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1. Hotel Costa Verde

1. Hotel Costa Verde

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.

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!