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I know from experience that it isn't easy dressing for a country wedding. With a dance floor which could be a lawn, seating which could be bales of hay to the flagstones in the country church. Negotiating your way across various terrains can be difficult, unless you are prepared.  

The look to aim for is a combination of style with comfort. Take a pair of chic flats to help you on the dance floor, wear a loose jacket and scarf to add the extra layer in the evening and chose dresses which are either soft and floaty or versatile. I have featured womenswear label 'In One Clothing' once before and I love their dresses. The label presents a collection of multi-way dresses. The aptly named 'Confetti' dress can transform into 14 different styles in an instant. 

Opt for statement accessories like this whimsical swan necklace by Swan or the Art-Deco inspired ring from V Jewellery. Keep hats subtle and stylish, I am loving everything by Siana Yewdall and Cheltenham's Lisa von Hallwyl.

Trying to maintain battery charge at a Wedding isn't easy, especially when taking photos or videos, however with Handbag Butler's 'Mighty Purse' their chic leather clutch comes with a genius technological feature enabling you to recharge your phone twice over. 

Remember that dressing for a country wedding can still be elegant and modern, rural doesn't have to mean rustic.  

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If you are yet to visit beachcafe.com, the online destination for luxury designer swimwear, you must!

Established in 2009, by previous Harvey Nichols buyer and STUDIO THIRTEEN founder Rosi Farrow and ex-swimwear buyer Emma Fletcher,  beachcafe.com offers the online shopper everything for a perfect stylish holiday.  Sourcing beachwear from designers around the world, beachcafe.com houses over 20 covetable labels including London based 'Kaftan Queen' Juliet Dunn, Californian brand Vitamin A, Brazilian inspired label Sofia by Vix, Spanish brand Pily Q,  L*Space from LA and the renowned Australian brand Seafolly.

From bold colours, statement prints and metallics to pure white and pastel shades, beachcafe.com offers exquisite kaftans, beach dresses, glamorous swimsuits and bikinis to ensure comfort and style to allow you a relaxing holiday in the sun.

For more inspiration navigate the website for travel tips for specific places. From Bali to the Maldives, these travel notes contain small concise information on style, what to see and where to stay.

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It's hard to express how much joy I find in discovering a new brand that is not only super chic but also BRITISH!

As a journalist and stylist British brands are my number one priority and I couldn't be happier to introduce Alfie Douglas as my Handbag Crush this month.

I spotted one of their bags during a breakfast with a friend who works at avenue32.com. When the conversation moved to their brands I began clicking through the website on my iPad until suddenly I spotted a bag from the 'Alfie One' collection and it was love at first handbag sight.

The beauty in the collection lies within the simplicity of the designs and their sleek aesthetic. It isn't easy to design bags which combine style with substance and subtlety, but Alfie Douglas perfects the art of creating the classic, timeless bag.

The family-run brand which began in 2011 is a collaboration between four sisters and their parents. Each bag is made and finished by hand with many being entirely hand stitched thus creating unique products. The brand places a priority on sourcing the finest sustainable materials.

While I covet each and every bag within the collection my ultimate favourite is the structured tote in the Alfie One collection. I have a lot to carry daily and this tote is effortlessly stylish. 

If you are looking for a bag to last a lifetime opt for a design by Alfie Douglas.  In ten years from now you will realise the value of your investment.

As soon as the sun begins to shine my ballerina flats and gladiators are out of storage and into my wardrobe. 

Summer flats are the perfect combination of style and comfort.  Living in London I always need a trusty pair of flats which not only carry me from meeting to meeting, while my heels are in my handbag, but also from day to night. 

I am in love with these orange and fuchsia butterfly sandals by Aruna Seth, a new brand now firmly on my shoe radar.  These sandals will perfectly pop a silk tee and capri pants combo or team with a floaty summer dress.

Jemima Vine's Edie metallic pumps are the epitome of luxury and are a must have shoe for all seasons. I highly recommend them.

Take your pick from the fabulous flats above, your feet will thank you!

With various types of holidays, from beach getaways to city breaks, I have selected my favourite handbags to ensure perfect holiday style and practicality.

