Styling Swimwear
For Dream Vacations
If you haven't heard the news yet then where have you been?! My second sustainable jewellery collection with Edge of Ember is about to be released and I couldn't be more thrilled to share some behind the scenes photos Alex shot from our full day shoot.
Reaching photoshoot day signifies the culmination of months of team work and being able to finally see this full collection together for the first time in the flesh, was a true pinch me moment. Seeing the pieces come to life and to be able to wear them and style them in real life looks, feels like a moment to truly cherish. A moment were drawings have finally become tangible creations; creations that represent so much excitement, love and hard work.
Alongside all the pinch me moments from the shoot itself, I have to say it felt incredible to be styling myself for gorgeous summer moments, even if those moments for the time being anyway, are somewhat make believe. But in the spirit of possible summer holidays on the horizon and the excitement of donning some beach ready looks, here's how we styled the gorgeous swimwear for the Paradise Collection shoot.
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My second jewellery collaboration with the amazing Edge of Ember team will be launching very soon! To sign up to be the first to hear all about the launch dates, possible pre-orders, pricing and much more - click here. I'm so very proud of The Paradise Collection and cannot wait to see you styling it too!
#WhereIsYourParadise
The Perfect Jewellery
Of course I couldn't chat all things accessorising without first chatting about The Paradise Collection and the pieces featured in these behind the scenes shots. The Paradise Collection was created and designed from wanderlust and dreams of travel. The memories I've been lucky enough to make and the memories I intend to make - a culmination of all the wonderful, joyful things that travel brings into our lives. Consisting of 7 dream places I've been lucky enough to visit over the years and stemming from the atmosphere, the views, the food, the music and the people I met there - The Paradise Collection was born. Styling swimwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind if you're lucky enough to be by the pool or on a beach in the near future, but the perfect piece can be the difference between wearing a new swim and styling a new swim. Choose earrings and bracelets with high neck and wide strap suits, layered necklaces and anklets for deep V one pieces and extras like stacked rings and ear cuffs to show off if you're adding a cover up to your look.
A Faux Tan
If you know me well you know that although I love the sunshine just like everyone else, I choose to embrace a faux tan over a real one 100% of the time. I love to feel the sunshine on my skin but only if I'm smothered head to toe in a broad spectrum SPF and if I'll be out for a prolonged period of time, then it's big sunglasses and an even bigger sunhat for the win. Personally for me I feel my best when I'm rocking a faux tan under my SPF and especially so if I'm styling some swimwear on the first day of a holiday. There's nothing that boosts my confidence more than feeling bronzed and moisturised the second I step onto the beach, because I've already applied my favourite products in advance. A great skin smoothing exfoliator to rid me of any dry spots, a bronze tan that's easy to apply and a gorgeous moisturiser to maintain my colour and keep my skin hydrated.
Lightweight Cover Ups
There are so many ways you can style your favourite swimwear on vacation, especially if you aren't planning on diving head first into the pool forgoing any hair or makeup styling. Dresses, playsuits, two pieces, kaftans - there are so many options but I love non more than a beautiful gauze or linen shirt. They feel oh so versatile from pool to dinner, beautifully cool if the weather is feeling a little humid and they style so easily thrown over your dream swimwear. They're one of the few pieces in my wardrobe I feel I can style for most occasions on my travels and they take my swimwear from beachside to beach bar faster than you can say 'Margarita please!' Choose lightweight materials that breathe for styling that's practical as well as on trend and opt for extras like side splits, pockets and rollable sleeves for even more practicality on your travels. Optic white is the obvious choice but any neutrals will feel summery and breezy while a deep colourway like rich navy will team well if your swimwear is already ticking the monochrome trend box.
Feel Good Makeup
Now before you think I'm advocating for a full face of makeup by the pool hear me out - you do you! Of course the beautiful looks I was lucky enough to rock by the pool on the Edge of Ember shoot might be a bit much if you're planning anything but discovering your favourite pool inflatable for a week, but I know I feel oh so confident with a touch of makeup, no matter the vacation situation. A subtly tinted SPF is always my best friend for a summer day on the beach as I find it not only protects and reapplies well, it evens out any blemishes on my skin I don't feel overly pleased about sharing. Similarly a beautiful lip balm with a touch of SPF is something I never like to venture out without but add a touch of blush to my cheeks, possibly a slick of brow product to frame my face and a bold highlight to take full of advantage of that sunshine and my confidence shines far more brightly. Opt for cream products that are easily applied with fingers and enhance your features as opposed to hide, that way your skin is protected but if it's hot hot hot you also know your skin can breathe and allow your natural oils to come through.
A huge thank you to Net a Porter, Flannels and Beach Cafe for helping to style the shoot with some of their beautiful looks. I'm so grateful for your generosity and to know wonderful teams like yours! Although this blog post features my new collection in collaboration with Edge of Ember this content is not sponsored nor part of any obligations.
