All set to transition your skincare to serve you this Summer? Tweaking your routine to see you through the warmer months ahead can help score you one happy, glowing complexion.

From beating breakouts (suncreen’ll do it) to switching to lightweight moisturisers, we’re documenting the cleansers, moisturisers, serums, gadgets and of course the SPFs we’re loving this season. Check out the team’s Summer skincare routines and the beauty offerings we wouldn’t be without on a sunny day!

Lareese

I love me some skincare, whatever the season! I discovered Typology’s natural and affordable line of sustainable skincare this Summer, and I haven’t looked back! It’s such a great range of targeted skincare and I’ll be ordering it forevermore. I’m a BIG fan.

I start my morning routine by cleansing my face with the hydrating facial soap, then I go in with the Orange Blossom Hydrolate to brighten and regenerate the skin – it’s so refreshing. I then press a couple of drops of the Vitamin C Radiance Serum into my skin to get it looking glowy, followed by a few drops of the Hyaluronic Acid Serum to lock in moisture. Finally, I pop a bit of the Caudalie Vinoperfect Moisturiser on, it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and olive squalene and it’s cruelty-free so it’s another product that’s cemented itself as part of my Summer skincare routine. My final step is, of course, slapping on the all-important SPF (always 50), I’ve just run out but my favourite product is the Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Face SPF 50. It’s creamy, non-sticky and doesn’t leave that white cast on the skin. In the evening, I usually remove my makeup with the iconic Garnier Micellar Water then cleanse with the facial soap again. Instead of the Vitamin C Serum, I use 0.3% Retinol Serum instead and tap the Espa Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturiser onto my face and neck.

Charlotte

No matter the time of year, I love a full coverage base, meaning my skincare routine needs to be thorough and effective no matter the month! I use a lighter cleanser in the morning like the Botanics Softening Cleanser or the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser which are both super gentle and prep my face well for the rest of the day. During the warm3

Once my skin is feeling cleansed and clean, I pop on my SPF for the day! I’m pretty vigilant when it comes to applying SPF, especially during the warmer months and have tried a fair few to find a favourite. I’m currently using The Body Shop Skin Defence Lotion which is SPF50+ and it makes a really good base under makeup or alone.

Other stand out products I’ve been loving in the warmer months include The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution, Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream which is great all year round.

Darcey

When it comes to my summer skincare routine I like to try and keep it as simple as I can. I am prone to heat rash on my face in warm weather, so I try not to use anything that could irritate my skin further. At the moment I am cleansing in the morning with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (my holy grail) and in the evening double cleansing using The Ordinary and the Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm. I like these cleansers because they have no fragrance which can be really irritating on the skin. I recently got a Foreo too and I love it, It makes your skin feel so fresh and clean! I double cleanse especially in summer due to using more SPF which is the WORST for clogging pores, worse than makeup!

In the morning I’ll then always apply my vitamin C serum from The Ordinary called Ascorbyl Glucoside. I also use a Caffeine Solution with EGCG from The Ordinary which is amazing for getting rid of dark circles and puffiness. I use this morning and evening then use the small part of my jade roller to massage it gently into the skin. In the evenings I will apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which is great for controlling breakouts and reducing redness. I’ve now dropped using Glycolic Acid down to once a week as it’s quite harsh and especially in summer you have to be really careful with the acids you use on your skin as it makes you more susceptible to UV damage.

I moisturise in the morning with Clinique Moisture Surge which is really nice and lightweight, oil-free too which is good for me who has super oily skin! In the evenings I use The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, this is quite a thick moisturising cream so I wouldn’t use it in the morning as it is too heavy for me daytime. After moisturising AM and PM I then jade roll my whole face and neck for about 2 minutes, it really reduces puffiness and helps shift any build-up under the skin. Then for my SPF I am still sticking with the Clinique City Block in SPF 40, an all-time fave!

Maddie

I am LOVING my skincare regime at the moment, sometimes you just go through phases of feeling like nothing’s working as it should and your skin is just not having it but my current combo is definitely kicking all my boxes right now and I find myself really looking forward to doing my routine every day.

