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If you’ve been counting down the days to payday this month, drawing out any funds in your Vinted balance and hot-girl walking to Aldi to avoid using unnecessary petrol (to buy a bottle of absolutely necessary rosé) – you’re not alone. After forking out for a new (well, new to me) car, it’s been a rough month made all the more challenging thanks to several of my favourite brands releasing new drops or launching summer sales.
So instead of spending my pennies online shopping (who knew a lost logbook would set you back £25?), I’ve been filling my phone’s notes section with all the dreamy wardrobe must-haves and fashion favourites I’ve come across this month. I’m known to be quite an impulsive shopper, so not only is this new monthly series designed to give you some inspiration this payday, it’s secretly to stop me splurging left, right and centre every month, too. My new rule is that anything I see and want to buy throughout the month goes on the payday picks list. Then, on payday, I can pick 2-3 things to buy. Generally if I still can’t stop thinking about it and it’s available in my size, then I’m allowed to treat myself. Bonus points if it’s on sale or I can blag a discount code from somewhere.
This month’s edit feels very summer-ready with a colour palette of sky blues, lemony yellows and chocolate browns. From the new Damson Madder collection and Aligne sale to the latest trending summer staples – here’s everything I’ve added to my payday picks this June:
Aligne Madeline Cross Back Midi Dress – £79.99
I’m really into my blues and denims at the moment, and Aligne’s summer sale has been tempting me with this Madeline Midi Dress. It’s down from £149 to £79.99, but I feel like it looks way more expensive. The cross back detailing is so pretty, as is the pleat in the front of the skirt which gives it a bit of a jumpsuit illusion – plus it has pockets! I’m thinking raffia bag, sandals and a straw hat for holiday, but perhaps even a white t-shirt underneath for a more casual look?
Damson Madder Camille Trench – £125
I’ve been eyeing up vintage Burberry’s on vinted and in specialist stores, however, I might actually ditch the idea, seeing as Damson Madder decided to drop a trench that feels practically made for me. Priced at £125, it’s that dreamy cream/buff colour I’ve been after in a longline coat, with an a-line silhouette, storm flaps and welt pockets. But the devil is in the detail with this baby – red embroidered buttonholes and DM embroidery, but the pièce de résistance? The leopard print and olive green lining. The only thing I wish it had is the option of a belt, but I think I can look past that.
ASOS DESIGN satin bias maxi skirt in pink and green stripe – £32
Seen this skirt on a couple of content creators now and I am well and truly influenced. I’d have bought it already, but clearly everyone has been trying to get their hands on it too because it’s out of stock in my size. I have, however, switched on stock notifications. Absolutely obsessed with the pink and green colour combo. I’ve been living in satin midi skirts but all of mine are quite dark or neutral colours so I feel like I need to inject some summery colours and prints into my skirt-drobe.
Adidas Originals SL 72 – £80.00
While Sambas and Spezials continue to dominate 2024 footwear trends, the SL 72 offers something a little bit different with a sportier edge. Chocolate browns, buttermilk yellows and pops of blue are all huge this season and this trainer ties them all together beautifully. This is so different from anything already in my shoe collection, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since I first laid eyes on them. I really like the running-style silhouette and since they’re a more fun take on a neutral, I think they’ll pair so well with some of my leopard print outfits.
River Island beige Leopard Print Embroidered Cap – £15
Speaking of leopard print, this cap might just need to hit my basket. River Island’s accessories I find can be really hit and miss, but I actually prefer this one to Ganni’s £85 version. I like the NY Studios embroidery that adds a pop of red, plus it feels quite timeless and again, a bit sporty. I can be a bit fussy about the kind of leopard print I like as it can sometimes look a bit tacky – if you know, you know – but River Island has really nailed it with this piece. Oversized tee or sweatshirt and shorts and you’re good to go.
UO Ecru Limonada T-Shirt – £32
I saw this t-shirt in store last week and it’s just giving me all the sipping cocktails in the sunshine vibes. Really gorgeous oversized fit and a soft but sturdy cotton material – the kind that hangs really nicely and doesn’t go out of shape in the wash. The crew neck and drop shoulders give it a nice relaxed vibe and I love how the graphics have a lived-in, washed feel to them. Pair with baggy jeans or cut offs, or even a satin midi skirt or funky patterned trousers for a ‘cool-girl’ look.
Cos Quilted Mini Bag
You may or may not be aware but I am addicted to these puffy-style bags and have various iterations of them from Cos, M&S and Amazon. They have become a cornerstone of Cos’ collection and this mini version is the ideal size for every-day styling and can be worn comfortably on the shoulder. This size bag is £45 and I’m once again loving the sky blue hues of summer 24. It’s got a zipped pocket inside for valuables and just effortlessly adds some much-needed texture to an outfit.
Dr Martens Josef Leather Buckle Slide Sandal – £120
I’m a docs year-round kind of girl and while I live in my ‘greasy’ leather 1460s about 75 per cent of the year, I did invest in the Blaire sandals about two years ago and love them for the summer months. That said, I feel like these slide-on Josef Leather Buckle Slide Sandals could be just what my wardrobe is missing. I buy a cheap pair of sliders most years and they’re never comfortable, nor do they last, so maybe it’s time to take the plunge and cop a pair of these before they sell out. The buckle detailing and leather stitching makes them instantly recognisable as Dr Martens which immediately makes an outfit 10x cooler than it would be otherwise, right?
Amazon Summer Casual Short – £12.99
The boxer shorts trend? Count me in. As a work from home girly, these are no doubt going to be my uniform of the summer when it’s too hot to wear anything else. I’ve found it a bit tricky to find a pair that balance affordability with quality, as well as being the right colour and having that detailing on the waistband, but this Amazon pair appears to tick all of the boxes and come in some lovely colours. Super easy to style with a plain white vest and trainers, or you can elevate them a touch with a baggy top, ballet flats and a leather bag. I’ll take a pair in every colour and live in them for the foreseeable, please.
Oliver Bonas Tidal Wave Print Yellow Midi Skirt – £65
Another attempt to add some more interesting separates to my wardrobe, I really love the soft watercolour tones in this Oliver Bonas skirt. It’s got a slight pleat to it and because of the different blues, pinks and yellows in it, there will be so many different ways to style it to bring out the different accents in it.
John Lewis Shirred Bodice Asymmetric Dress
If there’s one thing to know about me it’s that I love a dress with pockets. I’ve seen a lot of these one-shoulder shirred dresses about the high street of late but this sky blue one from John Lewis has been my favourite. I love a stretchy shirred top for summer because it means you can eat as much pasta as you want and still feel comfortable. The £42 dress also comes in a dreamy chocolate brown which just feels like a really elevated and luxurious alternative to black. I’m torn between which to get, so maybe it’ll have to be both.