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Tripadvisor, always on the forefront with travel news and developments have just published this interesting article on quirky hotels :
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/InfoCenter-a_ctr.quirkyhotelsWorld
Bare Faced Chic is the way to go on holiday. Minimal make-up is needed but there are some wise preparations you can make before your trip. Scrubs are particularly effective at removing old skin, rejuvinating and encouraging fresh skin. Moisturising and sun protection is key, while foundations and heavy eye shadows are a no-no in the heat.
A holiday is the time to relax and on the beach we are more relaxed than anywhere else. Marie-Anne Lecoeur, author of ‘How to be Chic and Elegant’ – the french woman’s guide to style, has some great tips for how to retain perfect elegance, even when lying on the beach in next to nothing.
Whatever your size – wear it right
Whether too big or too small, badly fitting swimwear looks terrible and will make you feel uncomfortable, destroying confidence. Ensure your bikini neither pinches or leaves gaps and you will look fantastic. Likewise, you might be lucky enough to have a body that can wear a g-string bikini, but don’t wear anything you’re not 100% confident in.
Plan your colours
Holidays favour bright, bold colours – so choose a theme before you pack. That way you can co-ordinate all your accessories and look ‘put together’ not ‘thrown together’ on the beach.
White can be a great colour to accentuate a tan or compliment darker skin, but make sure you don’t choose a fabric that turns transparent when wet!
Always wear sunscreen
This advice never goes out of fashion and there is nothing chic about either red burnt skin, or the peeling after-effects. Wear an appropriate sunscreen and if you know you are prone to burning, cover up in the hottest part of the day.
Take pity on your hair
As well as packing a good conditioner, rinse your hair thoroughly in fresh water before getting in the pool or the sea. This way it is less able to absorb damaging saltwater or chlorine.
Hide under a hat
Not only is a wide-brimmed hat a fabulous statement-accessory, it also protects you from the sun; stops the delicate skin on your neck from burning; and covers your hair. Sun bleaching may work well for blondes, however people with naturally dark hair could get less welcome brassy tones.
Wedges are your friends
Normal high heels cannot be worn on the beach, which is why wedges are essential holiday packing. That way if you decide on a stroll along the beach after dinner, you can still wear elegant heels without sinking into the sand.
Beachwear is just that
Don’t wear your bikini to go to the restaurant or cafe after a session on the beach. A simple dress or kaftan takes up no room in your bag, and will look perfect slipped on over your bikini, gliding around the shops with your post-beach glow.
Remember your pedicure when packing
Pedicured toes look the best on holiday when you get to show them off in open-toed sandals, however chipped nail polish spoils this effect. Remember to pack the colour your have used, so a quick touch-up can be administered, or invest in a shellac pedicure.
Pack a night cream
Your face is out in the sun all day and also in and out of the ocean or the swimming pool. Your skin’s ability to absorb nutrients peaks at night, so this is the perfect time to repair damage caused in the day by using a great night cream.
Enjoy yourself
No one looks more elegant than when they are happy, relaxed and confident. Holidays are a chance to escape, so make the most of this time to get away from it all and recharge your batteries. Have fun!
Marie-Anne’s book, ‘How to be Chic and Elegant’ is available from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/How-be-Chic-Elegant-ebook/dp/B00652O06C/
and tells you all you need to know about perfect poise; how to dress to suit your body; and what to wear for every occasion.
Ever thought that there was no ‘quick fix’ to a stunning beach body. Well there isn’t technically… well actually there almost is. Want to look great in your bikini accessorised with your beautiful beach wear kaftan ? Well we can recommend the most toning work out we here at Louise Sandberg have ever tried…. Reformer Pilates… We are big fans of Bootcamp Pilates based in London with 4 different locations. www.bootcamppilates.com
When in Athens, don’t miss the perfect opportunity to buy some sandals that will go perfectly with your kaftan… This world famous poet, who’s poems are on the US curriculum also makes the most exquisite sandals.. named after the many famous people who he has made sandals for .. : http://www.melissinos-art.com/eng/sandals.html
See our online pinboard : http://pinterest.com/louisesandberg/
High Summer Collections Now Online www.louisesandberg.com
So far the disappointing British summer has increased determination to soak up more reliable rays in foreign climes and I have found myself day-dreaming about white sand and turquoise seas even more than usual.
Lovely new stock arriving at www.louisesandberg.com has fanned the flames of beach-bound fantasy with new bikinis and kaftans just begging to be ‘properly’ tried on in an appropriate tropical location. 
See for example the beautiful new pink with turquoise amber dress : http://www.louisesandberg.com/kaftans/classic/pink-with-turquoise-shimmer-amber-kaftan?zenid=364ffc9e913897a1431914aa4944d569
As well as fabulous beachwear – an essential item for the holiday shopping basket is high quality suncare and with this in mind, I have been talking to the lovely people at Green People for top tips on achieving lovely natural colour safely.
They have helpfully supplied a list of five tips for staying safe in the sun, which can be read in full on my Facebook page here http://www.facebook.com/notes/beachwear-by-louise-sandberg-london/15-exclusive-discount-for-louise-sandberg-customers-and-sun-safety-tips-from-gre/386173974778440
Green People is also offering an exclusive 15% discount on its suncare range to Louise Sandberg customers quoting BEACHWEAR at the checkout until the end of August 2012.
For holiday style requirements, be sure to look around the website for beautiful new kaftans; dresses and swimwear and don’t forget your passports…
Bon Voyage!
