As we prepare ourselves for sun-drenched days, sun-kissed skin and beach blown hair, my top 6 seasonal essentials will keep you primped, primed and ready for the hottest summer yet.
LIPS
My #1 essential Summer stand out pick is Lips!, from Zoe Foster-Blake’s new skin care line, Go-To. The secret to luscious lips is out and it’s the only pocket pal you’ll need to recover from those hot summer days and long party nights, rejuvenating even the most chapped and sunburnt smoochers. Lips! has got your pout protected, with ultra medical grade lanolin, nourishing apricot kernel, avocado, almond, evening primrose, vitamin E and jojoba oils, as well as beeswax, soothing calendula and shea butter. It’s a great stocking filler for any lip-enthusiast or summer buff.
Flash Tattoos are the perfect summer accessory! When you’re busy swimming your days away in the salty sea and sipping solstice cocktails, flash tattoos won’t tarnish, you won’t lose them, and you’ll be sharing a trend with A-list celebrities like Beyonce and Ariana. They’re a must have for the upcoming festival season and you can create your own designs by mixing the many single tattoos that come in each pack. When in doubt: head over to Pinterest and search for endless images of flash tattoo inspiration!
Jodie Hayes and Emma Bäcklund are the creative masterminds behind U & I. Filling the gap in the female surf wear market, U & I designs stylish and simple active wear for an energetic lifestyle: ready to wear at the shaping shed, surfing waves, stretching out at yoga and even into the night. My summer essential pick is the Rincon one-piece, which is inspired by the bay area of Bells Beach, a place where the rush begins and the anticipation builds. With long sleeves, boy legs, a zipper back, leather string pull and a hand-dyed front contrast, the Rincon fronts an entire collection from U & I that is individually hand-dyed in the Torquay studio, made to the highest standards, uniquely finished and completely summer-ready.
Piyama (pronounced Pea-yama) is a Brisbane born sleepwear and loungewear label, created by mum & daughter duo Pea & Greer. Inspired by their favourite day, Sunday, Pea & Greer design versatile garments that can be worn unashamedly from dawn to dusk. Hand-made by tailors in Bali, their most recent boutique-style collection includes pyjama sets, nighties, nightgowns, pyjama shorts, lounge sets, shoes and more. Made from 100% cotton and breathable fabrics, Piyama pyjamas are not only casually glamorous but – more importantly – comfortable. Piyama’s are versatile, perfect for both the bedroom and beyond, and if anyone needs to fill my Santa sack this Christmas, the Butterfly Tassel Day Dress or a chic Endless Summer Sleep Set, will suit me just fine.
Luludu is a small handmade label dedicated to creating beautiful, ethical shoes and homewares that celebrate love, life and compassion. Their founding garment is the vintage inspired crochet shoes, with each pair taking roughly 8 hours to make by hand. Luludu has only recently expanded overseas, helping women earn a fair wage while working in a relaxed and safe environment in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s not just their ethical craftsmanship that sets them apart: the shoes themselves are truly beautiful and they’re the most fashionable way to sport near-naked feet this Summer.
Finally, for an accessory that just screams Summer, I suggest some vibrant floral jewels handcrafted by Katie Boyles, under the brand Flower and Finch. Their current collection necklaces combine two of the hottest trends: striking colourful pressed flowers and feminine, dainty jewellery. Having only opened their Etsy doors in early October, they are already gaining lifelong fans.
The Fashion Advocate x