My current cleanser is the Body Shop Camomile sumptuous cleansing butter, it removes everything and is really soft and gentle, perfect for my sensitive skin. If I’m not wearing SPF or Makeup (ie spent all day indoors) then I’ll just do one cleanse followed by a spritz of hydration spray, I’m currently loving the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Daily Soothing Moisturizing Concentrate. After I’ll immediately apply my eye cream. I’ve gone through so many tubs of Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème even though I use the tiniest amount of as it’s incredibly rich, I also use it around my lips if they need it. Next is my serums, in the day I’ll use a vitamin C, currently I’m using Ole Henriksen Truth Serum but I also love the one by Lumene. This really brightens the skin and leaves you really glowy. At night I go for the BareMinerals Skin Longevity Vital Power Serum, the Niacinamide really helps to even my skin tone and reduce fine lines. Finally, for moisturiser I’m using IT Cosmetics Confidence in a cream, it’s got the nicest texture and is super hydrating which is perfect for the summer. Finally, I always finish with an SPF, my current go-to is the La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Tinted Fluid SPF 50. I’ve got very pale, freckly skin so I am religious when it comes to protecting my face.

Zoe

A lot of my skincare hasn’t changed for Summer, I’ve been sticking with my trusty Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for my cleanser, my Dr Roebucks Lifesaver Skin Brightening Toner, and the Lumene Nordic C Glow Boost Essence & Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector for my serums.

For my eye cream, I’ve been using the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright, I heard great things about it, purchased it and love it, my makeup goes on top really nicely, my eyes feel much more illuminated but I’m not gonna lie it’s definitely the one skincare product I forget the most and I think when I’m 70 I’ll really regret that!

My Moisturiser is the Embriolisse Creme Concentrate, I have combination skin and find this product the perfect balance between moisturising without being too oily, I love how my makeup sits on top of it and my skin loves it. I’ve been through bottles of it, it’s my go-to recommendation for anyone looking for a moisturiser.

I have been loving using a mist! In particular, on warmer days, this Herbivore coconut water is super hydrating but also really lovely and refreshing. For SPF I’m using my La Roche Posay 50+ as we’re having a particularly hot week and it’s super important to have SPF on underneath your makeup or if you’re having a no-makeup day in order to protect your face. I like this one as I have quite sensitive eyes and usually, SPFs can leave me a little bit watery which ruins my makeup but this one I find is great for sensitive eyes and I don’t have any trouble with it, my makeup stays all day, and it doesn’t feel too heavy.

For my current favourite mask, I’d have to go with the 111 Skin Bio Cellulose treatment, it’s a little bit more on the pricey side and indulgent but a real treat for your face and I feel like summertime is the time where you should add more moisture into your skin. It’s also a time where you need to protect your skin after being outside in the sun a lot more, so definitely the time to treat yourself and pamper with an indulgent 111 Skin mask.

Danielle

I feel like my skincare routine has really been stepped up a notch this year and I’ve really enjoyed learning about what step gives what results, why it needs to be in a certain order and what ingredients work best for me and my skin goals (lol).

I’d say a few of my purchases were definitely influenced by Jamie Genevieve as her skin is INCREDIBLE, and my need for being dewy all day erryday is inspired by the one and only Katie Jane Hughes. I start off in the morning with my HG cleanser Milky Jelly from Glossier then use The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc serum (to reduce redness) and one of my vitamin C serums (for brightness).

I then use the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream and finish with The Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisturiser. Then in the evenings, my routine is pretty similar except I’ll tackle my makeup with the Super Facialist cleansing oil first. Then I switch up my serums to include Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol. I’ve become obsessed with Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial mask and do this once a week!

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This summer might have been a little (understatement) different to the norm, but our love for a jug of Pimms, a warm evening catch up with the girls and an excuse to capture a ‘cheers’ boomerang for Insta is still going strong! The novelty of getting dressed again certainly hasn’t worn off yet, and this week’s edit is a showcase of the best smart/casj items for nailing effortless summer styling.

