Journal

Summer is calling and we know how difficult it is to find the perfect holiday wardrobe that's as versatile as it is stylish, that's why we're here to help. We have curated a simple day-to-day style guide with all the fabulous designer clothes and accessories from our latest SS19 collections for you to browse and shop. Whether you like to spend your holiday at the beach, in the city or at the bar we have a whole range of looks that can be mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe staples to get the most out of each outfit. Take a look below for our top 4 summer looks, curated by our stylist especially for you... New to Stanwells for SS19, Innika Choo's stunning hand smocked dresses and tops are the answer to all your holiday wardrobe needs. Wear this cream & blue embroidered sundress with some Sam Edelman Bay Slides, a Sundry Straw Basket and some Taylor Morris Rollright Sunglasses for effortlessly cool beach style or dress it up with some metallic sandals and a clutch bag in the evening. If the beach isn't your thing, Cecilie Copenhgen has got you covered with this neon pink coordinating set that's perfect for strolling through the city in the heat. This top and shorts combo ticks all the boxes when it comes to SS19 style with it's neon tone, high waist fit and funky woven pattern. Pair it with some Taylor Morris H.F.S Sunglasses and a pair of super comfortable Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals as pictured, or mix and match the shorts with a plain white tee and some sneakers if you fancy a more simple look. No holiday would be complete without a cocktail or two, so a chic evening look is essential. Stine Goya's Reflection Dress is not only stunning but also lightweight thanks to its luxurious 100% silk composition. Styled with a wrap front and a cinched waist, this dress is flattering, funky and easy to pack. We will be wearing ours with some Ash Kate Sandals and a Jerome Dreyfuss Clic Clac Clutch this Summer and spritzing some Nasomatto Baraonda perfume as the finishing touch. There's no better time to get out on the water than on holiday and you'll be needing an outfit that's as practical as it is stylish. Throw on this funky striped 120% Lino Top with some AG Jeans Nikki Shorts over your bikini to cover up at sea. Pair with some Crime London Sonic Trainers and a Helen Kaminski Visor when going ashore to explore the local area. Now that we've given you some outfit inspiration, see our top tips for packing the perfect holiday wardrobe: Pack light - remember you can mix and match a lot of your clothes to get the most out of them and including some basics such as white tees and pretty camis will help achieve this. Invest in some all-round heels that will go with anything you put on. A classic colour such as black, ivory or navy with a small heel would be the perfect choice. Change your look up with a sun hat - Helen Kaminski's hats and visors are perfect for packing as they roll up small and have factor 50 sun protection. Roll your clothes when packing - if you're packing delicate fabrics such as silk or linen they will not only stay less creased but also take up less room in your suitcase if you neatly roll them instead of folding. If you're tight for space then pack a range of accessories that will give your looks a different twist - a few pairs of sunglasses, a couple of belts and a hat will take up a lot less room than picking a different outfit for every day. Don't be afraid of colour! Once you've got a sunkissed look going on, colour is your best friend so shop with that in mind. Vibrant tones may look harsh now, but by the second day of sunshine they will only enhance your glow.

