Summer’s finally upon us, schools out and the holidays beckon – there really couldn’t be a more perfect time to kick back and relax in the sun. Whilst friends all around me burble onwards about visits to Zante, South Africa and goodness knows where else, it really does seem as if everyone is jetting off somewhere exotic or doing something exciting this summer. It’s making my summer canal boating trip in South East England look quite poor in comparison.

Yet whether or not you’re jetting off to somewhere exotic, or just enjoying the weather in your own backyard – summer certainly seems to be flying by, and there’s so many exciting, and most importantly, free events and festivals going on all over the country, I’ve barely had time to stock up on some summer fashion essentials.  If you’re anything at all like me and it feels like you’ve done nothing with your week (it seems to have flown by!) – you realise you haven’t even had a chance to stop and think about anything, let alone your basic summer essentials! So to help focus both myself and anyone ailing in the same predicament, I’ve picked out my favourite summer essentials.

The British weather is ever the changeable wonder, and whilst I’d love to imagine that this current sun I’m basking in will last indefinitely, it’s highly likely that within the next five minutes I’ll be hit by torrents of cooling air. Hence I’ve been stocking up on the good old fashioned cardigan, which is actually a lot more fashionable than you may think. Next has a whole range of bright and colourful cardigans and at just £16 you can’t really go wrong. Made of cotton, they’ve got just the right weight to keep you cool in the summer sun, whilst driving out the chills of those occasional shadows and summer evenings and can be easily teamed with a simple thin black strappy top to give the perfect contrast and relaxed summer vibe.

Yet whilst it’s easy to focus on what you’ll be coveting this summer, let us not forget the most important addition – accessories, because if I’ve ever been in love with a bag, this is definitely it! The blue bird print shopper bag is perfect if you need a lot of stuff this summer; it can quite easily handle your shades, sun cream, purse – you name it, all in one go. The gorgeous design is what really gets me though, the summery seaside colours of blue and white just ooze with sunshine and happiness, and the bold bird print design making a statement addition to any outfit.

So make sure whilst you’re whiling away the summer days, don’t forget to take a minute or two and pick up your summer essentials,  then get out there and enjoy the sun!

PS. The picture’s me in Rome the other week. Not that I’m smug or anything.