Seeing Stripes

I love a stripe top. I have far too many, 33 at the last count. But I'm lacking in the stripy dress department. Sure I have some in various incarnations, navy and grey with leather pockets, black and white with a neon zip, but as the weather hints at turning warmer, I find myself needing a classic style, navy and white with a sleeve and not too short, something I can go to work in but also wear on the weekend. Here are a round up of the ones that made it into my shopping bag.

MiH dress £185

This style by MiH is a little pricey, but I love the unique mash up of summery pale blue, navy panels and classic stripes. There's a cute vent detail at the side and the length is just right. Wear with white Birkenstocks for a fresh summer look.

White Chocoolate £55 from ASOS

ASOS has oodles of stripe dresses to choose from but I especially liked this style by White Chocoolate. It has handy chambray patch pockets and an interesting chambray panel at the back. If it had been a bit longer and in navy rather than black it would have definitely made it into my wardrobe.

Topshop £29

Ah Topshop, always reliable in a clothing crisis even if wandering around your Oxford Street emporium makes me feel aged. I found not 1 but 2 great options. First up a classic daytime cotton dress. I choose one from the tall section and went down a size. It's an affordable and simple option, with a nice turn up detail on the sleeve and a mini zip detail at the back. 

Topshop £70

Finally I purchased this dress when it was still woolly hat and tights weather. I loved it from the moment I saw it. Contrasting side stripes that make you look thinner, long gold zip at the back, flattering curved hem. Perfect for daytime with a ballet pump (worn here with Chanel pumps) or evening with a simple strappy heel.

Birthday Wishlist

In 7 days it's my birthday and I'll officially enter my mid-30s (gulp!) To cheer myself up I've compiled a dreamy wish list of things I'd like to receive for my birthday.

Clarisonic £125

First up, the Clarisonic. I've heard so many good things about this handy device, I imagine it would buff away all the dirt and grim of London living and make my aging skin glow.

Saint Laurent Bag £904

As you'll come to realise I have a thing for bags. My mortgage would be paid off a lot quicker if it wasn't for my arm candy splurges. I've had my eye on this delectable beauty by Saint Laurent for a few months now. A girl can dream...

Valentino Rockstud Flats

And shoes! My other financial downfall. These works of art by Valentino would look so pretty on my feet and I'd love them forever. Plus they are flat so would make all the walking around I do for work that much more stylish and pleasant.

Lola's Cupcakes = Happiness

What's a birthday without cake? A rubbish one. So I'm hoping for a batch of Lola's Cupcakes to munch on (peanut butter or banoffee if anyone's reading this and feeling generous).

Exotic Kittens. Image Pinterest

And finally my dream present would be an exotic shorthair kitten to love and cuddle. And I'd call it Smoosh.

Images from: John Lewis, My Theresa, Pinterest

Weekend Scenes

Welcome to Sunshine & Stripes, a place where I will be sharing things that inspire me and make me smile. First up, Weekend Scenes. This is the first weekend of the year when I wasn't working and I was so happy for the gorgeous sunshine. I lapped it up, lounging around on my terrace reading Lionel Shriver's novel Big Brother

Miu Miu sunglasses, Korres sun cream, Paul Smith towel

It wasn't all sun worshipping however. I've teamed up with Simply Swim to do the London Triathlon this summer and as I can't swim properly I've got some serious training to do! (More to come on this).

Swimsuit and googles from Simply Swim

On Sunday we took a wander to Brick Lane for bagels and people watching, before heading to Columbia Road Flower Market to buy some beautiful tulips.

We also stopped by one of my favourite homeware stores Labour & Wait and picked up these retro drinking jars. 

Drinking Jars

Wanting to make the most of the balmy evening we decided to finish the weekend with our first BBQ of the year, let's hope it's one of many!