What International Women’s Day Means To Me

I have been thinking about International Women’s day for months, what I wanted to say and what it means to me.

International Women's Day (IWD) is a worldwide event that celebrates women's achievements, from the political to the social, whilst calling for gender equality.

It has been observed since the early 1900s and is now recognised each year on March 8. The theme for IWD 2017 is “Be Bold for Change” - encouraging people to step up and take ground breaking action to help drive gender equality.

It is difficult to say when IWD actually began, but its roots can be traced to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding voting rights, better pay and shorter working hours. These women were truly trailblazers in my opinion.

We all in our own way, I believe, work to strive for equality and “fairness” in all areas of our lives and this got me thinking about what inspires me about women and why I am proud to be one.

There are certain qualities that unify the women I call my friends, family members, and those I have revered through history. The traits that set these women apart are their determination, persistence and above all fearlessness.

We have seen incredible women throughout history like Rosa Parks - America Civil Rights Activist, Emmeline Pankhurst - leader of the British suffragette movement, Marie Curie – physicist and chemist; and in recent years - Malala Yousafzai - Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate.

Whilst I was never big on history at school, reading about these women’s lives and the ardent commitment they gave to their causes – well, these women are true icons in my view. Women I am in awe of.

Whilst the courage and fearlessness of these women and many others have gone down in history – I look around and see that incredible women surround me in all areas of my life.

In fact I would say hands down my closest friends are forces to be reckoned with, in a really good way.

I have friends who have raised their children alone after divorce, retrained and gone back to work after over a decade because they needed to support their families.

I have aunts, In India, who have given up their own goals to raise their families, keep them safe and nurse terminally ill relatives.

This isn’t a “mother” love-in – I know fearless women who chose not to have children, absolutely their right - and have done wonderful philanthropic things with their lives – with commitment, dedication and authenticity. Some have even ended up as stepmothers – not part of their initial life plan but dealt with the unknown challenges with wisdom and grace.

I am lucky enough to know women who even when they are low, brought to their knees through adversity – get back on their feet – roll their sleeves up and keep going. Their walks and talks are perfectly aligned and I find that so empowering and inspiring.This not me regaling about how women are better than men, I might joke that women are the more superior race – but truth be told – we need each other and work best side by side, in harmony.

And in case you didn’t know International Men’s Day is on November 19 each year and is celebrated in 60 countries around the world. The objective is to focus on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models.

But today is International Women’s Day. Women who embody authenticity, commitment and fearlessness live all around me; they inspire me and propel me to be better and I hope in my small way I can do the same.

Happy international Women's day! 

Winter hair care tips VLOG

New vlog all about looking after your hair in the colder months, hope you enjoy!! x

What are you giving up for lent?

So it’s the start of lent tomorrow.

As I understand it - and I will preface with I am not Christian, but did go to Church of England schools - Lent is a time to give things up.

For Christians it is when they remember the time Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert being tempted by Satan. As Jesus was fasting during this period, I think this is why Christians associate this time with giving up particular foods…ok that’s about as far as I’m going to go with the religious account.

This is the thing about lent though, and what I find particularly interesting, is these days lent is observed by many people, regardless of their religious identity. It feels like a societal thing, though its root originates in Christianity.

You know the deal, people give up a whole host of things – anything from chocolate, alcohol, pizza, smoking to social networking (apparently!). My daughter has suggested she may give up meat – which I will be very impressed to see. She is, however one of the most determined people I know, so if she says she will, she will.

But this is the thing – I feel the whole concept of giving something up for a prolonged period of time is really laudable and I do believe that if you set your mind to something, it is good to commit. But I am not good at giving up things.

This is primarily why I never diet or do dry January. I can go weeks without drinking, but the minute I tell myself I am not allowed – there is part of my mind that rebels.

But I do like idea of lent, so I have decided to look at it as a period of time where I don’t give something up – but I exercise some sustained discipline. Discipline – I can get on board with – and fuels my personal fire. A subtle distinction I know, but it makes sense to me (!)So I have decided on coffee. I never drink instant coffee, which is what we have at home – but even if I am working from home, I will make a point of going out most days and buying a “posh” coffee.