The Stanwells team gets around. We love to travel and find exciting new designer brands to introduce our customers to, so we’ve seen a lot of amazing places. But when it comes to relaxing in the sunshine we’ve each got our own dream destinations in mind for summer. If you need some ideas on where to go on holiday in 2018, take a look at our suggested dream destinations from the team here at Stanwells. Plus, we’ve also provided bonus tips on the must-take boutique fashion pieces to suit your trip, so you can enjoy the sunshine in designer style. Here’s where we’re jetting off to this year: Julia, Owner & Buyer Dream Destination: Oman Staying At: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Ever in the shadow of the glittering heights of tourist-magnet Dubai, UAE nextdoor neighbour Oman is a little-appreciated jewel in the Middle Eastern crown. This stunning, rugged country is more about culture and beautiful scenery than the glitz and glamour of its neighbours, and is packed with secluded and luxurious resorts where you can lose yourself in a good book and a few cocktails. The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort is perched atop Oman’s fabled Green Mountain with breathtaking views of the rocky canyons below. Sample a range of exotic and traditional Omani cuisine, stargaze from rooftop platforms, scale the canyon’s rugged walls and relax in pure luxury in the beautiful infinity pool and spa facilities – and all less than a two-hour drive from the bustling Omani capital city of Muscat. Julia Couldn’t Go Without: The Mes Demoiselles Matrioshka Dress. In the hot Middle Eastern sunshine you’ll need something light, airy and comfortable to while away your care-free days, and the Matrioshka dress is just the ticket. We love the gorgeous, earthy colours and exotic floral print, which will work perfectly against the breathtaking Omani mountain backdrop. Match it up with an oversized sun hat (another must-have for this destination) and a pair of chic designer sunglasses to complete your look. Alice, E-commerce Manager Dream Destination: The Maldives Staying At: The Four Seasons When you hear the word ‘Maldives’, the images of white sand beaches, crystal blue water and pure luxury come swimming into the mind’s eye, and for good reason. The Maldives is a total paradise, which is why it’s our eCommerce manager Alice’s ultimate dream destination for summer 2018. Home to a few world-firsts including the famous underwater restaurant, underwater spa and underwater nightclub, the Maldives is a collection of beautiful islands and resorts filled with nothing but immaculate scenery, delicious food and welcoming locals. Alice’s choice of resort is the Four Seasons – what else? A fittingly luxurious collection of resorts for such a paradisiacal location, the Four Seasons includes a choice of two island resorts, a luxury cruiser and a private island, so you can pick the ideal type of holiday for you. From snorkeling and kite surfing to mouthwatering BBQs and sea turtle conservation participation, you might be surprised at just how much there is to do in this idyllic, unspoiled part of the world. Alice Couldn’t Go Without: The Cecilie Smash top and matching Cecilie shorts. Lounging on pristine beaches and dining in exotic restaurants calls for breathable-yet-chic style, and these matching Cecilie pieces are the perfect fit. Made from super lightweight cotton and featuring the brand’s signature print, these summer must-haves will keep you cool and comfortable while creating a perfectly coordinated and stylish beachside look. Off the shoulder and high waisted styles are key spring summer trends, after all. Wear with your favourite pair of designer sandals to complete the look. Louise, Westbourne Store Manager & Buyer Dream Destination: Tanzania Staying At: Singita Faru Faru Lodge If you didn’t know it already, Tanzania is the home of safari. And, alongside the breathtaking wildlife spectacles, it’s also a place to enjoy fascinating cultures, idyllic beaches, luxurious accommodation and the company of very friendly people. And let’s not forget the unforgettable sight of Mt Kilimanjaro - beautiful to look at and an exciting challenge to climb, if you’re that way inclined. However you choose to experience Tanzania, you’ll be completely won over by its wild beauty and cultural charm. Louise’s choice of resort is the stunning Singita Faru Faru Lodge in Northern Tanzania. Positioned right along the renowned Serengeti migrationary route, staying here will fill your time in Tanzania with wonderful wildlife surprises, which you can admire close up or from your luxury poolside perch on the hillside. Faru Faru is about as remote as it gets, making it the perfect place for a total technology switch off and a reconnection with nature. Louise Couldn’t Go Without: The 120% Lino off the shoulder dress in blue. In the sizzling heat of the African sun you’ll need something fresh, airy and light to stay comfortable, and this stunning off the shoulder dress from 120% Lino is the perfect choice. We’re not sure there’s anything more elegant than the bardot style, and this delicate dress with its pretty tie cuff sleeves and lace hem detailing takes the look to new summer heights. Pair it with colourful statement jewellery and strappy sandals for an effortless luxury safari look for your Tanzania vacation. Wherever you spend your summer this year, make sure your holiday wardrobe is topped up with all the latest spring summer 2018 styles from our SS18 collection here at Stanwells.