My Instagram Holiday Photo Diary

Oh, Instagram. Before your algorithm, your spam bots, your impossibility of keeping hold of the followers you gained and your inability to create original ideas on how to display trivial life activity for 24 hours only, you were my best friend. Well, you still are; along with my frustration, lack of enthusiasm and distinct swap around in favouritism, you remain my number one spot to share my photos. 

Holiday Lookbook: The Nighttime Glam

Welcome to my first instalment of my holiday lookbook! After another tough week battling through a heavy schedule and an unfortunate deterioration in pain levels, I finally managed to sort through the most important chapter of my holiday - and that would be my outfits.  If you were interacting over on my instagram whilst I was away you'll have more than likely seen a sneak peek of most of my outfits but I also like to showcase them over on my blogging platform for you all to see! For me, planning, preparing, then eventually wearing your new clobber is one of the most exciting parts about heading off on vacay - albeit there's some unavoidable creases and accidental shampoo spillages on the way there, and there's the issue of humidity attempting to creep in and replace stylish with sweaty mess once worn but I still love the refreshing feeling and the confidence gained when you dash out for an evening of food, cocktails and a gearing up for the guaranteed "why is she so dressed up in a quiet rural part of Spain" stares. 

If you've been following my blog for a couple of years (oh you loyal things, you) you'll know photographing my daily and nightly outfits is a cliche move for me and this year was no different. I've stuck to my morals, experimented with garments I'd be happy to take on in an unfamiliar environment, developed an unwavering love for bright shades of colour and mixed up my holiday wardrobe so there's no specific direction. From pretty dresses to relaxed jumpsuits and all out risque, I tried it all...

Day one: imagine my mood when the entire first day was cloudy and dull, keep that picture in mind and then analyse my outfit choice. Yep, that's right, I went for all black in this on trend cut out shoulder frill playsuit, layered choker necklace and tie up sandals.

How To Pack and Prepare Your Summer Holiday Outfits

The build up to a holiday abroad is, in my eyes, one of the best parts. The thought of taking a trip out of reality to a placid place with only unwinding relaxation, scorching sunshine, photo opportunities and the exploration of exciting locations on your to-do list is enough to boost your spirits no matter what's going on around you but of course, with a holiday comes organisation and with organisation comes a bedroom resembling a warehouse, clothes piled up in a measly sized suitcase with a cram and hope it doesn't exceed the luggage limit mantra and a last minute panic on if you've managed to gather enough unique, appropriate, contemporary fashion to fill your insta content for the fortnight.

Wednesday Wishlist: Swimwear Shopping

RIVER ISLAND CROCHET SWIMSUIT | RIVER ISLAND LACE UP BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | FOREVER 21 CREAM/GOLD METALLIC BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | BOOHOO GINGHAM BIKINI SET |  RIVER ISLAND GREY PRINTED SWIMSUIT | RIVER ISLAND BLACK LONGLINE BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | ASOS TIE DYE LATTICE BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | ZARA RED CROSSOVER BIKINI | H&M BLACK SCALLOPED BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | ASOS PRIVATE PARTY VACAY SWIMSUIT | MISSGUIDED GOLD COLOUR BLOCK BIKINI | H&M FLORAL BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | TOPSHOP STRAPPY CROSS BACK SWIMSUIT | RIVER ISLAND DENIM LOOK BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | H&M LACE UP SWIMSUIT | H&M PINK CROCHET BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | BOOHOO CHEVRON BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | FOREVER 21 STRIPE BARDOT BIKINI SET: TOP, BOTTOMS | ZARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE BIKINI | BOOHOO PALM TREE SCOOP BACK SWIMSUIT

Life: a luxury stay at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel

Those who know me, know I'm the definition of an introvert. There's nothing I love more than peace and tranquility, the opportunity to relax and unwind my inner tiring mind, put my feet up with a hot drink catching up on trashy TV, indulging in some pampering treats whilst soaking up the country air; so, when I was asked if I would like to review a night at Ox Pasture Hall, the luxury Scarborough hotel with a king suite, dinner and bed and breakfast included I was absolutely delighted and quite frankly, totally flattered.

Life: a day out in Scarborough

The Yorkshire Coast has always held a place in my heart with a dozen childhood memories safely stored there, so when I was kindly asked along to stay at just one of the best Scarborough hotels on the market (believe me) I couldn't not revisit one of my favourite places before I relaxed for the night; especially on such a beautiful, sunny day which I was luckily blessed with during a rainy November. Taking my darling mum along with me for a well needed weekend break, we caught the train down early morning to make the most of the day and were able to take advantage of all the hidden treasures I'd often pushed to the back of my mind previously.

