a sunshine-inspired shopping expedition will help banish thoughts of the cold. Wherever you’re heading, we’ve picked out this year’s summer essentials... by Georgia Barclay
Birmingham
First it held songs, then photos, and now the iPod (www.apple.com) has added video so you can enhance your listening experience while soaking up the rays. In 30GB and 60GB models, this iPod (starting at £219) holds up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos and 150 hours of video on a 2.5-inch display. Check out Birmingham’s Apple Store in the Bullring Shopping Centre and pick up a Lilipod Waterproof iPod case (£39.95). Download one of Hed Kandi’s CDs, like Disco Heaven or Beach House – just right for sun-drenched listening. (www..hedkandi.com)
Nice
Summer’s here so of course you’ll need a divine new bikini – and he’s probably in dire need of new swimming trunks. Drive south from Nice along the stunning coastal road and pop into Eres at 2 Rue Gambetta in Cannes for a seriously opulent bikini perfect for poolside cocktails (www.eresparis.com). For him, cruise into Saint Tropez and stock up at Vilebrequin, 1 Rue de la Poste, on a pair of brightly coloured and patterned swimming shorts. You’ll both be so stylishly attired it would be a shame not to charter a yacht and sail the Mediterranean! (www.vilebrequin.com)
Málaga
Landed in Málaga only to fi nd that, amid all the pre-holiday buzz, you’ve forgotten to pack some summer essentials?
No problem, head to Fun & Basics in Avenida de la Aurora (www.funbasics. com) for multi-coloured sandals and beaded necklaces – perfect accessories for fun nights out in tapas bars – cotton sarongs to throw on while you’re lazing around the pool, and fabulous beach bags to hold your goodies.
London
London may not be fi rst on your list of summer hot spots, but it’s perfect to pick up must-haves for the beach. Find a vintage bikini (above) in Pistol Panties (www..pistolpanties.com) at 75 Westbourne Park Road, and then grab a kaftan – featuring hand-dyed and embroidered silks – from Liza Bruce at 9 Pont Street (www..lizabruce.com). You’ll never want to leave your sun lounger, but when the sea calls, drop into Ocean Leisure in Wilson Walk (www.oceanleisure. co.uk) to stock up on goggles, snorkels and a waterproof case for your camera, so you can take snaps of all that is under the sea.
Palma
Finish off your summer look with slick shades from luxury Spanish fashion house Loewe at 1 Jaime III (www..loewe.com). Choose from fabulous gold aviator-style or fi lm star black wraparound sunnies. While you’re there, check out Loewe’s divine resort wear made up of fashionable cotton shorts, gorgeous silk summer dresses and goatskin espadrilles that are perfect for promenading along Playa de Palma.
5top tips for tanning fake, don’t bake!
We all want that coveted golden glow, but the only safe tan is a fake tan. Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein, founders of Notting Hill institution Heidi Klein (www.heidiklein.com), offer a dedicated one-stop summer holiday boutique fi lled with gorgeous bikinis, kaftans, sunnies and beach bags. The shop also includes a chic beauty salon where you can get a mani, pedi, bikini wax and air brush fake tan before jetting off to Faro for some fun in the sun. So what are the girls’ top tips for achieving a sun-kissed look without frying yourself?
1 Scrub your body with a natural bristled brush or body exfoliator, like our new Coconut Beach Sea-Salt scrub (below), before applying fake tan. Focus on your elbows and heels where skin builds up. 2 Don’t put on moisturiser before application, as the fake tan won’t take to your skin. But do rub in moisturiser afterwards to lock it in. 3 When using fake tan from a bottle, grab a friend to help you with areas you can’t reach, like your back. 4 For a spray tan, follow the advice of the beauty therapist on what to do so no parts of your body are missed. 5 After a fake tan, wear loose clothing – and be sure to get it done the day before you hit the beach!
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