Whether you opt for jeans and a nice top, chuck on a failsafe midi or go somewhere in between with a t shirt dress and trainers, it’s time to get your wear out of your fave pieces and seize what’s left of summer ’20.

With our face masks in tow, we’ll get the first round in.

Maddie

Everyone loves a beer garden, even if you’re not a big drinker, beer garden = summer and who doesn’t love it when the longer warmer evenings really kick in? When I think beer garden I often think of summer after-work drinks so I’ll usually be in some kind of casual work attire. I love these Mom jeans paired with shoulder pad T-shirts that are all the rage. I feel like it brings more structure to the ordinary T which makes it feel a bit more formal. I would swap out my converse and throw on some great heeled sandals that I always keep by my desk. Right, outfit sorted all I need now is a refreshing gin and tonic!

Zara, Mom Jeans, £25.99 

*ASOS, Stradivarius heeled sandal in black, £19.99 

Zara, T-SHIRT WITH SHOULDER PADS, £12.99 

Zoe

I’ve not been in a beer garden yet post “super strict lockdown” and although not a huge drinker, the thought of being out in a beer garden on a sunny afternoon with an icy lime soda fills me with pure joy! I recently bought this dress from NFD and I’m so excited to try it on. It’s such a pretty print and the colour combo makes me so happy. I’d pair this with a casual leather jacket and some white converse or biker boots (depending on how warm it is!) Maybe even through in a hat if I’m feeling confident!

Never Fully Dressed, Pink Floral Swedish Midi, £89 

*All Saints, CONROY LEATHER BIKER JACKET, £385 

*ASOS, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox white trainers, £50 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN felt hat with telescope brim and size adjuster in black, £20 

Danielle

Now, THIS is an outfit suggestion I can get behind as my weekends from May to September largely centre around the beer garden (this year not included of course). I’ve gone for this t-shirt vest dress item which is a shape I haven’t worn for ages but loved when I was younger, I’m glad to see they’re making a come back. I’ve added a western belt to cinch it in and some lush beige converse. This outfit is also great if the beer garden gets out of hand and you end up in a bar or club. Any jacket will do with this leak, I’ve gone for a black biker leather jacket and of course top the whole thing off with a mask, even if you don’t think you need one where you’re going it’s best to have one with you in case you need to pop into a shop or get a taxi.

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN padded shoulder sleeveless mini dress with solid gold print in black, £22 

*ASOS, My Accessories London Exclusive western double buckle waist and hip jeans belt in black, £10 

*ASOS, Converse Chuck 70 Hi trainers in sand, £75 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN ultimate faux leather biker jacket in black, £35 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN 2 pack gingham and plain pastel frill face covering, £12 

Charlotte

Summer dressing is my FAVE and I feel like a British beer garden is just the epitome of that! I’ve gone for a slightly more dressy look because all those evenings in my jammies have got me itching for an excuse to go all out- but I also never need a justification for animal print which I can confirm is 100% a neutral. I’ve paired it with my favourite ASOS jeans, which I definitely now need to size up in post isolation.

Zara, stretch top, £25.99 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN High rise ‘Effortless’ stretch crop flare jeans in black, £32 

Zara, MINI BEADED SHOULDER BAG, £29.99 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN square bevelled sunglasses in black, £12 

*ASOS, Whistles multi strappy leather sandals in black, £145 

Lareese

I’ve been obsessed with Daily Sleeper since they exploded all over Instagram and since Karina (@styleidealist) did her takeover, I’ve only fallen even harder for the brand. I just want every blooming smock dress they have. They’re all so beautiful! This one’s perfect for chilling in a beer garden by day, but in the event that everyone gets a tad carried away and stays put until closing, then it’ll certainly be dressy enough to see me through until last orders. Pass me the bottomless Pimms!