The holiday lookbook: evening wear week 2

So I'm now onto the final instalment of my holiday lookbooks, the last week of my evening attire. As we've come to an end, it feels like I finally have to let go of the Spanish reminiscence and I no longer have any excuse to pine over sunshine and happy times. Goodbye Costa Blanca, hello Costa Del Rainy Leeds...

The last week of a holiday is a bit of an angel/devil situation. You're able to enjoy dressing up to your hearts content as your tan is in full golden mode, but then you know the fun and relaxation is about to finish any moment and you're almost watching the clock tick by. I think I did make the most of the time I had left (outfit wise anyway), I gave my style a boost in the right (or should I say white) direction and I really thought I'd up my game with the 'I wish to appear more elegant' movement. I may have had a funny look here and there, the familiar question of 'why on earth are you so dressed up' pretty much visible on the ogling faces of the public but that's just me, I dress up to feel good and it's such a holiday tradition that I'll be doing it till I'm old and grey. 

EVENING 10 -

A floral statement doesn't need a big amount of further detail, it's such a safe, sensible yet complimenting choice.

Dress - Zara (sale) | Shoes - Deichmann | Bag - Primark

The holiday lookbook: evening wear week 1

To say I'm way behind on publishing my holiday posts is an understatement to say the least and although I'm now 100% ready for pretty flowers to turn into golden, crispy leaves, drawn out evenings to change into darkened nights and summer stock to be replaced with Halloween gear, it doesn't stop me dreaming of this time two months ago when I was enjoying my well needed trip to Spain. 

Contradicting to my casual day outfits (which you can find here and here) it's almost traditional for me to make more of an effort (or at least try to) once sprucing up for the evening meal and drinks to follow. I never leave the apartment without a pair of statement heels (unless I'm going to be walking a while and need some room for my feet to breathe) and my accessories have to blend in. Past 8pm has to be my favourite time during a holiday, the heat is almost bearable, the sun is setting, and as you're nearly ready to take a therapeutic walk to the centre for allll the food, applying the final touch of detail to your freshly co-ordinated outfit is oh so satisfying, whether that be a piece of jewellery or a certain nail varnish. I always find evening outfits are way more fun to create and if you're lucky enough to be on holiday for a long duration of time, you can display all sections to your personal style which in my case is the comfortable side, the on trend side, the girly side and the cool but casual (and judging by some rad decisions), the cowboy side. 

EVENING 1 - 

The first night choice is difficult when you're still pale as ever, but you can never go wrong with stripes.

Jumpsuit - eBay | Bag - Primark | Belt - ASOS | Shoes - Primark

The holiday lookbook: daywear week 2

Finally, after getting back on track, I've moved on to the second part of my holiday lookbook which is the day-wear part two. The outfits featured are definitely some of my favourite of the bulk lot. Not just because my tan was more noticeable (crying into my pillow because that's now completely vanished) but because the locations are so blog-ready and I strangely felt much more ship-shaped going into the second week. Typically, it got hotter in Spain as the weeks went by so I had to keep the clothing to a minimal and I think the choice of styling fit the bill and kept heat exhaustion to a minimum (trust me when I say I had a serious case of that on a daily basis). So, without keeping a conversation pointlessly rolling, I'll crack on with showing you what I wore.

DAY 11 -

 That H&M dress was the perfect choice for a day at the beach. Light, white AND appealing.

Dress - H&M | Hat - H&M | Bag - H&M | Sliders - Primark | Sunnies -  River Island

DAY 12 -

I love layering but the only suitable layering abroad is sleeveless on sleeveless. Camel on black is what I went for here.

Dress - Forever 21 | Sleeveless Jacket - Miss Pap | Hat - H&M | Belt - ASOS | Shoes - Primark

DAY 13 -

This ASOS dress was a definite all round vacay dress. Adding in some contrast, delicate accessories jazzed it up a little.

Dress - ASOS | Sandals - Mango | Bag - H&M | Sunglasses - Primark | Necklace - New Look

DAY 14 -

Back at the apartment I always opted for a safe choice of a camisole and shorts. Square necks are so complimenting.

Top - H&M | Shorts - Stradivarius | Shoes - Primark

DAY 15 -

Jersey dresses allow you to still have breathing space whilst being a step bolder and classier when exploring. 

Dress - H&M | Hat - (a Spanish own) | Sandals - Forever 21 | Bag - H&M

DAY 16 -

A lightweight stripe number is a must. The clean cut, crisp white colours matched the Spanish streets effortlessly. 

