beach and bikini dreaming

A New York reader told me yesterday that she doesn't get dressed until she has read her daily dose of secretstylist. Bless. She might not be sporting this one...

I'm dreaming of wearing these bikinis and kaftans...which are in the sale fyi...it may seem like a ridiculous thing to buy but I've banged about Heidi Klein lots of times, this is a great time of year to pick up a high quality bikini at a good price. Barneys is the only place I've found in New York which stocks good swimwear out of season - do you know anywhere else? There are a few beachy fashion sites which I love browsing on, Beach Tomato Shack and Style-Passport...dream away...

Silk-gorgette short kaftan - Tallulah & Hope - 70 GBP (from 180)

Marrakech white bikini - Heidi Klein - 90 GBP (from 180)

Sugar Hill triangle bikini - Heidi Klein - 87 GBP (from 175)

Hero stalings kaftan - Tallulah & Hope - 100 GBP (from 200)

Greek sandals - Beach Tomato Shack - 140 GBP

Leather bag - vida vida at Style-Passport - 55 GBP I found a similar one here in NYC

Pink hero kaftan - Tallulah & Hope - 100 GBP (from 200)

Plum bikini - Heidi Klein - 87 GBP (from 175)

Zebra beach towel - Opening Ceremony - USD 225

online shopping...the best bikinis

As it verges on rain outside my smug self is dreaming of the trip to Miami and the Bahamas next week. You have permission to delete me now, but in case you are also venturing off somewhere warm for Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year, feast your eyes on these gorgeous bikinis from Heidi Klein. Yep, they are a little pricey but I love wearing mine, they last and the cut makes your confidence soar. Its free international shipping until Sunday 20th... 

portobello

I was hanging out with Ginge last Friday, the sun was shining (for once) so I was able to remove my thermals and sit outside for coffee, lunch and drinks. Bliss. I am sure you've all been to Portobello market, or have heard of it, so you will know that the best time to go is on Friday morning, rather than the hectic tourist-tastic Saturday version. Start with a coffee at Kitchen & Pantry and then work your way left along the stalls, check out Appletree Boutique for great tops and dresses, and Darimeya for more pretty dresses. Wander until you discover to the brilliant vintage stalls under the westway. Potter around there and then wander back the way you came and hang a right to lunch outside at the pretty Italian Osteria Basilico. Check out Couverture & The Garbstore then back onto the market walking through the antiques area until you reach Westbourne Grove, head left and discover designer goodies at Joseph, Maje, Sandro, Les Petites and my fave Heidi Klein (which is now on sale). Don't miss the Mary’s Living & Giving shop at number 177. Then treat yourself to scones and elderflower water (wild) at Daylesford Organic. A pretty perfect London day.