Happy Friday everyone! Are you in the full throes of summer where you are? Yesterday Cambridge had the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the UK (over 100F) which, given this country has almost no air conditioning to cope with such high temperatures, was extreme even for this heat-lover! Honestly it was hard to be productive this week, but I tried to distract myself from both the heatwave and the news / chaos that is our political situation right now with lots of time outdoors, ice cream everyday, and evenings spent listening to jazz in the botanical gardens around the corner from our house (a pleasure I never take for granted). Tomorrow we’re off to a wedding, and on Sunday I’m meeting my friend for afternoon tea, a walk in the park, and a museum date (so many of my favourite things rolled into one afternoon).
Here’s what else I’m loving right now:
1. Go and see an exhibition // Summer is one of the best times of year for exhibitions. Escape the heat and pay a visit to a new museum you haven’t visited before, or book tickets to an exhibition at one of your favourites (I’ll be going to the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition, which I make sure to visit every year).
2. Upgrade your summer little black (or white) dress // I have been trying to shop a lot less lately, but couldn’t resist ordering this scalloped broderie anglaise dress. It looks even better in real life, and the quality is so good. I ordered it in white (because that’s my ultimate summer weakness), but the black version is equally cute. P.S. This + this are great budget-friendly versions.
3. Fake a perfect tan // I love the look of a tan, but I’m both incapable of getting one naturally and am vigilant about sun protection, so it’s always fake. This is my favourite brand, but the rosewater face mist is especially lovely; you mist it on your face and chest before skincare a couple of times a week and it delivers the most natural glow every time (and is fine to use even if, like me, you have sensitive skin).
4. Be a little more Audrey // Krystal is one of my favourite bloggers out there, but she takes it to the next level with her ‘classics’ series inspired by vintage films. We share a love for Audrey Hepburn, so her four part ode to ‘Roman Holiday’ was exactly the beautiful escapism I needed this week and the perfect reminder to be a little more like ‘Audrey’ everyday.
5. Give your feet the star treatment // The older I get, the more I see the value in investing in the staple pieces I wear every day vs spending all my money on gorgeous heels I’d only actually wear once a month. I bought these gold sandals last summer and they are hands-down the most comfortable pair I’ve ever owned (not a single blister and down to pennies on a cost-per-wear basis), so I’ve just ordered the nude version. Twinkle toes indeed!
6. A cheap + chic way to beat the heat // My favourite solution for a sweaty commute? Always having a hand fan stashed in my bag to serve as my own personal air conditioner whenever I need it. You’ll get a sideways look for half a second, until everyone realises you’re a genius 😉 Mine are collected from my travels, but this version is so chic and costs less than an iced coffee.
7. Clean out your jewellery collection // When was the last time you organised your jewellery stash? Part with anything you don’t love or which is un-repairable, give everything else a clean (most pieces can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush + liquid soap, while toothpaste removes tarnishes from silver), and organise everything you intend to keep + wear in little trays or a case which will keep them detangled. I love this brass jewellery case or this budget-friendly versions.
In case you missed it:
15 Ways to Celebrate Summer (your field guide to the best summer ever)
Punting on the River Cam (my favourite summer pastime + an easy off-duty outfit)
My Favourite Scents for the Home (or 7 ways to make your house smell like a summer vacation)
My Ultimate Summer Wardrobe Staple (plus 50 of the best white dresses at every budget)
7 Ways to be More Mindful Online (how and why we should be ‘switching off’ more often)
Summer Beauty Essentials (all the best products for when its 100 degrees outside)
However you’re spending it, I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Love, Briony xx
Tokyo has also been frightfully warm and muggy, so the first thing I did was buy an adorable Japanese fan- it’s made the heat so much more tolerable and will certainly get plenty of use in the weeks ahead in Europe, by the sound of things!
I’ve loved treating myself to a few new summer pieces from Ebay, if I need to buy something new I tend to look there first to grab a bargain! I upgraded a LBD in my wardrobe for a stunning Sandro one and I love it!
Abigail Alice x
I’m definitely going to do a few of these for this upcoming weekend. I shop a lot less now too but feel like it’s time to treat myself a little! xx
It is so hot here in Texas, too! This is a great end-of-summer post. Thanks for sharing, Briony!
xx, Merritt
The Style Scribe
Hope you’ve been surviving the heat well! it often gets hotter here in Brisbane but we do have aircon so that makes it much more bearable, haha!
Hope that you have a lovely weekend ahead of you! 🙂
Ah! I heard about the heat wave! I hope it’s over. It’s so interesting that you guys don’t have air conditioning. I heard it’s because it doesn’t get very warm often? Love your 7 things you spotlighted, especially your tip about organizing jewelry. I honestly don’t know when was the last time I organized my collection and honestly I wear the same 5 pieces so I need to!! Hope you’re having a lovely week Briony!
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