Palms for Days

We’re set for a heat wave in the U.K this week (although after recent tragic events in Manchester, it feels like it would be more fitting if this was the week it was raining non-stop) so this series of snaps from Cuixmala’s seemingly endless fields of palm trees felt pretty apt.

What is it about these weird top-heavy trees that makes us instantly feel more carefree, happier and generally full of wanderlust? No matter that our instagram is full of them and they’re now covering everything from cushions, wallpaper, phone cases and latte art, they still feel as fresh and photogenic as ever. I guess if you’re from L.A or something you don’t get this, but being from the U.K where there’s no such thing as a rogue palm on the side of the road, I get that holiday feeling as soon as I spot these guys lining the roads on the way to our hotel. But just in case that holiday feeling is a still a distant dream on the horizon this summer, here’s a few things that I find work almost as well at home at conjuring that palm-induced summer feeling…

Apply an SPF50 every day to your face and neck. It’s vital for looking after your skin and it has that holiday smell. Go for a specialised everyday one rather than and actual sun cream – lighter, less white residue but same holiday smell.
Keep your ice trays full and stock up on ice lollies, even if just to eat on your sofa for pudding.
Invest in a great jasmine or gardenia body oil. Smells like summer romance too.
Go to the garden centre and buy house plants with tropical vibes.
Check out places like i-escape, Doris & Dicky and Mr & Mrs Smith for affordable, quick escapes. Search by price to find surprisingly doable but ridiculously chic hotels that are only a few hours away…
Wear a floral dress with bare legs and go for a walk round a park.
Take a straw basket to Tescos to save on the 5p plastic bag and feel like you’re in Provence rather than Peckham.
Invest in a good fake tan (I rate Tan Luxe and St.Tropez). I know, I know, but no one can deny what a tan does for your mood….
Listen to reggae while making rum punch.
Have friends over for tacos and margaritas and play hostess with bare feet.
Buy a bikini online and feel the thrill of new swimwear even if a holiday is month’s away.
Read a book in your garden on the weekend (hint, hint #FMNBookClub). Even if you’re wrapped in a blanket whilst doing so.

Till next time palms….

Gingham top | Posse 
Shorts | Redone (similar here)
St.Christopher necklace | Theodora Warre 
Black crystal necklace | Missoma 
Sandals | Old ASOS (similar here)
Straw bag | Posse (similar in the U.K here) 
Sunglasses | Gucci

Ph. by James Wright