God forbid I should do a practical thread...

....but I do actually think this comes under that heading.  I am talking practical summer dressing.  And by that, I mean what to wear when you're out and about in the sunshine to ensure that you don't get tan marks. 

It's practical of sorts, no?  To prove that it's definitely more practical than usual, I have even included underwear - obviously of a functional nature (my poor poor Husband, there is very little else in my arsenal of nude coloured smooth undies.  This is up there for me with buying new tyres for the car.  Yawnarama) 

Coming up to the start of the holidays and for me, this will (hopefully....) involve spending days lazing by pools or in the garden with the kids, in sizzling temperatures.  We're thinking positively here. 

And for me, the best way to do so, without stripping off to a bikini (god the effort involved in doing that is so great it makes me weary just thinking about) is something bandeau - hence the need for a good strapless bra and fear not, I have one from last year which is ace.  These are also fantastic for putting in your suitcase for holiday and for cooler days, just fling on a denim jacket.

Granted, if you blessed with more than ample boobage, you might not feel the most comfortable in these but even then, a good strapless bra and there's no reason why you shouldn't.

Without further ado, let's have a look what options we have. 

Starting with dresses - adore this summery coral number.  Love the fact it's not clingy, can't think of anything worse than a fitted dress in this heat. 

Coral ASOS Bandeau dress with wrap front £25 - also available in black 

Perfect for holiday and super hot days, this one. 

John Lewis Bandeau Dress £25




Adore the print and the shape of this from Warehouse.  And whilst we're here, this is the perfect dress up dress down number.  Not in the sale but you'd definitely get your moneys worth out of it.

Leaf Bandeau Midi Dress £42 from Warehouse 



Some maxis now - love the print of this from New Look. 

Black Abstract Shirred maxi dress £22.99


Can't get more classic than this monochrome stripe from ASOS. 

ASOS striped maxi dress £20



However there is a dress with tiny straps which you can of course just tuck in when you're actually sat in the sun - ideal for those who don't feel fully comfortable with absolutely strapless - or have small toddlers who tug on you dress and hey presto - boobs to the world...

The Carrick Dress from Fat Face £45 in Ivory 



In Tie Dye Stripe Marina 



In Ombre Palm Navy 



Moving onto a thorny subject I feel now, that of The Playsuit.  Hmmm.  I actually think these can work for certain occasions and if the fit is right.  More importantly if you have the confidence to wear them.  And to be honest, if you wear shorts and a top then, truth be told, there's no reason why you shouldn't wear one of these. 

A couple of fab ones. 

River Island Mixed Mono Bandeau playsuit £17





A coral tile print bandeau playsuit from New Look £14.99



In fact, New Look come up trumps on the playsuit front - these are ideal for throwing on a super warm summer day and come in a myriad of colours. 

Bright Pink Playsuit from New Look £12.99


Blue Plain Bandeau playsuit in blue £12.99 Also available in lime green, turquoise and red. 



However for me it has to be in for a penny, in for a pound and my favourite is this slightly way out zebra version.  LOVE this. 

Black Zebra Bandeau playsuit £14.99



Alternatively there is a Scarf Bandeau top which is great with your own shorts or jeans. 

Scarf floral bandeau top was £28 now £18 from Warehouse



Personally though I am a huge fan of the bandeau jumpsuit and have three.  These for me are ideal on those days when I simply can't be bothered to shave or tan my legs.  Hey presto, you can just throw it on and go.

Warehouse Bandeau jumpsuit in black £32



And the grey one which is now only £20 





Now I'm torn with this one as I absolutely love it but I think it *might* be slightly on the warm side to wear when it's super warm.  However it's bandeau so I'm sneaking it in here.  Plus it has pockets.  I think it would be fab for a night out dress - or dress down during the day with sneakers and a little blazer.  Pretty perfect if you're holidaying in this country for example.. oh that'll be me.. Handy that. 

Denim Blue Bandeau £48



And as promised, ending with the bra that I think is the strapless bra of kings.  Also has  multiway straps so perfect for wider racer back style tops and dresses. 

Memory Foam multiway bra £22


So there we have my selection of items to enable fully tanned shoulders this Summer (cue the constant rain now....)  

And here I am in one of mine on Thursday. 



Black bandeau harem jumpsuit - River Island
Black toepost sandals - Zara
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang 

Yesterday for another super sunny day. 


Cut off shorts - Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren
Rose Gold Havainas. 

Was out last night for two fabulous parties but it was a super rush (as per usual) to get out of the house so no pic. GAH.  However wore my violet Acne dress which I am more in love with each time I wear it.  Set to be a favourite for sure.  

Finally, apologies for not having been around the last couple of days - coming to the end (we hope...) of our mammoth building project (when I say end, I mean sort of end...) and have been searching for light fittings, mirrors, utility rooms etc etc etc....

However this rain has made me think yet again of A/W and what I shall be wearing.  Have a cunning plan for my Wishlist and Must Haves for the next season - how to have a capsule wardrobe.  Hopefully will be of interest.