So not having it for 40 days will be no bad thing and whilst it will be nominal I have decided that I will put the money I would have spent in a jar and give it to charity at the end of lent. I'm feeling focussed...

So how about you? Are you giving up something for lent – what is it? Do you always observe lent, or never? Please get in touch; I’d love to know....

Laain activewear VLOG

Here's my new vlog about London based brand Laain. Hope you enjoy x

5 Winter Skincare Tips VLOG

Here's my latest vlog - 5 Winter Skincare Tips!

Hope you enjoy and please let me know what you thought x

HAIR exhibition by Sam McKnight at Somerset House

On Friday I went to HAIR by Sam McKnight at Somerset House in London.

Exhibitions can be hit and miss for me - sometimes I have the highest expectations and the exhibits fall short. This exhibition however was a spontaneous visit so I had no preconceived thoughts on it whatsoever, and it was fantastic: beautifully laid out, thoughtfully curated and visually captivating.

And whilst I didn't know very much about Sam McKnight, I left with a real sense of the man and his passion for his work. It's the kind of exhibition you want to take your time over....You're getting that I loved it, right?

Unusually as well, you are allowed to take pictures (which I was delighted about) provided they are taken without a flash. I didn't take my good camera but here are some snaps I took on my phone that I wanted to share with you.

It's running till the 12 March 2017 so get down there - if like me you like fashion, glamour and hair...

New Year - New Me?

Aaaaaargh!!!!I can’t quite believe it is the middle of January already - 2017 is in full flow and so far so good. I know loads of people who are not crazy about the New Year, but I love it - fresh starts, clean slates and new plans.

This year I was struggling with resolutions - so I decided to look some of my habits and fine-tune them. I have dubbed 2017 as my year of self-improvement and living life to the full (!!)… I’ve written it down now – so there is no going back!

Here are some habits I want to improve this year:

1. STOP MULTI-TASKING.

I don’t know about you but I am often juggling more than one thing at a time. Multitasking can be instinctive as life is busy and many of us have almost programmed ourselves to think it’s the best way to get “stuff” done. But it can be detrimental. Of course, I am delighted when I juggle any number of things and they neatly end up as they should - but more often than not, I end up scrabbling around and not putting all my attention into one thing at a time and everything takes longer. So this year I am going to be more methodical and enjoy each separate task, whatever it may be.

2. LIVING IN THE MOMENT.

One of the key phrases of my adult life, and I am a big advocate of this. I tell friends and family to enjoy and savour the present – but I am not good at practising what I preach. I am great planner so I am always ready for the future. And there are times when this is really useful but the trouble is, the present moment can get lost and that’s a shame. So, I have promised myself I am not going to do that anymore.

3. FITNESS GOALS.

This year I plan to be stronger, fitter and a little leaner by the end of the year. But my main fitness goal is to stop weighing myself. A lot of us judge ourselves by the number on the scale and if it isn’t favourable, well I don’t know about you – but I can be pretty hard on myself. So in the spirit of improving  and being kinder to myself - I’m going to stop. I guess if you like how you look in the mirror and your clothes fit well – what bearing does the number have?

4. LET IT GO.

I’m rubbish at this one. But I have decided to tackle it head on. Sometimes things don’t go your own way – the balance between knowing when to keep trying and knowing when to let go is a tricky one. I personally hate giving up or conceding defeat but in the long run, sometimes it can be better to cut your loses. Similarly, emotionally there is no benefit to holding onto negativity. The trouble with me is I am like an elephant, I don’t forget a thing …but remembering everything is not always helpful. So I’m going to let it go.....hmm, I'm feeling pretty “Zen” already :)

5. And now for a conventional resolution – A NEW SKILL.

When I was younger I used to dance a lot – ballet, ballroom and a lots of Indian dance – but never Latin and I have always wanted to try. So last week, on a whim I decided to book a lesson. Turns out I have rhythm and I can kinda do it. Lesson one was the basics of cha cha cha and I’m going back for more this week. The pinnacle for me, will be if I can learn the tango…but it might be while…

Wow, getting that all down was really rather therapeutic – what about you – what are your plans for yourself this year? 

Studio 10 product review VLOG

Here's my review of the Studio 10 products I was sent...enjoy x

PLAYLIST: Girls' night in...

