A Bold Safari

I need a safari skirt, safari shorts, a safari dress, a safari playsuit, safari everything. They are just some of the things you need, whether you wear them or not. And then, some of the things you want but don't have. This week, I hit the Mango sales with the single aim of finding a couple of pairs of shoes I knew I wanted even while full-priced  but never got round to go shopping for them. And what did I get? A plain safari skirt and errm, a few extra bits and bobs.

The basic look is pretty easy to work: take something simple in a shade anywhere between stone and dark khaki (mine is dark beige or light camel), and add rich leather  accessories. The thing about safari is, well, while timeless and sort of chic, it easily washes you out. This season's boldness comes in handy to spice things up. You can go for a flash of royal blue, red, coral, even yellow, or do as I do and pick emerald green. You'll find this medium dark hue really flattering, whatever your true colours are.

I could not resist adding the green patent shoulder bag... matchy-matchy as it seems, what dominates is the eye-popping factor so why not load up? And, if you're short of bag space -I know you are- grab another beauty of an arm candy. I think the 1970s style platform wedges I've had for a few years will do nicely for the city safari. 

P.S. On the second evening of being abducted by UFOs (dearest's term for me getting sucked in by the shops and losing track of time), I did manage to pick up the last pairs of the shoes I had been after in my size - I'm sure they will crop up in one post or another soon enough.

shirt, skirt and bags: Mango, belt: C&A, sandals: River Island, sunglasses: Zara

Make Like A Tourist At Home

I think we can agree that Monday bank holidays are heaven sent, but they seem even more so when on a Sunday night, you realise you've been too tired all week-end to step out.

And so, warm and sunny summer Monday in the city, here I come!

Today, we took a nice walk in a recently rehabilitated central area, enjoyed the newly installed green patches and fountains, joined a festival that showcased famous Czech beers, and grabbed a bite before heading for the nearest lounge bar to chill out over a macchiato.

Quite determined to sport the colour of the season (coral), I picked a top with a bow and stripes, added a neutral suede dress (worn as a skirt) and completed the look with some white.

Which reminds me - even recently, you may have come across very specific style advice, warning you against wearing white shoes unless it's your wedding. Now, that's just another fashion rule down the loo. With stores teaming with white footwear, it's any self-confessed style  guru's duty to find a way around such old restrictions, and work her craft 'til something clicks.

The best thing about my wedges are the stacked heels, adding the colour and feel of wood to the white uppers. Still, I wouldn't shy away from wearing pearly white ballet pumps with the same outfit. Today's advice: leave the rules behind, and make like a tourist at home. You'll be surprised how much it's going to feel like a proper holiday.

coral knitted top: New Look, suede dress: vintage, shoes: Asos, bag: New Look,
pink sunglasses and floral holder: Dorothy Perkins