Sleeper, “Atlanta” Linen Dress in Roses, $320 

*Dune, Chunky Flat Sandals, £110 

Pull and Bear, Bucket hat with frayed detail, £15.99 

Darcey

Everyone loves a beer garden and although I haven’t felt ready to go back to one yet, I still like a cute outfit to go and meet some friends in a park and have a few bevs. Beer gardens are deffo a summery, casual affair so I normally go in something like a midi skirt, crop top and some trainers! Keeping it comfy but cute.

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN Curve midi skirt with thigh split in floral print, £22 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN v front ruched detail top with lettuce edge detail in white, £12 

*Office, All Star Hi Trainers Black Canvas, £54.99 

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Celebrating Pride might look a little different to parades and parties this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show our support for everything LGBTQ+ – this year, we just get to go big AND go home.

The show will go on! Alexa, play Radio Ga Ga.

Attend a virtual festival

Audiences will be in for a feast of fantastical fun as Brighton & Hove’s infamous annual Pride festival goes digital for the first time. We Are FABULOSO will be streamed live from a studio in Brighton across Pride weekend, 31st July – 2nd August. Featuring cabaret, comedy, game shows, inspiring activists, exclusive performances and archive footage, you can join in the colourful celebrations wherever you are.

Watch it here.

Stock up on your LGBTQ+ reads

Books have a wonderful way of reminding us that we’re not alone; they encourage us to listen, connect and grow. With that in mind, Pride is the perfect time to diversify your TBR pile and champion the amazing authors and characters continuing to amplify the LGBTQ+ experience.

Bake some Pride-themed snacks

Rainbows for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Have a Pride-themed movie night

From feel-good comedies to eye opening documentaries, host a movie night at home or set up an outdoor cinema in your garden. If there are too many people to invite, or you’re unable to plan a socially-distanced Pride movie marathon, why not host a remote movie night with Netflix Party, instead? Add Moonlight, Call Me By Your Name, Milk and Imagine Me & You to your viewing schedule immediately.

Show up for your friends

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Pride is to be an ally. Pride can stir all kinds of complex emotions, particularly for those who aren’t out, or who have recently come out during lockdown. Send your friends a message, check in on them and do anything you can to make sure they feel seen and understood. A quick text or video call can go a long way.

Put in the work

Pride is so much more than rainbows and glitter, it’s a political event steeped in queer history, and what better way to pay tribute to the activists who stood up and fought for radical change and LGBTQ+ rights than by reading and learning about their stories. Whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, use this as a time to remember the protest as well as the party and learn the history.

Decorate your home

Balloons, garlands, shimmer curtains, feather boas, there’s no holding back when it comes to Pride party decor. Fly. That. Flag. We were particularly inspired by Zoe’s rainbow balloon arch!

Donate to LGBTQ+ charities and organisations

There are hundreds of LGBTQ+ charities making a huge difference to the lives of gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning teens and adults. From providing access to emergency support to advocating for legislative change and preventing homelessness, these organisations need our financial support to continue their mission.

Donate to Stonewall

Donate to AKT

Donate to Switchboard

Donate to LGBT Foundation

Make some colourful cocktails

Cocktail or mocktail, raising a glass and sippin’ on something colourful is a house rule.

How will you be celebrating Pride this year?

Inspired by the ever-excellent Mr Styles, we’re feeling Watermelon Sugar (high) with this week’s edit, sharing the best tutti-fruity designs and colour palettes to nail that high summer look. Primary colours are your best friend when it comes to embodying the pick of the fruit bowl bunch, and if you’re feeling extra ‘extra’, try clashing those shades too- red, green, yellow and blue are interchangeable as you please!

Take the trend all the way with some novelty embroidered knitwear or a ribbed vest top perfect for beer gardens and picnics, or nod more subtly to the fruity feel with a colour-blocked ‘fit and accessories- the possibilities are endless! Which fruit salad shade will you be rocking into August and beyond?

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First of all how are you and how have you been coping in 2020?

