FASHION: KARM'S HIGH STREET BEACH HAUL

Karm is back with more Beach Blogging and this time she was let loose in the stores...

"So the sun is shining, which for me means just one thing... The beach! Except I'm 300 miles away from my dream coastline and with work looming on the horizon, I've resorted to the next best thing. Shopping for the beach!

The high street is at last filling with pastel shades, flowing dresses and tempting flip flops which works wonders for my mood but I'm not sure my bank account is quite so pleased. However, with the promises of midday strolls along the warming sand and toe-dipping amongst the mighty waves, I just couldn't resist a few cheeky, summer buys.
So today I wandered helplessly through Forever 21, (anyone 20+ must remember Tammy Girl, this shop reminds me so much of my shopping-filled childhood, the similarities are uncanny), and of course, I didn't leave empty handed.

My first spot was a beautiful sea-blue patterned gypsy dress. The navy and cream colour scheme not only compliments any ocean backdrop but also allows me to risk wearing summer-styled clothes whilst currently lacking the much desired summer tanned skin! It's light, it's floaty, it's care-free and effortless, it's perfect for achieving that beachy vibe and would suit both flip flop lovers and those who die for their beloved Chelsea and cowboy boots.

It is, however, a tad on the short side. Just long enough to wear comfortably whilst lingering on the sand, watching the sun set but I'd perhaps add some denim shorts or a long, forgiving cardigan if wearing this around the town. Either way, it is certainly going to play a key role in my spring/summer wardrobe this year and it was only £22.75, perfect!

My next little spend was even lighter on the bank balance, falling in at £18.75. This dress makes me feel like I could walk on water. A soft blush colour, it compliments both tanned and lighter skin tones and falls effortlessly into place. I adore how easy to wear this item is. Throw it on with wind-swept hair and natural make up and look like you're made to be standing on that beach. It has adorable cut out detailing that adds a subtle elegance whilst maintaining a relaxed, carefree vibe. I literally love this dress and cannot wait to wade gently through the incoming tides, watching the pale pink materials sway in the sea breeze. Roll on my next holiday please!

And finally, with my sensible it's-England-it's-still-cold head on, I found the cardigan I have been searching for. A relaxed, flowing cardigan that can be easily worn. (when I say easily worn, I quite literally mean, throw it in over anything and it looks good)

This was a mere £16.75 and is just perfect for beach days where the sea air is a little on the chilly side yet you still want to pull off that gorgeous summer dress. In fact, whether it be cute summer dresses or cowboy boots and frayed shorts, this cardigan will do the trick in looking the part and keeping your body temperature above freezing!

What am I looking forward to most though? Running up the beach after a dive into the (very, very cold) Atlantic sea and throwing this on over my bikini, wrapping up, pulling the sleeves over my (now numb) hands and waiting, waiting for the sun to meet the horizon before calling it a day. That's what summer is about after all. And a wardrobe that makes the days even more special... Well that's just perfect."

Do you like to splurge on any summer outfits? I know some of my favourites come from Mink Pink and Boohoo.com! Let us know in the comments below! 

Peace xoxo