So here's another playlist from me - pretty great listening for a girls' night in...or getting ready to go out...hope you enjoy x

https://open.spotify.com/user/parryrayinharmony/playlist/44xUvnh3E2NXdBhCpH2WDJ 

My search for the perfect coat…and... to cape or not to cape?

halong-coat

velvet-cape

velvet-coat

puffer

trench

huesca

It was really cold in London a few weeks ago and I found myself googling winter coats with increasingly regularity. Turns out it was timely research as this morning the chilliness was back.

I’m not really a coat girl. I have a big, warm “going-out” coat, that I bought from Max Mara about ten years ago, which is still going strong, but it is a bit glam for the day – even for me.

I seem to get through the winter with a variety of jackets, scarves and big woolly sweaters. But my everyday blazer is just not cutting it and whilst I am leather jacket obsessed, I feel like I need another option this winter.

So I decided I was in the market for a new coat and here's what I have found so far: 

1. Haider Ackermann houndstooth long coat (available from www.matchesfashion.com)

I tend to steer clear of coloured coats but this is unbelievably gorgeous.

As I have mentioned a few times before - Haider Ackermann cannot put a foot wrong in my eyes this season…so having seen this coat I had to try.

The price tag is "gulp worthy" (I don't know if gulp worthy is an actual phrase, but I'm sure you understand my meaning)....but it doesn’t cost to try :)

I had really high expectations when I tried this on. But instead of feeling like a million dollars, I looked like a small child trying on a grown up’s coat.

If you have the budget, it is stunning – but I think you have to be tall for this one, it is quite fitted too. 

2. Anna Sui black velvet cape (available from www.net-a-porter.com)

This is the second winter I have been eyeing up capes. I adore the idea but I am slightly worried I will look more “Little red riding hood” than "Cool fashionista" but I can get past that!

I have tried this cape but it’s not quite for me - firstly because I'd like armholes and secondly it is just not warm enough. Cosy is important for me…so my search continues... 

3. Haider Ackermann velvet coat (Runway look from Haider Ackermann AW2016)

I know this obsession with Haider Ackermann is getting ridiculous but look at how sumptuous the red velvet is! I was reticent about all the velvet around this season as I did velvet with great gusto when I was about 16 but it is a gorgeously tactile fabric.

I haven't tried this coat, but I fear it would fit me similarly to the Haider Ackermann houndstooth coat. 

4. Topshop puffer jacket (available from www.Topshop.com)

I read somewhere that puffers are back - I didn’t really think they had ever gone away?

I have always steered clear of a puffer, mainly because this would be my kids' go-to choice and this look is a bit sporty and street for me. But if I did, I'd go for something like this from Topshop, with a faux-fur trimmed hood. Best of all - it's machine washable and you've got to love that. 

5. Zara water resistant trench coat (available from www.Zara.com)

I love a trench coat. To me, they combine practicality with an air of sophistication and this is a gorgeous example from Zara.

I have a mate who has a number (!) of the classic Burberry trench coats and totally rocks them…but they are not for me and I haven't really worked out why. 

6. The Huesca coat from S Max Mara (available from www.matchesfashion.com)

So whilst I am still looking for my perfect cape, I saw this a few weeks ago. This coat is faux-astrakhan (actually acrylic, cotton and polyester). It's glamorous with a vintage feel. It also has 3/4 length sleeves which I adore. Not sure I look as cool as the model in the picture but the minute I tried this on, I knew it was me...job done...for now :)

Christmas Boxes - Operation Christmas Child 2016 VLOG

Here's my latest vlog. This is something I used to do years ago and am starting to do again x

Why Halloween is my least favourite day of the year

I don’t want this to turn into a rant, so I will try to be concise (not my strong suit) but we are a week away from my least favourite day of the year – Halloween.

Halloween is just not for me - and this is why:

1. I hate Horror movies. I’m sure I don’t need to spell this out but basically I scare really easily. And given horror movies are a pre-requisite for Halloween…I am terrified at the mere thought, You can keep your copies of Carrie, The Omen and all “The Nightmare of Elm Street” movies to yourself… I do remember being made to watch “Rosemary’s Baby” years ago by a boyfriend, which totally sealed Halloween’s fate. I had nightmares for months…

2. I’m scared of the dark too. To be clear I am ok if it there is very dim lighting, but I need some source of light. Pitch black sends me into a tailspin. And I suppose, as a major premise of Halloween is all manner of creatures jumping out at you in the dark, to scare you –this doesn’t work for me.