My favourite is Wilby's vibrant over-sized tote made from sustainable cork. Incredibly spacious, this bag can hold all essentials and more.

To add suitable shine to your holiday, Zara's metallic number is your ideal sightseeing bag. Room for your shopping including a few magazines and picnic. 

However, for understated chic, opt for Helen Kaminski's 'Pia Bag' from Beach Cafe. Made from rafia with leather handles, it comes with an extensive price tag although it is a forever bag, timeless and elegant.

On holiday versatility is the key. I love Eileen Fisher's Chevron Weave Bag which comes with a removable strap, so you can wear it on your shoulder or carry it like a clutch. 

It has been a very busy week from perfecting the outfits for my Royal Ascot styling clients, styling fashion shoots and navigating the returns from these shoots. 'Returns' is the process named to returning samples which I receive direct from the brand/designer. Once the shoot is finished everything is steam cleaned and packed into tissue to return for other magazines and editors to use. Sometimes there can be one worldwide sample so the competition for particular popular garments can be fierce. For high street bands there are normally two samples but all samples are carefully used, documented and returned immaculately. 
After completing all the returns I finished work early to bring you my #shwishlist.

I have found the lovely site rachelwears.com, established by Rachel Roberts, when Rachel emailed me last month. Her brand houses fabulous trans-seasonal  clothes, suitable for all occasions, in classic shapes with feminine details, all purposefully designed to flatter a woman's body.  What's more, everything is made in the UK helping to sustain British manufacturing. 

This summer invest in this halter neck maxi dress, featured in slate blue and also available in black. This modal jersey dress is the most versatile summer garment. Wear over a bikini or one piece for beach or pool comfort, or for cool summer nights team a loose knit over the top. You can also shorten the hem and accessorise with a stole for a casual dinner outfit. One dress with multiple style options.

This week I have discovered three great jewellery brands which I know you will love as much as me.  One in particular is located at the top.The Nadira 18ct gold plated chalcedony bangle by Caroline Creba is a beautiful aqua gemstone bracelet, totally romantic and one of those pieces which will work with everything. Be warned though, when you visit Caroline's website it's impossible not to fall in love with everything as it was a hard task finding only one piece to bring you!

The Launer London Handbag is a constant for Her Majesty the Queen and has accompanied her since the 1960s. While she is not alone in her patronage for Launer, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and the Duchess of Cornwall have all admired the British brand, they are affectionately known as The Queen's handbags.


However on a recent garden party at a friends house, I was happy to witness three different Launer Handbags worn on the arms of 20 something girls. They are indeed exquisitely crafted bags which come with an impressive price tag and this is why they are attractive to the younger generation.  Launer is becoming an understated show of status, wealth and luxury for the discerning woman. My favourite is the Traviata Handbag, a kelly-style bag, in calf leather finished with the signature Launer rope logo hardware. 

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.

As the sun is shining brighter each week and we are edging closer to summer, I have selected my favourite pairs of shorts to see you from day to night and work to weekend.  

One pair in particular which caught my eye are the 'Clara' flared shorts by ethical brand Nancy Dee. Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe in these fifties-style flared jersey shorts.  For daytime glamour team these high waisted shorts with an off the shoulder white top and wedge heels, or for workwear add a fitted blazer and wear over a pastel coloured top or blouse.

Sophia Webster is the former assistant to the renowned shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood and is proving to be the go-to designer for fun and fabulous footwear. With kaleidoscopic colorways, attention to detail and playful embellishments, Sophia Webster's colourful creations are adorning the feet of all fashion darlings.

Everytime I wear my own 'Riri' shoes, my friends are cooing at my feet! There is one occasion where shoes are the utmost of importance and this event is on your Graduation. Be sure to invest in a beautiful pair of shoes as your outfit is covered with a gown and guests are seated at shoe level. With a pair of eye-catching heels you can enjoy your special moment and command everyone's attention!

My current favourite from Sophia's collection is 'Mila', ankle-high cage heels featuring wavy suede straps and cut-outs. Fierce in detail and striking from a distance, these peep-toe booties are the shoes of the season. Team with a body-con mini dress or contrast with white cropped cigarette pants and a black structured blouse.