20 summer pieces for under £20

Image from Pixabay

I always find that I end up buying more clothes in the summer. Whether it's wanting to show off my outfit, choosing pretty pieces that will be worn regularly or purchasing for a summer holiday, buying summer items always seems so much more fun and easy!

In winter, it's all about layering. Buying thick jumpers, big coats and monochrome colours is so boring and the idea that you don't really see what you wear is something that makes the thought of summer shopping so much more appealing.

So, as summer is just around the corner, I've been looking at the latest arrivals and trends ready for my summer haul. I don't want to spend a fortune as I know that I'll just end up seeing more and more that I will want to buy. From gingham to ruffles, bardot sleeves to embellishment, here's 20 summer pieces I've found that include all of the latest trends, and are less than £20! The dream.

Top £20⎜Pretty Little Thing
Dress £15.99⎜Mango
Skirt £19.60⎜Miss Selfridge
Top £20⎜MissPap
Bags £13⎜Primark 

Dress £17.99⎜New Look
Heels £20⎜Missguided
Bikini £18⎜BooHoo
Top £15⎜River Island
Kimono £15⎜Forever 21



Bralet £18⎜MissPap
Playsuit £19.99⎜New Look
Blouse £19.99⎜H&M
Sunglasses £19.99⎜Mango
Crop Top £18⎜ASOS



Shorts £17.99⎜Zara
Dress £5⎜Everything5Pounds
Wedges £19.99⎜H&M
Top £19.99⎜New Look
Culottes £5⎜Everything5Pounds

Summer style: The Wedding Guest

Image from Pexels

I love attending weddings in the summer. From the venue to decor, drinks to flowers, the intricacy of a wedding is something that is so unique to the couple and what makes attending so special.

The only problem I always find myself coming across is what to wear. Finding a dress that's not too expensive but suitable for the occasion seems to take numerous shopping trips, plenty of internet scouring and Instagram stalking.

I can never seem to find the right dress and always re-wear my dresses as I don't have much money to buy a new outfit for every occasion. However, after a few quick internet searches, I have found some absolute beauties that would be perfect for any wedding guest to wear this summer.

1. ASOS

This ASOS dress is absolutely stunning. The pastel palette is elegant and floral print is perfect for this year's summer trend. Although it's a mid-length pleated dress that some people might class as unflattering or old-fashioned, the delicate straps and neckline, along with the open back completely change the look of this dress. Partner with some barely-there heels to create a classy look.

2. Reiss

A plain dress doesn't have to be boring, shown by Reiss through lace and floral prints. The short sleeves are perfect for any wedding, especially if you're worried about the weather, and the beautiful cut-out detail on the back instantly changes the shape of the dress when put on. It's a beautiful design and perfect for any summer event, especially in this gorgeous pastel pink colour.

3. Zara

This Zara dress is an absolute steal and put together nicely, can look a lot more expensive than it actually is. The simple, bodycon style is perfect for those who want to flaunt their accessories, shoes or bag and the frill detail on the bardot sleeve adds just a little extra for those who want to cover their chest. This dress comes in lots of colours but the red is definitely the most eye-catching for an event.

4. Topshop

I adore the subtle print of this one-shouldered Topshop dress. The jacquard detailing and pastel tone combine with a structured, cocktail shape to create a dress that can be worn again and again. The dress is a little shorter than most but definitely not unsuitable for a family wedding. Simple accessories will bring this outfit together nicely for an expensive looking high-street alternative.

5. Oh My Love London

Statement sleeves are everywhere at the moment and most probably one of my favourite 2017 trends. This bardot, bodycon number from Oh My Love London is completely focusing on the statement sleeves, leaving the rest of the dress simple yet pretty in a light grey shade. Add some show-stopping earrings or bold heels for that extra touch.

6. French Connection

Lace is everything and one things for sure, it will never go out of fashion. Although this French Connection number comes with a more high-end price tag, the luxury of the material and feel will mean that you'll keep coming back to this dress. White is sometimes seen as inappropriate for a wedding but put together with the right accessories, the silver detailing and lace intricacy of this dress will be the main focus.

A fresh start

I've been spending a lot of time reflecting recently and although I'm not one to usually regret anything or want to change anything about myself, there's been some situations and set-backs that have really got me thinking about what it is I want.

I want to be happy.

Although I believe that I am a positive person and try not to dwell on things too much, my anxiety occasionally comes to haunt me and leaves me overthinking, worrying and just generally creating thoughts that have no reason to even be there. I want to live in the moment and worry less about everything, so I've made some pretty big decisions. Here goes...

I've quit my job. It actually gives me so much pleasure in saying this as it's something that's dragged me down for quite a long time now. I started uni with a 25 hour job and it just piled on the pressure. Even after cutting my hours, with the workload I had to compete with at uni, I was worrying more and more about pleasing both my manager and my lecturers, forgetting about what actually matters. Me.

The pressure to do so much more overtime, get coursework and revision done and have a social life was something that I just about dealt with for the majority of time at uni. Now, heading into my third year with a 2:1, I want to make sure I keep my grades up and concentrate on my work, and now I get a lie in on the weekend!

I've also decided to apply for a postgraduate PGCE. This decision, if you know me, isn't that much of a shocker. I started my summer this year by volunteering in a primary school for two months, and it's made me realise what I really want. Yes, I love media and journalism has been the perfect degree for me to study. If a job comes up in the media industry or I want to do more work experience in newspapers, magazines or PR, then I might! But after being part of a primary school the final term of the year, it's really opened my eyes into what it is I want to do and made me think about what's best for me.

So, as my final year of uni approaches, I've made some big decisions that I'm hoping will reflect positively on my work and grades. I've also made smaller, everyday decisions; to be more organised, to take every chance I'm given and to think of the positive in every situation. Hopefully, this time next year, I'll be able to look back and realise that I chose the right path.

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10 random facts about me

A little insider into a few things about me. What I like, what I don't and some of my favourite things...

1. My favourite place in the world is New York. I like lots of cities and love the Cotswolds, but nothing will ever come close to the feeling you get in NYC.

2. My greatest achievement was getting into uni. I believe everything happens for a reason and since being at uni, I've seen how much my life, attitude and ambitions have changed for the better.

3. My biggest regret is not doing anything for myself, when I needed to the most.

4. If I could wish for anything, it would be for free travel. There's so many places I want to visit and I'm too impatient to save for years!

5. My most expensive purchase will be my car (once I pay it all off!).

6. When I was about 15, I was obsessed with One Direction. Completely obsessed. I've seen them 4 times.

7. I love writing lists. I write down lists for everything; packing for holiday, shopping at Christmas, things I need to do. Just generally anything I feel needs to be organised.

8. I'm actually quite shy. I seem confident, talk for England and love getting to know people but I definitely put a front up to hide my shyness and insecurities.

9. I am obsessed with chocolate, I can't get enough of it. I should probably stop...

10. I have never had a pet, but would love a dog.