3. “Trick or treating” is unpredictable. I would even say it’s little bit stressful. I used to go trick or treating with my kids when they were small. They used to love dressing up and knocking on neighbour’s doors, and I would take them and mask my fear. I did not want to pass my “scaredy cat” issues onto my kids. But knocking on a door and being greeted by someone screaming at you who has blood dripping from somewhere or handing out treats to someone dressed as a demonic zombie is really not my bag. Also, just on a practical level I always worry about having enough sweets and treats because I don’t want to run out. When push comes to shove, I can deal with the “treat” part of Halloween but the “trick” part is wide open for interpretation and that worries me…

4. I hate food that resembles body parts. I’m not sure this needs much more explanation – edible eyeballs, monster’s fingers, spaghetti made to look like intestines – just keep it all away from me.

5. I don’t like fancy dress. I realise I’m sounding like I am no fun right now…but I AM fun – on any other day of the year! I can turn any old Tuesday into a party...unless it’s 31st October. Of course if I am invited to a fancy dress Halloween party I will make an effort - but designing a costume that is disgusting and gory is not going to happen.

Having said this, I am perfectly happy for everyone else to dive right in, I really don’t want to be all “Bah, Humbug” about this particular day. After all, it is only one day. Although – is it really worthy of celebration?!

I'm really happy to go to a Halloween party that revolves around food, drink, music and nice people. But as for transforming my house into somewhere Freddy Krueger might live, and embracing the dark and deadly…. well, I’d rather have an early night and wake up fresh as a daisy on the 1st November… and that’s probably what I’ll be doing this year! How about you? x 

New products from Aurelia Probiotic Skincare

After hot footing it back from Ibiza last week, I jumped on the tube, bright and early one morning, to head to Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s pop-up shop in Piccadilly, London, to meet their team, and check out three new products they are adding to their line.

Aurelia, founded by dermatology expert Claire Vevo, is a British, all-natural, anti-ageing skincare range which uses probiotics to help manage the levels of inflammation within the skin which is one of the primary causes of skin ageing.

Their aim is to offer age-defying technology, without synthetics, parabens, phthalates or other unnecessary additives which could compromise the integrity of the plant extracts and essences they use.

The new products being launched are:

1. Botanical Cream Deodorant:

This tub of deodorant is a natural, aluminium-free formula that contains antimicrobial Arrowroot and pure Kaolin.

What’s slightly weird is you scoop a little bit out and apply it with your finger like a cream but when on the skin it turns into a powder-like consistency.

It contains Tea-tree, Eucalyptus and Peppermints oils for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties and Shea Butter to gently hydrate - it smells lovely as do all the Aurelia products.

To be honest I haven’t tried it yet, as I am finishing my current deodorant – but I am definitely going to give it a go and I’ll report back once I have used it for a few weeks.

2. Calming Botanical Essence:

This is a lightweight facial mist designed to relieve stress whilst soothing the mind. This kind of product is right up my street – I love skincare products that have a strong mind-body connection.

The mist is made from filtered glacier water and rose quartz crystal water, with a blend of essential oils including Linden Blossom, Chamomile, Camellia and Lavender – which aid relaxation and Fragonia extract which is known to alleviate jet lag and insomnia.

Facial mists are great to use as toners after cleansing, but also to set and refresh your make up throughout the day.

3. Brightening Botanical Essence:

The Brightening Botanical Essence has been created to uplift, energise and invigorate the skin and mind - it also contains magnesium salts to detoxify the skin. The blend of essential oils in the Brightening complex includes Geranium, Cedarwood, Fennel and Magnolia.

This, I have tried, and I love it.

What really stood out to me was whilst Aurelia is a luxury brand, the education of younger women in skincare is high on their lists of priorities. As a mother of a 19 year old – this really appealed to me.

Sometimes, when you are younger or on a budget you feel you can't justify investing in products that are more expensive. But Aurelia are keen to educate young women about their natural approach to skincare and the fact that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it.

