A Postcard From Bali

This outfit post is coming all the way from the sunny beaches of Canggu - a small surfing village on the island of Bali. I'm here for just under two weeks and it took under two days to realise that the pace of life, as well as the dress code, is laid back and casual.

I'm someone who plans holiday outfits as soon as the flight tickets are booked - it's one of the most exciting parts of the holiday! I had originally packed 2x outfits per day, naturally, but I quickly discovered that I would be living in different variations of the same outfit.

To me, the ultimate staples are: an oversized shirt worn over a bikini, teamed with a pair of Levi's denim shorts, a pair of chunky sandals and a woven basket bag for all of your beach day essentials.

This Jack Wills shirt is perfect to throw on over your bikini if you need to cover up from the sun, but also if you're popping into somewhere for a drink or bite to eat. There's something so chic about a classic pale blue oxford shirt worn over white denim.

The shorts are Levi's 501 so they're high waisted and super comfy - I just need to stay away from chocolate ice cream for the next week!

Now let's talk about these Dr Martens Clarissa II sandals. I absolutely adore them, they're a bit like marmite, but I think they're rad. They're so comfy and the chunky soles makes your legs look way longer.

The basket bag is from Monsoon and I think it's perfect for an exotic beach holiday. It fits all of your beach essentials in perfectly but it's also super versatile as it's not too big to wear in the evening too - which is ideal if you're tight on suitcase space.

*Post in paid partnership with Very

Shrimps X Warehouse

The Shrimps X Warehouse collection is a capsule summer holiday wardrobe of dreams.

The high street retailer has teamed up with one of my fave designer labels to create an utterly beautiful collection, which is relatively purse-friendly, and right in time for my holiday to Bali next week.

The first half of the collection launched late last month - where I picked up the sea print maxi dress and gingham espadrilles.

As soon as I saw this quirky print I imagined how gorgeous it would be to wear this on the beach at sunset (holiday outfit planning well under way).

Then the second half launched last week where I snapped up the lime green gingham bikini and daisy bucket hat I've had my heart set on.

The collection was restocked last week so there's still chance to get hold of your favourite pieces if they sold out the first time around. I've deffo got my eye on a few pieces that I just can't justify right now (I'm already on 8 bikinis & counting...)

My Shrimps X Warehouse pieces:

Sea Tired Maxi Dress // Gingham Espadrilles // Daisy Bucket Hat // 

Gingham Bikini Top // Gingham Bikini Bottoms

My Experience with Barre Balance

Since January, my Sunday mornings have been spent at Barre class. Which incorporates ballet, pilates and yoga to deliver a strong body and balanced mind. And in just 4 months I have noticed such a positive impact both physically and mentally.

The classes are held by Natalie, founder and instructor of Barre Balance, who is quite frankly, a ray of bloomin' sunshine. It takes a lot for me to jump out of bed on a Sunday morning, but Natalie is always happy and ready to go. Her energy radiates throughout the class and boosts your mood as soon as you walk through the door.

Balance
The morning classes refresh any stress I've been carrying with me that week, help to set me up for the rest of the day and reset ready for the week ahead. We start by setting the intentions for the class - then after the barre and pilates workout we practise yoga and meditation - we reflect upon our intentions and think about something we are truly grateful for, and carry that throughout the rest of the day.

Strength
Barre is essentially a total body workout that efficiently sculpts a strong, lean, dancer's body. The technique blends ballet-barre inspired movements, strength training, cardio conditioning and stretching. However bad it burns or how much my legs tremble, we always leave the studio feeling happy, fit, and balanced.

Self Love
Possibly the most surprisingly pleasant result from Barre Balance is the community of wonderful, lovely and welcoming girls Natalie has created. As someone who has suffered with social anxiety since I was a child, I get really nervous starting new experiences with new people, and find it difficult to be open and communicate. But seeing happy and welcoming familiar faces each Sunday morning has eased my worries. We are all friends, regularly go for coffee/brunch after class and keep updated with each other via social media in between classes. We support each other, celebrate our accomplishments and most importantly appreciate the time we allow ourselves to love our bodies.

Barre class is the best thing I have ever done for myself, my body, and my mind. If you're interested in joining you can find out more info: here.