Alice Catherine

Holiday dressing is something I look forward to every year – I think it’s because a lot more precise styling is usually involved, which is something I don’t tend to do at home. My day to day life involves chucking on what feels nice (or what’s clean/closest to me), so a luggage limit always leaves me laying out all my outfits the night before. I always try to take a few neutral pieces away with me – items that I can mix and match, and shoes that compliment a few different looks are key! I received so many lovely messages from you guys whilst I was away, so thought I’d give you a proper run down of everything I took with me…

LOOK ONE – WHITE STATEMENT SLEEVES & GINGHAM

Top c/o – Free People | Skirt c/o – Warehouse | Bag c/o – WoodGrey | Necklaces – Theodora Warre & Missoma

I think this might have been my favourite look of the whole holiday – I don’t normally wear outfits that are a little more fitted, but I felt really good in this little combo. This top is pretty much the ultimate summer holiday top, the oversized sleeves, the front bow, the cut out detail – it just has it all going on! I did plan on wearing it with some denim shorts to keep things simple, that was until I tried it on with this gingham mini…

LOOK TWO – ALL WHITE MINIMAL EXPLORER

Top – Urban Outfitters | Shorts c/o – LOTD | Shoes – Aldo | Bag c/o – WoodGrey | Sunglasses c/o – ASOS

There was a pretty gigantic heatwave whilst we were away – lots of parts of Sicily were hit with temperatures 40 degrees and above! Luckily where we were, we didn’t experience above 35 most days, but that’s not to say the humidity sometimes didn’t make it feel like more! On these days, I opted for lots of linen – white in particular is always my saving grace on holiday, and I happen to be a fan of how it looks too. It’s also perfect for teaming with tan and straw accessories to add a bit of interest…

LOOK THREE – POLKA DOT NIGHTS

Dress – Zara | Mules – Zara (sold out/similar here) | Bag – WoodGrey

I simply couldn’t go on holiday without packing some sort of polka dot attire now could I? I spied this little dress amongst the Zara “new in” section a few days before we left, and snapped it up instantly. It was so affordable and I LOVE how it fits – it’s such a breezy, flattering holiday piece for wandering around in. The plunge neckline means I could layer my usual gold necklaces and the outfit was complete. Really simple, and was a match made in heaven for the Zara mules I picked up in the sale. I’m obsessed with these mules, but a light coloured suede is never going to be very practical – my advice would be to save this kind of shoe for the hotter weather (less rain/mud induced accidents). They also feel really ByFar inspired, which is a brand I’ve been lusting after for a while now…

LOOK FOUR – POOLSIDE

Beach Dress – ASOS (similar here & here) | Sandals – Aldo | Bag c/o – WoodGrey | Sunglasses – RayBan

A beach cover up is essential for any holiday that involves lazing on the beach or drinking cocktails poolside – I picked this little one up from ASOS after falling in love with the material. I thought it looked so Italian inspired – the material reminds me of all the beautiful buildings/brick work, or one of the many amazing handmade tablecloths that are hanging outside the little market stalls down every side street. So I guess you’re thinking why would I want to wear a tablecloth? The only answer I can offer is that I would have fashioned every tablecloth I saw in Taormina into some sort of beachwear…

LOOK FIVE – SICILIAN NIGHTS

Top – Ganni | Shorts – Mango| Shoes – Aldo | Necklace – Theodora Warre

This Ganni top was a bit of an impulse splurge and I wasn’t sure how much wear I’d realistically get out of it. Having said that, I’m so glad I went ahead and snapped it up as it’s been a really great little statement piece for me. Teamed with some oversized sunglasses, I feel like it instantly makes for a high-fashion look. Basically, anything with this style of puffed sleeve and tie waist is calling out my name lately. I find it to be a flattering design on my body shape as it shows off the bits I like (my waist), and covers the areas I need to get working on in the gym (my arms). Fashion should always make us feel like our best selves, and this top certainly does the trick…

LOOK SIX – LITTLE BLACK JUMPSUIT

Jumpsuit – ASOS (sold out/similar here) | Sandals – Steve Madden | Bag c/o – WoodGrey | Hair scarf – Vintage (similar here)

I always try and pack a jumpsuit of some variety when I’m holiday packing – it always comes in handy on those nights when you really don’t feel like putting much effort in. I paired it with my trusty Steve Madden sandals for a laid back evening time look – a bit of red lippy and a polka dot hair scarf helped to dress the look up, and gave the illusion I’d spent more time getting ready than I had…

LOOK SEVEN – REALISATION PAR

Blouse – Realisation Par | Shorts – Vintage Levi (similar here) | Shoes – Mango | Bag c/o – WoodGrey

A Realisation Par blouse on holiday just feels right – I invested in this top at the start of the year and I’m so glad I did, it always makes me feel so confident when I wear it, and I love the rusty orangey/red colours against a tan and some vintage Levi shorts. I’m really keen to invest in another Realisation Par piece – when I can finally make my mind up that is…

SWIMWEAR ESSENTIALS | A MINI LOOKBOOK

Ahh buying swimwear – the time of year I don’t look forward to quite as much. I’m not the most body confident (but I am getting there), and I sometimes find it hard to find matching sets that fit my body shape. I have a small chest (B cup), and curves on the bottom, which means some bikinis can feel me leaving a little lacklustre. Everyone wants to to feel great in their swimwear, so I’ve learnt that in most cases, shopping around and mismatching pieces works best for me. That, alongside accessorising with an oversized linen shirt, or a little cami top for when I want some extra coverage from the sun…

Shirt – Topshop (old/similar here) | Bikini Top – Mango (sold out/similar here) | Bottoms – Boohoo | Sunglasses c/o – ASOS

Shoes – Aldo | Bag c/o – WoodGrey 

Top – Mango (similar here)| Bottoms – Next (matching top here)

Bikini Top c/o – Romwe | Bottoms – Zalando (sold out/similar here & here) | Sunglasses – RayBan (similar here)

Shirt – Next (sold out/similar here) | Bikini Top – Mango (sold out/similar here)| Bottoms c/o – New Look | Sandals – Steve Madden | Bag c/o – WoodGrey

I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about my holiday wardrobe! I’m sad to be back, but happy to be catching up on work and getting back into a routine. I’ve definitely got the travel bug at the moment, and would love another little getaway somewhere hot before summer is over! Keep your eyes peeled for more Sicily content over the next couple of days, including a beauty post, and all my highlights from a week in the most magical hilltop town…

Alice x

SHOP MY HOLIDAY WARDROBE ESSENTIALS