Also, as I have mentioned before on my blog - sometimes a higher priced product will go further in the long run...I knew a little bit about Aurelia before my visit, but I left armed with some lovely products and much more info... and it seems their passion and belief is contagious - altogether a lovely brand.  

UMA Oils and Anti- Aging - My Autumn Skincare Regime VLOG

 Here's my new VLOG, hot of the press x

Hold the phone! My hunt for the perfect pair of trousers has begun...

(Haider Ackermann - runway look from AW 2016)

Why is this a headline in my world, you may ask? Well I rarely wear trousers - I’m a definite dress/skirt girl, I always have been.

So jeans for instance don’t feature in my wardrobe. In fact, I shocked a mate on Friday by telling her I don’t own any jeans – she looked totally confused!!I have of course worn jeans in the past – but fashion and style choices, to me, are all about feeling great in whatever you’re wearing – and I don’t really feel my best in jeans - so I have phased them out of my wardrobe.

In my head, trousers are predominantly for the long and lean – and sadly I am neither.

There are however, two exceptions that I own. Firstly two pairs of Helmut Lang Reflex leggings that I have had for quite a few years (I think Helmut Lang still do them, check out www.helmutlang.com). These leggings are so comfy and don’t look like your typical leggings as they are straight at the ankle.

The second exception is a pair of Frame leather trousers, because…well…who doesn’t like a bit of leather in their wardrobe?!However, this Autumn/Winter unusually there are a number of trouser styles catching my eye.

So my thinking is this - the beauty of fashion is there really is something for everyone and as someone who is passionate about fashion, I shouldn’t really be so narrow-minded.

So, my search has begun and here are some faves so far:

1. Tailored trousers.

Jason Lloyd-Evans

(Saint Laurent look from AW2016/17)

Hands down my favourite trend is the androgynous look, so I have been looking at a lot of tailored trousers. Nowadays, tailoring has been reworked to look so sexy, in my opinion. And top of the list for me are a beautiful burgundy pair of Haider Ackermann tapered trousers and some black Saint Laurent satin trimmed slim leg trousers.

2. Culottes.

culottes

(Roksanda: Jupe silk-crepe culottes available at Outnet.com)

I know a few people who wore culottes as part of their school uniform so they might be steering clear - but right now culottes are looking chic. My faves are the ones that look really fluid and more like a skirt, Tibi do this really well. But are culottes that look like a skirt a cope out??

3. Wide leg trousers.

zara

(Zara: checked wide leg trousers available at Zara.com)

The appeal here is definitely fluidity of fabric, and I have seen some lovely Ganni wide legged trousers. I don't think I could go for anything where the fabric was too heavy or stiff but I fear I may be too short for this trend. But then again, with heels could I make these work?!Whenever I buy clothes I was focus on fit and fabric above all else so I guess I just need to apply this to trousers…Right, I'm off to do some more research, but if you have found the "must have" pair of trousers, give me shout :) 

Don’t judge me just because I like pretty things…

(From the Emilio de la Morena show earlier this week)

We can all be quite judgemental - I suppose it’s an inherent part of human nature.

Despite my best efforts, I am not squeaky clean when it comes to judging others. For me, it is mainly small things like style choices. But occasionally it might be bigger issues, like someone behaving selfishly or hurting mine, or worse, my children’s feelings.But I tend not to judge if I don’t know anything about a particular subject.

On Tuesday I ran into a neighbour and whilst exchanging pleasantries I mentioned that I was excited that it was London Fashion Week this week, and that I was going to a party to celebrate 100 years of Vogue that evening. The neighbour, a man, frowned and said, “Fashion Week? Isn’t that just looking at clothes?

”The short answer is yes. This neighbour and I have very few areas of common interest – so I smiled and let it go – but I knew in that moment he had made a snap judgement of me, and it wasn’t favourable.

The real answer, however, is so much more involved. But how was I going to explain that to someone who has no understanding of an industry or desire to know about that industry?

From a creative idea in a designer’s brain that evolves into a whole collection of clothes – the colour palettes, the sumptuous fabrics, the detail, the embellishments, the way in which the pieces are finished and the incredible workmanship in so many cases - to the story that ties it all together. The artistry, fantasy and range of emotions that a runway show can take you on can be spectacular… and it irks me when fashion gets a bad rap.

