Weather woes and underclothes

I hear this statistic often, it is likely you have too !?

an astounding 80 per cent of women could still be wearing the wrong bra! 

you can probably count this hyena into that statistic! Thus leading to back ache, posture problems and unflattering style. Even so-called "professionals" have routinely put me in horribly fitted bra's, there is the added hassle of variations between brand sizes to consider too. Uncomfortable underwear is particularly troublesome during the unpredictable British summer, which is wreaking havoc on our wardrobes. I try and not let the dreary days drown my style - finding a flattering bra to suit every occasion come rain or shine.

Brassiere

There was a collective sigh of relief among women in 1907 when Paul Poiret, a French fashion designer, allowed women to swap the painful corset for dresses that worked with women’s natural body shapes. The modern bra emerged from the development of cup size standardisation in the 1920s. Fortunately, though, underwear design has come a long way since the restrictive styles of the early 20th century. These days, attractive lingerie enhances the natural shape of our bodies with soft, sheer fabrics that provide support and flexibility in the right places.

Elomi Smoothing Strapless Bra

When that elusive sun comes out, you usually want to expose as much skin as possible to top up the tan and collect that valuable vitamin D. Strapless bras are my must-have for warmer weather, allowing you to go bare-shouldered with light summer dresses or tops. Bras like the Elomi Smoothing Strapless Bra combine detachable straps with special gripper elastic for increased support and uplift.

Bras like this are held in place by the band rather than the straps, so make sure this is tight enough to support your chest whilst still allowing you to breathe! If you can get just two fingers beneath the band, the bra is probably the right fit. It is important to find bras that fit, but also we feel comfortable and beautiful in, we should never stop experimenting with various bras or bras sizes since our bodies are always evolving.  

Even when it’s raining, the British summer can still be really hot and humid - especially when you’re cooped up indoors. Yet often the lightweight layer of a top that keeps you cool will show the clunky mechanics of a bulky bra underneath. I try and avoid unsightly shapes by going for a seamless bra – they can help achieve a flattering silhouette under even the finest fabrics. 

Suntantoos - temporary suntan tattoo

I am some what, a creature of change with style clothes and hair, this is why I made a conscious decision to not have a tattoo as I know after a while I would begin to dislike it or become indifferent to it, which would really be hellacious since tattoos are pretty permanent. I enjoy using henna tattoos for an occasion but have never come across a suntan tattoo before, up until now.  

SunTanToos are temporary tantoos you get while tanning at the beach. But these are no ordinary "tanning bed" stickers, but large, custom tantoos you can design.

London-based artist-designer Dariusz Boron recently put up a funding campaign on Indiegogo for SunTanToos. Offering printed body decorations in the nature of decalcomania; paper patches to block the sun and create patterns on the skin, creating the look like the above. Would you try a Suntantoo ? 

Summer nights film festival

Have you been to any outdoor film festivals and concerts this summer ? Summer has just been passing me by, jam packed sport events have kept me rooted to my seat -: Euro's football, Wimbledon, Olympic games and the appalling British summer weather, has hindered any sort of alfresco dining and entertainment.

Last Friday my sisters and I gathered a picnic hamper, a few nibbles, a cider or two, blankets and camping chairs and off we went to the summer night film screening at Calke Abbey country estate, as luck would have it, it didn't rain! the film 'the woman in black' commenced as soon as the light had faded sufficiently, the parkland under the stars looked a visual treat. 

My best outdoor experiences have not always been related to the food I've eaten, usually the location and company are the most important things, but great food obviously makes the experience better. What fun cultural things have you been squeezing in this summer?

Wouldn't you love to create something like the above in your very own backyard!?

HOW TO CREATE A BACKYARD MOVIE SCREEN AT PotteryBarn 

Summer Party Events

Don't you admire the quirky clever party event ideas regarding everything from a venue, food, props, themes etc. I have seen identical weddings month after month which mostly cost above £40,000! The happy couple seem content enough, maybe I would have been the same, since it is a tradition of our culture to throw BIG weddings. 

A typical wedding can easily include 400-500 guests. If I'm honest I prefer more intimate personal occasions, that don't have to cost a fortune! There are a bunch of super concepts for party and event planning thanks to creative social curation sites, they have triggered my imagination, to seize the summer and take advantage of some well deserved respite. 

Here I was this summer concocting a small garden party, throw in a few DIY decorative props and some hearty rustic food, drink and music. We're currently in the middle of July and so far the weather has been a total washout! It has been the wettest June and July in 100 years, you'd think us brits would be used to it by now, but even by our standards it's been grim! Scratch cocktail umbrellas out and in comes umbrella for the downpour.

It was fun while it lasted brainstorming ideas for the outdoors,  I came across erento a convenient way to be able to rent everything you need, from party event hire to projectors and designer handbags for a wedding or party event.   

The London Olympics will begin next Friday, hopefully that will, more than make up for the grim climate, athletes have begun arriving in their thousands, my nearest airport has been busy. Curiously enough I have not seen any TV footage on the London Olympics building up to the opening ceremony, though maybe I spend far too much time moseying on-line.

Will you be viewing the London Olympic games?  

What are your plans for the summer of 2012? 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 /7 / 8