I’m not a light packer. I always pay for extra baggage and, as goes the story of my life, I’m still overweight. My justification for the bursting suitcase seams and (this year) broken handles is that my summer holiday is my annual chance to actually wear my extensive vintage swimsuit collection. Here’s a look by look account of what I wore on my recent holiday to Spain.
First Night Out
Dress from Collectif, hair flower from Violets In May, wedges from New Look
Feeling a bit of a post-flight porker, I adopted a tried and tested outfit formula. LBD + heels + a colour pop accessory = flattering, fast-track glamour.
Beach Time, Baby
Swimsuit from Next, skirt from Tara Starlet, wedges from Primark, hair flower from Accessorize, sunglasses from duty free
The next day I craved colour and kitsch to get me in the holiday mood and distract me from my stonking hangover.
Cafe Hopping In Collectif
Sundress from Collectif, wedges from Amazon (£5.99!), handbag from River Island
I couldn’t resist the sunniness of this sundress. It’s ideal for holidays because it’s bright, playful and the swing skirt stops your thighs getting all sweaty.
Senorita Swimwear
Swimsuit from For Luna, skirt from Miss Selfridge, headscarf from Deadly Is The Female
En route to the beach/pool/garden, I like to wear my one-piece swimsuit as a halter top. I also love a theme and this look was inspired by 1950s Spanish film stars.
Malibu Barbie
Swimsuit from Next, skirt from BHS, wedges from Amazon, hair flower from Violets In May
During my holiday I became completely addicted to this fuschia orchid hairclip from Violets In May. It was a quick, fun way to add pin up appeal to all my outfits.
Never Enough Pink
Dress from Stop Staring, handbag from Primark
Stop Staring dresses are perfect for travelling because they ooze retro flirtiness and the body-skimming stretchy fabric is practically creaseproof!
Getting My Cherries Out
Swimsuit from For Luna, shorts from Tara Starlet, headscarf from Deadly Is The Female
This is the first vintage style swimsuit I ever bought. It’s very special to me because it put a permanent stop to years of bikini body shame.
Dinner With A View
Dress from Stop Staring, handbag from Pimark
I wore white because it showed off my tan and polka dots because I’m obsessed.
Leopard Print And Polka Dots
Swimsuit from Seafolly, skirt from ASOS, bag from Primark
Ah, my failsafe fifties swimsuit. Even when I’m feeling massive after using my holiday as an excuse to pig out, I still feel good in it. It’s very supportive.
Last Day Lunch
Dress from Collectif, handbag from River Island, wedges from New Look
I went mid-century Mediterranen for my final day in Spain. My hours of hard work lazing around in the sunshine had paid off and I felt proud to have realised my dream of being as tanned as Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra.
¡Adios bitches! xx
Tags: 1950s, Collectif, holiday style, Stop Staring, Tara Starlet, vintage swimwear, Violets In May