july favourites — Lizzie for SMUG

Okay, first thing's first - I'm sorry for the tardiness of this favourites post. It's been a bit of a crazy month and so I'm very very late with this one, but... This is where where I pull together my favourites in fashion, food, beauty and everything in between for the month of July. F A S H I O N :adidas Originals Stan Smith 'Copper Kettle' - Just like many other people right now, I've got a bit of a thing for copper and brass. Most of the bits and bobs I've been picking up in metallic finishes have been for the flat (more on that coming soon) but these bad boys are firmly fashion - although come to mention it I do keep my trainer collection on display at home (more on that coming too). They're perfect for those slightly chillier London summer days and even cope well with occasional drizzle, but they pack a proper punch of the sun kissed look so keep you feeling bronzed and weather optimistic. I'm looking forward to rocking them into autumn. Topshop Sleeveless Duster - Oh how I love layering. It's my go to happy place when putting together an outfit - and navy is my absolute favourite layering colour - so you can imagine my delight when stumbling across this sleeveless number at Toppers. I've been throwing it over old favourites like my oversized breton t or long navy sleeveless YMC dress which were both featured in my 2013 blog post what betty wore no.2. Pair with old classics and staples to pull them effortlessly into 2015.Bimba Y Lola Banana Print Bikini - I love fruit! I love eating it, I love illustrations of it, I love little plastic miniatures of it (oh yes I have a small plastic banana and lemon at home - it's fine, they're vintage) and I love wearing it. This banana bikini makes me smile and is comfy too. I'd have liked to get my hands on the cossie version even more but alas I was too slow off the mark after Knomes spotted it for me. Exposed tummy aside, I love this swim suit. F O O D :De Kas - On a recent trip to Amsterdam I had the pleasure of eating at De Kas, a restaurant in a green house setting in Park Frankendael. They grow all of their own fruit, veg and herbs and only use locally reared meat, fish and poultry. The menu is a seasonal tasting one based on what's fresh that day.We had...Tomato soup with roasted tomatoes, shredded lettuce and nasturtiumsMackerel with beetroot and baconCourgette, watermelon, feta and pestoCucumber sorbet with honeycomb I drank filtered tap water but mum can wholeheartedly recommend the house champagne! I would strongly suggest prioritising a visit if you're ever in Amsterdam. De Kas is a special place. B E A U T Y :Mac Ripe Peach Toledo Blush Ombre - This bad boy is rather popular with the beauty pack so I couldn't find it in stock for a while but stumbled upon it at Luton airport. Winner! It's the perfect peachy lift to the apples of your cheeks and looks good with any lip colour.Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser - I've been having a bit of a Laura Mercier moment. Historically I've been more of a concealer stick and pressed powder person but I've found that my skin is getting less oily and a little more dry as I get older so I've needed to change things up a bit. My focus used to be on trying to reduce the oiliness of my t-zone, but now I'm looking to bring the glow. This oil free tinted moisturiser which I apply with a buffing brush, goes on looking like healthy, dewy, glowing skin. It's got enough coverage to even things out but is light and natural on the skin and not at all cakey. Hello glow.Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eye Colour in Platinum - I don't wear eye shadow. I like eye liner and mascara but eye shadow looks weird on me. It seems to make my eyes look smaller even. This little tube of goodness on the other hand is perfection. I apply it to the corners of my eyes with my fingers to open them right up and bring a bit of brightness. O T H E R :The Hoxton Hotel Amsterdam - The people behind Shoreditch's and Holborn's Hoxton Hotels have opened shop in Amsterdam and the place is gorgeous! You can see how their taste and style have developed and the Amsterdam branch is by far my favourite. I was lucky enough to be one of the first guests to stay there, just two weeks after them opening their doors. They'll be launching Hoxton hotels in New York and Paris in 2016 so I'm looking forward to seeing what they do over the pond and in gay Paris. Full review of The Hoxton Hotel Amsterdam coming soon. Studio Lenneke Wispelwey - The main reason for my end of July trip to Amsterdam was to visit friend of SMUG and ceramicist Lenneke Wispelwey in her studio. SMUG has worked with Lenneke for a year or two now and is currently the only place you can buy her beautiful pieces in the UK. We are putting together a special exhibition of her ceramics - Lenneke Wispelwey upstairs at SMUG, which will launch in September for London Design Festival (watch this space for more on that one). It was really good to finally meet Lenneke in person and to understand better how she works. Her shop and studio in Ahern, an hour or so out of Amsterdam, are wonderful spaces full of inspiration and intrigue.