With the weather turning hot again, I know having my hair down is an absolute no. Your hair has to be out of your face and preferably as tight as possible, otherwise it makes you feel even hotter and there is nothing more annoying than a sweaty neck.

I found some inspiring hairstyles that will keep you cool in the summer. Tie it tightly with a scarf, put it in bunches, or up high in a half bun. You can even find that sweatband you wear to the gym and use it to create a cute style that compliments work or play. Perfect, bring on the sunshine.

Source of images; Vogue UK, Elle UK, L’Oreal official.

I have been one of those people who is rarely late for anything, meeting friends, interviews, trains, flights, you name it. However I think I’ve sacrificed looking my best. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think anyone aims to be high maintenance, well at least I hope not but I think I might considerate this. Are you like me? It doesn’t take you long to put your make-up on and get ready, but when you step out the door and you happen to catch your reflection, you think oh my word! It’s like a cycle of pure dissatisfaction. I mean my main moan is my hair, an absolute effort. For make-up it takes me 5 mins and just have the standard black eyeliner and mascara if I can be bothered. People sitting there contouring and owning a suitcase or drawers full of make up.

How does someone like that change you ask? well, with great difficulty. I am baffled to know how these women do it, I worked with a lovely girl once who took many trips to the toilet, not because she had bowel problems, but to check her face. I mean that takes a lot of commitment, commitment that may waver for me. It’s so time consuming but dedicating some time to look your best can’t be a bad thing. Just think how much time you waste scrolling Instagram, that time can be used to buff up your nails, give your feet a soak, blow dry your hair, you get the gist.

If I weigh up the option of the amount of work I have to put in to look good, and the dissatisfaction of looking at my reflection – a change is needed, because if it plays on your mind that much then it must be a positive thing to do it.

I am not talking fake nails, hair extensions, kind of high maintenance. I am talking about looking after yourself. So for example, manicures, pedicures, hair cuts, facials etc. Time is the biggest factor here, juggling a part time job along with my 3 year old. It’s time to sort it out, somehow.

I had the pleasure of attending a press day for ‘ A life in pattern ‘ by Orla Kiely exhibit at the Fashion & Textile Museum in London and I have to admit it was one of my favourites.

Orla Kiely ( pronounced Kylie ) completed her textile degree in her home country Ireland and later moved to London to complete her masters at the Royal College of Art, for her final show she displayed a range of hats which were purchased by harrods. She also designed for M&S and Habitat. Orla started designing handbags after her father pointed out to her that everyone had a handbag and not everyone wore a hat! Together with her husband they formed the Orla Kiely partnership. 

Today she holds a studio in Pimlico, her designs range from apparel, shoes, homewares, accessories, and of course bags. She is among the most influential designers and is inspired by the 60’s and 70’s.

She stated: ‘I sometimes think that my brain works in repeat, I love the order and repetition, and how anything and everything can be patterned in this way, as if you are looking at the world through a prism or kaleidoscope. It is something that is very beautiful and inspiring to me’  Quote from A life in Pattern.

The exhibition runs until 23rd September 2018, it is worth a view, showcasing an intimate story of her life, you will fall in love.

(Far top left) The Kooples, Polka dot dress – £265
(Middle left ) Asos, Polka dot purse – £6
(Bottom left ) Zara, Bermuda shorts – £25.99
(Top Middle ) Urban Outfitters, polka dot dress – £56
(Bottom middle) Zara, Polka dot city bag – £29.99
(Right) Mango, Fringe detail polka dot skirt – £49.99

Anyone else have the ‘chair’ the place where they pile a mountain of clothes that’s not yet ready for a wash? Yes, that’ll be me. I have found a solution to this problem, purchase yourself a decent size basket and fold the clothes in here. Genius right? So far, so good. Click on my image for a link to basket heaven at H&M.

Sandals – Topshop (old )

Basket – H&M Home £17.99

Scarf – David & David (old )

Push that hair back with this gorgeous headband from Zara. At £7.99 give your look a little pop of colour.

I couldn’t find the exact one online but click on my image and it will take you to some others in variations of colours.

Happy shopping!

Free People – £128

Urban Outfitters – £10

Monki – £30

Topshop – £275

Topshop – £65

The Kooples – £228

&OtherStories – £45

I have collated a few things I have seen online, look at the boots at the top from Free People, they are gorgeous. Keep in mind not to wear all items cowboy/girl together, otherwise you will look like you are in fancy dress. Keep it to one item and pair with classic pieces to compliment your outfit.

So it’s true, the sunshine IS here, I found this straw bag in Primark, I have had my eye to purchase one similar. Other retailers are selling it at such a higher price, it made sense to get it once I saw it, at a bargain price of £8 and the fact it’s scorching in London for a few days it’s getting an outing.