Kickstart the long weekend with a treat from the likes of All Saints, Nobody’s Child and New Look
Congratulations, readers. You’ve made it to the end of the working week, and, for a reward, welcoming us with open arms is another glorious bank holiday weekend. With a long three-day rest ahead of us, many of us self-confessed shopaholics are filling our baskets in preparation for another momentous occasion – payday – securing a number of treats that we just deserve.
Each week, our fashion and beauty team puts together a carefully curated list of what we’re coveting, from viral and influencer-approved garments (we’re looking at Frankie Bridge here in these New Look sandals) to brand new launches. This week, our team is celebrating the arrival of Merit’s new SPF as well as Abbott Lyon’s recent collaboration with Carys Whittaker.
We’ve also found some stunning summer looks that need a spot in our wardrobe. Whether we’re attending a wedding or simply attending our best mate’s BBQ, we’ve shared just some of our top picks from Nobody’s Child, All Saints, and Anthropologie that we’ve fallen in love with.
READ MORE: Kayali launches full-size ‘Vacay in a Bottle’ perfumes – and they’re perfect for summer
READ MORE: Beauty buffs find ‘genius’ way to make fake tan last longer – it sells every 20 seconds
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
Bethan’s picks
Frankie Bridge’s New Look chunky sandals – £27.99
Sandal season is upon us and a chunky black sandal is the must-have style yet again this summer, as proven this week by Loose Women ’s Frankie Bridge. Over the weekend, the star stepped out in a pair of Black Leather-Look Chunky Sliders from New Look – and I’m obsessed.
The stylish kicks cost £27.99 and boast a chunky sole and cushioned padding. Featuring a slip-on design with rip-tape fastening, they’re ideal for wearing around the pool or out to dinner. As we know, Frankie is a petite 5’3”, so the chunky sole is great for adding some height to an outfit without necessarily needing to opt for a pair of heels.
They’re an accessory that can be styled with various outfits, working well with shorts, skirts, dresses, and even jeans. One shopper hailed them as: “Literally the most comfy shoes to have ever graced my feet,” though another wrote: “Too chunky for me. Looked funny but very comfy.”
Ted Baker’s new summer fragrance – £25
I’m a frequent fragrance rotator, and I love to match my daily perfume pick to my mood, outfit, and the weather. As the temperature rises, I’ve found myself moving away from the light, soft and airy scents of spring and into more tropical aromas, with Ted Baker’s new fragrance Kasia fast becoming a go-to.
The perfume is powered by mood-boosting fragrance technology, meaning it really is ‘joy in a bottle’. It’s formulated using MoodScentz+ technology from Givaudan – a science-backed innovation proven to enhance feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
Inspired by ‘golden hour warmth’, it features notes of lychee, jasmine and pink hibiscus, alongside creamy coconut, vanilla, amber and sandalwood. It really is the ultimate ‘holiday in a bottle scent’ on a budget, and is every bit the sunny, mood-boosting escape it promises to be. It may not have the longevity of a more concentrated eau de parfum, but at £25 for 50ml, it’s an easy yes for the months ahead.
Allsaints Smocked Sleeveless Tank Top – £59
When it comes to dressing for hot days, comfort and fit are key, and I love nothing more than an elevated sleeveless top to ensure I stay cool, without compromising on style, and this Allsaints top offers just that. The Ode Tank is crafted from a cool organic cotton ideal for sunny weather, with a round neck and sleeveless design to help beat the heat.
Available in sizes 6-16, it’s fully smocked and elasticated throughout for ultimate comfort, with a slight flare at the hem that looks great paired with skinny jeans or denim shorts. The jade green hue is really pretty, but if purple is more your vibe, then there’s a lilac version, too.
Lauren’s picks:
Bohomoon Malina Cuff Bracelet – £28
As a self-confessed jewellery obsessive – think stacks of rings, layers of necklaces, and a never-ending rotation of earrings – I’m always searching for my next favourite piece. Lately, my wrists have been looking bare, and cuff bracelets have been everywhere recently, so I knew it was time. Enter this gorgeous shell cuff from Bohomoon.
Its beachy, sculptural silhouette is the ultimate statement piece for summer and festival season. I’m already picturing paired with a floaty dress, sandals and a few bangles on the other wrist. Plus, like all of Bohomoon’s pieces, it’s tarnish-free and waterproof – meaning no green marks, even if you’re sweating it out at a festival or splashing around on holiday.
If you’re after more jewellery that won’t turn on after one wear, Hey Harper is another favourite of mine for quality, tarnish-free pieces. The brand’s Bella hoop earrings are my go-to and never disappoint me.
Merit’s The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 – £34
Whenever I hear about a product with a waitlist before it’s even launched, you can bet I’m already signed up. This time, the buzz was around Merit’s The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF, with 20,000 people in line ahead of its launch on Thursday (May 22).
The hype is justified. Uniform is the first 100% mineral sunscreen to feature advanced pigment dispersion technology, meaning it delivers ultra-sheer coverage across an impressive 15 skin tones. It’s designed to offer light to medium coverage with a natural, skin-like finish – and I was seriously impressed when I put it to the test.