Like everyone I’m sure, I’ve generally been feeling very up and down. The ‘coronacoaster’ is a real thing! One day I am having an existential crisis about the world ending, and the next I am feeling incredibly calm and grateful for this ‘great pause’ on our lives. I have definitely felt a deep anxiety, but I’ve also felt the closest I’ve ever felt to my friends and family. I’ve also adjusted my work schedule, reflecting on my new goals and decided to be less busy. It’s been quite the year already, hasn’t it?

We’re super excited to start reading Olive for our August book club, what was the process for writing a fiction novel like?

I’m so excited to be included in your book club, thank you! Writing fiction was a totally different experience to writing my non-fiction books. For starters I wrote the whole book before pitching it to publishers, whereas with non-fiction you can normally sell the book on a proposal, get paid and then write it. It was definitely a labour of love, and a bit of a creative risk to spend so much of my time on something that might never have seen the light of day, but it was all worth it in the end!

What inspired you to write Olive?

When I turned 30, I started realising that I had never really given motherhood much thought — my friends were suddenly taking to try for babies or talking about wanting children one day, and I just felt like it wasn’t something I was drawn to. In December 2018, I posted a tweet asking for child-free by choice women to get in touch as I was researching the topic. I thought maybe it would be a short article, but then I heard back from hundreds of women. The more I explored the topic, the more I knew this was going to be my first novel. There were so many meaty conversations I wanted to have, and so my four characters Bea, Cecily, Isla and OLIVE were born.

Do you think you’ll be writing more fiction in the future?

Yes definitely! Once all the OLIVE craziness has calmed down a bit I’m going to start writing another.

What’s your advice for someone who wants to write for a living?

Write, write, write! Write for fun, write for yourself, write for your blog, just keep doing it and try not to be too self-conscious. I think someone once said ‘writing is like playing the piano’ you have to keep doing it to get better over time and exercise your writing muscle. I wrote every week on my blog in my twenties, and although most of it has now been deleted, it all added up along the way.

What are you reading at the moment?

I just read Girl A by Abigail Dean, a tense psychological tale of a group of siblings all overcoming a traumatising childhood. It’s a bit darker than my usual read, but I couldn’t put it down — I literally stayed up until 2am finishing it. It’s out in January and I think it’s going to be the book of 2021.

We’re keen listeners of your podcast Ctrl Alt Delete, what is the process like for picking guests and deciding what to discuss?

It’s a bit like editing a magazine in a way —watching which conversations are happening, including newsy hooks, new films/books or noticing what important topics could use a platform. I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve now interviewed a lot of people on my ‘dream list’. I think it’s important to use a podcast to spread useful messages. Recently I’ve been discussing diversity in podcasting; different perspectives on motherhood, domestic abuse charities and classism in journalism and always on the lookout for new ideas.

What are you currently working on?

I have a new non-fiction book called SABOTAGE coming out in September! All about overcoming self-sabotage and getting out of your own way.

9. Who are some of your current favourite follows online?

@DrSoph, an amazing clinical psychologist

hellofrom90s – because it’s fun to see a throwback in my feed sometimes

Sophie W, @officialMillennialBlack – Sophie’s book Anti-Racist Ally is out soon.

What do you always carry with you?

My AirPods because I’m constantly listening to podcasts. One I’m really enjoying at the moment is Might Delete Later.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

A long walk (maybe somewhere like Hampstead Heath), followed by a delicious roast with friends in a pub with red wine, then a bath, clean sheets and a good book in bed.

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be?

Dinner at the Tandoor Chop House in Covent Garden.

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be?

Follow your gut instinct — deep down you have your own internal compass, you don’t have to follow the crowd if you don’t want to.

Regent’s Park open-air theatre is back for Summer

The award-winning theatre located in London’s Regent’s Park is set to reopen this Summer with 70 live performances throughout August and September. It will be the first theatre to welcome back audiences in the capital following lockdown when it was forced to postpone the entire 2020 season due to the coronavirus outbreak. From Friday 14th August, a special concert staging of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar will play for 6 weeks, so snap up your tickets just in time for Summer in the city here.

