Last month it was all about that hectic, last minute dash for your fashion essentials before jet setting off to your own place in the sun, but this month I’ve distinctly slowed the pace a little. With holidays done and dusted, the pressure’s off and it’s time to add some serious, but suitably relaxed, fashionable twists of glamour and sophistication to your wardrobe.

Following my post last month, which I must concede was a whirlwind rush through what is the minefield of summer fashion, I’ve since spent a week relaxing on the waterways of Britain and learnt two very important things. For one, you should be very careful what you write online. After casually mentioning that other people’s exotic holidays abroad made my canal boating holiday “look quite poor in comparison” I’ve been subjected to what can only be described as a barrage of abuse. I seemed to have temporarily forgotten I’d be sharing a barge with eleven other people, who just happen to have read my article. . . Thus following a full 604800 seconds of blog related retorts, it’s fair to say I’ve decided that canal holidays are much better than going abroad and you should always think carefully what you write!

Jesting aside though, my water-bound week has taught me something which perhaps those glitzy and glamorous holiday hotspots might not have; we should all just take a minute or two to slow down. With the constant pressure of modern life banging away from all corners, it’s so easy to get swept up in that frantic net and never get let out. Far away from the incessant cries of social media, the internet and work, I was worried I’d spend my week feeling isolated and cut off, but after seven days of having nothing to worry except the appearance of yet another lock, I’ve come to realise that things in life are a whole lot better if you take your time on them, including fashion.

Since I’ve been back I’ve poured once again over the latest looks and tried on everything from boots to hats – when you give it some proper time, fashion is a whole lot of fun! My favourite piece of the moment has got to be this beautiful pleat tunic, at between £36 and £38, with its eye catching front detail and relaxed-feel long sleeves, you instantly feel casual yet stylish. My personal colour preference has got to be the natural tones of coral, but it also comes in an eye-catching white, dainty print or a bold block design. Simply team with some simple black leggings and you’re away! But don’t let me dictate it for you, take five and set aside some me time and hit those shops! Who knows what you’ll find!