My love of fashion has always led to judgement, ever since I was a child. I know some family members felt it was not cerebral enough of a passion and I know I am judged at times on how I dress and the height of the heels – but I don’t care…I have made my own clothes over the years, I have walked through the silk markets in Kolkata choosing fabrics for certain pieces I wanted to make, I seen how silks and cashmere are dyed – I know first hand how labour intensive making a item of clothing is and what a labour of love it can be. Like so many creative industries, there is much more to fashion than meets the eye.

So briefly – the party I went to on Tuesday night was hosted by Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of Vogue and Ruth Chapman, founder of Matchesfashion.com. Many many fashionistas – designers, journalists, bloggers.

I spoke to lots of people and they were all so straightforward and interesting – and as I mentioned on my Instagram there was so little pretentiousness and ego in the room. It was such fun!

What I really want to say to my neighbour when we next meet is never assume what someone is like when you aren’t familiar with a particular area of interest and ....please don't judge me (!!)Without exception, everyone I met at the party was intelligent and insightful, with fascinating perspectives and smart business brains.

In fashion, whether they are a designer or a journalist - they take themes, creative ideas and what the consumer wants and elevate them to aspirational levels.

Fashion is an art form and whilst I am by no means an expert, as a singer/songwriter I see so many parallels. There is no end to possibility and creativity and that’s why I love it. 

My weekly haircare products (and my new haircut) VLOG

You probably know by now, it's often all about hair with me....

My version of Billy Idol's White Wedding

So, I hope you are having a lovely day so far.

If you have been following my Covers Series on my Parry Ray in Harmony Facebook page here is day 10's offering: my cover of Billy Idol's White Wedding.

I am so excited to share this new video with you. Majoritively what you see is all down to the excellence of Jamie Sadd. Jamie's work is so beautiful... and he managed to get me to story tell in a way I have never done before. If you are unfamiliar with his work - google him and check it out at rampproductions.com.

To say I was out of my comfort zone would be an understatement but I loved the challenge.

However, I am also hugely critical of how I look physically and like so many of us focus on my flaws....but I have tried to leave that at the door as the beauty of the setting and Jamie's vision and execution are really a work of art, in my opinion. In addition nature played its part by providing beautiful light.

What was really important to me in this video was I told this story with totally different nuances from the original.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy - please let me know what you think. Feeling nervous and excited...and if you haven't heard it yet I really hope you like my reworking of this 80s hit... 

Bringing back my love for reading – my summer holiday reading list…

It ‘s a rather embarrassing admission but the last book I read was last year.

I do read every day - mainly the news, a few blog posts that catch my attention or imagination - but actually settling down to read a book - well that’s quite a different thing altogether.

I feel a little disappointed in myself – I don’t mean to sound dramatic - but I have always loved to read. As a child I never went anywhere without a book; and as a mother, I read constantly to my kids from the minute they were born, to the day we stopped doing bedtime stories.

Anyway, I am off on holiday soon so it’s the perfect time to rectify my lack of reading. So with that in mind, here are the books I have picked so far:

1. “The Mandibles: A Family 2029-2047” by Lionel Shriver: I have only read one of Lionel Shriver’s books – “We need to talk about Kevin” quite a while ago. But I remember really enjoying her sometimes uncomfortably, straightforward way of telling a story. But I haven’t read any of her work since. “The Mandibles” appeals because it is about the American economy and is set in the future. It follows the lives of an affluent American family (The Mandibles) whose fortunes turn to nothing due to the dollar collapsing.

2. “The Female of the Species” (also) by Lionel Shriver: This is about a woman, Gray Kaiser, a single 59-year anthropologist, who goes to Kenya to make a documentary. Her middle-aged assistant, Errol McEchern, accompanies her; he has been secretly in love with her for years. When a young graduate assistant - Raphael Sarasola arrives on the scene, Gray falls in love. McEchern watches in dismay, as Gray changes completely through a cruel and calculated manipulation...I have to be honest, I prefer my love stories to be more conventional – but I am curious to see how the story unfolds. Not 100% sure this is my kind of thing.