Taylor Swift dropped a surprise album

Come through Tay Tay. She only went and dropped a new surprise album! Featuring collaborations with Bon Iver, The National’s Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, Folklore is Swift’s eighth studio album. Taking to Instagram, the singer wrote: “Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore.

“I’ll be releasing my entire brand-new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into.” That’s right, Taylor Swift goes and writes and records a whole new album whilst in lockdown and we just about managed to organise a sock drawer. What. A. Queen.

Demi Lovato announces her engagement

Demi Lovato announced her whirlwind engagement to The Young and the Restless actor, Max Ehrich, and you’ll need your sunglasses if you’re going to look directly at the ring. It’s incredible.

In a post to her 88.5 million Instagram followers, the 27-year-old singer wrote: “When I was a little girl, my birth dad always called me his ‘little partner’ — something that might’ve sounded strange without his southern cowboy like accent. To me it made perfect sense. And today that word makes perfect sense again but today I’m officially going to be someone else’s partner.”

The bride-to-be continued: “I’m honoured to accept your hand in marriage. I love you more than a caption could express but I’m ecstatic to start a family and life with you. I love you forever my baby. My partner. Here’s to our future!!!!” Aw, we’re thrilled to bits for them.

Loads of people have quit smoking during the pandemic

More than 1 million smokers in the UK have packed in the habit since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, figures suggest. As many as 400,000 people aged 16-29 have kicked their habit and 240,000 aged over 50. According to analysis made by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and UCL, another 400,000 aged 30-49 have also stubbed out their last cigarette. The UK’s 7.4m smokers have been encouraged to ditch the cigs during the pandemic, as government advice says coronavirus symptoms may be more severe if you smoke.

May the best butt win

Museums around the world are battling it out over who has the #BestMuseumBum. The Yorkshire museum called upon fellow collections to share their best buttocks, kicking off the exhibit with this classy arse. Cracking work, guys.

Post isolation evenings have looked cooler than with these one shoulder gems in tow, adding a little oomph to a day-to-night ‘fit and extending your usual ‘jeans and a nice top’ options for dinner and drinks galore.

The 90s vibe of a one-shoulder silhouette conjures up the cool-girl nostalgia of the Spice Girls and double denim era and is a shape we’ll be coming back to again and again this summer season.

Lareese

I love how versatile this silhouette can be, perfect for showing some skin in the summer and dialling up a daytime outfit, whilst still keeping things minimalist. I’ve gone for this simple white one-shoulder jersey with light denim jeans and chunky sandals for an understated everyday outfit that’s as good for the morning coffee run as it is for brunch with the girls. Paired with a trench coat because you know how those British summers like to go.

*French Connection, SAACHI JERSEY ONE SHOULDER BODYSUIT, £45 

*Arket, STRAIGHT Cropped Jeans, £59 

*Arket, Flatform Thong Sandals, £125 

*Topshop, Stone Editor Trench, £79 

Zoe

Now I’m going to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about one-shoulder tops. The last time I wore one I think I was about 10. It had diamantes and a flared sleeve and I think I paired it with flared trousers, a metal belt and a denim baker boy hat (that probably ALSO had diamantes haha). I’ve gone pretty paired back and “safe” with my choice! A black body with a two-strap-on-one-side-jobby. I’d probably wear it with these paper bag utility shorts and some sliders!

*H&M, One-shoulder body, £9.99 

*ASOS, New Look paperbag utility belted short in dark khaki, £19.99 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN Finite sporty pool slider in black, £12 

 

Charlotte

I’m still loving all things lilac so this look is centred around some comfy but statement trousers I picked up from ASOS recently. They’re so flowy which means the one shoulder fitted tops works super well in adding some shape and dimension to the look, plus I love that it feels very 90s! Dressed up with some cute accessories and I’m ready for drinks or dinner in no time!