I opted for shade 28 (a fair-neutral warm tone), which blended seamlessly into my skin. It felt lightweight, covered blemishes and uneven skin tone in a single swipe, and, best of all, it didn’t have a cakey finish. It’s buildable, too, so you can dial it up if you prefer extra coverage.
If you’re into breathable, multi-tasking formulas, another SPF I rate highly is Trinny London’s BFF. I raved about it non-stop last year for its hydrating feel and glow-boosting finish.
Boux Avenue’s Jordyn Pyjama Set – £35.20 from £44
I’m a sucker for a new pair of pyjamas. There’s something about slipping into a fresh pair that feels like self-care – especially when they look as good as they feel.
Boux Avenue has long been one of my go-to sleepwear brands: its pieces are affordable without skimping on quality, and there’s always a great mix of comfy cotton sets and sexier styles when I want to switch things up.
While I’m usually a fan of lightweight cotton pjs for summer, this week, I decided to lean into something a little more sultry – the Jordyn Pyjama Set. Think silky, slinky, and just a little dating. With delicate floral lace detailing and cute satin bows, it gives serious bedroom appeal.
Fair warning: the cups are sheer, so this isn’t your throw-it-on-to-watch Netflix set. But if you’re dressing up for a partner – or want to feel glam – this is a fab option. It’s flattering, luxe against the skin and the kind of set that makes me want to sashay around my bedroom like I’m in a music video.
Eve’s picks:
Anthropologie’s Beaded Icon Charm Necklace – £58
I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a sucker for a trend. I jumped at the chance to add polka dots, butter yellow and gingham to my wardrobe this year. And one I’ve spotted on a number of fashion influencers of late is necklaces made from an array of colourful beads and finished with a dangly, bold charm. Oozing 90s chic, it’s safe to say I’m obsessed and no doubt will be something on which my payday cheque will be spent.
On my hunt for one that wouldn’t break the bank too much, didn’t look too tacky (there’s a fine line) and would go with a handful of summery outfits, I landed on Anthrpologie’s Beaded Icon Charm Necklace that I found utterly… charming. I could see it going with so many casual and smart ensembles.
Crafted with a handful of different sized gems in blues, greens, oranges, whites and salmony pinks, the necklace is a playful addition to outfits that need a bit of a colour boost or that need a bit of texture. While its beads for me are such a standout feature, I love its sunshine charm that just brings a bit of joy. It’s bold yet dainty, boho yet chic.
Costing £58, it’s not exactly cheap but it is a lovely payday treat that’ll certainly get its wear this summer. For something a little smaller, in terms of charm, I also fell in love with Estella Bartlett’s Multi Facet Gemstone Spring Clasp Necklace, £55, which features a smaller round drop charm and more uniform gems that are equally as vibrant. Made from Waterproof PVD 14ct gold, the necklace has been made to remain shiny for years to come and features gems such as Tiger’s Eye, Green Jade, and Cerise Jade.
Nobody’s Child’s Floral Ellis Midi Dress – £89
As someone who has what feels like a gazillion weddings this year (okay, eight), I’m constantly on the hunt for dresses that suit a handful of different wedding themes to fit the bill for more than one occasion – I’m all about recycling. Now, as a fashion writer, I spend a lot of my time sifting through brands such as Nobody’s Child and earlier in the week stumbled upon a stunning blue flower-adorned dress that I know would be ideal for black tie events, summer garden party nuptials, beach vibes, home and away ceremonies – the lot.
With an asymetric one shoulder style that is great for warmer weather, the dress is made from 100% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose, making it lovely and lightweight, and pretty floaty to just glide over the body.
While some people might wince at me suggesting a cream background dress, its bright blue – and dramatically large – flowers decorating the frock make it rather un-bridal and appropriate as a wedding guest (I can say this as a former bride as it’s unlikely the wearer of this dress will be mistaken for the star of the show).
Plus, with a handful of blue or green accessories, it adds brightness and colour and requires very little effort to look chic. Costing £89, the Ellis dress’ midi length is modest while its bodice is flattering and figure-enhancing. Plus, for those who get hot easily, with one strappy shoulder, it’s a summer wedding dream.
Although for those who’d rather avoid any sort of light colours, I get it, the brand’s Blue Satin Bandeau Ellie Midi Dress, £89 is a showstopper that’ll make its wearer a vision in blue, while the £150 pink floral Anya dress is ideal for those wanting to cover up their arms.
Abbott Lyon X Carys Whittaker
I do love a new jewellery haul and the celeb and influencer loved jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has recently launched a brand new range with Welsh lifestyle influencer and fashion brand owner Carys Whittaker which is packed full of pieces that have been made to help its wearer feel ‘confident’ and ‘make any outfit feel a little more special’.
The collection features heart huggie earrings that come in an array of different colours from light blue to pink depending on the precious gem inside and in gold and silver metal, a matching bracelet, £69, that has hearts filled in with white quartz, blue lace agate and pink opal, as well as a multi crystal cursive name necklace, £95.
With the option of adding up to five names, all of which are crafted with a luxurious cubic zirconia crystal finish, the necklace is available in gold and silver and wide range of chain lengths too.
Made from water, sweat and heat-resistant stainless steel, it’s a long-lasting addition to any jewellery collection that adds a lovely personal, and confidence boosting, touch.