3. “Blame” by Simon Mayo: This is about a brother and sister who are put in a new kind of family prison for a crime their parents committed. None of the inmates are actually criminals, but wider society wants them to do time for the unpunished ‘heritage’ crimes of their parents. This is actually a young adults novel, set in the future too. Again a little left field for me...but it's good to try new things!

I think I may also take a couple of old classics that I read at school – something like “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee or “Catcher in Rye” by JD Salinger.

I have to say I’m really looking forward to settling down to a bit of chilled time just reading, and hopefully I will have cemented the habit of reading by the time I get home!...By the way, if you have recently read something you loved – please let me know – always room in the suitcase for a good book :)  

Favourite body and hair products for my summer holidays…

Skincare and beauty comes a close second to my love of fashion. I’m less experimental with skincare – the first twenty years of my life were ruled by eczema so I am acutely aware of what suits my skin and hair and what does not.

Living in London – pollution and cold weather are definitely high on the list of criteria I consider when choosing products – along with trying to slow down the inevitable ageing process (!)

However, for me, going on my summer holiday means a much simpler beauty regime. Everything I use on my skin and hair focuses on hydration and nourishment and that’s about it.

Whilst I have never been one to bake in the sun, it is hard to stay completely in the shade and I adore feeling the heat on my body. So when away, I like to balance my need for vitamin D and looking after my skin and hair.

With that in mind, here’s my list of favourite products for my summer holiday:

1. Body lotion: My favourite holiday pick is John Masters blood orange and vanilla body milk (https://johnmasters.com). John Masters is a great organic brand and this lotion is light but nourishing. It also has aloe vera in it – which is anti-inflammatory and incredibly soothing. A key ingredient for me in the summer months. If I need a little extra oomph I add dry body oil. Something like Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (https://uk.nuxe.com) or the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse D’Or - the gold shimmer version, if like me, you like a bit of a shimmery glow on your body.

2. Sunscreen: Being naturally tanned I have had a longstanding issue with sunscreens. Historically, most are thick and white - which means they take ages to rub in and afterwards you can look slightly grey. So I was delighted when I discovered spray/mist sunscreens, a while ago. My favourite is Hampton Sun sunscreen (http://www.hamptonsuncare.com). This stuff is expensive; but as I only buy sunscreen once a year and one can goes a very along way I don’t mind splashing out on this. SPFs range from 15 to SPF70 (!!). These products are not only effective UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreens, they contain aloe vera and a multi-vitamin complex that nourish and hydrate your skin. Hampton Sun sunscreens also contain a compound called Polycrylene, which is said to increase the product's water resistance and filters more UVA rays than the "average" sunscreen. This is definitely a high tech option. There are cheaper versions on the market. I have used an ultra mist sunscreen from Banana Boat (http://www.bananaboat.co.uk) which, whilst not as luxurious, works.

3. Body scrubs: I don’t know if you are a body scrub fan or not – I am and even more so on a hot summer holiday – alternating between sun and sea is wonderful but can be quite drying on your skin. So a body scrub really makes a difference to skin tone by getting rid of dead skin cells. My personal fave at the moment is Prismologie’s Ruby and Cedarwood foaming scrub (https://www.prismologie.com). A little goes a long way and it is on sale at Space NK right now (Spacenk.co.uk).

4. Hair: As I have said before, I am a “wash your hair once a week” kinda girl. But on a hot summer holiday I wash my hair every day. For a few years now I have been using Intelligent Nutrients’ harmonic shampoo and conditioner (http://www.intelligentnutrients.co.uk) - simply gorgeous minty freshness. They balance cleansing and moisturising perfectly in my opinion. The shampoo can also double as a body wash. These products are described as anti-aging, antioxidant rich, volumizing and nourishing. The ingredients are food grade, and the products are formulated without sulphates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylates, PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Pretty perfect if like me, you like natural hair care solutions.

As for hair styling products on holiday – I tend not to bother, other than maybe some of the dry oil I use for my body.

I take all my usual face products with me, but go minimal. Similarly, with make up. I find a little bit of primer, eyeliner, mascara and lip-gloss is all I want after a day at the beach.

I’d love to know what your favourite summer products are, let me know…