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN one-shoulder crop top with lettuce hem in black, £10 

*ASOS, COLLUSION gingham high waist trousers, £22 

*H&M, Strappy sandals, £17.99 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN lilac croc-effect 90s shoulder bag, £18 

Darcey

I recently purchased this one-shoulder top from Weekday and I love it, it’s really flattering and goes with so many outfits. I’ve styled it with some longline denim shorts and some Birkenstocks for a fun casual daytime look. I also found this bag on ASOS which is giving me SERIOUS Bottega Veneta vibes, but for £22, bargain!

*Weekday, Vida One Shoulder Top, £12 

*Weekday, Dandy Denim Shorts, £35

*ASOS, Birkenstock arizona black flat sandals, £60 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN quilted shoulder bag with hardware in black, £22 

Danielle

I’ve gone for this one-shoulder body as it’s got a bit of drama with the flounced sleeve and I hate it when tops ride up! I feel like wide trousers are going to keep making their comeback and these ones with the splits are perfect for summer. Have finished the look with lovely lavender trend-focused pieces.

*H&M, Flounced one-shoulder body, £24.99

*H&M, Wide side-slit trousers, £34.99 

*And Other Stories, Strappy Leather Heeled Sandal, £85 

*And Other Stories, Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag, £85 

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Remember that little table setting? The one full of all manner of miscellaneous objects including but not limited to nail varnish, parched highlighters, a stress ball shaped as an arse and a little dying love fern? It was called the office.

For those of us now fluent in working from home, you’re probably a little bit OVER IT. At first it was a novelty that came disguised as midday showers and pyjama-bottomed Zoom calls, but after four long months of it, we’re more than ready to play footsie with our colleagues again. We miss awkwardly stumbling upon their feet with our feet and loling about it because what else is there to do when your feet just slow-danced together?

We miss coming up with something deeply profound for whoever’s birthday it is that month: ‘HBD, have a good one’.

We miss plotting to get our favourite pen back from our co-worker after letting them borrow it 2 years ago.

We miss collectively standing up to gather at the window to stare at a pigeon or reprimanding the hands of time for passing too quickly. How is it 3pm already? waves of shock disperse from desk to desk. One colleague falls off her chair for dramatic effect

We even miss the smell of hot fish on the turn in the microwave. Take us back to the days when tepid tuna was as turbulent as life got!

If you’re missing office culture as much as us, we’ve pulled together a few tv shows and films to see you through until that sweet workplace reunion comes around in August.

Ugly Betty

Fresh out of college, a bespectacled poncho-wearing Betty Suarez – who really isn’t ugly at all – lands the role of assistant at Mode magazine. Thrust into the superficial world of models, bitchery and office backstabbing, she faces many highs and lows along the way but ultimately, this is a series about the triumph of the underdog.

Parks & Recreation

A character-driven mockumentary, starring the legendary Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, the enthusiastic workaholic and deputy director of the Parks & Recreation Department in Pawnee, Indiana. The show follows a weird and wonderful bunch of bureaucrats as they attempt to change their small-town community for the better. Highlights include Ron Swanson and his pyramid of greatness and gay penguin weddings.

The Office

Whether you watch the American version or the original British version, this motley crew and their hilarious 9-5 misadventures will be sure to fill your computer chair void.

The IT Crowd

The IT Crowd would rather spend their days actively avoiding all work. Guitar hero, prank calls, jousting with mops – we like their idea of team building activities tbh. If you don’t miss the office after watching this, try turning it off and on again.

After Life

The series largely centres around grief and learning to navigate life after loss but there’s some gloriously relatable sketches of office life throughout, including miserable birthdays, unfathomable weirdness and brilliantly executed small talk. Ricky Gervais at his v best.

Silicon Valley

A revolutionary data compression algorithm… it hardly sounds like a hoot does it? But you’ve got to hand it to these socially awks IT-nerds, they’d make your Mondays better AND they’d know exactly what to do when the Wi-Fi has a breakdown.

