With the recent summer sun I have been enjoying the rooftop pools in London and turned to simplybeach.com to find the latest styles in swimwear.

With over 40 leading brands to choose from including, some of my favourites, Seafolly, VIX and Melissa Odabash you are spoilt for choice.

With work commitments till August I haven't decided my summer holiday plans as yet, although I will be spending a couple of days at the seaside in the UK.  Thankfully simplybeach.com houses everything I could possibly need for my holiday wardrobe with beach clothing and accessories in abundance.

What's more simplybeach.com collection ranges from a size 6-26, and up to a 34G cup, providing fabulous swimwear for everyone, regardless of silhouettes.

Take a look at the latest pieces to hit the website here and check out my favourites below.

Recently I have styled lots of clients for their summer holidays and honeymoons and the look they have wanted to re-create is less Boho and more sophistication. Swimwear is feminine and luxurious featuring soft ruffles or bold patterns. Think Grace Kelly's beach look in 'To Catch A Thief'.

If you want to extend the elegance from the red carpet and soak up the sun in style, I have selected my favourite CARAT* London pieces.

Imagine walking along the beach, in the surf, wearing light-reflecting jewels, set in precious metals, shimmering in the sunlight. For pool-side glamour opt for statement rings and bracelets, perfect when reading a book as your jewels will delightfully glisten when you turn the page.

A few weeks ago I was invited to Rococo Chocolates in Motcomb Street, London, to experience their new Chocolate Breakfast! Yes, you heard right.. a breakfast centered around one of my favourite things, Chocolate, although this is no ordinary chocolate, it is made by couture Chocolatier 'Rococo' who have just won a trio of awards from the Academy of Chocolate.

You might be surprised to hear that the Rococo Tasting Menu is full of goodness, as Founder and Creative Director, Chantal Coady, informs me that "Chocolate is a fruit"! The surprises begin with a shot of the richest hot chocolate I have ever tasted, which is dairy and sugar free, served with a cube of marshmallow for dipping.



Next on the menu is Chantal Coady's famous 'Power Granola' which is featured in her book, 'Mastering the Art of Chocolate' and served with yogurt and fresh berries.

As some of you may know I have been gluten free for two years and while I feel so much better for avoiding gluten and wheat due to my intolerance, I still crave what I am not permitted, predominantly because finding a gluten-free alternative on the menu is still a rarity. It was a delightful change at Rococo, anyone with a special dietary requirement is catered for.  While I longed to taste the plate of Billionaire's Shortbread which was placed opposite me, I was offered to choose from a selection of patisserie and an assorted selection of Rococo's award winning chocolates.



I have since returned to Rococo to buy the Ganache Selection Box for a friend who is equally particular about her chocolate.

Also Rococo have just launched their new ice cream flavours, perfectly timed for the heatwave this week. I am yet to experience but will be passing by very soon to taste the Mint Dark Chocolate.

The Chocolate breakfast is available daily at the Belgravia shop, although booking is required.


Rococo Chocolates
5 MOTCOMB STREET
LONDON SW1X 8JU
T: +44 (0)20 7245 0993

E: 5motcombstreet@rococochocolates.com

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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.  

This month I am fully immersed in all things summer and holidays, therefore my latest #shwishlist follows the same theme.

Because I travel alot throughout the year, especially during show months, I like to spend my summer holidays visiting different parts of the UK. My holiday wardrobe always contains a loose knit, a straw hat and a cashmere scarf, all items which see me through our unpredictable British weather.  

For UK breaks I like to travel in style, allowing me to take luggage I wouldn't normally when travelling abroad. With many of my friends losing much loved designer cases from flight to flight, I leave the luxury for the UK.  This beautiful structured briefcase tote from AG by Anoesjcka Gianotti, is made from Italian leather and  obviously designed with the business traveller in mind as the bag is guaranteed to take you from the office to your hotel in style.

I am thrilled to have discovered knitwear brand, Needle completely by accident while I was searching for a birthday present for a friend who is a tailor. I wanted to find a pair of needle and thread earrings and instead at the top of my search was the Needle Boutique. I couldn't resist perusing the website and I found beautiful wearable pieces with a minimal and timeless feel. The Kos jumper is an easy to wear casual summer knit, perfect for days when you need a lighter layer.

Every summer wardrobe needs a pair of Aspiga sandals. Designed in the UK and handmade in Africa and India, the Aspiga collection includes fabulous leather sandals, bags and flip-flops. My favourite pair are these elegant White embellished sandals.

Sunscreen is a vital holiday essential and the benefits of opting for an Aloe Vera base are for the natural qualities it possesses. The Egyptians called Aloe Vera the "plant of immortality" and since then it has been used to target a variety of skin concerns from sunburn to psoriasis and eczema. With Forever Living's sunscreen it not only protects the skin from the ageing and damaging effects of the sun's UVA and UVB rays, it also acts as a protective layer on the skin, helping to replenish moisture. 

Vinnie Day's collection is free spirited, understated and chic. One of my friends posted a picture of their Vinnie Day piece on instagram and I immediately went to check out the website.  One of my favourite collections is aptly named 'On Holiday', full of designs including shells, leaves, flowers and butterflies. These piece are designed to work with a kaftan on the beach or finish the bikini look for added poolside glam. I have many favourites but the Square Interlinked Bangles caught my eye. If I was on a shoot I would style them with a black plunge neckline one-piece, hair up in a loose chignon, natural make-up and a pair of gold rimmed aviators. Keeping the look flirtatious yet elegant, contemporary and original, words that also describe all of Vinnie Day's jewellery.

I love the retro-inspired beachwear from Pistol Panties with flattering cuts and streamlined swimwear.  This is swimwear with an edge.  
I am currently coveting the 'Chantelle' a cropped bustier bikini. With it's sharp style it can easily double as a top. Wear with capri pants or high waisted shorts.

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.

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. 

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.