Banishing the blues

For most, the January blues have set in by now  The New Year excitement and anticipation have fizzled and we’re left with memories of the festive period to juxtapose with a bunch of unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions and a sense of disenchantment with our dreams for 2014.

The good news is that we’re only two weeks in, there’s plenty of time to make the big achievements, and in the meantime…it helps to think of things to put a smile back on our faces.

For some comfort eating helps, for others finding free things to do with loved ones is the thing to put a smile back on your face. For me – and the entirely selfish reason for this post –reminiscing about my happiest times and planning my new adventures do the trick, so I’ve been looking through my Christmas holiday pics (for those who don’t know, I was in Melbourne) and thought I’d give those of you lucky enough to have some winter sun in the pipeline, a helping hand with your wardrobes

Before the Internet, finding outfits for warmer climates in the bleak British winter was virtually impossible, but retailers have become much more aware of our needs – ok, desires (but there are studies which show happiness is linked to Vitamin D intake!)- so it’s no longer necessary to fashion beach cover ups out of your mum’s tie dye scarf because you couldn’t find anything else in the shops! There’s a lot of choice out there for you lucky people, whether you’re the tanning or the sight-seeing type.

If you’re heading to the beach, the fifties are still very much in when it comes to swimwear, but if like me, your body shape doesn’t allow for high-waisted bottoms (my torso is so short the bottoms would meet the top like a swimsuit!) bold block colours are where it’s at. Throw in an unusual beach towel and a pair of statement sunglasses and you’re ready to hit the pool side or to relax under a palm tree as did just a few short weeks ago (sob!).

For wandering the souvenir shops or heading to the beachside bar, there are some gorgeous maxi dresses floating about. Florals are very much in fashion right now, so why not be on trend with something like the AX strapless floral maxi for £19.99. Match these with some statement gladiator sandals like these nude Kate Spade Adagio Perf Gladiator sandals and a bright block colour bag and you’ll be well away.

If there’s one thing you can absolutely get away with on holiday that you can’t be as confident about at home, it’s wearing white. Everybody’s doing it so get in on the action and it will look fabulous with your tan.

For those more interested in sight-seeing, museums and cafe culture, city chic is the look for you. Team your light summer dress with a pair of ankle boots, or don a jumpsuit with espadrilles and you have yourself a perfect match. If you’re a pale beauty who doesn’t do well in the sun, max up the glam with a retro brimmed hat like this one from ASOS. If you prefer a look that’s a little more prim, try a polka dot dress and then Audrey sunglasses are absolutely the way to go.

When you’re on holiday, dressing for the evening is a dream. You don’t have to cover your look with heavy coats and jackets and with a healthy glow you’re even more gorgeous than normal. Make the most of it! Lengthen your pins with gorgeous gladiator sandals from Fearne Cotton and dare to wear eye-catching items like these sequin shorts from Basix. Go all out!

Thinking about these pretty things in the sunshine has already lifted my mood. I hear retail therapy is pretty good for January blues too…wink wink.

By Olivia Parish