The Intern

A seventy-year-old retired, bereaved and benevolent Ben Whittaker, played by Robert DeNiro, applies to a senior citizen intern program at a fast-growing fashion start-up. He tidies his boss’ desk, he cries into his fluffy white robe and he always carries a handkerchief in his pocket at all times in case YOU need it. It’s heart-warming stuff. Petition for every company to have an in-house masseuse, thank you please.

The Devil Wears Prada

Anne Hathaway’s the dowdy, wide-eyed assistant, Meryl Streep’s the ruthless Cruella de Vogue Editor – together they make an unlikely but powerful team, in the end. It’s a cult-classic.

What are you missing the most about being in the office, guys?

As of today (24th July), wearing a face-covering in shops is compulsory in certain areas in England as part of public health policy to tackle COVID-19, so we may as well get comfortable dressing and styling our faces.

Why should I wear a face mask?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spread predominantly by droplets from coughing, sneezing and speaking. Whilst covering your nose and mouth cannot prevent you from catching COVID-19, it can help act as a barrier to reduce the transmission of the virus. When you wear one, you protect others, when they wear one, they protect you. It’s simple stuff, really.

When should I wear one?

Different regulations for face coverings apply depending on where you live, but in England you must wear one by law in the following settings:

Public transport
Shops and supermarkets (from July 24, 2020)

What kind of face mask should I be wearing?

Medical face masks, also known as surgical masks, should be worn by health workers, people who have COVID-19 symptoms and those looking after someone who has suspected or confirmed coronavirus. Fabric masks / non-surgical face masks should be worn by those with no symptoms as a protective measure to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

What happens if I don’t wear one?

Though the liability for wearing a face covering lies with the individual, measures can be taken if you refuse to comply with this law. A shop can refuse your entry and the police have formal enforcement powers and can issue a £100 fine (£50 if paid within the first 14 days). Shops and supermarkets will be expected to encourage compliance with the law.

Dos and Don’ts of wearing a fabric mask:

Wearing a mask alone cannot protect you from COVID-19, and you should continue to combine other protective measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. Here’s a list of the dos and don’ts:

Does everyone have to wear one?

There are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, whereby certain groups may be exempt. According to the official government guidance, the following groups are not required to wear a face covering while using public transport or in a shop:

• A child under the age of 11
• An employee of the transport operator, when they are acting in the course of their employment
• Any other person providing services to the transport operator, under arrangements made with the transport operator, who is providing those services
• A constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty
• An emergency responder such as a paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
• An official, for example, a border force officer, acting in the course of their duties
• If you are allocated a cabin, berth or other similar accommodation, at any time when you are in that accommodation, either alone, or only with members of your own household or a linked household
• If you are on board public transport but remain in your private vehicle, for example on a car ferry
The following are also seen as ‘reasonable excuses’:
• If you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
• If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
• If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
• If you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
• If you need to remove it during your journey to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
• If you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
• If you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official, for example to check your railcard
• According to the website Autism Eye, these rules around “reasonable excuses” also cover passengers with autism.

What if I want to make my own face masks to sell?

If you want to make and sell face coverings of your own, your products must meet the existing General Product Safety Regulations 2005. You can find all the requirements and guidance for manufacturers here.

If you’d just like to have a go at making your own, here’s a handy step-by-step.

Where can I buy a cool face covering?

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite face coverings. Who knew they could be this pretty!

How do you feel about wearing a face mask? Will it put your mind at ease when out shopping?

Florals for Spring/Summer never get old, and with these floaty, feminine numbers in your stash, you’ll be channeling the ultimate South of France dream no matter your destination. Textures are key when it comes to nailing that effortless ‘woke up like this’ aesthetic: chiffon, linen, ruffles and a puff sleeve to name but a few of the key tick boxes in dreamy whimsical dressing.

Pair with a basket bag, picnic blanket and barely-there sandals and you’ll look right at home amongst a bed of wildflowers and the gentle buzz of nature all around. Lap it up and wallow in that height of summer happiness brought about by sun on your skin and waves in your hair. French Riviera dreaming: completed it.

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