Dress - New Look | Bag - Primark | Shoes - Forever 21 | Hat - H&M

DAY 17 -

Reaching out for my girly side, the neutral whites and pinky nudes were in full swing with this pretty fringed blouse.

*Top - C/O DressLink | Shorts - Forever 21 | Hat - Primark | Sunglasses - Stradivarius

DAY 18 - 

Finding that 1 pair of shorts and wearing them to death is necessary. Crop top/shorts are the ultimate holiday combo.

Top - New Look | Shorts - Stradivarius | Bralet - Primark | Sunnies - Primark | Hat - H&M

DAY 19 -

When wearing a stand out print on the bottom half, a more simple bralet to throw on is a great way to mix it up.

Bralet - Primark | Shorts - Topshop

DAY 20 -

I love a good tanned shoulder so showing them off in this beautiful bardot piece made me feel oh so sophisticated.

Dress - Bershka | Sandals - Mango 

DAY 21 -

I often swap outfits at the beach so carrying featherweight, barely there pieces with me was a grand decision. 

Beach outfit 1: Bikini - H&M | Kimono - Primark | Hat - H&M

Beach outfit 2: Bralet - eBay | Shorts -  ASOS | Hat - H&M 

If you want to recap on the first daywear lookbook, you can find it here! Stay tuned as evening wear part one will be posted soon (definitely sooner than the gap between these two).

Bridie x

The holiday lookbook: daywear week 1

For me, a holiday abroad takes a lot of preparation clothes wise. It's 100% guaranteed to be boiling hot every day so it's necessary to pack the lightweight pieces but a demand for style also comes hand in hand. Without a doubt, I am an over packer, especially now I'm well and truly hooked to fashion blogging so this year I ended up taking way too many outfits to try and squeeze into the 17 days I was in Spain but I did it (yay!) and have finally got round to creating my first lookbook out of four.

There's always two kinds of outfits prepped for a relaxation break: 1) The casual, comfortable chosen look for throughout the day, and 2) The more dolled up, free from sweating cobs (what even is cobs?!) and smart but chic look for an evening meal and a night exploring the bars. This starter post concentrates on number one! A day in the life of my daytime activities consists of lounging round the pool, making the most of the beach, trips to the shops, walks around the familiar streets and the occasional typical tourist exploration so for that, I need to keep it cool. In honesty, no real effort and overthinking goes into my day wear - I strip it back, dare to go makeup free (notice the sunglasses and ooze of confidence where I'm in a setting not having to worry if I'll see anyone I know and scare them half to death!) and most of the time, I end up switching round my shoes and accessories and even changing my outfit twice in the same day (to squeeze in everything I brought with me of course). Depending on my energy levels, I'll either laze around in a bikini or go for a stroll with a fan and a bottle of water in hand and as you'll see, my mood reflects my decision making; read: hair scrunched up in a ponytail = definitely getting annoyed with the failed mix of heat and long hair. 

DAY 1 - 

I stepped into my girly side with my first look, pairing a pretty crop top with some beloved crochet.

*Crop top - C/O DressLink | Shorts - Topshop | Sandals - Forever 21 | Hat - Primark | Sunglasses - River Island

DAY 2 - 

Along with a statement necklace, a vibrant top half and a patterned bottom creates the perfect contrast.

Cami Top - H&M | Shorts - H&M | Necklace - H&M | Rose Gold Sliders - Primark | Sunglasses - Primark

DAY 3 -

Simple fringing is ideal for both festivals and holidays. Black teamed with browns is a combo I love.

Fringed Top - H&M | Shorts - Forever 21 | Shoes - Primark | Hat - H&M | Sunglasses - Primark

DAY 4 -
Although the air is extremely hot, a layered kimono gives that ordinary outfit a boost.

Top - Zara (sale) | Shorts - Zara (sale) | Lace Up Sandals - Mango | Kimono - Primark | Sunnies - Primark | Hat - Primark

DAY 5 -
It was instant love with this white sheer lace tunic and instead of using it as a cover up, I paired it with basic denim.

*Tunic Top - C/O DressLink | Shorts - River Island (old) | Sandals - Forever 21 | Sunnies - River Island

DAY 6 -
I can't go away without a Missguided piece, this cute little halterneck gem makes summer styling easy as pie. 

Playsuit - Missguided | Bag - H&M | Shoes - Primark | Hat - H&M | Sunglasses - River Island

DAY 7 -
Playsuits are definitely my go to, especially when it's in stripe form with added detail.

Playsuit - Mango | Hat - (a Spanish own) | Shoes - Forever 21 | Sunnies - Stradivarius

DAY 8 -
I do praise a good supermarket find! I found out dark denim works really well with a growing tan.

