FashionBite’s Top Summer Picks – Essential Reading!

Fashion Reporter: Sian O’Donnell

If you are like us, then you are currently staring out the office window at gale force winds, torrential rain and slate grey skies. Inside all the lights are on, the heating is turned up and the pasty legs are STILL covered up…. and it is June.

All we can talk about here is our approaching holiday destinations: a festival in Croatia, wedding in France, getaway to Spain with the boyfriend, weekend flyover to Florence, we cannot create enough imagery in our minds of lying on a beach, without a care in the world and not having to wear waterproofs!

Buying the summer essentials makes us all so excited but it also sets a slight panic within on what to actually buy without coming home, with bags full of unneeded ‘must haves’ that still sit in your wardrobe a year later – unused and unloved.

Here at FashionBite we have handpicked our favourite summer pieces, or what we like to call… THE ESSENTIALS.

Number one is the summer sandal. Useful for not looking like an absolute nutcase, hotfooting it down the beach on burning sands. Also, a great go-to from beach to evening wear for whatever country you find yourself in. There are so many gorgeous designs to choose from but these Office beauties do the trick perfectly. The beaded Aztec design, the tassels, the-oh so flattering moccasin ankle tie and tan enhancing white. Pick these up now for £38 now.

How annoying is it, when you want to go for a romantic meal straight from the beach with your partner but you never know what to bring. Sandy, limited space, sore sunburnt skin and all attacked with an apparent, carefree attitude. Well here is our gift to you, the ultimate fringe cover up from Dress Up by Topshop is perfect for this conundrum! Sexy with a relaxed stylish feel. Pair with flat sandals and wavy saltwater hair. £75 well spent, “What, this old thing?”

Illesteva, you are ours now! Giving its signature round frame ‘Leonard’ a summer 2012 dazzle with violent lenses, these are the perfect accessory for the most fabulous of eyes. Wear later in the evening with on trend matching lilac lipstick and a printed headscarf, these sunglasses are versatile, cool and worth every single penny. Currently available for £121 from Net-A-Porter .

Any Mediterranean harbour would not be complete without this canvas fish shopper from Asos for £25. This light-hearted option makes for a fun change from tassels, embroidery and perspex this season and is extremely hard-wearing; sun, sea, sand, sun cream and anything in between, will not damage your new favourite beach time friend. Just shield his eyes when you dig into that scampi and chips.

Asos laser cut frill swimsuit, you are our new best friend. Super flattering, especially for those lazy days when you drink too much lager on the veranda at lunch time, and looks just as awesome under a pair of vintage Levi’s and espadrilles. If you never wear a swimsuit after being reminded of your Aunt Sal, then give this a whirl – you are sure to be pleasantly surprised.

FashionBite xx