Welcome to Paradise!

Paradise has just got a real map location and it's in Cyprus! To be more specific, it's on the southeastern edge of the island - Protaras. I have just returned from a wonderful week there and my holiday blues are already in full mode. It's the classic 'I wish I could stay there forever' scenario, which I must admit would be even worse if it wasn't for the fact that London is so hot and sunny right now, making the transition to the reality way easier. 

So, let me just briefly describe Cyprus to you. Imagine this: absolutely always sunny and very hot (but comfortable) weather, pleasant breeze, palm trees, sea and food...So much food! Well, truth be told, I haven't seen too much of the rest of the Cyprus as this week was officially passing under the LAZY title. But judging from what I have seen, there is no need to search for anything else if you are looking for the perfect beach holiday away from the busy reality. 

My home for the week was the Pernera Beach Hotel with...here it comes...all inclusive! It means, unlimited drinks all day long by the pool, bar and on the beach, unlimited snacks and ice cream throughout the day. And don't get me started on the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets! I admit - I am an eater (if I can munch something all day long, that constitutes a very happy day), and my God, what a belly feast this week was! Such a variety and so delicious! 

I have spent my days polishing my 'relaxing and doing nothing' skills. It went pretty much like this: breakfast - tanning by the pool - swimming in the pool - food (the one that comes between the breakfast and the lunch) - more tanning - more swimming - lunch - walk on the beach - swimming in the sea - and more of the same until it's dinner time (more food). And if I could live my life like this for the most part of the year, I would! 

Seems like my brief description is turning into a very long monologue, so I am wrapping up. 

One more thing...

Daily outfit posts from Cyprus will start tomorrow, so keep coming back!

PS. You can follow me on Bloglovin now (just scroll all the way to the bottom). 

PSS. There is even more on my Instagram/juliashutenko.

Enjoy xx

View from the Pernera Beach Hotel pool side. Location, location, location!

Pretty much all I've been doing for the past week

View from my balcony

I am wearing:

Paul Smith dress

Missoni Havaianas flip flops at Net-a-Porter

Comtoir des Cottoniers wallet purse

Ray-Ban sunnies

Missoni Havaianas flip flops

Comptoir des Cottoniers wallet purse

Maybelline Baby Lips sunblock

It was the world of food and watermelons!

Once a day change before dinner

The only make-up used throughout this trip (wonderful feeling of going make-up free)

Beach holiday colours

I am wearing: 

Boden dress

Topshop sunnies

Office sandals

Thank you Cyprus, I will be back! x

Beach Holiday Packing

It's the peak of the holiday season! Well, you know the time, when offices are empty and everyone you know is laying on the beach somewhere around the world? I definitely know the feeling and that is why I am doing it too! Guilty as charged - it's my turn to enjoy the beach and the sunshine! Ever since booking the trip my brain has slowly started to boil overwhelmed by the thought of the packing ahead of me. Well, turns out it 's not difficult at all. My advise to everyone who is planning their getaway at the moment is to close your eyes and imagine your ideal beach self. What are you wearing? How are you feeling? And trust me, the right image will pop straight in front of your eyes. Mine can be described by one word - 'floaty.' Floaty, light, colourful fabrics of dresses and cover ups. Very low-key and cute. And as fun as possible! It's the time to relax and radiate happiness! And I can't wait to start!

PS. Here's my pick of the beach holiday must-haves (and a lot of these are on sale right now). Have a great holiday!

Straw hat, £135, Anthony Peto Hats at Matchesfashion.com

Maxi dress, £361, Melissa Odabash at Matchesfashion.com

Mini white dress, £188, Juliet Dunn at Matchesfashion.com

Blue charm bracelet, £46, Aurelie Bidermann at Matchesfashion.com

Orange straw tote bag, £186, Sensi Studio at Selfridges

Tiger print bikini, £136, Kenzo at Matchesfashion.com

Nude sandals, £140, Ancient Greek Sandals at My-Wardrobe

Print swimsuit, £135, Mara Hoffman at My-Wardrobe

Orange cover up, £350, Mara Hoffman at Matchesfashion.com

Blue sunglasses, £16, Topshop

Spa in the City

London is hot right now! Seems like my best friend this week is an ice-cream and various fruity coolers. Can it please stay this way forever? If this perfect weather wasn't enough for me to happy, I have also made a visit to the 'country spa retreat in the city' at Cowshed to get a mani (by Essie) and preview new Guess jewellery and watch collection. What a nice combination of luxurious accessories and relaxing atmosphere! You just sit down into what seems like the most comfortable armchair in the world, get your nails done and at the same time, preview the latest Guess accessories. Seriously, how cool is the interior? 

If you haven't been to Cowshed Spa yet, I suggest you make an appointment. Choose from a variety of treatments and enjoy being spoiled! You deserve it!

And don't miss the new Guess collection in stores very soon!

Book your Cowshed Spa appointment here

Dare to Flare

When was the last time you had flare jeans on? If you are anything like me, then it's been a while. And let me just tell you - it's nice, different and flattering! Times of 'mean skinny regime' are way over, and any denim style is in fashion these days. And being mostly baggy and boyfriend jeans type myself, flares feel surprisingly feminine. They are so easy to dress up or down depending on where you are going, just play with different shoes and accessories.

Now go find your long forgotten flared pair of jeans and be different!

Earth Positive tshirt

M Missoni jeans

All Saints clutch (similar here)

All Saints shoes

Asos earrings and rings

Venessa Arizaga neon bracelet (here)

Wimbledon 2013

What a day, what a day at Wimbledon! Now let me tell you exactly how it works. You wake up at 5.45am and join the queue with the number 7221 at approximately 7am. And for the next 4-5 hours the crowd of 9000 people is picnicking their way until one by one (a limited) amount of the lucky early risers will get their Wimbledon passes. If you are among the lucky ones (I was), you are in for the perfect day out! Think Pimm's, strawberries, sun and tennis...lots of tennis! It's great and I loved it!

Now, how do you dress for all of this? First and most importantly you need to be comfortable! So think flats and shorts (picnicking wouldn't be the same in the skirt or the dress). Second - sun protection! Therefore, it felt very right to wear a hat and a light silk scarf. This scarf, by the way, is by the young, London based designer Soomin, and I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. I like how it tells a story with its print and how unique it makes me feel when I wear it. You can see more of Soomin designs here.

PS. Wimbledon is still happening for the next 6 days, so take a day off and join the queue!

Baba Jaan hat
Ray-Ban sunnies
Topshop tshirt
Zara shorts
Soomin scarf (here)
Next bag (here)
Office sandals