as they do with a party dress. So obviously these statement earrings by my favourite jewellery brand came straight home with me (I already have the matching necklace and bracelet that I’ve been wearing for years and years). Oh, and they’re 70% off and under £20. You can thank me later…
6. Add a ray of sunshine to your wardrobe // I’ve been trying to buy a few pieces that aren’t yet more white midi dresses nearly identical to the 10+ versions I already own (though I might have just bought this one), and this gorgeous dress is answering all my summertime fashion dreams. I love the cheerful hue and crochet trim – virtual sunshine in sartorial form!
7. Set some goals // How are your 2018 resolutions going? Spend the last week of the month setting your goals and intentions for the rest of the year + map out a few actionable steps you can take each month to get there. I’m going to sign up for some French classes (after feeling mortified at how much of my university French I had forgotten when I was in Paris last month), set some financial goals, finally book a honeymoon, and try to finish the year the strongest I’ve been (after sort of falling off the gym wagon this summer).
In case you missed it:
A Weekend in Lisbon (all my tips for what to do + why you should put this city on your must-visit list)
The Best Floral Midi Dress (and my unexpected style icon for the season)
15 Ways to Celebrate Summer (consider this your ‘to do’ list for a really great summer)
5 Summer Style Rules for Your 30s (and my favourite dress of the season)
The 10 Beauty Products I’m Currently Obsessed With (that I know you’ll love too)
However you’re spending it, have a happy weekend everyone!
Love, Briony xx
