This last week has been glorious. I mean truly schorcio lovely sunshine. Afternoons in the garden, water fights and ice cream kind of weather. I was getting all excited for our next few weeks in Devon but then what goes and happens? The forecast turns to rain. Rubbish.

This is exactly why I find summer dressing so difficult. As if I didn’t have enough of an issue finding clothes I like anyway I have to contend with changeable weather and that sudden panic of not knowing if it will be hot one minute and chucking it down the next. Plus I just don;t really feel comfortable in all these skimpy summer numbers that are out there.

However, in my quest to update my style I have been persevering and making a few new summer style purchases to refresh my wardrobe. I’ve been adding a bit of summer colour and some key layering pieces that will work well with my basics. Hopefully I can provide you all with a bit of inspiration so here are some of my favourite new purchases and a few things that may be making their way in to my shopping basket very soon.

Tops and Dresses

I have a lot of plain vest tops which I live in but need to add a few nicer tops in to the equation. This Ochre cami from M&S is a great colour and I like the looser styling. I need to hide my tum after all!

I picked up this sundress from Zara on a whim the other day and I’m rather pleased with my purchase. It’s a nice midi length on me and I love the simple shape and style of it. It’s got a thin stripe and cute button detailing and a soft lightweight fabric. I’ve been layering it with vest tops and a cropped jumper for cooler days.

A new T-shirt is a nice cheap update and given our penchant for pineapples here at RMLtd I couldn’t not include this fun gold foil number from Oasis. Super cute. I am also very much liking this Ca Va T-shirt from Whistles. A tad pricey for a T-shirt but it is rather good.

I don’t actually own a maxi dress. I’m not sure I ever have but I think perhaps a purchase may be in order for the summer. I like this one from H&M as it has a lovely summery print and the double layering of the top is more flattering on me. Easy to chuck a cardigan on with if it gets hot too.

As we had a friends wedding to go to I recently purchased this lovely floral dress from ASOS. Last minute decision but I loved it. I’m thinking I could add a tee over the top to make it more of a casual look during the day with my trusty Birkenstocks. Sadly it is now sold out in a lot of sizes but this was a very close second choice as I love the soft floral style for summer.

Bottoms

For the last few years I don’t think I have had a summer skirt that I really liked. I struggle so much with skirts as I never really find one I like. Something casual that I can wear to the park with the girls or perhaps dress up with a cute necklace for those rare lunches out. Whilst wondering through to the kids department in Next the other day I spotted this Aztec print skirt and I love it. In a sort of heavy slub cotton type material it is really easy to chuck on and I love the subtle colour ways. Not too bright but enough of a hint of colour to make it feel summery. I’m now on the look out for a coral coloured vest to pair it with.

I need some new lightweight trousers for summer but often find them a bit shapeless. I also fancy a bit of pattern and may possibly just be purchasing these lovely vine print trousers from Hush. They look a great fit and I love the colour and print combo. I figure they could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Shorts are so practical when running around after little ones. So much better than worrying about my skirt flipping up all the time! You have to be practical after all! I have bought a few pairs of petal shaped shorts so far as I love the relaxed loose styling but they look really cute with a vest top. This teal pair from M&S are a favourite and I wore these ones from Next non stop on holiday.

Cover Ups

I decided it was time for a Denim Jacket to make it’s way in to my wardrobe. I don’t think I have had one since my uni days but it is so versatile for the summer months that it has already proved a great buy. Perfect for chucking on over a vest top or a maxi dress if the weather isn’t tip top. I got a fantastic bargain in grabbing a Whistles one for £20 instead of £200 whilst wondering through John Lewis. I felt rather smug. The only compromise is that it is an indigo Denim when I was after a lighter one but at that price I could maybe also get this lovely jacket from Oasis.

A good lightweight jumper is ideal as a quick cover up and this grey version from M&S is currently sitting in my online basket. I love a bit of detailing on the back and this has a cute cross back which makes it a bit different. Or their lemon sorbet jumper is also rather lovely for summer.

I mentioned in my last style post that I wanted a few new blazers and this tropical number from H&M is divine. Lots of gorgeous corals and greens in the prettiest patterns. Its really lightweight and completely changes my jeans and vests in to a fancy ‘look I’ve really made an effort’ kind of outfit. It’s only £30 too. Bargain. At my last check a few key sizes were out of stock online but there were lots in my local store so may be worth taking a peek if it tickles your fancy. Or this Zara one is a good alternative in the same floral style.

On My Feet

I have long been a fan of Birkenstocks and it seems in Charlotte’s recent summer post she has become a convert too. They are just the comfiest. I have had a new white pair every summer for as long as I can remember. I probably should branch out in to a new colour but white seems to go with everything and seems just that little bit summery. I’ll often pick mine up in the sales at the end of the summer for next year as I know I will always wear them.

My absolute favourite new shoe purchase has been my Saltwater sandals. I have coveted these for a while after seeing them pop up on various Instagram feeds but never purchased. At £55 they seemed quite pricey for sandals but I was so wrong. They are fantastic. Super comfy and more stylish than my Birkenstocks. Plus they can get wet, even go in the sea, so if you get caught in a sudden downpour you are fine. I opted for the tan colour but I am very tempted to make another colour purchase given how much I have worn them already. I am also trying very hard not to buy them for the girls but the mini versions are just too cute.

I am a little late to the party but I also grabbed a pair of Superga before our last holiday. I wanted some causal pumps that would do for running around after the girls and these were a great buy. I dithered over the rose gold or grey for a long time but opted for the grey. Partly as I am a bit of a bargain hunter and found mine on MandMDirect for just £15. Honestly, keep an eye out on there as they often have various sizes and colours coming on for a complete steal.

I am now on the hunt for some new ballet pumps. Can you tell I only wear flat shoes? I have my eye on these caged slip ons from M&S which are sort of a cross between a sandal and a ballet pump. I think a pair of gold ballet pumps would be great for jazzing up everything from my trusty jeans to a little summer dress. These ones from ASOS are a steal at £16.

Accessories

I am a very lucky girl. My favourite new addition this summer has been my new Chanel sunglasses that my lovely husband treated me to before our summer holiday. I have never bought expensive sunglasses and he decided it was time I had some nice ones. Despite him actually giving me the money I still dithered for a very long time and only bought them the day before we jetted off. However, I do rather love them. Big sunglasses are my favourite and are excellent for hiding the large bags under my eyes!

I want to purchase a few new necklaces to jazz up some of my plainer vest and t-shirts. Now that the little hands have stopped grabbing at everything I feel it time for an accessories update. Heck, I may even purchase a few chunky bangles too. I think this statement necklace from Oliver Bonas would look great with a plain white or navy vest top (which I own a lot of!).

I have some lovely handbags but need something a touch more casual for summer. I wanted a soft, casual across body bag for when I haven’t got a million and one kids things to cart around and have my eye on this suede number from ASOS or this cute Aztec print mini duffle from M&S.

 

So that’s a few of my recent purchases. What have you all been adding to your baskets recently? You know we love a good recommendation or two, just in case we need to buy it you see!