Denim Playsuit - George at Asda | Shoes - Primark | Bag - H&M | Necklace - Zara (sale) | Sunnies - Primark

DAY 9 -
I don't know what's best; an off the shoulder co-ord or discovering huge cacti in the middle of an open space!

Top - ASOS | Shorts - ASOS | Sandals - Mango | Hat - H&M | Sunnies - River Island

DAY 10 -
A day well spent is a day in nothing but a bikini and an airy over lace layer.

Bikini 1: Bikini Set - New Look | Kimono - Primark | Hat - H&M

Bikini 2: Bikini Set - River Island | Lace Top - H&M | Sunglasses - Primark | Hat - H&M | Bag - Primark

Starting out with the palest shade and ending with an obvious subtle glow is almost amusing (and highly satisfying). At the end of week one I was already developing a pretty decent tan and I still had plenty of time to work on it. Aside from flaunting my new found colour, another enjoyable part of my holiday was finding the photogenic backgrounds suitable for coordinating blogger style. Last year I stuck to the same old patio backdrop but I really did get to work on finding the locations and think I must have mentally marked down every place I passed. Talk about scouting Spain!

Hope you enjoyed having a browse through my first lot of outfits and keep an eye out for the next round!

Bridie x

Life: my holiday photo diary in sunny Spain

Holiday blues: the depression and boredom that follows when you arrive back from a holiday. 

It's been well over a week now and I'm still suffering greatly with the above definition. I'm currently in the state of mourning over my peeling skin and discolouring tan, moaning about the supposed British (Northern) summer, and making reference to what would have been happening if I was back on the Costa Blanca (y'know the whole 'this time two weeks ago' kinda dialect). After 17 days of nothing but bliss and relaxation in the glorious sunshine, reality really does hit once you're back boarding the plane like a typical grumpy tourist and it seems to have unintentionally affected my blog schedule. I feel like I need to apologise for being absent throughout the whole of July. My motivation seemed to have completely vanished along with the pre-holiday bikini bod I worked so hard on (here's back to having an extremely sweet tooth and telling myself there's absolutely no reason for me to continue with the strict diet). 

Taking away from the fact I'm admittedly a little grouchy (but also gradually finding my way back to normality), I did once again have the best time with the best people. Our trip to Torrevieja in the Orihuela Costa happens every year. We stay at the same location, visit the same places and do the same things and despite what some may think, it never ever gets boring. Family time is something I value the most; so along with waking up to bright blue skies, devouring delicious food in our favourite restaurants, getting a free Bailey's from our fraternal Italian bar owner every night, treasuring the peacefulness, and even sweating as soon as we've glammed and freshened up on an evening (hello extreme hair frizz encountered humidity), being with the people I love the most, meeting some new friendly faces along the way, and belly laughing to the point of tears is unbeatable. 

We stay in Playa Flamenca continuously and I'm a huge fan of the quietness and the familiar surroundings. It's not chaotic, over populated, nor materialistic. In fact it's the complete opposite and is more like a home from home. Some days we ate our body weight in all the carbs possible, some days we stayed in, watched the soaps and then sat out on the scorching patio chatting till gone midnight (it was still just below 30 degrees at that time!). We strolled along the beach, the central harbour (with an ice cream of course), and the dainty market stalls, burnt our feet on the red hot sand, attempted to play a good few rounds of pool without dehydrating, admired the beautiful Spanish architecture, dedicated an evening to spending and shopping till we drop in Spain's most recent (and most captivating) open rooftop boulevard and sat round the pool, everyday without fail, without a care in the world, head in a book and ears filled with freshly updated music. It's a different world when you're abroad and there's something about the sea air that tends to make me feel 100 times better, happier and healthier than back home. It's a shame holidays can't last forever. You seem to wait for that build up to the day for months down the line, yet the actual vacation flies by. Saying that, I do appreciate the opportunity of experiencing nothing but sunshine and exploration, and before I delve into sorrow, will now let the photos do the talking. Warning, very picture heavy post.

As you can see, finding photo opportunities is always easy. Although I've been reoccurring my holidays to the same location, it makes no difference to how snap happy I become. You think you know the place inside out but there's always something new and a discovery of the hidden gems. I also became more adventurous with the capturing of my outfits this year. Stopping at certain locations for a photo (or should I say more like a group of them which you turn out hating) drove my brother insane but with some gentle persuasion and returned favours, I managed to widen the spectrum so stay tuned for lots more fashion-based photos to come!

Hope you're all having a lovely week! I'm glad I've finally managed to prepare a post as I've missed the blogging community. It feels good to be back!

Bridie x